Big Year

This has been a big year. I mean a truly huge, spectacularly grand year. I moved out on my own, moved to Utah of all places, started a graduate program, skied almost 30 days, met some awesome new friends, went to some amazing places, and partied it up big time. I left it all on the mat this year, and I'm proud of that.

This has been a great year in my skiing; I've pushed myself harder and farther than I thought I ever would or could. My dad finally told me that I've surpassed him and I couldn't be more honored or proud. I mean after all, this is the man who taught me most of what I know on two sticks and now I'm going to be giving him pointers as I continue to progress. It's kind of a big deal.

This was the first year in 9 seasons that I haven't been a season passholder at Moonlight Basin, which was bittersweet right up until my first powder day here at the Bird. Experienced the two deepest days of my life, bought my first undrilled boards, started buying a backcountry setup. . .

Like I said, a lot has happened. It's sad to see this first season come to and end. But you know what? This is only the beginning. There have been some hard times; some really hard times actually. But I'm learning, growing, and still standing so it can only get better from here. Sure there will be ups and downs, but that's what makes life so incredibly exciting: you never know what's next. Just stay limber enough to take the impact and bounce right back up to face the next challenge, because that could be the opportunity you were waiting for.

So bring it on summer 2013 and ski season '13-'14. I'm so freaking stoked.