Killington

ski instructor · psia level 2 · 2 seasons

I grew up on stories from my dad about his time in Killington, the amazing skiing, the views, the people, the beer, the pizza, and so much more. So when I found myself in between jobs, Killington came to mind.

01, The most random choice I ever made

Deciding to become a ski instructor was one of the most random choices I’ve ever made, and one I’ll never regret. I didn’t know what to expect, but what I got was better than anything I could’ve planned. I met some of the kindest, funniest, most genuinely awesome people. From the stories you told me, the music you blasted, your ridiculous talent on the mountain, to just who you are, I mean it when I say I love you. And I don’t say that lightly.

For two seasons, I called Killington home. And the people? They became family. Now, back in the city, late at night, I can feel it, this ache in my chest. Like I left part of myself on that mountain, and little pieces with everyone I got close to.

02, What the mountain taught me

I learned how to properly shred the mountain from some absolute lunatics. I learned to snowboard in 10 minutes thanks to the legend Timmy. I learned to drink again from the two Josh’s, albeit it was 90% peer pressure. I learned to live and vibe with my roomie JP. I learned how to have fun again.

Somewhere in all of it, I remembered life doesn’t always have to be a grind. It doesn’t have to be about chasing paychecks or dealing with miserable managers. It can be… simple. Good. Full of laughter and stupid inside jokes. You can be a goat farmer and still have a fun life, if you know what I mean.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine, looking at you, President’s Week, but even the hard days made the good ones feel that much better. And speaking of highs… CAN YOU TAKE ME HIGHER!!! (James, you already know.)

03, Why I take so many pictures

At one point, someone asked me jokingly, “Why do you take so many pictures? You’re like a mom.” And it lowkey messed with my head. But it got me thinking, when did it start, this obsession with capturing the moment? The truth is, for me, these photos are the only proof outside our memories that I existed. That YOU existed.

With everything going on in my corner of the world, death comes easily, randomly, and you never know when your time is up. So I capture moments. To keep them alive a little longer. To make sure you’re all still here, in some way. Because if I can hold onto a moment, even just through a photo, I feel like I’m winning against time. I want to delude myself and always make sure everyone around me lives, even if it’s just in a photo. To me, it’s all our memories on paper.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. I love you. And I miss you already.

OBJECT · SEASON PASS

mountain

killington, vt

cert

psia level 2

seasons

2