The Alps of Minnesota

     What is so fun about riding up a ski lift in six-degree weather, with thirty mph winds blowing you back down the wire? It would only be fun if you were with a friend.
     I've never had an experience quite like the one I had last night. I'm sure you all heard what the weather was like--nasty, to sum it up in as few words as possible. But beautiful at the same time--the crisp, clear, painful beauty of winter. The hills at Afton Alps were completely iced over, with drifts of powdery snow lying where the gusts of wind had gathered it. Every time we rode the lift to the top of the hill, my hoodie would freeze over my mouth. Falling was inevitable: at least, it was for a person of my tipsy nature--that is, tending to fall down while standing still. At least I provided Ellie with a source of amusement, flopping around on the ground, struggling to get my skis under me, all the while sliding further and further down the slope. Humph.
     The Afton Alps Ski Patrol is a great group of people. Even from my brief contact with them, you got the impression that they love the work they do. You know, it is hard to be grumpy after being out in the wind and sun, saving lives and flying down steep hills for the greater part of the day. If more people would experience the outdoors and the satisfaction of returning to a warm building at the end of the day, we'd all be better off for it.
     The patrol room is small, but homey. The patrollers gather around the long table in the center, often with their families in tow. First Aid equipment, skis, and bags line the walls. Smells of hot chocolate, melting snow, and musty indoor air waft around the room. Conversation is usually lively and good natured, disrupted by the buzzing of the radios as help is needed on the hill.
     Now comes for my rating. Afton Alps is an awesome place for people of all ages. It is family friendly, complete with several restaurants and a rental shop. The Patrol is active, efficient, and devoted. Now, I would probably tell you that any skiing experience is simply awesome, but at Afton, it was one of the best expeditions I've ever been on. I would recommend it. There is nothing more satisfactory than braving the elements and coming back to home base hungry and sweating. Tired, but happy. (Interesting how those words--tired but happy--always goes along with exercise. Think about it.)