I led a most enjoyable youth group ski trip to Bryce Mountain on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Other than a little morning wind as March came in like a lion, we had the perfect mixed ability group trip experience. There was no new natural snow on the ground, but all eight slopes were open and the manmade surface conditions were good. The wind settled down in the afternoon and the crowds remained light all day.

Kelly, Kurt, and Julie enjoy the skiing at Bryce Resort. Photo provided by Jim Kenney.

We had about 20 folks in our group. This trip was all about enjoying the sport of skiing on a sunny day regardless of age, background, or skill level. Bryce is a friendly little hill where everybody belongs. Many athletic “never-evers” can ski the 500 foot vertical drop from the summit after just a short period in the magic carpet served beginner area.

Our group included a posse of teens that tore the place up. We also had grade school age never-evers that received a comfortable, low stress introduction to skiing. We had parents getting reacquainted with something they hadn’t tried in years.

Vince, Paul, Chris, and Duncan. Photo provided by Jim Kenney.

My sister-in-law Mary, once a fine skier, got back on the slopes for the first time in 20 years. In the hiatus she raised five children and traveled the USA as an Army wife. She took to Bryce’s blue square runs like she’d never skipped a beat, with a fluid effortlessness that brought a big, wide, smile to her face and everyone who saw her.

Paul H. catches some air in Bryce’s terrain park. Photo provided by Jim Kenney.

Bryce has continued to add terrain park features on the lower portion of the mountain. Some of our teens took advantage of various boxes, rails and hits. Several of our kids and at least one adult also enjoyed a two hour snow tubing session in the afternoon.

Bryce is the place to go if you want to germinate the joy of snowsports in a youngster. Group sales manager, Manfred Locher, will take good care of any size gang. Even on a prime Saturday Bryce Resort gave us the warm, welcoming feeling that we had arrived at “our own private ski area.” The delicious chili in the cafeteria will give you a warm feeling too.

The ski season is not over yet at Bryce. They are hosting a WinterFest Party on Saturday, March 8th with costumes, rail jams, a DJ, and more family fun and games. See the Bryce Resort website for details.

Bryce Resort is located in Basye, Virginia, approximately 100 miles west of the Washington metro area via Interstates 66 and 81.