For a number of years, our Christmas gifts to our nieces and nephews have been experiences rather than things. Usually, these experiences are Christmas break activities that bring the family together and out of that post-holiday stupor. This year, with COVID proliferating we weren’t sure we would be able to assemble. Fortunately, creative problem solving is one of my everlasting compulsions, and with a little of that an answer presented itself in the form of some traditional winter weight distribution, aka snowshoeing at Sundance Resort. That wasn’t the only predicament that had to be cracked to bring about the outing that would bring my family together. Let us talk of leisure problems and inconsequential solutions.

Shortly after I recognized the situational suitability of snowshoeing, I realized the kids would all need snowshoes. In the consumer-driven shopping hubs of America, you’d think finding a handful of snowshoes would be an easy task. Yes, supply and demand balance perfectly as the invisible hand directs the recreational free market system. Unless a pandemic throws that equilibrium into chaos because trees can’t give you COVID. My “creative” idea proved common, so finding snowshoes was tricky. After searching numerous stores and websites, Jason and I were able to find enough pairs for all the kiddos. One more problem solved, others to go.

After acquiring the shoes for snowshoeing, the snow part proved difficult. We chose to gather during Christmas break even with a powder scarcity. I thought we might be sludge shoeing in the meager 13 inches available, but the coverage was better than I anticipated. There were only a couple spots where the ground was bare, and the dirt in those sections was too frozen to be muddy. Yes, yet another obstacle surmounted.

The last issue was the diverse sentiments of the kids regarding snowshoeing. This particular dilemma existed due to the endeavor’s exercise requirement. There were some complaints and subsequent bribes resolved those concerns. However, most of the youngsters needed no payoffs to have a good time.

Due to the absence of snow, not all the trails at Sundance were open, but considering the limited gumption of the group, what was available was more than plenty. With a little pushing, we made it to Honeymoon Meadows where lovely views of Timpanogos and a frozen Stewart Falls encircled us.

Unlike a subset of the children, Jason and I loved clomping through the aspens. So, a few days later, on New Year’s Day, we returned to Sundance to clomp under the full moon. Brr!! The straw in my CamelBak froze as we trekked along in 15 degrees, but we managed to stay liquid.

I’m grateful we were still able to gather the family through a slightly-less-snowy-than-ideal adventure even with the restrictions of COVID life. Just about any problem can be solved with some resourcefulness and prolific snacks.