Think boredom is a choice? Think again. We’re all searching for things to do while playing it COVID safe, but searching for things to do in a pandemic while pregnant presents a whole new set of challenges; a set that Allie Hartwick is ready to take on.
This week’s challenge: The Ski Trip
Yes, I’m about to lightly complain about a ski trip. Yes, I know that is utterly insufferable, because I’m so lucky to be in the position to go on a ski trip.
That being said, I’m going to lightly complain anyways, but I promise there’s loads of appreciation sprinkled in here.
First, we live in Colorado. A trip to the mountains is anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours away. Not everyone’s got world-class ski areas just a drive away from their house, but we do. Suck it everyone else.
Because of our proximity to these natural wonders, trips to ride down them with some sort of plank strapped to your feet is a fairly common occurrence from November to April.
Once upon a time, before a tiny fetus was draining the life force from me daily, I looked forward to a few days spent freezing my butt off from 9-3, and sipping some way too cold beers along the way. Because that’s what a ski trip is: barreling down a mountain at 30 miles an hour, with just a few layers of gore-tex, a helmet, and some liquid courage to protect you.
I haven’t asked specifically, but I’m 99% sure none of that is allowed while pregnant.
Oh well, there are other parts of a ski trip to enjoy, right? How ‘bout the gorgeous mountain top lodges with warm food and stunning views?
Nope, COVID killed those.
Indoor seating isn’t permitted at many lodges, and advance reservations are required, with fairly strict time limits.
No worries, there’s still plenty to do at the base of the mountain, right? Spas, shops, all that?
Sure, but it turns out, preggos are encouraged to opt out of some spa services, and the only ski gear that will fit long term, is an overpriced hat.
At least we’ve still got the favorite winter-time activity of people young and old: sitting in a hot tub, watching the snow fall, slowly sinking into a warm, wet, state of pure bliss.
Bad news, none of that is OBGYN approved.
Apparently hot tubs are a hard no (trust me, I scoured the internet looking for ANY source to claim they were fine in moderation).
So you may be wondering, how does a pregnant person pass the time on a ski trip?
Well, this winter, I’ve had three opportunities to figure that out.
I warned you this might be slightly insufferable.
Through three separate strokes of pure luck, I’ve been given the opportunity to stay at three different mountains, each one picturesque and far from the day-to-day pandemic anxiety we’re all experiencing.
I am fully aware that many members of my community, my family, and my friend group are struggling right now. I did not head to the mountains to spit in the face of anyone’s struggle, but to selfishly alleviate my own. If I had the ability to send every person feeling overwhelmed by the state of our world right now on a stress-free weekend retreat, I would, and I sincerely hope that one day I can and will.
While skiing and snowboarding are activities I’ve enjoyed since I was a child, this is the first season I physically couldn’t do it.
Up until this point, I was questioning whether or not I liked winter sports at all. I’d been more or less forced to learn them at a young age, and I’m thankful I did, but I never took the time to stop and ask myself if I really enjoyed making turns down a hill while being blinded by bits of snow and narrowly avoiding other skiers. Did I even find this fun?
As Joni Mitchell timelessly sang, “you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone.”
Turns out, I do actually like snowboarding, and skiing, and sledding, and tubing, and all the things that make you go real fast down a mountain in the winter.
These days, I can only go up a mountain, real slow, and just half way.
On my first mountain excursion, I figured nordic, or cross-country skiing would be a great alternative to it’s downhill counterpart. Other than severe fatigue, there’s nothing stopping a lady growing a baby from gliding around on those skis.
I’ve cross country skied before, but not super frequently. I went to the type of rural yet oddly affluent high school that required us all to learn how during gym class in the winter. I have not, however, gotten on skis since my body composition and center of gravity drastically changed.
The whole reason why downhill skiing isn’t recommended is because falls, especially falls at high speeds, can be very dangerous.
So what’s the first thing I did on my nordic skis? Wipe out, naturally.
This small fall, traveling zero miles per hour, directly onto my back, led to a quick yet panicked google search of “fall, skis, first trimester.”
Google said I was probably fine, so upwards I go.
Cross country skiing is one of the best full body workouts you can get, and boy oh boy, did my whole body feel that truth.
Two miles, a couple hundred feel of elevation gain, and approximately four gallons of sweat in my too-tight snowpants later, I was done for the day. Hell, I was done for the week.
I give this B&P activity a 7/10.
It’s a real activity for preggos who want to really get some work in.
On my second mountain excursion, I spent the first few days making soup, taking selfies, and watching Harry Potter while my companions hit the hill.
I’d seen the movies before (obviously) and the soup was pretty good, but I’m pretty sure I could have done all of that in Denver, for free.
On Day three, it was time to do something wintery and mountainous. Let’s dust off those snowshoes and head for the peak.
HA! The peak was never going to be my summit.
My wonderfully patient husband agreed to follow me up the mountain as far as my slow-moving legs would take me.
It was about a mile, but just far enough to get a good background for a selfie.
Sidebar, any influencers wanna give me lessons in posing? I’m doing it so very wrong.
This B&P activity scores a 9/10.
The high score comes from the fact that you can stay as near or go as far as you want, and flat ground snowshoeing is totally a thing. Great way to spend a wintry day.
On my last trip, I had to get a bit more creative.
We were expecting the Snowmageddon Storm of the Century, and people were EAGER to get on the mountain as early as possible, and stay there all day.
Guess it’s just me and the dog hunkering down!
I actually discovered a new favorite activity that can be done in any state of human reproduction, and in any season.
Ski town thrifting.
Oh my stars, what treasures there are to discover. I felt like Ariel, dancing around the store, singing about thingamabobs, gadgets and gizmos. This, I soon realized, was not typical thrift store behavior, and even though I’m pregnant, I’m still a terrible chanteuse.
Mountain thrifting could be a sport. Maybe it should be! Some very privileged tourists often come to Colorado, buy new ski gear, and then leave it behind or donate it when they return to their homes in warmer climates.
It’s incredible. Well, it’s actually kind of terrible, but incredible for those of us looking to capitalize on the wasteful nature of others.
I didn’t really need new boots, but if I had wanted them, I could have swiped up a major steal.
I also didn’t really need western bar chairs, but I desperately wanted these tacky, fur covered monsters. I will be forever proud of the restraint I showed in this moment, and thankful that my car wouldn’t carry our gear and these chairs back to the city.
I give this B&P activity a 6/10.
Why so low? There’s a good chance you might leave with nothing. Not every trip is a win. I like my activities to have more of a good-time guarantee, but while Bored & Pregnant, I’ll take what I can get.
So there are my creative ski trip solutions. And each of them are better than watching your friends or family members do shotskis in a hot tub while you read a book inside, which yes, is something I did on one of these trips.
Many happy turns.
Sincerely,
Allie and the Little Snow Man*
*We hope he’s made of baby, and not snow
