Ode

They were 120mm underfoot and exhibited the strongest Big Stick Energy she'd ever experienced. They were undoubtedly rock skis. And they were perfect.

Maybe telemark is silly and too hard, and difficult to relate to. Maybe it is a bit of a handicap—an excuse to suck.

If you can get unstuck from the suck, it could be the best worst day ever.

The sting of realizing you’re just not good enough can pave the way to a whole new enjoyment of the sport.

Ride them long enough and you come to view chairlifts not just as things, but as entities with lives, vibes, and personalities all their own.

Skiing this type of surface often achieves a near-religious dimension, little wonder when you consider that most ancient peoples forged an active relationship with their wind gods.

Check out Paddy O'Connell's author page.

Nothing compares to skiing powder. But skiing over glass comes in a close second.

Our top writers have perfected the art of the essay in our near-iconic Ode column. These are some of the best.

When times are tough and the world feels like it's turned upside-down, sometimes play is just what's needed

We’ve found the sun does in fact still rise and set and chairlifts still go round and round

Fostering the generational passion of skiing, but this time, the other way around.

The way to a skier’s heart is through dented bumpers, rusted floorboards, and most importantly, heat that works

These weird and wonderful labors of love signify the sheer passion that makes us skiers special

The comfort that washes over my nervous system while I sit in my office is like the antonym of powder panic

When the snow falls, skiers worldwide understand one other perfectly well, no matter where they come from.

Any guy can present well through drinks and dinner, but if you want to find out what a man is really made of, you have to take him skiing.

A recovering telemarker comes to terms with her return to alpine skiing.

Never underestimate the power of bartering in a ski town—especially when fresh-baked desserts are involved.

Sam Coffey helped everyone thrive in the greater skiing family and beyond. He was a person all skiers should aspire to be.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for skiers, at least. The end of the season brings sunshine, corn snow, cold beers, and countless ways to embarrass yourself in front of the entire resort. Good times. From late-season storms to pond skims and patios, spring skiing is winter’s most excellent parting gift.

Your one-piece is waiting.

Sometimes the circle of life is just vermin getting what they deserve.

When a skiing parent’s relentless care and feeding finally pay off.

On Skiing Essay

Yeah, yeah, I skied a few times back home in high school. I’ll be fine.

Sibling dynamics never really change. Until you’re standing at 12,400-feet atop Aspen’s Highland Bowl in 40 mph winds.

Tragic accidents happen. But sometimes staying alive is a commitment you make to the people who love you.

Indie ski makers continue to subvert ski culture from within, playing by their own rules, bringing new ideas to the slopes. All revolutions start small, but the mainstream regime has been put on notice, and more American skiers are declaring independence.

A Ski Magazine editor finally admits to trashing our company car.