Steamboat

Last autumn, when I mentioned that I didn't know where to go snowboarding next winter, Susan said to me, Go to Steamboat. I thought, Why not? I'd been to Salt Lake City four out of the last five years. I loved the two times riding in Colorado. Steamboat it would be.

As luck would have it, 2008 was a record-setting year in Colorado. By early February, the snow accumulation in Steamboat was already closing in on the highest recorded in history. To make it even better, fresh power fell just about every night while I was there.

Steamboat Resort is huge. Try as I might, I couldn't sample all the trails in a week. Like all large ski resorts in Colorado, it is in a beautiful setting. Before starting a run, I love to sit at the top taking in the fresh air and the view. Snow-covered mountains as far as the eye can see are laid in front of me, gleaming in the sunshine. Then it is time to go down the mountain. Turn, turn turn. Maybe make a detour into the glades if the trees are not too dense. Take a breather at the next stop. Go again. Feel the sensation of floating on air. Glide into the entrance to the chair-lift. Admire the view and watch the other skiers and riders from atop. And start all over again. There is nothing like it in this world.