Skiing Fergi

The chance meeting came about when Maggie and her skiing buddy disembarked the T-bar lift ahead of us, although at the time we didn’t know her name. It was near the end of the day and the crowd had thinned to where it seemed the four of us were the only skiers on the hill. While deciding which run to try we observed one of the two tykes skiing off toward Hayes Maze — a favorite run for tots —  leaving Maggie by herself.

Assured she was OK, we waved goodbye and skied away only to hear her shout that she wanted to follow us. We motioned her to tag along, thinking she’d continue only to the point where we diverted to Bull Run.

Bull Run, named appropriately in memory of the late Mark Nichols, a bull rider, is a steep, narrow, ungroomed short cut through the trees, just off the gentle Hayes Maze slope. Although neither Nancy nor I claim to be Black Diamond whiz kids, this run is a constant challenge.

On this particular day the new snow was deep and messed up, but boarders, earlier in the morning, had carved a rough path. We skied it without incident until reaching the entrance to lower Stump Garden where Nancy somehow missed a turn and had to make an abrupt stop.

I was skiing close behind, and in an attempt to avoid running into her, I skied over the back of her skies, causing one to release from its binding. Snow, skies and poles flew as we tumbled over one another.

Half buried, with only our pride in jeopardy, we attempted to untangle our gear. It was then Maggie came snow plowing down through the bumps, doing a pretty good job of making her turns. She sat down a couple of times, but bounced right back, and continued to where we were sprawled.

We watched her approach in total disbelief. Seemingly not concerned in the least about our predicament, she, again, began to talk animatedly about who-knows-what. Nancy and I, a little embarrassed, stared at her a moment, looked at each other, rolled our eyes and then burst out laughing.

She continued talking as we snapped on skis, shook snow from our goggles and found our poles. About this time, we were curious as to who this little “Miss Personality” could be. She said her name was Maggie Miller, and with that the three of us skied on down the hill together, forever friends.

Since that weekend, and with introductions to Maggie’s dad, Scott Miller, we’ve skied with her a run or two, following her favorite trails through the trees, jumping jumps and racing through set up poles. She’s as charming as ever.

Since our accidental meeting with Maggie, both Nancy and I have become more aware of all the kids that inhabit Fergi, and they are definitely in the majority on any given day. Most weekends it looks like an ant hill as they busily come and go down the slopes. “It’s entertaining to watch them,” an observer says. “They’re all cute as a bug’s ear, and they’re such good little skiers.”

Charlie Kissinger, the ski hill manager, agrees.

“This past couple of years there’s been a tremendous turnout of kids skiing and snowboarding. From toddlers to teenagers, they’ve come in flocks,” he said. “I don’t have enough skis in the shop for all of them. Sometimes kids have to wait until another kid returns the rentals.”

Kissinger not only commends the kids, but also praises the parents.

“It’s great to see family members pitch in, volunteer their time, teach their kids to ski and ski with them. And too, parents who bring their kids in the shop invariably bring a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies or candy to be shared. You can’t beat that.”

Not only do youngsters entice their parents to the hill, but also grandparents. For instance, Bill and Nancy Rudger, whose daughter Stephanie and family have taken up skiing, have begun to volunteer.

“We come to watch our grandkids, Darby and Lexie,” Bill says, “so we might as well be useful.”

Bill takes his turn pulling T-bar, and skiing some, while Nancy sells tickets. “We bring sack lunches, and visit with other families. It’s affordable and a fun thing to do.”

For all of us who have skied Ferguson Ridge for many years, along with our own kids, we appreciate all those who have worked to keep the ski hill operating. Too, we’re excited about the new generation of youth. They represent the future of the Fergi family.

This active ski club is one of the perks Wallowa County offers to those living here throughout the winter months. Add the opportunity of skiing with any of these wonderful children that frequent the slopes ... well, it’s definitely Wallowa life, and then some.

Rochelle Danielson is an Enterprise resident and an occasional contributor to Wallowa Life.