The sun comes out of its night of slumber and throws rays of shine against the backdrop of the mountain; ravines glisten, a multitude of colors bounce off the rays into view. It is serene and so inviting here atop the mountain, but the reality of the coldness of the mountain life, bitter at times, painful cold is a fact the man knows first hand.

The beauty of a new day, the appearance of color, a vivid pink, rising above the mountain range produces an emotion of wonderment, an awe which makes one realize just how small a person is in this environment and produces serenity. It is so easy here to leave behind the conflicts, questions and doubts of the world and feel the 'rightness' of life here.

If anyone were to ask him the question, "where is the ideal place to live?" His answer would be, the mountains, in any season. Here, there is fall foliage with such vibrant colors, skiing in winter, blooming, and colorful vegetation with smells of budding new life in the spring, biking and hiking along the cool and calm lakes in summer. A person does not have to schedule a time to leave the city to travel to such an area to stay for a few days or weeks then go home. It is available year round and right outside your door when living in the mountains, so his answer would be quick to that question!

Living in the mountains is his choice and today couldn't help but be an excellent one this winter day in the mountains, for five new inches of snow arrived overnight! With a day off from work in the town below, he intended to take full advantage of this day! Starting out early after a breakfast fit for this life, three eggs, toast, and sausage and coffee, he is ready for a full day of skiing.

He has to hike along the highway to the ski area which proves be the first enjoyment for him; snowflakes falling around him, nice big flakes resembling diamond crystals covering tree branches that reach far into the sky are peaceful to enter and walk through. As he moves along a ways down the path there is movement that warrants a look. A snow hare popped up its head sniffing the air for possible danger then scampered away into the brush, perhaps to come across a bit of grass hidden under the new fallen snow. This can not help but bring a smile to the man's face.

Arriving at the ski area proves to be another joy, as he is alone here, the first one to break the fresh crust of powder, his to be the first ski tracks of the day! This does not happen often and the smile that appears on his face reflects the realization of this rare occurrence. The hike up to the top of the mountain is invigorating, the beauty of fresh fallen snow and crisp, clear air make for pleasant companions on this hike. On top of the mountain awaits an awesome, breath-taking view. From the top, just across the way is another majestic mountain range and he takes it all in as no one is around to disrupt this peaceful moment. If only he had hours to continue sitting here taking it all in, but that luxury he knew was short-lived, for within minutes the quietness would give way to an onslaught of other skiers.

So, the ski boots are slipped on; the adranaline begins to flow as he hears the snap, snap of the skis being clicked on; anticipation builds inside him as he, once again, realizes he will be the first skier of this day. He is ready! He glides into the snow feeling the soft powder beneath his feet and watching the ski tips push through with ease and feeling the thirty degree air across his face he thinks, "It can't get better than this for a skier." He wonders why anyone loving the snow, this outdoor environment, would want to sleep in on such a beautiful day.

Slipping over the edge of the ski track he begins his first run down the slope, moving smoothly, swiftly down and gracefully makes his first 's' turn and glides down to the bottom of the run. He stops, turns, looks up and feels invincible as he sees only one track of ski lines. He can't help but respond with a broad, confidant smile and raises his arms in success, rejoicing in knowing he was the first in this enveloped blanket of white snow, the very first to be here breaking the virgin snow!. Yes! Again, the thought, "Does it get any better than this?" He inhales deeply and exhales with an "Ahhh" and cracks a smile. "Now this is living!"