Red Lodge Ski Resort part II

今日は２度目のスキートリップ。１月１７日まで一人分のリフト代で二人分のリフト券が買えるので、どうしてもこの週末に来たかった訳です。前回は帰り道に雪で事故にあってしまったため、今週はやっとスノータイヤに履き替えてやって来ました。今日の天候は快晴で、路上には雪も無く快適なドライブでしたが、やはりハイウェイからスキー場入り口までの約６マイルは結構ラフな道路状況で、ところどころ凍結しておりスノータイヤをはいて来たかいあり。
Today we had our second ski trip. We really wanted to go this weekend because we can get a discount for lift tickets -- two adults for the price of one. Last time when we were on the way home we had a car accident because of the snow, so we had snow tires installed for this trip. Today's weather was fine and sunny, the drive was easy because there's no snow on the road. However, after the highway, the local road for the ski resort entrance, about 6 miles, was rough and icy. So we are happy to have snow tires this time.

スキー場は前回よりも人が少なく、リフト待ちも全くなく日本のスキー場とは大違いです。おかげで、思いっきり滑って来ました。今回は前日にビリングスのスキー専門店で自分のスキー靴にあわせたスキーを借り、やっぱり道具が良いと全然違う。１５年のブランクも何とか取り戻せそうな感じで、爽快に滑って来ました。ギャビンも前回よりは遥かに上達し、今回は初心者コースでも一人で降りて来る事が出来ました。（もちろん、何度も転びながらの様ですが）。
There were not many people this time so there were no lines for the ski lifts and that is very different from ski areas in Japan. So we could ski as much as we wanted. Also, we had rental skis from a ski shop in Billings. Good equipment makes us perform better on the slopes. This time, Kozue did better than before, even though she hadn't skied for 15 years. Gavin is also better than last time, then he came down the slope by himself alone (without Kozue as trainer) but of course he fell over many times.

ここは山の中腹にある"Midway Lodge"。　天井も高く、大きないろりがあり、眺めも最高。
This is Midway Lodge, halfway up the mountain. It has a high ceiling, big limestone fireplace, and superb views.