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EW IN OTHER NEWS 154 March 2017 Skiing is only fun if you're confi- dent. If you try to go really slow and super cautious, it's not that much fun," he added. A self-professed "skiing snob," Dr. Zavodni doesn't snowboard and actually prefers to ski in areas designated for skiing only—a.k.a. no snowboarders. "A purist skier believes that snowboarders will tear up the moun- tain because snowboards tend to carve out large gouges in the snow. While it may not be fair, snowboard- ers also have a reputation for being a bit more obnoxious on the hill," he said laughing. Living so close to Alpine skiing, Dr. Zavodni said he's able to go with his kids about three times a month. But this proximity also spoils him to prefer certain conditions over others. "Every day is good, but there is a difference. I only get super excited to ski when we get 3 feet of snow. Six inches is good, but a really good day is 36 inches," he explained. Dr. Zavodni added that unlike the heavier, icier snow more com- mon in East Coast conditions, the snow out West is much lighter. "When you're skiing out here it's a lot more fun; you don't have to work as hard. To turn in heavy snow, your legs hurt, versus turning in light snow," he said. He also said he prefers fresh, relatively unskiied powder, compared to well-traversed terrain like moguls, which are little bumps down the mountain created by skiers' turns. While he has partak- en in some little jumps—something he said every kid will try—he never got into any of the extreme jumps were one could get injured. "One of the greatest parts of skiing is the adrenaline rush that comes from linking turn after turn while flying down the mountain. Just like when a child is learning to ride a bike or sled down a hill, there's a rush of excitement that can be addicting. In some ways, skiing provides adults an opportunity be kids again," he said. Like himself, Dr. Zavodni has been teaching his children—7 and 3 years old—to ski from a young age. "Teaching one's own children to ski is not an easy parenting activity. There are a lot of tears along the way. A typical ski outing with the kids consists of complaints regarding the tight boots, frustrations with falling, and getting cold. Once snow gets in the gloves, jacket, or boots it's time to call it a day and go to the lodge where there is warmth and food. Amidst these challenges, how- ever, there are squeals of laughter and wonderful memories. Teaching your kids to ski is an investment, but it is worth it. It is a lifelong sport that I'll be able to enjoy with them well into my retirement." EW Contact information Zavodni: zacharyzavodni@gmail.com Skiing continued from page 153 " Skiing can be a surprisingly quiet and introspective activity. For the experienced skier, the repetition of linking turn after turn can provide an opportunity for the mind to relax and reset. " —Zachary Zavodni, MD

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