My name is Zoë, and I am nine years old. I have lived in Cumberland my whole life and I really love winter in the Comox Valley. There is lots of snow and fun winter activities, but this year might be a lot different because of COVID-19.
Winter is great because I like going sledding with my friends at the BMX track and the jump park in Cumberland. I also like building snow people and making snow angels, and I especially like making giant snowballs and snow chairs to sit on.
I used to live at the end of a cul-de-sac, and whenever the snowplough came it would make a huge pile of snow. My dad would make stairs leading up to the top of the pile. Then I made the pile smooth so that you could sled down it.
One time, I had a cookie party and told everyone to bring a sled. Then we made cookies and went sledding on the big pile of snow that we named Snow Mountain.
I am not that into sports, and to be honest, I absolutely hate gym class, but if there is one sport that I would be over the moon to do every day, it is 100% skiing. I have been a skier since I was four years old—it’s fun and exciting. I enjoy getting to be with my friends and family out on the mountain. I feel like I am flying as I zoom down the slope with the wind blowing in my face. I like having the feeling that there are always new things for me to try, to push me out of my comfort zone just a little bit. The only thing that I do not like about skiing is putting on the snow gear and walking through the parking lot, but other than that, it’s all good.
Winter is one of my favourite seasons, but COVID-19 is making this year a lot different. The virus is affecting people all over the world and although we are lucky here on Vancouver Island, it is still a big deal.
I remember my final day skiing last season. Mount Washington was encouraging physical distancing and we could only ride the chairlift with our group, but that was kind of nice. We were having an amazing time skiing down our favourite slopes. Then they decided to close the mountain early due to the pandemic, and that ended up being our last day of skiing for the season. This ski season might have more restrictions or it might have fewer. You never know.
Luckily, there are a lot of outdoor activities to do in the Valley all year round. For instance, COVID cannot really stop someone from going into the forest—you can go there whenever you like.
From sledding to making snow creations to skiing, I’m planning to have a winter that’s full of fun. I hope you do, too!
