My daughter sent me a text asking how snowboarding was going. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to become a better snowboarder. I’ve been snowboarding for 10 years, but I only go once a year, which has made it hard to master. I answered her text, “I finally feel comfortable.”
I was snowboarding in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and hit up Attitash Ski Resort and Wildcat Mountain. I was fine on those mountains, but I was still hoping to not fall every time I turned. I have an Indy Pass, which gives me access to many independent ski mountains, and I was told there was this great little mountain nearby called Black Mountain. Since my Indy Pass would get me in, I made the short drive from Attitash (where I was staying) to Black Mountain.
Shortly after showing my Indy Pass and picking up my lift ticket, I ascended to the top of the mountain by way of the chairlift. Like many inexperienced snowboarders, I second guessed all my life decisions while the bar lifted above my head and I inched towards the end of my seat for my descent. Thankfully, I made the transition from chair to snow without falling.
I glided over to the map to see which trail I should take. Sometimes new snowboarders ask me for snowboarding advice and I usually throw in that they should stay away from “green” trails. The reason is, it is easy to get stuck if you aren’t traveling fast enough. So, I scanned the trails to find the “blue” trails. While I was looking, I saw an employee on a snowboard. I stepped over to her and asked, “Hey, can I ask you a snowboarding question?” She responded excitedly, “Yeah, of course!”
I asked for information about the “black” trails and wondered how hard they were. Sometimes I enjoy going down black trails that don’t have too much of a drop off, because it is easier for a bad snowboarder to continue momentum and make nicer turns. She told me which ones to go down and which ones to avoid. She slid on down the mountain and I inched close to the top. I waited for skiers to go ahead and I followed slowly behind. Over the next few hours, I had the best time I’ve ever had on a mountain.
When my time on the mountain ended, I placed my board on the ski/snowboard rack outside the restaurant and stomped my way into the café and picked up a plate of bangers and mash. It was a warm day, and I ate my meal by the fire pit outside. A friend had joined me for the meal and I spoke about how much I loved my time on the mountain. I also talked about how much I loved my new Salomon snowboard.
After we finished our meal, I headed to the bathroom and then to the store because I wanted to buy a hat to remember my great day. After I left the store, I walked to my car and drove out of the parking lot. My plan was to hit up mountains on my way back to New York City. The next stop was 3 hours later and after checking in to the next hotel, I hit up a local Irish restaurant. After the meal had ended, I went to my hotel room, and fell asleep quickly. My body had gone through a lot over the previous 3 days. I wasn’t feeling great when I woke up and I packed up my stuff and checked out. When I lifted the hatch to my Kia Sedona, I noticed something was missing. My snowboard was gone. I left my baby behind.
I went into panic mode. I called my friend who I had a meal with and she suggested a list of people to call. I called the Black Mountain telephone number, but they were closed for the day. I tried a nearby hotel, but they weren’t picking up. I jumped in my van and drove as quickly as I could towards the mountain.
I made the drive in about 2 ½ hours and pulled into the empty parking lot. My stomach was a wreck and my anxiety was on high alert. A day earlier I spoke about how much I love my snowboard. A thick fog had set upon the mountain and a nearby garbage truck clunked and grinded. I rounded the corner of the restaurant and there she was. My lone snowboard rested in the same spot where I left her. The amount of joy in my heart could not be contained.
After I loaded my board into the back of my van, I sat in the driver’s seat and exhaled a sigh of relief. The amount of love that I felt for the snowboarding and skiing community filled my heart. My expensive board sat there overnight and nobody took it. It was there for the taking, but that amazing community of riders left it behind. I can’t thank the snowboarders, skiers, and visitors to Black Mountain enough to help me reunite with my board.
If you are visiting the White Mountains, head to Black Mountain for one of the best snow sports communities you’ll find.
I wouldn’t have visited this great mountain without my Indy Pass. I highly recommend snowboarders and skiers look into buying one. There is a limit on passes and if you want to buy one but they are sold out, check back later because they release more throughout the year. Indy Passes are a great way to show independent mountains some love and for those of us that are new, they help push you to get out more.
More Snowboarding Stories:
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Snowboarding Gift Guide
Fleeing NYC to Hunter Mountain for a Quick Snowboarding Vacation
Snowboarding Tips for Beginners
Playing Catchup: Being the slow one on the mountain during a snowboarding/ski vacation
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