Chasing Fresh Tracks: A Day of Adventure on the Slopes

Hi everyone! My name is Grayson, and I’m a 15-year-old founder of Generations United. I’m also working towards the Congressional Medal, which encourages teens like me to set and achieve meaningful goals in areas like volunteering, fitness, and exploration. For my exploration goal, I planned an epic ski day with my friends at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, just a few minutes from my house. Here’s how it went:

The day started early, with a little help from my parents. I asked my dad if he could give me a ride, and he agreed. We packed up the truck and headed to the ski resort. First stop: the lockers, where I keep most of my gear. I geared up with a helmet, jacket, snow pants, boots, skis, and poles, feeling ready to hit the slopes.

At 9:00 a.m. sharp, I met my friends at the bottom of the hill. The first chairlift of the day took us up to explore the mountain. There’s something magical about skiing early—the snow is fresh, the air is crisp, and the mountain is all yours. We scoped out the best tracks, finding a mix of groomed trails and off-the-beaten-path runs. Skiing off the trail is always an adventure, but knowing how to navigate the changing conditions is key. As the sun moves across the sky, the snow can change from soft and powdery to slushy—so you’ve got to know where to go for the best runs.

By 11:30 a.m., we were ready for a break. We stopped at the lodge for lunch. Since I work at the ski resort, I’m lucky to get a discount with my employee card. Skiing can be expensive, so this perk definitely helps. After refueling and sharing some laughs, we were back on the slopes by noon.

The afternoon flew by as we tackled more runs. The sun began to set, signaling the end of an awesome day. We skied from the resort’s opening at 9:00 a.m. all the way until closing at 4:00 p.m. No one got hurt, the snow stayed great, and we had a blast being independent on the slopes. There’s nothing like spending the day outdoors, pushing yourself physically, and enjoying it all with friends.

This ski day wasn’t just about fun—it was part of my exploration goal for the Congressional Medal. Planning the day, coordinating with my friends, and being responsible on the mountain were all great learning experiences. Plus, it reminded me why I love skiing so much.

Thanks for reading about my adventure! If you’re working on your own goals, I hope this inspires you to get outside, try something new, and make it a day to remember.