The Great Adventure Club Snow Day at Cypress Mountain

It’s been over ten years since I’ve been on a mountain (besides one instance of very snowy tubing last year haha). Growing up, I didn’t have the privilege to go skiing with my parents or to head to a cabin for weekend getaways. In elementary school I went skiing with my class a few times: it was an absolute nightmare! I remember they gave us an hour instruction and then just sent us flying on our way. I had an Asian ski instructor that yes, I’m SORRY, I just couldn’t understand for the life of me. I remember flying down the bunny hill and him yelling “SNAOW PLAOW” and putting his hands in a peace sign and I screamed back “snow WHAT!?” as I crashed into a tree (snow plow…of course). Being on a mountain has always involved some sort of intimidating, risky, uneasy feeling to me as I never knew what the hell I was doing and thought I was going to break my neck. Plus, I much rather prefer boarding sports where I’m warm and sunny and happy (wake surfing, surfing, wake boarding) not freezing and grumpy for the entire day.

In high school I learned how to snowboard and really enjoyed it, but never went on the mountain enough to have it fully stick.

One of my ex boyfriends is a crazy freestyle skier living the Whistler ski dream. Ten years ago he had an accident and broke his neck, almost paralyzing him. After going through that, I honestly didn’t feel the need or desire to jump on a mountain.

I just didn’t want the risk, paired with the fact that I had my jaw broken when I was 17 and now have metal screws and plates holding it together. For two years afterwards I was refrained from putting myself in situations where I could injure my head. Plus, I was living in Victoria, carless and broke, so not trekking to a mountain was a very convenient excuse.

However, when I moved to Vancouver I thought ‘enough is enough!’ I am so fortunate to live in this beautiful city with plenty of mountains, ocean, and greenery to keep me entertained. So I committed to myself that I was going to get on the mountain somehow this season.

Enter my pal Sarah. I met Sarah by somehow landing on her Vancouver, we love you page and thought “this is such a cool idea!” We met up, I bought a shirt, and we are now becoming fast friends (and amazing co-workers. I know, seeing this girl on a daily basis = the radness!).

Photo by Sarah.

Last Thursday, I joined her Great Adventure Club on Cypress Mountain for a fun snow day (and playing hooky from work and all of my life responsibilities). With The Great Adventure Club, Sarah is inspiring others to join in on fun things to do in Vancouver through ticket giveaways and contests (she’s truly a gem, stay tuned for the next one).

Awesome video by Sarah & friends.

I had an absolute blast on the mountain! The sun was out, the air was crisp, we took our time, and I didn’t even break my nose or hurt myself! (In the short time I’ve been on earth, I have broken my nose an astonishing three times. Perhaps that’s for another blog post).

Thank you very much to Cypress Mountain for being fabulous hosts (their employees are amazing!) and to Sarah for organizing such a wonderful time (Check out Vancouver, we love you’s blog post here). I’m hoping to get up at least another time this season (do you want to come with??).

Moral of the story, what have you been afraid to try, revisit, experience, or explore? What’s holding you back? And how can I help you conquer a fear?

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♥ Ceej