My partner Ricardo took me snowboarding for the first time back in 2007. He spent a lot of time riding and was really good at it so he wanted me to try it out and hopefully enjoy it as much as he did. Lucky for him I did!

I had a couple opportunities growing up in Nebraska to join other families that made annual trips, but unfortunately my parents didn’t agree with “wasting” money on stuff like that. I grew up with a different lens and perspective about experiences and memories being worth the cost.

Having never had the chance prior I felt like a kid getting to be a beginner at something and learn how to slide on a board downhill. I was stoked when he showed up to pick me up in Fort Collins even providing some of the gear I needed so we wouldn't have to rent, what a guy!

We drove to Keystone with a few others joining us for the day and hit the bunny slope for Ricardo’s 101 snowboarding instruction. It took a while to pick up and I definitely spent a good amount of time on my butt eventually making it off of the bunny hill.

The last day of the run was a big challenge as Ricky threw me on a blue run to end the day. Being my first day on a snowboard I was intimidated despite picking it up pretty quickly. The steepness of the slope was the intimidating part. Overall it wasn’t bad and I made it down the mountain only crashing a few times and maybe cursing here and there. The day kicked my butt and I learned how out of shape I was at altitude for those types of endurance sports. I loved learning and was happy Ricky taught me. I could see why he loved the sport so much and I certainly fell a little head over heels myself!