America has a love/hate relationship with winter. It's too cold, too long or simply not in favor.
As for me? I like all the seasons... especially winter! It can be pure magic. A recent sign said it all.....
Since the wee age of two, skiing has been a passion. The joy of being outdoors never gets old. Getting lost in the moment is easy when you're in the mountains. Fresh air, beautiful vistas and, the smell of Pine trees tickle your senses.
Yup... breath it all in. It's a celebration of life.
Bromley Mountain, VT (Circa 1968)
Twenty years ago, my better half entered my life. Aside from my witty humor (insert smile), she was astonished that I hadn't been to any of the Caribbean Islands.
Sad, but true. None of them.
To put it in perspective, I had never taken a warm weather vacation. Again, sad, but true. Sure, I went camping in Rhode Island as a kid. But, vacations were primarily cold weather related.
She asked, "Did you always go skiing in the winter?" I responded, "Duh, when else do you ski?" (Okay, it didn't exactly get said as I just described, but you get the point!).
Telluride, CO
Aside from departing Lake Tahoe one summer for New Zealand in pursuit of my endless winter (note: I skied 150 days this year. A personal best.), traveling from one winter season to another was normal. It's something I never thought about.
Vail, CO
There's been plenty of miles & smiles over the years. The crows feet in my eyes represent more than aging. They're a sign a good living. Fond memories and plenty of downhill descents. Hundreds of miles have been logged and hundreds more still remain.
The Posse... Telluride, CO
Ski film maker Warren Miller has been an undeniable influence in my life. Safe to say, he didn't get me started in the sport. This credit goes to my parents. But, he could make you dream of distant places. His annual film put things in perspective. Skiing was a wonderful sport and one where a lifetime of memories could be obtained.
He planted many seeds in his commentary and always ended each film stating, "If you don't do it this year, you'll only be one year older when you do." Amen.
Chamonix, France
It's hard to fathom getting to every destination I've ever dreamed about. So many mountains. So little time. Most folks tend to take one nice vacation per year. If I managed one great ski vacation every year, I'd have to live until the age of 135 to get to each & every resort.
Taos, NM