Yesterday morning was brisk when I set out on my skis and I wasn’t sure how long I would last. Cold temperatures make for clear skies - we’ve been getting down as low as -15˚F at night and I have not seen a cloud in the sky for several days. Around 9:30 am, the sun made its way over the mountains and onto the valley floor, bringing a warm sense of relief. After the penetrating cold left my face and hands, I decided to keep skiing up the frozen river. Eight hours and approximately 15 miles later, I finally returned home, exhausted after another beautiful day in Eagle River Valley.