Snow Business

I can still remember the first time I went skiing. It had been cold and dry November day. It hadn't been snowing much at the time, so most of the snow on the hills was that smooth, jet blown, artificial-ice. Not exactly what a first timer likes to start on.
My friend Mike had been trying to talk me into going on a skiing trip to Seven Springs with him and some of his other friends for some time. I was afraid at first; I had heard many over-exaggerated stories from people who had claimed that staying balanced on skies was almost impossible. So naturally I was a bit skeptical, but Mike assured me that the best way to learn was to just go all out and try my luck on one of the many intermediate slopes. At the time it had sounded reasonable, so I did.
I have heard it said before that: "It's easier said than done." Whoever said that one knew what he was talking about. The first couple of hills I only rolled, head over heels, down. After th...