A wonderful thing happened last Sunday: the ski season ended, at least here in Park City. That’s why Monday afternoon, I put on my snowshoes and hiked up the halfpipe, which will continue to have plenty of snow well into spring.
As you can see in this picture, there are a handful of cars in the distant parking lot, but no one else was visible on the trail. In 24 hours, we went from thousands of guests to… just me.
Later today, I’ll hike up again. It’s a magical experience to slow down and get up the mountain through my own power, rather than thanks to a mechanical lift that I get to ride thanks to a financial transaction I made with the ski area.
To put this another way…
The shoulder season rules!
In resort towns like this one, many people disappear for the “shoulder season” or the “off season”. I do the opposite.
Last December, we went to Zion National Park specifically because that’s when they shut down the bus system and allow cars to enter the park. Since there are very few parking spaces inside the park, this dramatically limits the number of people on the trails. Yes, it can be cold and dark, but you get to experience nature!
In a similar manner, a few months ago, we went to Sedona and then Moab. Same deal. It’s colder and darker, but still magical.
Can you see where I’m heading?
The most popular choice is often not the best choice
An objective observer could easily conclude that I’ve spent most of my life doing the opposite of what most people do.
When I ski, if at all possible, I duck into the woods instead of skiing on an actual trail.
I typically invent my own job, even during those periods when I have worked for an actual company.
I literally look for the paths less travelled.
Every now and then, I wind up cold, wet and lonely.
But most times, I am thrilled with the results of not taking the popular choice.
My intention isn’t to suggest you should be a contrarian. I am simply sharing my observation that just because a lot of people do something, it doesn’t mean that path is right for you.
Could I ask a small favor?
Before you go today, could you please forward this newsletter to someone who might enjoy it?
Bruce Kasanoff is a ghostwriter who lives on the side of a mountain in Park City, Utah
I love Park City!! I live down in the valley but get up there a few times every year
Shoulder season rules. Even time of day makes a difference. My husband and I use our local pool early or late in the day. Lap swimmers use the longer pool so we often have the dive/polo pool to ourselves. Perfect. Yes, we call it our resort.