Week #4: Towing the line and giving a lift

This week, my wife and I volunteered to help run a ski hill for a day. Little did we know that the temperature would be in the negative digits ALL DAY! From 9:30 to 5:00 we learned how to run a ski lift, master the rope tow, work the office, start a massive fire in the chalet, clean up the chalet after everyone left and be home for dinner! Neither of us were looking forward to this adventure, especially the Mrs.! It was minus 3 degrees before we left the house and it did not become much warmer throughout the day. Luckily, our good friends were sharing the duties with us. We started the the day with a crash course on the daily operations of the ski hill. These included such warnings as "if the lower operations house catches fire, DO NOT STOP THE CHAIR LIFT...LET THE HOUSE BURN!", on the tow rope, only stop the tow if children start piling up or if a young girls hair gets caught and DRAGGED along with the rope ... along with many other dire warnings. Now that we were sufficiently freaked out, it was time to start our day.

I started by warming up the chalet with my formidable fire building skills. Next was The Bunny Hill Tow Rope Experience (I think I remember this being a scary ride at Disney world), I was able to watch inexperienced skiers fall time and time again on the dreaded Rope Tow (which I hated as a kid). Little did they know that I had their back and was ready at a moments notice to hit the slow or stop button if needed. After this, I worked the main chair lift operations and also was the person who helps skiers safely board the chair lift. I felt the deep responsibility that was bestowed upon me. It was a bit tedious, but you had to pay attention at all times, especially with no feelings in your fingers and toes by now. The view at the top operations house is beautiful with a clear view of of the Holy Hill church.

When we were finished, we came out with a much greater appreciation for all ski bums working the lifts and ropes everywhere.