Last year was the first season that my oldest daughter, Hannah (then 4), was enrolled in the Jay Peak 8 Week Program, the Kids’ Ski and Ride weekend program for young skiers and riders to learn and expand on their skills.  Since the first day in November when Hannah caught a glimpse of snow on the trails she has been asking when she can get out on the hill with her ski group.  I’ve taken her since, but it’s just not the same - there is a bond that exists between instructor and child that just can’t be replicated.  Hannah’s biggest thrill is showing me what she learns each week when we go out together after her lesson – where her instructor took her and what new trails she discovered.
The start of the 8 week program in 2009 was the start of my daughter’s love affair with the mountain.  Come hell or high water, blowing wind or freezing rain, she was ready.  Her first lesson this year included 10 degrees temperatures but there’s no way she was going to miss out - not because I insisted that she goes, but because she wants to be out there no matter what.  It’s not something that I force upon her, or even encourage – it’s just something that she wants to do.  She’s taking an active part in raising herself Jay, and I couldn’t be more proud.
This season, I thought it would be interesting to follow the 8 Week Program and get the kids’ point of view on skiing and riding at Jay, and what being raised Jay means to them.  So for the next 8 weeks I’ll be posting my findings – stay tuned, as I’m sure they’ll have plenty to say.