Some of my favorite days this season have been in less than waist deep pow. The key ingredient: good friends. Whether it's weaving soul turns or watching a buddy maneuver through turtle back moguls - nothing can replace the hoots and hollers of mutual stoke. James Lawley, Dylan Warnberg, Corey Warren and myself found ourselves with a full tank of gas and a Christmas Day wish to ride whatever Stevens Pass had to offer.

With a slight temperature inversion the top of the chair ride was sunny and clear, and we could even see Mt. Baker to the north. About a third of the way down we dove into Cascade soup light and had to rely on our powder senses to find the mini stashes.

It was definitely chilly and by the time we took lunch I think we all could have gone home. But there was something special in the lodge that day - whole families just being there. Moms knitting, transported Christmas feasts, an avid guitar player, and benign holiday chaos. We were thoroughly warmed and went back out to celebrate.

My only way to make up for not wearing corduroy is by turning on it, and Stevens Pass has some of the kindest signage of anywhere I've been. Thank you Chris Rudolph for one of best Christmas days ever!