Skier Life: Why I Spent 55 Days on Mountain

I’m a diehard skier. I spent 55 days on mountain this season. I’m not a ski bum nor an employee at a resort. I work in the high tech world of Silicon Valley. But during winter, all my weekends are spent in the mountains around Lake Tahoe. That’s a heck of a lot of time. So, what is it about the mountains that turns me into a storm chasing fool during winter?

Do you remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books from your youth? How with each chapter, you got to select which direction the story took? When I hit the mountain, I choose my own adventure every single day. The mountain constantly changes. Friends come and go. Activities materialize. And I get to exercise while I enjoy natures best.

The Mountain

Our resort, Kirkwood Mountain, received over 685 inches this season. That’s a shit load of snow. And it doesn’t fall all at once. Over time, the snow covers the terrain and changes the landscape. Small, narrow shoots become skiable paths. Rocky ridges transform in snow highways. And the wind changes everything. It gathers the ice crystals into undulating fingers that shape the mountain. Snow drifts become soft pillows of fluff. You never ski the same line twice. Every drop and turn is a new experience. And there is nothing like the rush of adrenaline as you glide down an open steep of fresh powder. Especially, when you share the experience with a buddy.

Community

Skiing is a social activity for the entire family. And now that are our kids are expert skiers, we take them on adventures anywhere the snow falls. We recently got back from trip to Whistler Blackcomb. But since we’re regulars at Kirkwood, we always bump into other skiers we know. Every chairlift ride brings new opportunity. You either catch up with an old friend or make a new one. Conversation starters are easy because we’re all here for one purpose. To enjoy life. And after the lifts close, that motto continues.

Activities

Our resort doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of the bigger mountains. We only have a couple restaurants and bars. But there is always a buzz of activity within our community. You can hang at the rec center hot tubs. Enjoy après–ski at a house party. Or organize a progression snow shoe hike in the meadow.

This lifestyle is not for everyone. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and patience to create your own adventure. But when I’m up there, I am able to relax and live in the moment. That’s why I spent 55 days on mountain. And I already miss it!