U.S. Ski Team announcement in Vail tomorrow

Snowmaking operations have started at Vail mountain. Colorado was blessed with a ton of snow the past couple weeks inspiring skiers and snowboarders to sharpen their edges in anticipation. With all that new snow and overnight temperatures consistently below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions are ideal for making snow.

The soft echo of Vail’s snow guns in the pre-dawn light is one of my favorite sounds. It’s a sensory experience that triggers the feeling of anticipation we all get in the final weeks leading up to opening day.  Even after living in the Vail Valley for almost a decade, I still get butterflies in my stomach the first time I hear it.

U.S. Ski Team announcement in Vail
First in line for snow making operations is Golden Peak as U.S. Ski Team members like Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller get first dibs on testing the snow. Vail will open on Nov. 18 to the public, but Golden Peak’s early opening gives our American crew a chance to hone their skills before anyone else.

Also on Saturday, Nov. 5, the U.S. Ski Team will be officially announcing the roster in a pumped up pep rally, presented by Nature Valley. Be there at 4:30pm at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village to get your own autograph from these ski racing super stars. Check out some photos and the story from last year’s event here.

The waiting is the hardest part
This pre-season I’ve realized something: anticipation is a huge part of my stoke. As much as I love (and rely) on new technology, a downside to our technologically driven world of instant gratification is the loss of anticipation. I've actually started to cherish moments in life that force me to wait. For those of us who love sliding on snow, we know what it feels like to wait.

So this season, instead of wishing the days away, I’m going to enjoy waiting. I’ll eagerly anticipate the next snow storm. I’ll share with others stoke for things like getting an autograph from a member of the U.S. Ski Team. I’ll stop in the middle of Bridge Street and listen to the snow guns. It'll be hard, but something in the mountain air tells me it will be worth the wait.  What gets you stoked for the upcoming season?

-- Steven DeWitt