It’s been almost one year since my family traveled to Vail for a ski vacation. I have a brother who lives in Denver, so we like to visit annually. While we’re there, we take advantage of the looming Rocky Mountains and the fun they offer.
After a couple of days in the Mile High City, we rented a car and headed into the backcountry. Thankfully, the snow was plentiful, and Vail’s iconic village was in the full swing of winter.
The hotel we stayed at had a wonderful spa, a large fitness center, and expansive rooms, but the real appeal was the gigantic pub/lounge where several large stone fireplaces added ambiance and warmth. With the addition of a nightly musician and a tasty cocktail, it was the perfect way to end a physically grueling day on the slopes.
Our plan during that trip was to ski three of the four days we were there (we always like to allow a one-day break to recoup and visit somewhere in the surrounding vicinity). The first two days were epic, with perfect conditions and accommodating weather. However, rain on the third day kept us off the slopes. On the evening of the third night, frigid temperatures turned the afternoon rain into ice. When we awoke on the fourth morning, the conditions didn’t look appealing, but we still ventured out.
I’m a snowboarder, while my wife and son prefer to ski. Although we try to stay together through most of the day, I inevitably ride at a different pace and end up journeying on my own. Not to mention, I’m not interested in black diamonds, which they view as fun and challenging. Ultimately, I’m a cruiser, and when the music is floating through my ears while carving long, wavy turns, I’m absolutely in my happy place.
As soon as we got on the lift and were on our way up the mountain, I noticed the daylight glistening intensely off the trails, signaling icy conditions that, at least for me, are not conducive to enjoyable snowboarding. When we reached the top, I was especially cautious getting off the lift for fear of wiping out.
I navigated the start just fine, but as soon as we approached the main slopes, I knew the conditions were going to prove troublesome. Yet, instead of playing it safe and backing off, I ventured forth. Halfway down the mountain, after navigating the iciest conditions I’ve ever been in, I looked at my wife and son and told them to go ahead. I was going painfully slow, and I knew they were getting annoyed.
Now, keep in mind I’ve been snowboarding for 30 years. And while I’m no pro, I’m very competent. The fact is, I’ve wiped out enough in my career to know that I’d rather be safe and slow than having to make a trip to the local emergency room.
And yet, as careful and exacting as I was, I still managed to injure myself.
The fall happened on an especially icy turn. I wasn’t going fast; in fact, I was barely moving. But as I glided over a patch of glare ice that I overlooked, my board kicked out, causing me to fall backward. Normally, this would have been a laughable tumble, but on this occasion, I inadvertently put my left arm out behind me and slammed down on it with all my weight.
Instantly, I knew I was in trouble. The pain was immediate and intense. I lay on the ground staring at the sky, hoping the worst hadn’t just happened.
I’ve had many injuries throughout my sporting life, but thankfully, I’ve never needed surgery. But while I lay wincing in pain, I had a feeling all of that was about to change. Eventually, I got myself up (not without a significant struggle) and made my way down the mountain, where I informed my wife of my predicament.
I’ve been told I’m an idiot for never going to the doctor, but my self-diagnosis was that I tore my rotator cuff. I’ve spent the last year struggling to heal from this injury while instituting my own physical therapy. Luckily for me, I’ve made a substantial recovery, but I think my days of snowboarding may be drawing to a close.
This week’s feature, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” is a heartbreaking but uplifting documentary about an unknown actor who catapulted onto the world stage playing the most iconic of superheroes and then suffered the most tragic of all injuries.
Most people are familiar with the horrible tragedy suffered by Christopher Reeve. The actor, athlete, and family man was thrown by a horse and suffered a critical spinal injury confining him to a life of immobility. And yet, he still found a way to make a difference in the world around him.
If you’re looking for an inspirational story, this one tops the charts. Just be prepared to have your heart tugged in countless directions.
A heroic “A-” for “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at [email protected].
