March 10, 2021

Powder skiing is not for everyone. According to Claire Barber in her Ski Magazine article, “Powder skiing is the holy grail of ski conditions. Yet surprisingly, many people don’t feel comfortable skiing deep powder.”

Well, I know someone who adores it, lives for it, and dreams about it. My husband, Allen.

Having grown up on skis in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal, Quebec, his nuclear family were all avid skiers. It went without saying that both weekend days would be spent at the hill where they had season passes. My late mother-in-law would prepare a knapsack with lunch – often a thermos of hot soup, cut-up veggies, sandwiches or leftovers, and, of course, whichever cookies or cake she had baked the day before. 

It was a whole scene.

When I was dating Allen seriously, it was “do or die” on the ski front. If I wanted to join this family, I had better try very hard to enjoy it. And, I did, but I never reached more than an intermediate level – certainly NOT powder level! And, it’s been eons since I’ve had ski boots on my feet.

Years have passed and now we live in Arizona, driving distance to some of the country’s best ski resorts. Allen and his “powder” friends now eagerly watch the snow reports for the forecasts. And, they follow the snow. No flights, no cancellation insurance, just an SUV filled with the “right” necessities.

This painting is for brave Allen. Maybe when he’s too old to ski any longer, he’ll look at it and reminisce the good ‘ole powder days. 

To view products and prints with this image, visit my Redbubble shop!