The first ski of the season comes with mixed experiences. Three years ago, I managed to get out on a birthday ski tour on November 4th. To go skiing on my birthday had been a long time goal and I was treated to an early season pow day. The following year my good friend and ski partner, Sean Coyle and I, tried to repeat our success, this time a little later into November. The day was a bust, the snow was garbage and much of the lower bit required hiking in and out. I promised myself to never get that eager again and just wait patiently for the season to really get underway before I started ski touring. A novel concept, one my skins and ski bases would appreciate. As last season progressed and the pow days accumulated I become more committed to this promise.