Getting there is half the battle. And half the beauty. Skiers: Aksel Lund Svindal and Kristian Kjelman | Lyngen Alps, Norway | Photo: Mattias Fredriksson mattiasfredriksson.com

When there’s no time for turns, sometimes you’ve just have to point it. Skier: Dana Flahr | Knik River bc, Alaska | Photo: Adam Clark adamclarkphoto.com

Tim Black | Mount Baker bc, Washington | Photo: Jasper Gibson jaspergibson.com

Just shredding away the powder day…. Rider: Kyle Miller | Wasatch Mountains, Utah | Photo: Jim Harris perpetualweekend.com

Japan: it’s what backcountry dreams are made of. Taro Tamai | Niseko backcountry, Hokkaido, Japan | Photo: Ryan Creary ryancreary.com

To air is human, to forgive is divine. Skier: Sheldon Steckman | Mt. Baker bc, Washington | Photo: Grant Gunderson grantgunderson.com

With powdermouth, your body is likely numb due to the lack of oxygen your brain is receiving. In this case, that’s generally OK. Skier: Seth Cohen | Alta Backcountry, Utah | Photo: Adam Clark adamclarkphoto.com

As the first snowstorm continues its way across the middle of America, it’s hard not to believe the Snow Gods are smiling on us. Here’s to praying for a deep winter. Skier: Frank Desrosiers | Monashee Mountains, B.C. | Photo: Bruno Long brunolong.com

It never looks that high until you’re standing there, peering over the drop…. Skier: Matt Cote | Kicking Horse Backcountry, British Columbia | Photo: Ryan Creary ryancreary.com

Before work, some people read the newspaper, some sit in traffic and some salute the rising sun with a morning skin. Skier: Janne Tjärnström | Riksgränsen, Lappland, Sweden | Photo: Mattias Fredriksson mattiasfredriksson.com