The phrase ski bum gets thrown around a lot.
I was so proud of myself, so excited.
But they were aghast: Youre just going to be a ski bum!?
They were disappointed, shocked that I was squandering my future.
Maybe thats the problem with broad, undefined terms like ski bum.
They mean something different to everyone.
That spring and summer were incredible.
I skied more than I had the rest of my life combined.
But I took offense at anyone who called me a ski bum.
Now they run a business, centering their sales cycle around snow stability and big objectives.
Theyre true ski bums.
But knowing a real ski bum when you meet one doesnt make them any easier to define.
Maybe its easier to start with what theyre not.
A ski bum isnt just a resort employee.
In fact, theyre usually not.
Tourists on their ski vacations like to point at the lifty and wistfully complain that theyre living the dream.
Thats just not true.
And you dont have to be a dirtbag to be a ski bum.
Some of them have sprinter vans, like to tag #skibum on the Instagrams.
Theyre no more ski bums than Unofficial Networks is a legitimate news source.
Thats the thing though, its fun to play dress-up at being a ski bum.
But the older I get the more I see the unsustainable nature of that approach.
Its a lifestyle destined for burnout.
Thats because a true ski bum is just anyone whos dedicated to creating a mountain-centric life.
Some are computer programmers, leveraging their ability to work on the internet to spend their winters skiing powder.
You just need to love playing outside.
Some ski bums live in tarp city, some live in subdivisions.
I get excited about remodeling the house.
I dont live on lodge food leftovers and free saltines.
I dont really go to industry parties or events anymore.
But Im not just here for this storm, this season, this year.
Im not interested in a one night stand with the mountains, or even a short fling.
I want to do this forever.
If that makes me a bum, sure, Ill take it.
All I know is, I want to go skiing.
