During the Christmas break we took a research trip at the Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood, Alaska.  We enjoyed a huge bonus watching our grandchildren participate in their ski programs. Our granddaughter is a member of the Alyeska Ski Club for youngsters called the Mighty Mites, and our grandson is in his first year with the Juniors. He is one of the youngest members having qualified by only two days.  While the Juniors skied in the four day Coca Cola Holiday Classic, the Mighty Mites found more than enough fun sliding down snow banks in their spare time. Unfortunately the weather grew uncomfortably cold, well below zero, and put a damper on skiing for all but the very hardy.  We were fortunate to have our good old Glennallen winter gear packed in our survival bags that we have always kept in the car, and even though we looked a bit geeky at the ski resort in bunny boots and Carhartt hats we continued to enjoy the outdoor activities well into the New Year without the discomfort from the extreme cold. The landscape was beautiful, tall trees heavily loaded with snow with a backdrop of magnificent snow covered mountains. The resort decorated trees around the lodge with tiny white lights, it was wonderful! Great stuff for future paintings!
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
