In high-snow years with soft conditions and open terrain, finding the perfect line of untouched powder or leaping off rocks and jumps and tackling steep terrain makes for an ideal ski day. Deep snow requires slightly different techniques than firm snow, however we all can become better powder skiers by practicing on the groomers. On firm snow, every turn provides immediate feedback; you can feel whether your weight is centered or drifting too far back and it’s clear when you get it right.

It’s no secret that snow skiing and snowboarding require a lot of gear, and there’s no shortage of gear on the market. Jackets, pants, helmets, skis/boards, layers and  accessories, walk into any ski or snowboard shop and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of gear, and of course, the price of it all. When it comes to having a truly great day on the mountain, not every piece of gear carries the same weight. In fact, there are three pieces of equipment that matter more than everything else combined. Get these right, and you can figure out the rest along the way.

After a few days climbing up steep hills and over small rocks I was hooked. I started watching videos online, seeing the extreme terrain the pro riders were tackling, and started to get inspired. Then I realized I need to get my own bike and not crash my buddy’s bike (anymore). Off to the FB Marketplace and I was excited to see a lot of things available from $1500-$3500 for what appeared to be ready-to-ride.

Image courtesy of Christy Sports

AI has undoubtedly changed, and will continue to evolve how we all research and buy products. It can scan thousands of reviews in seconds, identify patterns, compare specs, and even predict purchasing behavior. But for all of its speed and scale, AI has a hard limit, lived experience.

As I look toward 2026, I’m energized by what’s ahead and grateful for the path that’s brought me here. This coming year marks a deliberate shift; expanding my work with brands on a freelance level while launching a new outdoor adventure consulting venture built around experience, execution, and authenticity.