by Marc Phillippe Babineau

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we`ve no place to go, let it snow let it snow let it snow``. Even Christmas carols espouse of the wonders of enjoying the snow over the holiday season, and skiing is one of the most fun sports to undertake during the winter months. Although most of the younger generation, up to about age 25 or so might prefer to take the single stick of wood (snowboarding) over two (skiing) to hurdle themselves down a slick and slippery mountainside, both are basically considered skiing, because they are done on a ski hill when it`s covered with snow. Because Christmas is a time to spend with your family and loved ones, skiing is a great activity to share, bonding while throwing yourselves headfirst down a mountain on two thin pieces of wood.

One of the more obvious reasons why Christmas is a great time to go snow skiing is that the northern climes are very fortunate with a great chance of snow in the days leading up  to Christmas, leaving nice, new virgin snow for skiers to carve up. Many ski resorts offer Christmas specials, usually geared towards families, that include free skiing and accommodations for children under certain ages (ski hills vary on this regard). One of the best parts for the person (dad!) paying for the Christmas ski trip is that the trip itself. Considering that they most likely would have arranged a ski trip for a few days during the Christmas holidays before going back to school and work on the first week in January, the gift giver gets the satisfaction of giving a Christmas gift that just keeps on giving.

From time in the chalets sitting beside the huge communal fireplaces sipping hot chocolate and warm brandy, the family bonds over a common interest, regaling each other with that day`s conquests, falls, pratfalls and encounters with ski hill bunnies and ski hill bullies. From the first year that a child can strap on learner skis and hit the bunny slopes (different kind of bunny!) to amused parents and future embarrassing videos, to the first big jump or successful completion of a black diamond run, the progression of abilities is another gift for the family; practicing what you love to do is best is always a gif worth cherishing.

Another reason why Christmas is a great time to go snow skiing is that everybody is in a great, holiday mood and spirit. You are least likely to have problems with other skiers cutting you off or ridiculing your lack of their level of skill on Christmas day. They are more likely to stop and offer you a couple of tips, or to help you off of your butt and back into your skis, racing down a mountain on two thin pieces of wood at breakneck speeds. And besides, you always see pictures of families skiing on Christmas cards.

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