Every year I make the same resolutions: Attempting to stick to a bullet-point list of good intentions that I quickly forget because they aren’t much fun to keep. This year I decided to try a different approach – make my resolutions snow-centric! Things I know I won’t forget and I am committed to keeping.

1) Ski mid-week. Or rather ‘call in sick’ more. Mid-week is the best time to ride: Crowds are chill and lift lines are short. A word of warning – apply sunscreen. You don’t want that goggle tan emblazoned on your cheeks when you return to the office. Even if your boss knows, be cool!

2) Ride somewhere new. I get into the habit of riding the same runs over and over again. This year, I resolve to venture onto a run I may have overlooked in the past – like the Wedge at Bear or Log Chute at Summit. 

3) Become proficient at another snowsport. While I am an alpine skier through and through, I took up snowboarding a few years ago. It made for a memorable and challenging season. This year, I resolve to learn to Telemark. There is nothing more stunning than watching my friend Hector lay down some sweet telemark turns.

4) Take a lesson. Even though I have been skiing since I was 5, I know a lesson will fine tune my riding. Last year I took a mogul clinic and learned a few tricks to use my edges more effectively.

5) Ride with the girls once a week. My girlfriends and I have decided to get together one day a week and ride. Sorry boys – it’s just us girls. Not because we don’t like you, we just don’t think you’ll be able to keep up!

6) Learn to tune my own gear. It’s like taking care of your bike – understanding how the equipment functions helps understanding how to use it best.

7) Ride alone more. When I first moved to California I didn’t know anyone else who skied so I rode alone. I moved through the singles line, got in more laps and met some of the coolest riders on the mountain. One afternoon I hooked up with a bunch of locals: We ducked the ropes and skied the trees the rest of the day. In the parking lot, cheeks aching from grins we exchanged email addresses and still keep in touch. While riding with friends is cool, sometimes going it alone can lead to a pretty cool adventure.

Happy New Year!
Earning my turns – Glade Girl