It’s officially ski season (when I say ski, that includes snowboarding, too; there’s no need for any boarders coming after me)! Well… it has been ski season for a little while now, depending on where you live; nonetheless, on November 10, 2023, Mammoth Mountain celebrated its’ opening day! To kick off the season of the sticks (extra points if you get the Noah Khan reference), Mammoth invited skiers and boarders to toast on Tusk’s sundeck. Before I get too carried away with the Mammoth talk, I must explain why ski season is much more than just a season of a sport. 

As a lifelong skier myself, I have experienced many seasons on the slopes, each with something new to bring. Seasons can last any length; for example, one season at Mammoth lasted from October to June, while two seasons prior only lasted from November to March. While this is just a small example compared to the hundreds of other ski resorts in the US, hopefully, it shows some perspective. However, while each season is different, I have learned that no matter the length of the season, I always leave feeling better than before. Of course, there are some exceptions, like if the powder was especially icy that day or if the lift lines are long. Despite rough conditions, being up in the mountains and underneath the trees just brings something out of me that I can’t quite describe. 

In my best attempt to explain this immaculate feeling, picture a ski slope in your mind. While skiing, it’s almost as if nothing else matters, as if everyone disappears and it’s just you and the trees, you and the snow, you and your skis… or board. Santiago Olsen (12) describes this feeling that I struggle to put into words ideally, stating, “My favorite thing about snowboarding is the peaceful aspect of it, as well as it allows me to be with myself… It’s overall pretty awesome!” His statement that snowboarding “allows [him] to be with [him]self,” I believe, goes beyond more than him simply being alone while boarding. Being with yourself and your thoughts can be overwhelming, but while on your skis or board, you can simply just be. Assuming you ski or board recreationally, there is no pressure to be the most intelligent person or anyone at all; you can just work on your techniques in peace and simply be one with yourself. 

I guess I hope that if you gain anything from this, it’s to give skiing or snowboarding a shot. Of course, be safe and careful, but try it out and see for yourself if you can understand that serendipitous feeling I cannot explain.