Level Up!

I passed the on-the-snow portion of the level one PSIA! This happened yesterday from 8 to 3 and it was tougher than expected. The weather dumped about 9 inches in just under 24 hours. This made a lot of the drills tougher as the runs couln't be groomed until the snowfall subsided some. Sideslips were more like sideslops, but the challenge was accepted and all five of us passed the exam. I tested alongside 4 other candidates and were each responsible for leading the group in a drill with detailed explanation of the technique used to derive the most use of the drill, which fundamental the drill was being used to focus on, and finally, demo the drill. We were then pulled aside from our examiner and asked to privately critique each other as we performed the drill. A bit nerve racking but we did get a bunch of 'free skiing' in as well. The rest of the group all worked for the mountain, and I the only outsider. It's a good thing I'm used to moving around so much, cause it barely phased me. It was weird however, afterwords. Kind of a post portem decompression. My lady was of course very happy for me, and proud to see that I had accomplished something I had been wanting for about two years. This is for you pops, and to Kat as well, who pushed me to sign up for the on the snow exam the same day of my written pass. I'm already pushing towards a level two certification, but I think for now I'm gunna go and freeski for a few days to decompress from the stress of testing. I also think with my free time regained from studying I can get back into the studio. As usual, thanks for reading. We are supposed to head back to Idaho tomorrow for some fresh tracks. Our home mountain received over 12" in twenty four hours, so yeah, we wanna get some o' that. Take care, and stay positive.