Ski Bum – the musical.  Wow what talent we have in our little community.  The script, the cast, the music it was fabulous!  My friend commented ‘it’s like watching a show about my life’ and yes it was.  We all know the characters in the show; the ski patroller, ski instructor, newbie and of course the quintessential ski bum.  Whether you are talking about a mountain town or beach town any culture that centers on a source of fun has their version of these characters.  Even better was sitting in amongst my fellow ski bums, those characters and personalities that make up our own ‘Big Snow Peak’. 

One thing I took from the show was what is important to the enthusiasts in this world.  Many a newbie has shown up at the mountain, the beach or wherever the addicted live to try it out for a season, it changes lives.  Like any junkie their perception of life is changed.  Suddenly their horizons expand and the things that seemed important in their previous reality slip away all things becoming second to the equivalent of a ski bums 30cm powder day.

Some of us take the well beaten path; school, job, house, kids, others make their own trail.  Life is hard off the beaten trail, but can be so rewarding.  Years ago I was driving up to Rossland wondering at the many jobs and craziness of my life and what it was all for.  I looked up at the mountain and saw the first snow of the season, it’s an addiction, not always the easiest addiction to maintain but worth everything. 

For me I will always be a ‘betty’.  Whether I am on a mountain or at the beach, life to me is not about how important I am at my job but how much I enjoyed the last powder day.  As the curtain drops at ‘Big Snow Peak’ the cast bow for a standing ovation, a great performance by a talented cast, thanks for summing up what is important to us and the culture we love being a part of. 

Bettygohard has one last Cross Country ski day trip this coming Saturday.  Explore the trails around the summit and then finish with lunch at a cabin.  Beginner to intermediate skiers welcome.  Check out www.bettygohard.com for more info.