"Oh shit, what do I do now."

It's becoming that time of year when local mountains are closing up for the summer. The lifts are spinning for the last days. For most, the ending date came fast. Faster than expected. Weren't there bottomless powder turns just a few days ago? Suddenly new actives pop up that revolve around 'camping,' 'fishing' and 'hiking'. Many winter friends have already left town. This transformation in weather parallels a time in which a ski bum will go through the five stages of grief. Because to the young

skier the end of winter doesn't just mean the end of skiing - it means the end of employment, housing, friendships and probably a classic winter ski town relationship.

1 - Denial

I know, I know. You're still holding on to that idea that there's going to be one more powder day. Maybe another bonus weekend. You're set on the idea of skinning or hiking up just to ski corn and grass. It's not over till you say it's over, right? Except with your ex. That is over.

2 - Anger

You're mad that the resort's national forest service permit is up. You're mad you didn't get onto the mountain at least 60 days. You're mad that every goal you had for the season now stands incomplete. Another winter has come and gone yet you didn't send it off that cliff that's been calling your name every powder day. You didn't even try to do a backflip. Unfortunately, you just broke up with your number one iphone filmer, so there wouldn't even be footage. Life suxs, summer suxs and you're newly single so suxs for you.

3 - Bargaining

Ullr is no longer with us. Snow dances no longer count. Birthday candle wishes won't make a difference. Try as much as you want but winter is gone and done. The Earth is continuing its orbital rotation around the sun and North America is switching gears to longer days and warmer temperatures.

4 - Depression

It's time to use that $15 bottle of whiskey that's been rolling around in your car for a month. Then find the hidden beer cans stashed away as well... Now invite over some buddies and drink all night on the roof. Reflect back on how the past season has actually been insanely epic so there's no reason to be a bummer. It's summertime so you can even find yourself a significant other without a first impression based on their helmet hotness, ski ability, or instagram photography. (Shout out to slut strands)

5 - Acceptance

Once you've accepted the ski relationship with your mountain is over then you are set to move onto the next chapter of life called ~summer~. Time to give those knees or shoulders a much-needed break and replace skiing with other (high risk) activities. This includes but is not limited to mountain biking (downhill), kayaking (waterfalls) or rock climbing (free solo). The #mylifeisyourvacation hashtag will continue to live on through other outdoor recreation.

Once you've finally accepted summer into your heart it's time to enjoy the sun and warmth. However, it's never too early to get stoked for more turns. I mean sure it's almost May but there'll probably be a spring powder day sometime next week, right?