Thinking back to when I was a child, the things that I remember most fondly are the family trips that we used to take together to Banff. Why you ask? We didn't just sit around at the chalet, we were out doing something together as a family. That sense of togetherness sometimes gets put to the wayside.

We as people have to treasure family bonds like the ones that can be formed when getting out of the house, away from the computer and the television and doing an activity together that promotes healthy and well being.

I remember my father teaching me how to ski if it were yesterday We were on the bunny slopes of course as I was only five years old and my little skis were strapped to my boots. It was hard at first but with practice I made it and the feeling of accomplishment that I got was well worth the hours spent outside.

It didn't even feel like work then, being out in the cold on the slopes. That and the fact that I got so much fresh air on those trips are the main reasons that I go back year after year.

Wherever you are in this world, if you can I would highly suggest skiing as an outdoor activity that the whole family could enjoy. Not only is skiing a lot of fun but it is a great overall workout.

So I guess my top ten list would be:

1)A sense of family togetherness.
2)Getting out of the house
3)Fresh air
4)A sense of accomplishment
5)Exercise
6)Lasting memories
7)Its so much fun once you get the hang of having your feet strapped to skis
8)You can watch a video but it just isn't the same as actually being there.
9)Getting your older children to help in teaching the younger ones can be a real boost to their self esteem.
and most important of all
10)A mug of hot chocolate at the end of a day on the slopes.

Learn more about this author, A. Marie La Porte.
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