No Room for Distraction on the Slopes

For this edition Dan turns to a professional for help as he hits the slopes in the latest “stressful leisure” paradox.

I’m spending this end-of-year holiday week away in the mountains. 

The mountains are a place that inspires and focuses so many artists, musicians and athletes. Up here it’s gorgeous, tranquil and—if you’re lucky enough—snowy.

But let’s be honest: skiing is a stressful event. You have to drive to the mountain (without forgetting any gear). You have to drop off your board or skis. You have to park nowhere near the lodge. You have to wrestle into your own boots, jackets, gloves and helmets—not to mention your children’s. Finally, before you can go down, you must go up, often enduring a long line at the lift closest to the lodge.

Told you my goggles weren't on my face.

“Why am I doing this again?”

When skiing or snowboarding (I’m a one plank type of guy) you have to look down because that’s the direction you're going.

But that doesn’t sound very inspirational.

OK, I’ve navigated all the challenges of getting here. Now I’m ready. I strap on my board, push myself up and I’m off. I’m moving at a completely acceptable speed for a 40-something dad. I try to relax, but I still find myself distracted.

“Where is my kid?” “Did I strap on my snowboard tight enough?” “Come on, Dan, you forgot to put down your goggles!”

How do I stay so focused while “getting away” so I can let the cold wind blow past my smiling face?

In search of professional advice

I turned to a professional for the answer.

Lindsey Vonn is a downhill skiing legend. Still competing at the highest level in her 40s, she recently earned a spot on the US Olympic Team for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games. (For context, her first Olympics were the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.)

Vonn says she puts mind over matter and isn’t afraid of competing in pain. Part of that is because her identity is so deeply wrapped up in the sport, but it’s also about the way skiing forces her to focus on joy.

“I didn't really know who I was outside of skiing,” Vonn told The Talks during her initial retirement in 2022. “It’s always been my happy place, you know, when you’re racing you don’t have any room for distraction, so you’re very present. I felt that from the moment I first stepped on skis. I felt like this was my place.”

No room for distraction. Being present in the moment. Feeling the crisp mountain air on your face. 

Even for an average Joe snowboarder like me, I feel that. I like that.

Now, If I can just remember where I left my board before I stopped into the lodge to warm up by the fireplace. Maybe that’s it over there?