One of the best things about winter is the opportunity to strap on a pair of skis and hit the slopes after the long summer hiatus. Being from Colorado, I've grown up on the ski hill. And even though I will admit that quite a few tears have been shed while I was on the slope, skiing has become one of my favorite things. Since I just went skiing for the first time this season, I was reminded of all the things I love about it. And thus, I thought I would share those things here:

1. The first lift ride of the season

You're ecstatic because you managed to get to the slope, get your boots and skis on, and are now minutes away from hitting the first slope since last spring. The views aren't bad either

2. The feeling of powder under your skis

If you're lucky enough, you've experienced the pure happiness of powder skiing. There's not really a way to explain it, besides POWDER.

3. The view from the top of the lift

In a word: beautiful. If you're not a mountain person, I don't know if we can be friends.

4. The feeling of taking off your ski boots

With all the positives of skiing, the worst part is perhaps the tortuous boots the sport requires. Putting your regular shoes back on after a long day of skiing is wonderful.

5. The hot tub after a long day on the runs

Hot tubs are always great but hot tubs in the snow are even better.