Valentine’s Day: A Skier’s Date

Valentine’s Day – A holiday that many men dread and countless others ignore (or at least try ignore: good luck with that). As with other holidays comes gift giving and date planning, which can be rather daunting for the average male. Many end up doing nothing for their significant others; not because they don’t care but because they don’t have any idea what they should do. Instead, they put their head down and weather the storm that is soon to follow. If you are lucky enough to have a partner that shares in your love of skiing and the mountains, you are in luck. This week I have created a list of ideas for all of you helpless and in love shredders out there. The goal: get through Valentine’s Day without having to spend the night on the couch by coming out as the thoughtful, sweet and caring boyfriend or husband that is in there somewhere. If there is any day to fake it, it definitely would be this one.

Plan an Adventure in the Mountains – She loves skiing, you love skiing, so why wouldn’t you plan a ski date? Take her to a new zone in the backcountry, ski her favorite runs at your local resort, or plan a weekend getaway (heliskiing perhaps?) that revolves around the sport that you are both passionate about. Pack a lunch for the two of you, put a few beers in the car for end of day cheers and make the day about the two of you. Sometimes the best dates don’t cost a penny. It’s the thought that counts and if she can see that you have thought about what she loves, she should be happy as a clam.

Dinner – You both have to eat, don’t you? Valentine’s Day dinner doesn’t mean that you have to get allsnazzed up for a night on the town. Get the ingredients for her favorite meal, try to hone up on your cooking skills and be ready to cook and do the dishes for the night. And if your abilities aschef end at making a mean dish of Kraft Dinner, make it with pride – but maybe get some of her favorite chocolates for dessert. For the adventurous sort, head out for a sunset tour – pack a canteen of hot soup and bring some fresh bread from your local bakery. A sunset dinner in the mountains would be a night that I highly doubt she would ever forget.

Gifts – Jewelry and flowers aren’t the only items that will get you kudos on Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you are completely off the hook. What does she really want that she probably won’t buy for herself? Is there something that she would absolutely love but doesn’t necessarily need? Try to think of gifts that will be useful in your adventures together and that may make her more excited to head out and explore with you more: that lady’s specific backcountry backpack that she saw at the local ski shop, those new Smith goggles that she has had her eye on, or the boot heaters that you know would cure the problem of her constantly cold toes. Think hard, use the force if you have to (or just ask one of her friends) and take the time to get her a clever skiing-related gift.

I believe in you. The ski gods believe in you. We know you have it in you to get through this holiday with your head held high, with a happy partner by your side, and with a feeling of accomplishment when you wake up on Monday morning (take that however you like). But right now there isn’t time for basking in the glory of your impending victory. It’s time to prepare for battle. Valentine’s Day is coming… and there is nowhere to hide.