Hello Friends!

Having read some of the great short stories from fellow heads I felt it necessary to contribute something from the Central Rockies of Vail, Colorado. I've been a resident of this fine valley for some five years now. As any local of any ski town knows, we must always wear the badge of our mountain existence on our sleeve. I won't go into anymore detail than that.

The hills of Vail and Beaver Creek(just 10 minutes to the west) are arguably the best in the country. I am sure that this declaration has many east coasters up in arms over their beloved Killington, Mad River Glen, or Sunday River. Relax, you realize that east coast skiing is inferior to that of the west. We realize that doesn't really matter because we are all of the same mold. We love the music and we love the mountains, Rocky or not.

Alas my snow-riding story is a short one:

It was my first time as a convert. I went off the skis and strapped onto the board. A rental board with little to no edge. It was a day to be remembered. Beaver Creek Resort. Top of the old Stump park lift. I was frightened. We arrived at the top, I fell on my ass departing the lift. The Pain I was to experience over the next 4 hours was not incomparable to that of a woman in child birth, I suppose. With bone cracking falls to the skull followed in turn by heel-edge catches producing backbone stunts. I thought perhaps a lesson would have been a good choice. But my buddy said he could to teach me, 'no problem man!' Yea, No problem. I finally saw him at the end of the day, he lost me after my 7th consecutive ego-crushing fall under Centennial lift. Everyone reading this, I flatter myself, will know how this story ends. If you are a rider you know. I was immobile for two days and on the third day I went up riding again! Yes, everything came together for me in an awe inspiring way late that afternoon. The feeling of successfully linking my first turn produced an euphoric effect much like that of hearing Phil nail the vocals on Box. It's happened. So I live and love in the mountains.

My board is no longer a rental and the snow continues to fall. This resort life has it's ups and downs, but I don't think I would live anywhere else. I apologize, I felt a bit like doogie hauser as I typed the previous line. Weird.