Last year, I shared my goals for 2024, and it turned out to be a great way to plan my year.

While it might look like I’ve scheduled every weekend in advance, there’s almost always room to swap plans for something better. The goal of this list isn’t to restrict my opportunities. Instead, it helps me stay focused, train appropriately, and always have something exciting to anticipate.

If this all seems ambitious for one year, that’s because it probably is. In fact, there’s even more I had to defer until 2026. Accomplishing all of this depends on a light work schedule, perfect weather when I need it, and securing all the right permits. But I love dreaming big.

Skiing

Although I managed to get some skiing in last winter, it wasn’t a proper season due to low snowfall. I had just enough sessions on the slopes to pick up where I’d left off. This winter, I’m expecting better conditions and hoping to level up. The key will be volume: consistent practice and getting comfortable with waking up early to make the most of the mornings on the slopes.

1. Skiing in Hokkaido - My first ever Japow trip is set for late January, and my buddy Luke will be joining me. We’re heading to the Rusutsu area for three days on skis, and I’m eager to put my 117-underfoot Atomic Backlands with Shift bindings to good use. Touring at Yotei might even be on the table of conditions allow. Either way, I can’t wait to experience the legendary powder and see what all the hype is about.

2. XC skiing Methow Trails - The Methow Valley feels like heaven on earth in the summer, and in winter, it transforms into the largest cross-country ski area in North America. While my past experiences with XC skiing haven’t sparked much interest, this stunning setting deserves another chance. Poor snowfall kept us from making it happen last winter, but this year we’ve already booked lodging and plan to head out with friends. More info.

3. Skiing 350,000ft vert - While this might seem like a modest goal compared to the numbers my friends rack up, it feels achievable for me. Resort skiing is the perfect way to log volume and refine my technique. To stay motivated, I’ve connected with some random Internet friends for carpooling. Here’s the plan:

   • Crystal Mountain w/ midweek pass: This will help me avoid lines and save money.

   • Night skiing at Snoqualmie: Although Snoqualmie often has the worst conditions, it boasts the most night skiing terrain in the U.S. I’ll plan on hitting evening laps (4–8 pm) selectively.

4. Ski touring 30,000ft ele - Last year, I managed 17,000 ft of ski touring, thanks mostly to skiing two volcanoes with friends. To hit 30,000 ft this year, the best strategy is to do laps at Hyak. It’s a solid option for solo workout laps if I can’t convince someone to join me.

5. The Birthday Tour (5mi, 3500ft desc) - This is a straightforward, classic ski tour near Washington Pass, accessible when Highway 20 opens (mid-April to mid-May). The route requires a short car shuttle, though hitchhiking the 2-mile distance is a viable option. It seems like an ideal way for a backcountry beginner like me to explore the zone, and I imagine it won’t be hard to convince friends to join in. Route info.

   • NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining

6. Ruth Mountain ski (12mi, 4,800ft desc) - I’ve long considered Ruth Mountain as a straightforward mountaineering objective due to its minimal crevasse risk, but it seems like it would be even more fun as a ski tour. The summit offers stunning 360-degree views of the incredible peaks in the North Cascades. The biggest challenge will be timing the conditions, but I’m planning to target May. Route info.

7. Snoqualmie Pass ski touring - I’d like to tackle some of the recommended local tours, such as Pineapple Pass, the Chair Peak Circumnavigation, or the Slot Couloir. These are low-commitment outings, with a short drive and flexible planning depending on who I can team up with. I’m aiming to make this happen between February and March.

8. Backcountry skiing Mt Adams (12mi, 6,700feet desc) - I’ve hiked Mt. Adams once on a perfect July day, and now I’d like to try it on skis. My plan is to descend the easiest, crevasse-free route, though I’d consider the Southwest Chutes if I had a partner to join me. The long drive might make it tricky to find someone equally excited, but I’d be open to going solo if I stick to the South Rib route. I’m aiming for June, depending on conditions. Route info.

   • NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining

Surfing/swimming

I’ve always avoided water activities due to my poor swimming skills. Leah has been encouraging me to improve, and for some reason, I feel an irrational need to get better before having kids.

1. Swimming once each month - This is a bit embarrassing, but I’m determined to try again to make this goal happen. Having someone hold me accountable could make a difference, so I plan to ask my buddy Jason to let me know whenever he’s heading to the pool for a swim.

2. Kayaking around Mercer Island - Owning an Oru kayak feels like it needs some justification, and this seems like the perfect mix of simple yet adventurous. I’m thinking of tackling it on a summer weekday when the days are long, and I can leave work early to hit the water.

   • NOTE: Eric is interested in joining

Cycling (road & gravel)

I’ve been finding a lot of inspiration in bikepacking lately and want to take my new hardtail bike out for a proper spin. While I’ll still do road rides, I don’t have any epic goals to publish—these will mostly be social rides or long solo efforts close to home.

1. Goldmyer Hot Springs - Nestled along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, these geothermal pools are managed by a nonprofit and accessible via a lottery system. Tuesdays are especially coveted for exclusive access to the pools. My plan is to try for a Tuesday evening slot (3–9 pm) and camp overnight for an additional fee. The 10-mile round trip can be made easier by using mountain bikes. I’d aim for late May or June, when it’s still chilly enough to enjoy a warm soak but not so cold that I’d regret camping. Reservations open two months in advance, so timing will be key. Info.

2. Bike touring Sardinia - Leah and I vowed to revisit Sardinia, having only biked along the very northern tip. This time, we’ll start in Cagliari in the south and explore the island by bike. We’ve already booked flights for mid-April and plan to spend two weeks there. While I have a rough idea of our route, I’m most excited about the incredible food and the chance to practice my Italian with the locals.

3. Bikepacking across the Dolomites - I fell in love with Italy during our honeymoon, and biking across the Dolomites feels like the perfect way to combine my love for the mountains with practicing Italian. After watching this video, I bought a used hardtail bike specifically to make this trip—and others like it—a reality. I’ve been piecing together route plans from various sources, aiming to maximize scenic singletrack. Ideally, I’d find lodging each night instead of camping, which would help keep my bike weight down.

   The route I have in mind starts near Piz Boè, heads east, and eventually turns south along the border with Slovenia. I believe I can complete it in two weeks solo. With my flight booked for late August, all that’s left is to hope for good weather, no injuries, and no mechanical issues.

4. Bikepacking Death Valley (135mi, 12,000ft ele) - Most visitors to Death Valley experience it from behind the wheel, which is something I’ve done before. But taking in the landscape slowly by bike feels like the perfect way to connect with its vast, otherworldly terrain. I found a route on Bikepacking.com that outlines a 3–4 day journey, with November or December being the ideal time to go—right when there’s little else happening locally.

   The biggest challenge will be sourcing water, but there are ways to manage that. I’m looking forward to trading the comfort of a car for the immersive solitude of a bikepacking adventure. Route info.

Mountain biking

I leveled up my skills last year, thanks to Fluidride clinics and an unusually warm winter that allowed us to ride year-round. Most of these rides are just about having fun and enjoying the adventure.

1. Orcas Island (shuttled) - Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands, opens its network of singletrack to mountain bikers from October 15 to mid-April each year. In early November 2022, a few friends and I rented an Airbnb on the island and shuttled our bikes up for laps off the summit of Mt. Constitution. We had an incredible time, and I’d love to make it an annual tradition—especially since the islands benefit from being in a rain shadow. More info.

   • NOTE: Eric is interested in joining.

2. Darrington (shuttled) - The trails near Darrington, nestled in the mountains close to Seattle, are perfect for shuttle riding. The scenery is breathtaking, and the trails were recently developed to help diversify the town’s economy beyond resource extraction. This adventure is best tackled with a group of friends to manage the shuttling.

   I’m particularly drawn to this because it’s relatively close to home and promises an incredible day on the bike. My plan is to hit it in peak summer, likely in late July. More info.

3. Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - This is one of Washington’s most challenging alpine mountain biking loops, featuring the highest altitude singletrack in the state at 8,000 feet. While there are sections of mandatory hike-a-bike, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. The trail winds around Martin Peak, transitioning from ponderosa forests to subalpine terrain and open ridgelines.

   The high altitude means there’s a short window to ride, with the most scenic time being during larch season (September–October). The loop is physically demanding, but starting early by car-camping at the trailhead can help. For an epic weekend, we could follow it up the next day with Thompson Ridge nearby, possibly the state’s longest flow trail. More info.

4. Number 2 Canyon - Leah and I stumbled upon Number 2 Canyon almost by accident on our way back from the Methow, and it turned into one of our most memorable rides. We descended the Sundance Trail during wildflower season in early June, and despite an incoming storm obscuring the views, we both agreed it was a stunning and fun ride.

   The trail network in this area is impressive, and it might be worth overnighting in Wenatchee to fully explore everything Number 2 Canyon has to offer.

5. Gifford Pinchot Forest - The rugged terrain between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams is home to some incredible backcountry riding. This area offers excellent loops that steer clear of moto trails and features stunningly scenic trails like Strawberry Ridge.

   The drive to get there is a a long one, but the abundance of great trails here definitely justifies an overnight stay to make the most of it. Route info.

Backpacking & day-hiking

Leah encouraged me to make room in my life for more trail hiking last year, and I’ve come to appreciate it—especially when we find incredibly scenic trails without the crowds.

1. High Divide Loop backpacking in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - I was inspired to tackle this route after reading Climber Kyle’s blog post about epic mountain runs in the PNW. The trail offers an incredible variety of scenery, from rainforest views to alpine meadows, open ridgelines, and spectacular waterfalls.

   I chose this route because I want to experience more of the Olympic Peninsula while I’m still living in Seattle and have relatively easy access to it. At first, I considered doing it as a day hike, but the stunning scenery convinced me it’s best appreciated as a backpacking trip. I’ll try my luck at securing a permit for July. More info.

2. Backpacking in the Sierras - We fell in love with the High Sierras on our hike last year, and I had the chance to show Leah how stunning Yosemite Valley is, even if only for a few hours. We both wished we had more time to explore the area.

   This year, I’ve secured a permit for five nights in the Inyo National Forest, starting from Bishop Pass in mid-June. While we’ll figure out the exact route closer to the trip, the landscape is breathtaking, and I’m confident we’ll have an incredible adventure.

Mountaineering

I haven’t done any glaciated mountaineering in years, but now I finally have a reliable partner in Patrick. We had plans to tackle some peaks, but both of us agreed that preparing and practicing for mountaineering is a huge commitment—and we just didn’t make the time for it.

1. Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - This route combines mountaineering with some exciting 4th class scrambling. I’ve attempted Mt. Shuksan before, but we had to turn back just a few hundred yards from the summit due to rain. If I try this route again, I’d want at least two partners to rope up with for added safety.

   July and August are prime months for this climb. I’ll aim to secure a backcountry permit for the higher-altitude Price XC zone, but if that’s not an option, I’ll join the crowd camping for free at Lake Ann. Route beta.

2. Little Tahoma (16mi, 7200ft ele) - Little Tahoma, the smaller subpeak of Mt. Rainier, is a constant feature of my view from home. While it’s overshadowed by Rainier, its 11,138-foot elevation makes it a significant and challenging climb. The route sounds like a grueling slog, with sections of loose rock, so I’d plan to rope up with friends to tackle it safely.

   Early July, with its long daylight hours, seems like the ideal time to attempt this climb. Route beta.

3. Inspiration Traverse (guided) - I have credit for a few days of private guiding with the American Alpine Institute, and I’m considering using it for the Inspiration Traverse in the North Cascades. This route includes summiting Eldorado Peak (which would be my third time) and traversing several glaciers.

   Having been to the area twice before, I’d like to revisit it with the skills and knowledge I’ve gained since, helping me build confidence for future adventures. The ideal time for this trip would likely be July, August, or early September. Route beta.

Climbing

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be the climber I once aspired to be, and oddly, that realization brings me a sense of peace. Until now, I struggled with my inability to prioritize climbing over all the other activities I love. This year, I’ve trimmed down my list of climbing goals. I’ll give them my best effort, but I’ve decided not to beat myself up if they don’t all come to fruition.

1. Climbing in Red Rock - Climbing with Patrick in Red Rock last spring was an absolute blast. We found that 2–3 days of full-on climbing was the sweet spot; by the fourth day, we were so exhausted that we ended up catching an earlier flight home.

   The area has an endless number of moderate classics, and I’d love to tackle as many as I can in my lifetime. With so much skiing planned for the spring, I’m thinking November would be the perfect time to make another trip out there.

   1. NOTE: Ben and Greg are interested.

2. Squamish climbing - After an amazing mountain biking trip in Squamish, I’d love to return and check out the climbing. While not technically in Squamish, I’m particularly excited about Star Chek and Indra’s Net —both are multipitch sport routes that climb directly out of the river.

   The route I’m most looking forward to, though, is Spirit of Squamish, an 8-pitch moderate and a classic of the area. The best time to visit seems to be between July and September, and I can’t wait to experience the climbing scene firsthand.

3. Guided: Third Pillar of Dana (5.10 III, 3 pitch) - For my birthday two years ago, Leah gifted me a guided climb with Peter Croft. Unfortunately, I had to delay using it due to two injuries, and when we finally made plans in 2024, Peter Croft ended up being flaky, and bad weather forced us to defer.

   Now, I’m determined to return to the Sierras and make this climb happen, possibly in June. I’ll look for a different guide this time and might even consider tackling something harder, like the Red Dihedral, if I feel strong enough. Route beta.

4. Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - Prusik Peak is arguably one of the most beautiful mountains in the country, and its West Ridge offers a moderate climb on solid rock with easy natural belay anchors. If not for the six-hour hike to reach it, the route would likely be swarming with climbers.

   The biggest challenge is securing a permit for the area. This year, I’ll be ready to apply on February 15 and hope for some luck. I’m targeting July or August, though the odds of getting a permit are slim, so this goal might carry over to another year. As much as I love the idea of the climb, I’m not sure I have the enthusiasm to tackle it as an 18-hour, single-day push. Route beta, more info.

5. Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - This alpine rock route offers stunning views and thrilling exposure, making it exactly the kind of moderate climb that appeals to me. Patrick and I almost attempted it, but after scouting it on a hike a few days earlier, I realized we were too late in the season. The north-facing wall already had ice forming on the holds by late September.

   On the bright side, I found some excellent camping spots nearby—no permit required—for the next attempt. If conditions allow, we might also tackle True Grit, a slightly harder moderate route right next door. I’ll aim for mid-September or earlier to avoid the icy holds this time around. Route beta.

6. Climbing in the Gunks - The Gunks holds a special place for me as the area where I logged countless climbs while learning. I miss it a lot and would love to squeeze in a day trip next time I’m visiting family in NYC. I’m not too picky about which route I get on, though it’d be pretty awesome to climb The Dangler for a photo. 😅

7. Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - It’s a destination for climbers from across the country, and it’s easy to see why. This one is definitely worth taking a day off for, and going mid-week should help avoid long waits behind other parties.

   Located in the Methow Valley, just outside of Mazama—my happy place—this route now has the added convenience of a new hostel for easier lodging. I also learned that shuttling cars to the top of the route can save the hassle of multiple rappels. September seems like the perfect time to make this happen. Route beta.

To help coordinate plans, I created a chart outlining the ideal times to tackle each goal based on expected weather and my personal schedule. A few activities are already locked in for specific dates, but the chart helps keep everything organized. Let me know if you’d like a copy of the template to use for your own planning!