Readers,
As a working journalist, I often cover serious stories. Recently, I reported on one of the most consequential elections in American history and regularly tackle stories that hold corporate power accountable. My mind races daily between the story I’m currently working on and the next big scoop I might break. I thrive on this chaos; it’s invigorating.
I know many of our readers feel the same way in their own lives. New York can be a challenging place to live if you’re not driven and passionate about what you do. Our culture thrives on hustle and bustle, but with all the positives it brings, it can also be draining and frankly conducive to burnout.
That’s why, as an avid skier, my favorite moment each year is right after the first big snow. As the snowflakes fall, I feel grounded again.
I know that sounds strange, but there’s something so calming about that brief moment—where the anticipation of the ski season fades away, and the reality of its presence sets in.
The next morning I’m on the bus, heading to the mountain. A few hours later, I got the first chair on the ski lift. Shortly after I’m at the summit. and am met with stunning vistas in every direction and crisp mountain air. It truly is a sobering moment.
If you are like me in that instant, all of your stressors fade away. Soon your skis glide effortlessly through the untouched snow—carving through it like a knife slicing through a newly opened stick of butter. Everything that worries you, whether it's a looming rent payment, an overflowing inbox at work, or that person who ghosted you, at least for a moment, no longer matters. That’s what it’s all about.
Achieving a state of pure presence is not easy. That’s why the mountain feels magical; it provides an escape for so many of us. Whether it’s a week out west, in Europe, South America, or Japan; a weekend in Vermont; or a day at Hunter, or Belleayre, the mountains offer a chance to shred, carve, and connect—with friends, new and old, and most importantly, with yourself. For me, that’s what it’s all about—a chance to connect and reset.
This theme of connections is at the heart of our second issue. Building on the success of our first issue last year, we have so many amazing stories to share with you. I’m beyond thankful to be working with our partners at OvRride to bring you another edition filled with inspiring and informative narratives.
This year, we collaborated with talented writers whose bylines appear in notable publications including Time Magazine, Slate, Ski Magazine, Vice, and USA Today.
We present engaging stories, such as my profile of the film Champions of Golden Valley, a harrowing tale of the Afghan ski team; awesome how to’s like Easton Smiskey’s guide to falling asleep on a plane; Rich Stoner’s day in the life profile of olympian Jonny Moseley and Lindsay Lee Wallace’s account of learning to ride for the first time as an adult.
Right here, on our new website, we will bring you so much amazing content and reporting over the next few months. You can expect insightful originals from our previous issue, guides, other winter sports/travel news you need to know.
I sincerely hope that what you find here at City and Slopes inspires you to hit the mountains, whether you’re an experienced mountain athlete or trying it out for the first time.
Enjoy,
Andy Hirschfeld
Editor In Chief
City and Slopes Magazine