Snowboarding in Heavenly: A Journey of Thrills and Spills
There’s something magical about seeing snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly before you, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, and the nervous excitement bubbling up as you strap on a snowboard for the first time. My first snowboarding trip to Heavenly, Lake Tahoe was exactly that—a mix of adrenaline, wipeouts, and unforgettable moments with my husband and our friends.
The Excitement of Trying Something New
Snowboarding was never on my bucket list, but the idea sounded exciting and intimidating at the same time. Would I fall every five seconds? Would I even make it down the slope in one piece? Still, the call of the mountains was too strong to resist. When I arrived at Heavenly, the stunning views alone convinced me that even if I spent the whole day tumbling down the slopes, it would be worth it.
First Steps (and First Falls!)
The moment I clipped into my snowboard, I felt nervous, excited, and completely unprepared. My husband, David gave me a few basic pointers—how to balance, how to shift my weight, and most importantly, how to fall properly (which, as I quickly learned, was an essential skill). My first attempt at moving down the bunny slope (by all means, it was no bunny hill – it was probably the tallest hill I have to go down) ended in an immediate faceplant. It wasn’t pretty, but I laughed it off, got back up, and tried again.
Finding My Flow
After what felt like an endless cycle of sliding, falling, and getting up again, something clicked. I found myself carving down the slope, feeling the board glide effortlessly under me. The rush of wind against my face, the powdery snow beneath my feet—it was exhilarating. I wasn’t an expert by any means, but in that moment, I felt like I had conquered something big.
The Unforgettable Views
One of the best things about snowboarding at Heavenly is, well, the views. At the top of the mountain, I took a moment to soak it all in—the deep blue of Lake Tahoe shimmering in the distance, surrounded by towering peaks. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt just right.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the day, I was exhausted, sore, and completely shocked that I was still in one piece LOL. My first trip to Heavenly wasn’t just about learning a new sport—it was about pushing past my fears, embracing the falls, and finding joy in the challenge. If you’re thinking about trying snowboarding for the first time, my advice is simple: go for it. You’ll fall, you’ll struggle, but in the end, you just might discover a new passion.
