What to do on a glorious day when the doctor has put restrictions in place about certain physical movement. Lots and lots it seems and did someone say Sno-Limo? It was invented by a clever man whose mother, although she had never skied, wished she could somehow get out on the slopes to see her grandchildren ski and snow board.

      My husband Jim and I had no idea of what to expect when we were introduced to what appeared to be two lounge chairs sitting atop skis with a steering mechanism behind. The handsome young “Limo” driver invited us to take a seat and proceeded to tuck us into the recliner that rivalled the comfort found on a luxury yacht. We were tucked in with fleecy blankets and a protective cover was snapped over top. With seat belts secure, goggles in place and some simple instructions we were pushed to the chair lift and hoisted away. Sno-Limo makes the exhilaration and beauty of skiing available for someone who has never skied. On the way down our “drivers” stood on the sled’s runners, controlled the speed and stopped to give us a chance to check out the views. They explained the geography and gave a bit of history and ecology. Asked if I wanted a speedier ride and getting an affirmative, we took off. It was great fun and rather a heady experience with the wind in my face, the sensation of speed plus the serenity and security of a cosseted ride.
There was an extra plus that I didn’t realize until we entered the Copper Kettle restaurant -- the waitress commented on my rosy cheeks and bright eyes. We had great Mulligatawny soup and generous salads that would satisfy any and all snow bunnies.
    In the afternoon we went for a nostalgic horse drawn sleigh ride out into the quiet and beautiful countryside. Two huge Clydesdales pulled us through white forests as the sunlight slanted between the trees and sleigh bells jingled.
We next tried a snowmobile and I lagged behind the movers and shakers until their engine sounds disappeared and I stopped to enjoy the peace of the mountains, the crisp winter day and the stunning blue skies. It was lovely and I swear I saw a rabbit. We could also have gone skating, but it was fun watching future NHLers practice their skills on a natural rink that must have looked the size of a glacier to a six-year-old.
    The sun was starting to dip and the sky melted in many hues as we caught the gondola to the village where a fire warmed us before our last adventure of the day, something my husband has never, ever done in a long line of journalistic adventures -- have a massage! He really didn’t want to, but I was looking forward to Beyond Wrapture’s warming sauna and the luxury of strong hands that could knead away the aches of muscles that were tired of supporting an aching, whiplashed head. We came away feeling warm, relaxed and smelling ever so good.
    We were invited to Snowshoe Sam’s for dinner. Sam’s is a popular pub, but I didn’t know that upstairs, away from the lively crowd, is a cosy restaurant. The dinners were superb, but the highlight was the Gunbarrel Coffee. Amidst a flaming shotgun barrel, fiery ladle and assorted incendiary devices comes a steaming alcoholic liquid that puts a perfect end to a quiet day on the mountain.

Lian Couper