“Hello. My name is Jaeger Goodenough and I’m addicted to skiing.”

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. But is it really a problem? I mean, sure, my parents’ bank account might be a little concerned about my newfound hobby, but my soul and spirit? Thriving. Absolutely thriving.

It’s my dad’s fault. He had this spontaneous idea to head to Lutsen Ski Resort during Christmas break in 2024, which turned out to be the gateway drug. Now, I’m hooked! So hooked, in fact, that when my childhood friend Colin invited me to ski in Colorado, I said, “Heck yeah!” before remembering that I’m the kid who usually hates sleepovers anywhere but my own house.

So there I was, in the airport, without my family. And before I could panic—plot twist—we got upgraded to first class seats! Justin and Summer said it was an early birthday present for me and Colin since we’re both April birthday babies. And wowzers: the view (and snacks) from the front of the plane was amazing! But honestly, this is going to make every future birthday feel a little disappointing unless someone steps it up with, like, a private jet.

But the main event: skiing in Colorado.

Let me just say: these were not Midwest hills. These were actual, real-life mountains. The kind where you look down and briefly wonder if you’ve made a huge mistake. But once I got going? Incredible. I felt fast. I felt skilled. I felt like I should probably be sponsored (I am not sponsored).

There was one slight issue: the weather decided to act like it was summer for absolutely no reason. A warm snap almost ruined everything, and some runs were closed, which was tragic. But we still got out there and skied what we could, and it was easily the best skiing I’ve ever done.

When we weren’t on the mountain, we stayed busy with hot tubbing, swimming, luggage cart rides, escape rooms (which we escaped with time to spare), go-karts, bumper karts, mini golf, and Topgolf. At one point, we went to a steakhouse, and I ordered a $58 filet mignon. I repeat: fifty-eight dollars. For a steak. I felt like I should be wearing a suit and talking about stocks. Was it worth it? Yes. Did I feel slightly too powerful? Also yes. Would my mom ever let me order that kind of meal? Heck no.

Another major life update: I am now a magnet collector. I got a couple magnets on this trip, and I’ve decided this is my thing. Everywhere I go, I’m getting one. Future me is going to have a fridge that tells my entire life story, which is pretty cool.

The only downside to this trip was missing Easter with my family. Luckily, the Easter Bunny still left me a basket full of goodies to enjoy when I got home.

So, to summarize: first solo flight without my parents, first time in first class, first time skiing real mountains, first (and maybe last) $58 steak, and the beginning of my magnet collection.

They say admitting you have a problem is the first step. Maybe they’re right. But if the “problem” is skiing… I’m not looking for a cure.