I’m on top of Keystone with the sun on my face and a perfect breeze. Friends surround me with ear-to-ear smiles. Birds are chirping from the lift towers. A man in a hotdog costume flies by hysterically. Everything is flawless, but I’m overwhelmed with guilt. More specifically, I’m puzzled by how my life is so unexplainably incredible here in Colorado. After 20 years on snow, I stand atop the Rockies with these distresses spiraling through my mind. No answers accompany my questions, but I realize the best thing I can do is simply treat this experience and all experiences with responsibility and respect. For this year’s final Snow Report, here are some tips to finish off the season in a fulfilling manner.

Safety first

Driving up to the mountains with a thirty rack and no plan for the way back is not good, so have a designated driver. Drinking excessively on the mountain is also very dangerous and should not be overlooked. Think of your family and be responsible.

Take care of gear

Spring is known to ruin ski and snowboard gear, so don’t become a victim to this common threat and be respectful of everything your parents were so kind to invest in. Bring along a towel, wipe off all gear at the end of the day and pull out boot liners to prevent mold. Also store equipment properly at the end of the season by putting a coat of wax on bases and keeping boots buckled to maintain form. This stuff is made to last, all it takes is a little effort on your part.

Cook in the lot

Making food for a day on the slopes is always a good call, but now that it’s spring, making food in the parking lot is the best call of all. Bringing a little charcoal grill, a cooler full of supplies and some solid speakers is all it takes for a grand afternoon. There’s no better way to top off a slushy day at A-Bay.

Beware of the sun

At 13,000 feet, the sun is brutal, very brutal. All those times your parents shmeared you in sunscreen led up to these defining spring shred moments. Lather up, and don’t forget chapstick and sunscreen as well. Not doing this could lead to continuously striking out at the bars this quarter.

Listen to the music

Starting on May 3, A-Basin and Odell’s Brewing Company will be providing live music every Saturday of the month at the base area. The “Shakin at the Basin’ May Concert Series” will host various small-time bands to come and fill the air with free tunes that can be enjoyed by all. Take advantage of these free opportunities, and use this time to reflect on the day.

Dress to impress

Skiing and snowboarding are strictly about having fun and wearing a costume on the mountain makes for an outrageously fun time. Put on something goofy from Halloween or the thrift store and try to get some laughs out of the crowd. Amongst this fun, however, always wear a helmet. Just because it’s spring and you’re wearing a costume doesn’t mean skiing and snowboarding are less dangerous. You’ve made it this far through the season and it would be simply devastating for something to happen now.

There’s no way to give back everything the mountains have given us after this incredible season. However, we can be safe and smart by putting in just a little bit of effort. Never forget how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place, stay on snow as long as possible, have stupid amounts of fun and check back in for another year of the Snow Report when lifts start turning in the fall.