Take an Avy Class

Own a chainsaw.
Cut your own line through the woods. Name it. Ski it.

Learn to tune your own skis.

Tune your mom's skis.

Memorize Squirrel's lines from Hot Dog...The Movie.

Learn three mountaineering knots.  Know how to use them.

If you’re going to shoot helmet cam footage for gawdsake figure out how to edit it.

Know how to make killer chili:
On a cold snowy night, after a hard day on the mountain, we skiers need more than bits of raw fish eaten with little sticks. What we need, and what you need to know how to make, is a stick-to-yer-ribs bowl of chili. And a spoon. Here's how: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté 1 1/2 cups diced onion, 1 cup green bell peppers, and 2 garlic cloves (minced). Add 1 pound of ground beef; cook until brown. Add 3 tablespoons flour and mix. Add salt, pepper, an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 2 teaspoons cumin. Stir in 1 pound of canned kidney beans and let simmer for a couple hours. Top with shredded cheddar and serve with cold beer.--Helen Olsson

Put together a personal med kit. Know how (and when) to use everything in it.