Airmen show their skills on the slopes during Wing Ski Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen from all over Malmstrom Air Force Base turned out to take on the slopes at Showdown Ski Resort during a Wing Ski Day on Feb. 13. The event, which is offered once a month during the winter season, offers Airmen the opportunity to break away from work for a day of fun, skiing and snowboarding.

"It feels great hitting the slopes on Wing Ski Days," said Senior Airman Ahmed Shaikh, 341st Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "I don't always get the chance to attend these events, so when I get the opportunity to participate, it's always fun. Being able to get away from the fast-paced work environment for a couple hours and do something I really enjoy helps me to clear my mind and relax. I feel more focused when I go back to work the next day, sometimes a little sore also."

Showdown Ski Resort is a big supporter of Malmstrom's Wing Ski Days, which Airmen have been attending for more than three years. A military discount is available to Airmen and dependents who attend the events and the staff is more than willing to assist newcomers to the sport with advice on equipment or what they believe are the best slopes to try.

"We want to show support for the men and women in uniform," said Ben Haugan, Showdown Ski Resort chief of operations. "We appreciate what these people do for our country every day and even though it's not much, we try to show our appreciation by keeping a little more money in their wallets and providing a safe environment for everyone to have fun."

Safety on the mountain is one of Showdown's biggest priorities. Every day, around 5 a.m., members of Showdown's mountain team assess the weather and safety conditions on the ski slopes and generate a report. If conditions on the mountain are favorable, the slopes are opened and people are allowed to ski and snowboard to their heart's content; if conditions are adverse or there are potentially hazardous spots on the runs, the slopes affected will be shut down until conditions improve.

"Safety is a big deal to us," Haugan said. "We want everyone to enjoy their time on the mountain without having to worry about getting hurt by something that could have been prevented. Sometimes people get a little bumped and bruised due to being new to the sport and we try to help with that also. If it's your first time on skis [and snowboards] or you just feel a little uncomfortable with hitting the slopes, we offer classes and will do everything we can to get you ready. We want everyone to have a good time."

According to Airmen who attended the Wing Ski Day, it was a very enjoyable experience and the staff was very helpful. The slopes were well groomed and the facilities offered many things to enjoy.

"I am really looking forward to the next Wing Ski Day," Shaikh said. "Hopefully I will get the opportunity to hit the slopes again for the last ski day of the season. It's always fun to hang out with friends and show off your skills a little bit. This is hands-down my favorite thing to do in the winter and I can truly say I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Outdoor Recreation will also provide free transportation and offer equipment rentals at a reduced price for Airmen E-1 through E-4 during the last Wing Ski Day of the season, March12. For more information on pick up locations and rentals, contact ODR at 731-3263.