MBSA January 2025 photo recap

It was a clear, cold, dry January in the pacific northwest. The holiday hang over hit my household hard this season, with multiple weeks of runny noses and low energy.

Christmas came early with a week long trip to Whistler before my 30th birthday. I hadn't skied that mountain for 20 years. It was amazing to go back, needless to say my mind was blown. Vail, man. Wow.

The poutine was great, I sampled a lot. Friends were made, drinks were shared, the sun was shining. Debatably my favorite part of the trip was visiting the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the guided tour was 10/10 amazing, informative, and moving. On our way home we got stuck in Squamish for a night after a massive atmospheric river brought inches of rain, wind and snow to the Sea to Sky highway - a long and stressful start to our holiday travel.

Back to reality, what's a high speed quad??

All of the sickness, hours of driving, and social engagments took their toll.

It's a hard thing to wait all summer and fall dreaming of skiing, only to feel drained and weak when the time comes. Usually the weather is inspiring, there is fresh snow to farm and it can't be left attended to.

It makes you question your life choices, your identity. Maybe that's a symptom of only have a few hours of daylight, and plenty of time indoors to ponder. I have always thought of myself as an athlete, more importantly a ski bum. When I don't ski during these dark winter days, I end up feeling like just a bum. Living in the mountains, cold, and tired.

The days may have been few, but they were spectacular. I found joy, again, in the simplicity of groomers and the leisurely flow that naturally takes hold when it's 6 degrees outside and there's no fresh snow. Slow mornings, stopping by the bakery, bullshitting.

With impending end of dry January flurries graced our presence and we found the spark. The darkest days are behind us, the sun is shining on the raven hut just a little longer. Brighter days are ahead.

Enjoy the photos -

pictured: Noelle wearing Kactus Blue in front of Komo Kulshan

Sarah, BTS shooting for Kactus Blue

Vivien and Zoe, checking beacons before dropping into the blower snow on the Upper Elbow, Mt. Baker Ski Area

With Gratitude

Jasmine