The Magazine Blog

Success is mostly luck, but sometimes, you make your own luck. I recently returned from a destination trip that defied the odds. In the middle of a so-so season both here and in Southwest Colorado, I was still able to ski terrific conditions at four great mountains.

Even better was the fact that everything else went down smoothly: no lines or white-knuckle drives, and a happy significant other. It’s now a month later, and I’m still convinced that it was the perfect trip.

Next time anyone tries to convince you to watch the weather, burn old ski gear, or sacrifice a chicken before booking a flight, don’t bother. It’s bound to be a good experience no matter what happens: strikes and gutter balls, powder or groomers. There’s always the chance that you’ll luck out, especially if you pick a cool destination like the San Juan Mountains.

This is not a tall tale from the mile-high state. I’ve got more than anecdotal evidence — I have the pictures to prove it. So take a look. It’s all good when you’re skiing southwest Colorado. Click on the link to read:

NY Ski Magazine’s
San Juan Mountain Diamonds

Last season, we posted an interview with Bob Peters, which told the story of an Iowan who moved to Jackson Hole in the mid-1970s and witnessed that mountain’s transformation into a world-renown resort.

To kick off the new year, here’s another inspirational tale of a skier who found his promised land. Seven years ago, Marc Guido relocated from the northeast to Salt Lake City, where he routinely scores more powder days in one season than many of us get in a decade.

Lest you launch into a “some-guys-have-all-the-luck” rant, don’t think that he didn’t pay his dues. Before moving to the Wasatch Front, Guido developed the first full-service online skiing magazine while being based at several less advantageous locations, including Boston, Albany NY, and most improbably, eight long years on Florida’s Gulf Coast.