No matter how many times I see it, I am always mesmerized. I could stare in awe for hours as my flight flies over the snowy peaks out west. From above, I feel a great sense of serenity watching the low clouds tickle over the chiseled mountain range.

Sitting still in my seat is nearly impossible while my body aches to be on the ground surrounded by the aroma of evergreen and birch trees. Once the plane touches down and I make my way towards the airport exit, a cool breeze collides with my face, instantly making my cheeks rosy. Then, when the distinct and crisp scent of winter engulfs my body, I know I am finally home.

Growing up in Chicago, I found that most people would jump at the opportunity to escape the cripplingly cold weather during winter break: Florida, Mexico, California, or as close to the equator as possible were the common destinations. My family on the other hand always left the cold for more cold. Each winter we would pack our bags and head out west to Utah.

Once I left for college and my parents became empty nesters, my parents migrated out west semi-permanently to get as many days in the snow as possible. With my family in all corners of the US, Utah became the central location that we all gravitated to, and with reason!

The coziness of the cabin, the endless winter activities meant more time to spend together as a family. Most hours of the day are spent jetting down the ski slopes and hollering on the chairlifts on the way up. Mid-day you would find us, and countless other families, gathered in one of the many lunch spots on the mountain, filling our faces with chili, french fries, beef stew, and hot chocolate. We’d often struggle to zip our snow pants up after feeling incredibly stuffed before we took on the other half of the mountain.

But the most stimulating part of the day, a feeling that compares to no other, is the freedom I would feel as my eyes gazed over the top of the mountains from the summit. The sky is painted in cool colors across the horizon; a deep purple fades in the far distance and periwinkle fades into a light blue that illuminates the sky. A photo does not do the scene justice, instead, I would have to capture in my mind the intense natural beauty before me.

I am exhausted after the long day, but still reluctant as I would head down to the base on the last run of the day, saying goodbye to the beautiful view. As I return home, I force myself to pause my exhaustion and take my dog on a hike. Despite being tired, watching my dog frolic in the snow keeps my body and mind going.

The pure happiness I experience in these moments is what makes me call Utah home. Every winter, it is the reason why I pack my bags and head for the mountains.