ezza444

Just before Christmas I had another room mate move in, she was American and I never saw her until around xmas time. So I thought she must be a bit strange having all her stuff here and never turning up. Later I found out this was because she lost her key and didnt want to disturb us with knocking all the time, so she crashed at some other chicks place with absolutely nothing. This totally describes her personality, she became and still is one of my closest friends, she is so kind and laid back. At this stage everything was great, 2 of the best room mates possible, the Australian, Kate and the American Lauren. The 4th and final addition was going to be Kates friend from back home as soon as she could finalise her visa. So I was sure I would get on with her too.

At the end of January was Australia Day. It was one of the first warm days we had, so us girls put on the Aussie t-shirt and the guys wore their bluey's. True Aussie pride. Only the committed could wear t-shirts in -5 C.

Australia Day was so much fun. We had a certain place on the mountain where we spread word for all the Australians to meet. We took hundreds of photos and drank beer with the best view ever. It was crazy how many Australians were actually in such a small town and I didnt even realise. Every so often we would get a tourist to the mountain accidentally stumble into our midst and the chanting would start, "Aussie Aussie Aussie"..."Oi, Oi Oi"! Then when we decided to build a nice kicker into the powder, first one off broke his arm. Whoops, ski patrol then shut down our little party. Where we continued back at home. Once again I had another late night.

Throughout the season a lot of bands came to Steamboat, and most of this entertainment was outside. I never understood how amazing live music is, with a beer in hand and the snow pumping around you. Just to name a couple Ky-Mani Marley, Rusted Root and The Radiators all made an apperance.

On my days off if I wasnt skiing or boarding for some unusual reason, noramlly the terrible weather, I helped my block build igloo's and ice bars which had ice stools and fairy lights. On saturdays which was mine and Lauren's day off. If we were home at lunch time when Kate got her break we were a terrible influence. She hardly ever went back to work, occasionaly one of us were 'sick' or she got 'food poisoining from her lunch' what ever the excuse Saturdays afternoons Kate didnt make it back to work. Instead we would watch movies and get food delivered to us. mmm.

All too soon the season was nearing an end. 6 weeks before the closure my 3rd room mate finally got her visa approved and made it to her new loving family. She was just as great as her friend made out. So Serrin, Kate, Lauren and I became one happy family. We were all so lucky by how well we got on. A day never went by without someone from another apartment complaining about a member of their household. I love my girls <3

We then went on a road trip together to Vail. It is such a beautiful place, its like a mini European town. It has cobbled streets and the high pointed roof tops. We stayed in Vail for the weekend. It should have been a 2-3 hour drive to get there and yet it look us 5 because of all the photo stops. The riding in Vail wasnt all that crash, the snow had a dry crust powder over the top and when I thought I was about to hit some pow it was rough and bumpy, not nice. So we busied ourselves with other things like planning to spray paint all the fur covered benches red. I lived with a very strong animal activist. We didnt end up doing it much to the dismay of Kate. We then found a place for $5 Chinese meals, which were HUGE and we took then home for leftovers.

On the way home we drove to Beaver Creek and it was the most expensive looking place i'd ever seen. I cant wait to see what Aspen looks like (one day). Then even stopped at an Antler house. A whole shack was covered in animal antlers it was such a sight. We got out and became friends and took photos with the owner. We now know that his town has a population of 35 also. haha.

Steamboat was still getting so much snow even though it was Spring. We beat the previous record on the 21st March and the season ended on the 6th of April so there were still 2 weeks of more white fluffy stuff to come down. I was enjoying all the snow but I was told that Spring skiing is great because its always t-shirt weather and sunny bluebird days. I think I only had a handful of those. Also one of the lifts I had to go up every morning had a family of black bears living under it and early morning they would come out and play. Being an Aussie and never having seen a bear before I thought this would be so awesome, but it never happened because of our endless winter. Though could I really complain?? Day after day of champagne powder days!! No way.

The last day of the season was definitely something worth remembering. A couple of mates and I started drinking very early in the day (as in 8ish, alcho's anyone??) but this was not uncommon for the seasonal workers. So heading up the mountain a bit tipsy to where we had previously stashed more alcohol. Had a couple more drinks and then hit the slopes with all the locals on a very quiet mountain. Lifts closed early that day to stop the upper mountain aka Gate D parties. We headed up there nice and early and it was such a scene. It was honestly a winter wonderland. Someone had built pathways through the snow which were waist deep and occasionally there would be an archway over your head. A ramp was built and everyone stood around drinking and watching the really good rider doing tricks which were x-game worthy.

So when the season ended I left with a smile on my face, 5 months of pow and having made some of the best friends ever. Only to continue with my journey eastwards, to England.I knew I was going to miss Steamboat and I also knew it wouldnt be the last time I made it there. They say there is a curse, once you enter the yampa valley, you will be back.