Blue Mountain Resort

 Upon first sight of Blue Mountain, it's clear that a place can not only be calming but also overwhelming. The vastness of the peaks being swallowed by clouds gives an ominous feeling. It's easy to feel intimidated or feel butterflies in my stomach, but then the kids running around laughing snaps me back to reality. The sun peeks and shines through the heavy clouds while birds caw caw in the distance. The breeze is slow, cool, and consistent. It feels familiar, like just the right amount. The wind is just powerful enough to blow my hair around but nothing more. 

People are grilling burgers and hotdogs in the parking lot, dancing around from tailgate to tailgate. Everyone had a smile on their face, many beers are offered, even to some who are a little too young. Most of the grillers has either a cool mustache or cool sunglasses. Smoke rises above the cars, some from teenagers vaping and some from the grill, it all blends in regardless. All different ages are getting along and socializing, and it feels like one big family. Fun electro dance music emanates from the speakers on the poles, creating an exciting atmosphere. Josh Risser, a terrain park worker at Blue said "The energy is what makes this place. You could go to Big Boulder or Camelback if you're weird but they feel dead. Blue has the park atmosphere nailed but the lift lines are longer"

As I engage the lift lines, the background noise gets quieter as the mountain covers my view. Boots are clanking from people zombie-walking while holding their skis. Some naughty kids sprint eagerly while their parents trudge behind them, yelling at the children to calm down. While the kids are having their fun, the crazy uncles at the bar rave over the football game, all yelling in unison. The bartender is wearing a huge smile while handing drinks over the counter. "When do you turn 21," Josh asks, to which I say "September", and he fist bumps me with a grin. He has already been 21 for a few years and let's just say he gets a little sloshed on the slopes, like many other college/young adults on the mountain. 

The outfits worn are very flashy and stylish, some treating it like a fashion snow (get it?). Many are wearing darker, baggier clothing. On the other hand, the ski racers resemble highlighters and wear skin tight suits. They're given odd looks by teenage snowboarders especially because they're like the kids that used to walk during dodgeball. I have no other way to describe them, but you get the picture. Wait!! That's Alex Caccamo in the lift line!! I yell out, "Yo Cacc!," and get back a, "Yoooo!" Even the sponsored, professional snowboarders give you the time of day here, with great pleasure as well. He's Zeb Powells right hand man- that's a huge deal in the snowboard world. While Alex boards the lift, the liftee kindly calls Josh and I to hop on the next lift. The whole line slowly inches forward. Today Tim is the liftee in the lift shack. I wave to him with pure excitement and bliss, because he's the GOAT and my favorite ever. 

While ascending the mountain slowly up the ski lift, it's apparent to me how fortunate we all are to be alive for this time. Neon color racers wizz by underneath me, with a trail of snow following them like special effects in movies. "Yo Evan! Look!" Josh points to our right, eyeing up a potential jump on the side of Mainstreet Trail. "That looks like a booter!" I agree while pulling up my ski mask, because the snowblower is smacking me in the face with its products. As we're nearing the top of the mountain, the other folks on the lift say, "Bar?" which means it's time to raise the bar up. This is my favorite part of the lift ride because we're almost there! The lift slows down, and everyone rushes to push off the lift and safely ride away. The painting keeps getting larger with every foot gained. We are now at the top of the mountain, the snow is soft and my boots are as hard as a rock, paining my feet. Josh straps his feet into the board and gives me the most joyful smile before we begin our journey down the hill: