Chris shares his coping tool when the resorts are sold-out: show up with AT gear and two friends and earn some turns in the backcountry, side-country, or wherever the adventure awaits. He tells us all about the progression of gear, thoughts on safety, and his dedication to lifestyle fitness. And there is also the tree. If it weren’t for all the cold east coast snow, one might say Chris’s intro to skiing at 13 years old was a bit of a baptism by fire.

One of our Midwest callers, Erin, reminds us to explore the Indy Pass. A great 2-day per resort pass that features some smaller resorts throughout North America. Erin caught the ski-but last year, in her 40s! She reminds us that the little areas can rock, and the pass might be an affordable way to diversify the family ski weekend experiences.

Lance abandons a blue-only parka life, and Mike recalls showing up to a guys ski trip wearing leather. Despite COVID, the season is in full bloom, and we are On The Lift!

Blake is an avid skier. He’s an exceptional ski conversationalist. He’s a fantastic photographer. He knows the nooks and crannies of his favorite mountain like no other. He also wants to stay safe and keep the mountains open during COVID. His review of the Go Pro Max (no – not a sponsor; but wouldn’t that be nice!) will have you heading out to buy one to preserve your skiing memories from any number of points of view.

Mike and Lance deliver. That is, they deliver their early season mountain dining experiences to OTL listeners. Large lodges are sitting empty. But the food prep remains abuzz in the kitchens. We talk about the COVID-look of grab yer food and scatter, architectural changes to mountains because tent dining is apparently safer than in-lodge. We talk about the blossoming bring-your-own-food practices, cook stoves, soccer-parent chairs. And being ready to make your car your personal hot cocoa stop.

An OTL fave, Jeremy, has enough early days in this strange era of skiing that he is an expert on figuring out how to do ones part keeping people safe and KEEPING THE MOUNTAIN OPEN. Face coverings are a way of life. Neck gaiters are in most skiers bags. But how can we be comfortable, keep ourselves and others safe, look good, and be minimally distracting. If you haven’t been to the mountain yet, take your face covering options seriously. It will make a difference.

Mike and Lance are back! Sorry for the delay. COVID means a completely different approach to days on the mountain, and Mike and Lance are here to help you and your new ski day expectations. They talk about some early season considerations for keeping ourselves safely among others, and keeping our mountains open during COVID. Then, Colin tells us about his uphill skiing experience as a work-around to the mountain closing down for COVID-considerations last spring.

Our pal, Tod, shares about his righteous ski rig. There’s always a little extra sleep, and a fried egg sandwich when it comes to parking lot skiing from Tod’s fully self-contained class B playpen. And, Jeremy tells us how he took a mere leased lodge with a DJ and turned a stuffy obligatory birthday party into, well, listen and you’ll find out!

Bear with some “levels” issues, we’re still figuring this out. BUT – THE CONTENT IS WHAT YOU WANT! This episode has interviews from two different 19 year olds who’ve both got-it-goin-on! Learn all about what it takes to stumble into a groomer job at one of the nations best resorts. Then we switch to Josiah’s view of the mountain…. From OAHU! He’s a shredder, no doubt. And he gets his gumption from a surfing background. We get into a little bit of boar-sport psychology. And we have fun!

Lance and Mike document their opening day 2018 at Crystal Mountain, Washington. Primal adrenaline noises. New friends. Beer. And Mike’s safe driving. Join the fun of Day 1.

Our first semi-live episode. From the gymnasium at Gig Harbor High School. Supporting the annual ski swap, organized by the fantastic leadership of Jacob Spadoni, in support of GHHS Wrestling.

Lots of interviews. And lots of anticipation for the First Day!