I am a Ski Snob

Many people who live in or near a mountain town get picky about when then ski because well, they can. This is called being a ski snob and it's a bit of a badge of honor. It means you can choose not to ski on a day when it's too cold, too icy or you're body is begging you for a break. Most ski snobs out here have what's known as an Epic Pass that makes this snobbery seem oh-so permissible.

Epic Pass: The creme d' la creme season ski pass that gets you unlimited access to all six Vail resorts with no blackout dates. Last year this pass cost $2,200 but this year, thanks to the economy and Vail's desire to lure in more long-term visitors like me, it cost only $579. This is a steal any way you look at it, trust me.

So this weekend I did it up like a local, put on my ski snob outfit and took Saturday off from the mountain. It was -11 when I got up and the thought of another cold day on the mountain with my sore-as-shit feet did not sound fun. Dog Park Guy called me first thing and offered to take me to pick up my newly-modified ski boots (awwwww) and convinced me to schedule a massage for myself that afternoon. We then went to brunch at Westside Cafe where I had a Bloody Mary and Cap'n Crunch French Toast (yes, there is such a thing and it was amazing)!

Dog Park Guy then went to work, so I took Gunther for a hike on a trail near my place. Then I headed down to Vail Village to hit up the Colorado Ski Museum (pretty interesting stuff) and then to do a little shopping. After that I had my fabulous massage and enjoyed some sushi at a nearby restaurant to continue my zenful day— and it was even happy hour on the sushi!

Sunday the weather looked much nicer but my legs were still pretty sore. I opted to head to The Beav again since I could drive and didn't have to hassle with the whole bus ordeal. Beaver Creek still amazes me: they hand out fresh baked cookies to everyone on their way into the resort every morning as well as on your way out. That place has it figured out! I didn't ski long because my feet/legs were still giving me problems. So I toured around the village for a bit before heading home, donning my ski snob grin the whole time.

Sunday night Dog Park Guy took me out to a fabulous dinner at a seafood restaurant called Montouk in Lionshead. The food was amazing and so were the bottles (yes, plural) of wine he ordered. It made for a fun night; almost as fun as our hangovers this morning.

Today I skied for a couple hours at Vail, but again the legs are just done. I talked to quite a few people about the symptoms and now it seems like there is less blame put on the boots and more on just the overuse of my legs. Specifically, I think I have some tendonitis in my lower calves. Time for another day off, Sue the ski snob says to herself.

I met up with Dog Park Guy after skiing for some Chinese food and a movie. I definitely am eating much better now that I met a fun boy. So much for my weight loss the first week and a half—I think that's about gone now!

Tomorrow is Tuesday and I can't believe I have to start thinking about leaving this place. I plan to get on the road on Friday which means I only have Wednesday and Thursday to ski with my friend Jayne when she gets up here. I guess that's a good thing though, I am really starting to miss my "home friends" and goals that focus on something other than skiing!