Mt. Shasta 2022 | Three Days And Two Nights Of First Snow Play With Kids

Overview

This was a three-day, two-night winter trip to Mt. Shasta. The original idea was to take the kids skiing for the first time while keeping the budget lower by driving farther to Shasta.

The real experience was very honest:

1. The kids were not that into ski lessons and preferred plain snow play.
2. Two moms from our family and our friends' family also tried the beginner area.
3. We stayed in a place with a wood stove for the first time, had to figure out how to light it, and even chopped wood.
4. Shasta in winter is genuinely cold, cold enough for the car to freeze up.

Day 1 | Arrive In Shasta And Adjust To The Cold

The first feeling after arrival was cold. Frost was clearly visible on the car, and the difference between morning and evening temperatures was big.

The house had a wood stove, and we had to learn by trial and error: start the fire, manage the flame, add wood. Finally getting it going felt surprisingly satisfying.

Day 2 | First Ski Try, But Snow Play Won

The second day we went to the ski area. The plan was "serious first ski lesson," but reality was different:

1. The kids spent most of the time playing in snow and loved it.
2. Once skiing actually started, their interest was much lower than snow play.
3. The adults also tried the beginner area, mostly for the experience and to keep the kids company.

Day 3 | Return Day

Before heading home, we took in one more round of blue sky and winter air, then wrapped up the family's first Shasta snow trip.

Takeaways

1. The first family ski trip met about half of the original goal, but snow play exceeded expectations.
2. Winter driving to Shasta needs real preparation for low temperatures, both for the car and clothing.
3. The wood stove and chopping wood became the most unexpected and interesting part of the trip.