Giving Thanks

I want to take time this Thanksgiving Day
to mention some of the things I am thankful for.

Sunrise off the coast of Italy
Photo: Dustin Lemke

First off, I’d like to thank all those that have visited TetonAT.com over the past year. This website has really grown into something I could never have imagined in a short period of time and sometimes I question if it is worth all the time and effort it takes to maintain it. Currently, TetonAT.com is receiving close to one thousand visitors per day and I’m glad some of you have taken the time to say hello as you pass thorough Jackson and/or via email. It really means a lot to me when someone says ‘hi’ and it makes all the time spent in front of the computer worth it.

Next, I’d like to thank my sponsors and those that have supported me over the years. All the companies represented on TetonAT.com are top notch and some of the best in the industry. You all have been extremely generous and have made me feel like part of your own families and in the long run, I hope you see value in being part of my family, the TetonAT family and continue to want to be part of it for many years to come. I also look forward to developing new relationships with some other companies I have an affinity for.

Most importantly, I’d like to thank my family. I know the physical distance between us can seem quite large at times. It also may seem like ages between the times we visit with each other in person, but I hope that TetonAT.com can help us stay in touch with each other…and more importantly…closer to one another by keeping you current with the things going on in my life. I know I’m not the best with staying in touch via the phone or email, but know that I often think about you all when I’m alone on the trial or the skin track. You all have been very generous over the years….Love ya!

Of course I want to give a shout out to Julia…the girl in my life. The time we have spent together over the past few months has been great and it honestly has only felt like a few weeks since our first date…a warm and sunny float down the Snake River. I guess the phrase, “time flies when you’re having fun”, is proven in our relationship. As the winter routine ramps up in the next few weeks, I know we may not spend as much time together as we would like, but I hope we can both relate to one another’s needs and wishes, and work with each other to make it work. Thanks for everything JH!!!

I’m really looking forward to this coming ski season. I’m only working (my paying job) three days a week this winter, leaving lots of free time to ski in the Tetons and hopefully around the world. After much thought, I’ve decided to try and make the US Ski Mountaineering Team again this year and travel to Switzerland to compete in the World Championships. If this happens, I plan on staying in Europe for at least an extra week to explore and ski some of what the Swiss region has to offer. I have also been approached about maybe going to Alaska in the spring to try and ski Denali. I’m trying not to get too excited just yet, but I hope this also becomes a reality.

Some of you have contacted me about getting together this winter on a number of different projects, and I hope that they can all be fulfilled. It is very exciting for me to think of what is to come as the winter progresses, as tours and ski trips are put together. Now all we really need is more snow and the wheels can begin to turn. Happy Thanksgiving everyone…and be sure to pray for snow!!!