So I’ve finally come to accept the fact that I’m in a long-term love affair.

I realized it this morning on the Blue Bird Quad, as I quietly ascended the mountain for the first ride of the day.

Brundage Mountain seduced me with its charms long ago, but instead of our relationship getting stale over the years, it’s just grown stronger.

The snow totals told me it would be a great day on the slopes. Then, when the sun began to push through the clouds, my heart skipped a beat.

I still get giddy when I see tracks this smooth and even…

And there are butterflies in my stomach when I realize how effortless and deeply satisfying the turns will be.

You see, Brundage and I have been through a lot together. Just last weekend, for instance, we went through a rare rough patch as dreaded raindrops fell on the slopes.

“I’m so disappointed in you,” I said, shaking my head and walking away.

But every relationship has its rough spots. In the best relationships, we learn to forgive and forget. But it never hurts when the object of your love does something truly remarkable to make it all up to you.

Today was like that.

With 6″ of fresh snow skiing like 10, I fell in love all over again.

Whether it was seeking out fresh lines in the early morning shadows…

Plunging in deep on the sun-drenched steeps…

Or relaxing into the velvety smooth groomed runs, my passion burned as hot as ever today.

And I have a feeling I wasn’t alone.

I don’t want you to think I’m an easy mark. Here are some more photos to show you what keeps me coming back for more, year after year, week after week, day in and day out.

– April