2023 on Skis (Mostly)

I set a few skiing goals in 2023, most of which got promptly thrown into the meat grinder of circumstance. Despite the challenges, skis took me to a few incredible places in 2023. Here are a few that stand out:

January

High into the Alpental valley and away from heartache at home, accompanied by sneaky blue skies, PB&J’s, and an all-time crew.

February

To the Tatoosh Range of Mount Rainier National Park for a short but beautiful day with a close friend, bookended by miso soup and pierogies.

March

Out of an Albertan hut and onto a frozen Lake Louise, where Helen said an incredibly important three-letter word concerning the rest of our lives together.

April

Up a slushy cat track at Hyak with a few goofy goobers, hungry for hot laps and hot dogs. We also produced a short, niche piece of content about avalanches caused by Takis hidden in the snowpack. It was very popular on Instagram.

May

To the top of Mount Baker, higher than we had any business being at 2pm. Helen cried in the boot pack on the Roman Wall and then later after second-degree sunburns. Silver lining: we both looked really fuckin’ cool in our glacier gear.

May (honorable mention)

Across Whatcom County for the Ski2Sea relay race as part of team Boats N Snows. Only one of us skied (not me), but we all rejoiced in enduring friendship and a love of the great outdoors.

2024

On the topic of 2024, I feel resolute. Not about a particular objective (best-laid plans and all that), but in seeking more of the challenge, fulfillment, and sometimes euphoria that comes with exploring the world on two wooden sticks.

Also, I’d love to ski Mt. Rainier.