Another season on the books

Two weeks ago, Vail Mountain closed for the season - it's 46th, my 6th. It is funny to think back on my first season and how things have changed.

Year 1: Move to Vail for one season, work in ski shop, apply to law school, decide to stay through mud season and see what the buzz about summer is all about.

Year 2: Defer admission to law school, continue work at ski shop, move horse to Vail, fall in love with summer in the mountains.

Year 3: Give law school a try, leave after almost a full semester, return to Vail, vow to make a living up here.

Year 4: New job with Vail Resorts, skiing the Beav' full time, hiking the peaks during the summer, miss skiing so much travel to South America is warranted, the lil' nugget, Tia, joins the family.

Year 5: Season off to a great start with lights out December & January, career switch from BC to Vail, attempt at heli-skiing in AK (those two runs were amazing!), second chance at mountain biking, first chance at road biking.

Year 6: Another great start, fraught with some challenges at work, X Games and all-time powder day at Highlands, bluebird March photo shoot and incredible sunrises, Amazing April w/new friends, back on the bike(s) and determined to ride more, trip to Cali coast (stay tuned), definitely not leaving Vail anytime soon.

Now, if I can only get through the unpredictable and sometimes unfavorable spring weather!