Snow. Snow. Snow.

Why can’t you come here yet? I know it’s only October, but with fall being by far my least favorite season, I think it’s about time for the ground to be littered with it. I may sound crazy to some, but with heavy snowfall brings along one of the things I love to do most: skiing.

I have been skiing since I was about six years old, so I guess you could say it’s been a pretty huge part of my life. I wasn’t instantly in love with the sport however, as it definitely took me some getting used too. My grandparents own a timeshare at Panorama Mountain Resort, and they have been bringing me and my sister there for as long as I can remember.

When I first started skiing, my grandparents decided the best way to learn would be to take lessons, but I resented that. Each year, I hated my instructors; they had to force me to stay on the mountain. I spent about three years of going there complaining about having to go on the mountain, and wishing I was instead eating pizza at the hot tub. But one day that changed.

My grandparents had finally had enough of me, and decided to pull me from lessons. As stubborn as I am, I then decided I’d give it one more shot, but I didn’t want any help from others. I wanted to learn from doing rather than watching.

I went up the mountain with my sister, and then we raced to the bottom. It was simply amazing. I’m pretty sure I never went more than a minute without falling square on my face, but it didn’t matter. I was simply in love.

I didn’t care that I was in pain. I had never been allowed to just fly down as fast as I could, and it was that rush that I fell in love with. To this day that hasn’t changed, and I hope it never will. Whether it be sweeping through the trees, hitting some jumps, or racing my friends down, each aspect of the sport is amazing.

I can now say, Panorama is without a doubt my favorite place to be over the holidays. Seven hours of skiing, then spending the night relaxing by the poolside for a week. What could be better?

This winter, I am set to head to Fernie over the winter break with my cousins in what should be a very action-packed trip. Last time we hit those particular slopes, my cousin Davin ended up breaking his leg, so we’re hoping this trip goes a little better.

All I know is, as long as I’m on that mountain, nothing can take my happiness away.