There’s something about skiing that transforms us, no matter our age, back into kids again. It’s enough to make even those of us who have seen a few more seasons behave with a youthful exuberance that feels as fresh as the mountain air itself. On a bluebird day, after a night of fresh powder, we can’t help but smile with delight as we carve our way down the mountain, feeling an unmatched sense of freedom and exhilaration.

There are plenty of other sports that get our competitive juices flowing. Whether we’re measuring ourselves against personal bests, friendly rivals, or family members, the thrill of competition is alive in us and in so many different ways.

Pickleball is all the rage these days, and I completely understand why; it’s fast and fun and brings people together with a mix of strategy and humor. Watching pickleball videos and memes only adds to the enjoyment. Tennis is another fantastic sport with players of all ages stepping onto the courts, proving that a good rally never goes out of style. And then there’s golf, one of my personal favorites. It’s a game of patience, skill, and, let’s be honest, occasional frustration.

Golf is one of those four-letter words that can bring both joy and agony in the same round. Yet, occasionally, we hit that perfect shot or drain that unexpected long putt, and suddenly, we’re hooked all over again.

But let’s get back to skiing because skiing is something different altogether. There’s an incredible magic to it, a mix of adrenaline and serenity that few other sports capture. Watching little kids trailing behind their ski instructor, giggling and squealing with delight, is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With boundless excitement, these same kids will later tell their parents about the “massive air” they caught on the tiniest of jumps, their enthusiasm unshaken by reality. It’s infectious, that joy, and it reminds us why we keep returning to the mountain year after year.

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Then there’s the chairlift, that unexpected place where conversations with strangers become part of the adventure. We meet people from all over, sharing stories of our favorite runs, the best powder stashes, and what brought us to the slopes in the first place. There’s an unspoken camaraderie among skiers and snowboarders alike, whether we’re carving wide, sweeping turns, chasing the thrill of speed, or tackling moguls with a mix of determination and grace. Even if we’re admiring others from the lift as they attack the bumps or float effortlessly through fresh powder, we’re all in it together, bound by the love of the mountain.

And then there’s Après Ski. That glorious time of day when we unbuckle our boots, find a warm spot by the fire, and raise a glass to the adventures we’ve just had. The live music plays, laughter fills the air, and everyone, whether they spent the day conquering double blacks or simply cruising the greens, shares in the collective joy of a day well spent. Kids revel in the simple pleasure of a hot chocolate and a gooey chocolate chip cookie while the adults sip on a well-earned drink, recounting the day’s best runs and near-misses.

Skiing is more than just a sport; it’s a celebration of family, friendship and the joy of being alive. It’s about those moments we spend with loved ones, the community we create with strangers who, for a day, feel like old friends. It’s about the pure, unfiltered happiness of gliding down the mountain, feeling the crisp air on our faces, and knowing that, no matter how many years we’ve been at it, the joy of skiing never fades.

So, here’s to winter, fresh snow, blue skies, and the timeless magic of skiing. I hope to see you on the slopes and would love to hear about your ski adventures at gotonorton@gmail.com. And remember that when we can find something like skiing that puts us all in that child-like state, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.