You get the 2022 Atlanta Ski Trip! This year’s ski trip, held from Feb. 5-6, was our 11th consecutive event offering skiing and snowboarding to those who have a taste for adventure and are willing to bear the cold. This year’s trip started with most attendees arriving on Friday afternoon and evening, Feb. 4. Although Boone was cold (right at freezing), snowflakes were a welcome sight.   

On Sabbath afternoon, services were held at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, Boone University. Although there’s not a United Church of God congregation in Boone, we had 55 people at services. After a song service led by Scott Thomas and messages by Bert Merring and Philip Aust, the group stayed around to catch up with those who attended the ski trip in past years and get familiar with those new to the event. Given that this year’s trip was held further east than in previous years (for the last decade, the Atlanta Ski Trip was held at Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee), there were a number of new faces at this year’s event. Eventually, everyone went to eat at one of Boone’s dining options. After sundown, over 30 people came back to the La Quinta for a game night that included Apples to Apples and Pictionary. Game night ended at 10 p.m. so everyone could be at Sugar Mountain early the next day for check-in.  

The group next met on Sunday morning, Feb. 6, at 7:45 a.m. at the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Lodge for skis, snowboards and lift tickets. All total, we had 60 skiers and snowboarders in addition to a non-skiing “cheer” team who remained in the lodge, enjoyed extra conversation, and offered words of encouragement to snowboarders and skiers when they came in to warm up. The entire group met for a late lunch to share stories and refuel with burgers and chicken fingers. Thankfully, the day featured bright sunshine, and most stayed till 4 p.m. before heading home. Feedback for this year’s event was, as in past years, very favorable. Many who attended this year’s trip said they plan to return next year. If you couldn’t make it to this year’s Atlanta Ski Trip, consider this an invitation to next year’s outing. And even if you choose not to ski or snowboard, the ski trip is a pleasant winter diversion that packs lots of time to connect with others in God’s Church and memories for all.