There’s a certain magic to the way snow glistens under the sun, each flake a tiny miracle. I felt that magic again recently, standing atop a pristine slope at White Pass Ski Resort. The crisp air filled my lungs, and for the first time in years, I wasn’t just admiring the snow—I was part of it. This wasn’t just a return to skiing; it was a rekindling of something deeper: a love for adventure, connection, and the profound joy of living fully in nature.
It all started on a crisp evening around a bonfire at my friend Woody's "Calling in the Snow" gathering, held during one of his legendary Taco Tuesday nights. The crackling fire cast a warm glow, but it was the energy of my friends that truly lit a spark within me. By day, many run their own businesses, but on weekends, they transform into snowboarding instructors, living their passion on the slopes. Their stories of carving through fresh powder, mentoring eager beginners, and embracing the deep sense of community on the mountain stirred something I hadn’t felt in years—a longing to return to the snow, not just as a spectator, but as an active participant in its magic.
I signed up as a ski instructor at White Pass and found myself back on the mountain. From the moment my skis kissed the snow, I felt an almost primal joy. It was as if I’d unlocked a part of my brain I hadn’t used in years—the dopamine rush of physical achievement, the serotonin boost of connecting with nature, and the oxytocin release of being part of a shared experience.
A Journey Through Snowy Memories
Skiing has always been a part of my story. At 13, just months after immigrating to the U.S., I spent a winter break in Colorado, learning to ski on Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands. Later, my love for snow took me to Mt. Baker, Whistler, and Big White during my college years, then to Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie, and Heavenly at Lake Tahoe. Organizing snow trips became a tradition—bundling friends and family into cars for five-hour drives to powdery wonderlands.
Then, life happened: a demanding career, marriage, children, and a back injury that made me hang up my downhill dreams. Cross-country skiing with my parents became my outlet, a slower but equally fulfilling way to enjoy the snow.
Yet, the call of the slopes was always there, whispering.
White Pass: A Mountain of Possibilities
Returning to skiing at White Pass felt like coming home. The mountain has everything: runs for every skill level, cross-country trails, cozy lodges, and a community of passionate instructors. There’s a rhythm to the place that blends adventure and serenity, and by midday, I’d already ranked it as one of my favorite mountains, second only to Big White in British Columbia.
The terrain challenged me, the views inspired me, and the camaraderie of my fellow instructors warmed me. White Pass is more than a ski resort—it’s a haven for anyone seeking adventure, connection, and renewal.
The Science of Snow Joy
There’s a reason being on the mountain feels so good. Snow sports combine physical activity with nature exposure, boosting brain function and overall well-being. The brisk air improves lung capacity, sunlight triggers vitamin D production, and the physical exertion keeps your heart strong. Add in the cognitive focus of navigating trails, and you’ve got a recipe for mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Plus, let’s not forget the primal satisfaction of shredding downhill—it’s evolution’s answer to chasing mammoths, minus the spears. As I like to joke, “We may not be cavemen running through snow, but we can still honor our genetics by shredding the slopes!”
More Than Just Skiing
Snow sports aren’t just about skis and snowboards. There’s cross-country skiing in serene places like Methow Valley (stay tuned for an upcoming retreat), snowmobiling adventures in Wenatchee, snowshoeing through glittering forests, ice skating in charming resort villages, and even the simple thrill of inner tubing down a hill. Each offers its own way to connect with winter’s wonder.
An Invitation to Adventure
As I drove home after that first day back, a deep gratitude filled my heart. Gratitude for the snow, the mountains, my friends who reignited my spark, and the opportunity to share this joy with others. Being a ski instructor isn’t just about teaching techniques; it’s about inspiring others to embrace the outdoors, to find healing and exhilaration in nature’s embrace.
If you’re feeling the call of the mountains, I invite you to join me. Whether it’s through a retreat with Soul Retreat SPC, an adventure from the Outdoor Solo, Group & Family Adventures Meetup, or simply meeting at White Pass to carve some turns, there’s a place for you in this snowy story.
Here’s to a lifetime of summits, slopes, and snowy memories. May your adventures keep your heart strong, your spirit light, and your connection to nature deep. See you on the mountain!
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