This past Wednesday Brendan, Pesto, Hilary and I hired a guide to take us backcountry skiing in Jackson Hole. Our guide, Dan, led us out of the resort boundaries via different exit points on the mountain (we eventually made our way back to the Jackson Hole tram at the end of each run). Once through the gates the risks and rules of skiing changed. Obstacles are unmarked, there are no designated routes down, and there is risk of an avalanche burying you. It was exhilarating. Dan led us through the wilderness and imparted valuable wisdom along the way. In hindsight many of these backcountry lessons also apply to my life, so they’re worth examining in more detail.
The lower the expectations, the more fun
It hadn’t snowed in several days, so snow conditions weren’t optimal. Dan reminded us that lowering expectations serves a purpose both at the bar and on the mountain. Luckily we were eventually able to find some great snow, but the perspective is useful.
Hustle enough and you’ll create your own opportunities
We were determined to find some great skiing, so Dan took us on an hourlong hike-traverse-hike to find some good terrain. Not an easy journey at altitude with skis on your back. The conditions were pretty good, but in an effort to find greener pastures we repeated the journey and added an additional traverse along a mountain ridge. 2 feet of fresh powder awaited.
If you ain’t falling, you ain’t trying
I double ejected twice. Hilary went big off a cliff and double ejected into a bunch of trees (she was ok). We clearly weren’t sticking to our comfort zones.
Surround yourself with people who are better than you
This crew pushed me to ski faster and tackle more ambitious terrain, and the atmosphere was supportive (as opposed to competitive). I was totally drained by day’s end. I have to push myself to grow, and it’s a lot easier when surrounded by great people.
Don’t run into trees
Dan was adamant about this. Although the instruction is simple, the execution can be difficult. Dan told us to focus on where we were skiing, and not the obstacles in our way. In skiing your body adjusts to where you are looking. Pretty sound advice for the real world as well.
Noah's (Life) Ark 