A day on the mountain gives you plenty to talk about on the chairlift. Someone found a favorite trail. Someone wants to stop for lunch. A friend is still laughing about something that happened two runs ago.
The ride up is a chance to catch up without having to find a time on everyone’s calendar. You’re already there together, with a few minutes before the next run. A conversation can carry on through the day, picking up again each time you get back on the lift.
It’s also where a group figures out what kind of day everyone wants. One person is ready for a break. Another wants to ski the same trail again. Making room for both can be as simple as choosing a place to meet later. You don’t have to spend every run together to enjoy the day together.
Some rides are quiet. You look at the trees, watch the skiers below and pull your neckie a little higher. After a busy week, having nothing to do for a few minutes can feel pretty good.
When you think back on a ski day, the conversations can stay with you as much as the runs. The story that got told three times. The friend you hadn’t seen since last season. The plan to come back next weekend.
There’s a lot of winter to enjoy on the way up.
