When I was young...you need oxygen to ski Rainier.

This story gives me a chuckle everytime I think about it.

About 30 years ago I was in junior high near the center of Oregon.  I did not know much and I certainly did not know how to ski at that age coming from parents who did not know how to ski themselves....a good friend of mine did ski what I did perceive to be A LOT.    I was in awe of his capabilities and telling me how steep black diamond runs were at the various ski resorts nearby.

One day my friend proceeds to tell me he skied off of Mt. Rainier a couple of times--I had no idea this mountain existed becuase the only mountain I knew in Washington State at that time was Mt. St. Helens who had blown her top off.  He tells me, "Mt. Rainier is so high we had to use oxygen canisters to ski down becuase there was not enough oxygen to feed our muscles."

Jerry, wherever you are, thanks for embellishing your prowess.

LOL - that's too funny! thanks for the laugh

Good story. I think I lived next to the same kid or his cousin.