February break: the worst time of year

Ski week is the most overrated break of the school year

Oh, Ski Week. 

It’s cold, it’s boring, it’s pointless — need I say any more? February break marks the worst time of year, and, I kid you not, I’m going insane just thinking about it.

Blistering cold isn’t what I associate with the word “holiday,” especially when there isn’t even a holiday to celebrate during the time off. I prefer going outside, but Ski Week forces me to stay huddled up in a blanket in my barren house, trying not to freeze in the icy depths of my heaterless room. 

At best, February break is merely bland. At winter’s prime, I’m trapped inside, developing the dreaded cabin fever, greeted by nothing but gloomy clouds. For non-skiers, it’s a depressing week of laziness spent doing absolutely nothing for what seems like an eternity.

I understand — it’s nicknamed Ski Week for a reason. We all love the thought of a trip to Tahoe to enjoy the beautiful, snowy climate. At least, that’s what they say until the ski resort reality sinks in.

With everyone scrambling to go skiing during the same week, it’s safe to say that traffic is horrific. The endless line of cars is a grim sight, worsened by a sea of people who are irritated after spending hours in traffic with their families.

Even after you arrive, there are just too many people. Lines for ski lifts are packed to the brim, and when you’re on the descent, the hordes become obstacles in your path. 

Now, let’s say you’ve avoided all these mishaps, but you’re hungry for some lunch. Lucky for you, ski resorts are offering a once-in-a-lifetime deal of burgers for only $30 and just $15 for a side of French fries. 

I know about the law of supply and demand, but really? There’s no other food options in a 10-mile radius, so you’ll have to spend all your cash to feed your aching belly. Stop complaining, you did this to yourself.

Just the idea of Ski Week makes me queasy. It’s obvious that students need a break every once in a while, but February is, by default, the worst time of year. Wasting a holiday in such a depressing environment is devastating. 

Especially when the end of Ski Week marks the beginning of a tireless, grueling March marathon, the entirety of the break is spent suffering through the thought of inevitable schoolwork and AP testing in May. With students just beginning to warm up to second semester, the placement of February break gives students nothing to look forward to and nothing to look back upon.

In all honesty, I’d much rather sprinkle these extra days throughout March to be more productive while maintaining a rigorous schedule. 

So the final verdict? Ski Week isn’t needed. For my part, I’d much rather take more three-day weekends spread out in second semester instead of suffering through an endless week of feeling frostbitten and boredom.