Crested Butte is for spectators; Chamonix is for participants.

We may train ourselves to be adaptable as possible, to respond appropriately in each situation, but the ideal of controlling the outcome or steering events as they occur must be relinquished. Chaos rules it all.

Effort and pain may not be avoided. Physical and psychological breakdowns occur. The support of a like-minded group, dedicated to The Art of Suffering, provides a safety net. An individual will push harder and risk more in the company of trustworthy peers.

I scavenged for sensation, sought myself in the rewards of being out there, across the Border.

Ultimately, I wanted to own a big truck, exercise my second Amendment rights, listen to hardcore music, and let my congressman know how poorly he represents me. None of this could occur in France.

Sometimes you must sacrifice yourself on the altar of effort to be reminded of what and who you could become if you applied yourself.

Success can breed contempt, and a casual attitude toward danger.