I have been thinking about skiing a lot lately because of really late start of the cold winter season for us that live on the east coast. I first started skiing when I was four years old and I have been skiing every winter since then.

When I look back at my many ski seasons, I think of all the new experiences, memories, and bonding time that I gained on the slopes. This is why I have put together a list of ten important life lessons that skiing either taught me or deepened my understanding of.

1. Making the best of something you can’t control

Only Mother Nature can control the weather conditions we face on our ski days. Many different weather conditions can affect the variety of trails that a mountain can open on any given day. It is important to relax and remember no matter what that you are still doing something that you love to do.

2. Take a leap of faith

Sometimes you need to challenge yourself and go beyond boundaries that you set up for yourself. Every once in a while, try that harder trail on the mountain that you never thought you could do and challenge yourself in other aspects of your life too.

3. Know your limits

This may contradict the above lesson a little, but it is important to remember that safety should be everyone’s first priority. It is okay to take risks in life but try not to be reckless while skiing and in other areas of life.

4. Persistence

It is important to always keep trying to improve your skiing skills. No one is perfect at anything, but with practice you will become better.

5. Confidence

You must believe in yourself and your capabilities. Spend time focusing on your strengths instead of your weaknesses.

6. Patience

Getting better at skiing takes hard work, but it is definitely worth the time energy. This is also true for many other things in life. Good things come to people who wait.

7. Self-reliance

When you are skiing, you are in control of your own body and no one else can ski down the mountain for you. This allows you to realize how much you are truly capable of accomplishing.

8. There is always room for improvement

Nothing is ever perfect. It is that plain and simple.

9. Every once in a while step back and look at your surroundings

Take a look around you and breathe in the fresh mountain air. You get to see things on the slopes that you don’t get to normally see. Make sure to take notice of the different sights wherever your travels may lead you.

10. The importance of family time

For my family, this is one way we all get to spend time together and get away from our busy schedules. Skiing is a family activity that we all enjoy and people of all ages can participate.

Now that we have moved past the warm winter start, we can all hit the slopes. Make the most of all your ski days, because soon it will be spring again.