Snowboarding in Colorado: A First-Timer Embarks on a Rocky Mountain Solo Trip to Perfect Powder

Skiing on fresh powder snow can be a magical experience.

Vail ski resort has more than 5,300 acres to snowboard on and more than 250 runs. Alex Chhith/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS

By Alex Chhith From The Minnesota Star Tribune

VAIL, Colo.—On Colorado’s mountainsides, no matter how many times I fell on my bum or knees—or sometimes face-first—I couldn’t shake that feeling of buttery powder sliding beneath my snowboard.