Ski Trip

Last Saturday, Patrick, Katie and John went on a ski trip organized by the Scout troop. They went to Appi Ski Resort, an hour and a half south, near Morioka. It was the first time skiing for John and Katie. Patrick was snowboarding for the second time, but took a lesson from one of the other troop leaders. Everyone had a lot of fun, even though the weather wasn't very good (see the 2nd and 3rd pictures below).

A co-worker of John showed him and Katie enough to get started and, after two runs on a less-crowded beginner slope (see map--on the #3 Otaka trail between d and c), they were on their own. They did surprisingly well at first, staying on the same run, but had a hard time getting back to the lodge over the slightly steeper and more crowded section just below.

After lunch, they took Patrick back to their "practice run" and all three of them skied and snowboarded another couple of times. By then, it was snowing and blowing hard enough they could barely see more than 50 feet ahead on several occasions. After another rest at the lodge, they all went out one more time, but tiredness and lift closures prevented any more serious skiing. After an exciting day, all three were glad to get back on the bus for the trip home.


John's first ski lift ticket...ever


The lower part of the ski slopes


A line at one of the lifts


Skis and snowboards outside the lodge


Another lift line and a hotel in the background


The sun peeking through the clouds



The cafeteria inside the lodge with some of the scouts in the foreground