I joined some work friends old and new at an incredible place generously rented by Tim G., the instigator of the weekend. Vail remains in all its glory; posh, a little Russian, a little Jersey Shore, local, and truly world class in its runs. It manages to keep its deep 10th Mountain Division and European Village heritage.

A couple of the guys were not skiers and wanted a little different experience. So we went off to Meadow Mountain for a hike in the snow. It was hard. 1k ft of elevation gain in 1 mile in the snow. The first part of the climb was brutal, but as we climbed to a side hill ridge in the aspen, the divide came into view, jagged white against the blue sky day. Other people were skinning up, and we had my dog Blue to keep us company.

It’s hard to explain the simultaneous peace and aliveness that effort brings you. The aspen grove broke up the bright sun and brought depth to the the view and the day. It gave the guys an experience you don’t get on the ski hill. These times remind me that I still want to start a “camp” that my corporate pals can come to once a year, to see nature on its terms and spend some time thinking about how we impact each other and our businesses.