“The stone fruit flavor filled my mouth, its sweetness teasing my tastebuds.”

And while all that fear and anxiety makes successfully ripping down a difficult run all the sweeter, it can also hinder said success. Which is why in adulthood, marijuana has made its way into my skiing ritual. I’ve experimented with a number of different products and strains—most often vapes and joints—always searching for the right companion for a day on the slopes. And after an adventurous weekend on Mammoth Mountain, I’m happy to report that Caldera’s Peach Rings Pax Era Pod is now a top contender when I’m picking a partner to help me hit the slopes.

Sitting on the appropriately titled High Five Express, a lift that services advanced terrain, I decided to give Peach Rings a go. An unpuffed vape doesn’t usually have much scent, so I was impressed to find that the pod gave off a subtle and sweet aroma with a touch of earthiness. I took a few hits, and that stone fruit flavor filled my mouth, its sweetness teasing my tastebuds. On the backend, I tasted that same earthiness I had smelled, as well as an almost pepperiness that somehow managed to compliment, and even amplify, the peachy flavors from upfront. As the high kicked in, the High Five Express also continued to rise high into the mountains, offering a clear view of Mammoth’s peak, and in particular, a double black diamond run named “Climax.”

For the last two years, but especially the last few days, Climax had become a bit of an obsession of mine. I’ve always dreamed of ripping down a real, true, ass-kicking, pulse-racing, double black diamond like Climax, and two years ago, I decided to work towards that goal. My skills have grown exponentially since then, and I finally felt ready to take it on. So as I settled into the calming, euphoric high Caldera’s Peach Rings had to offer, I looked towards the peak, and started scoping my line.

I left the lift and hit a few runs, progressively increasing in difficulty to prep myself for Climax. My body felt light and nimble, loose and free, which is absolutely ideal for skiing. The body high alone completely won me over, and it convinced me Peach Rings was the perfect pairing for skiing. The euphoric head high brought peacefulness, calming my nerves, which had started to buzz wildly in preparation for the peak. After a few floaty runs that were beautifully enhanced by my high, I hopped on the gondola and headed to the peak. 

My friend and I planned to go down Cornice first, a single black diamond I’d grown familiar with and thoroughly enjoyed, and gave me the opportunity to sneak one more up-close peek at Climax. But on the way up, I spotted a few monstrously sized outcroppings of rocks, and some scary-looking cliffs and chutes towards the bottom of the trail I had no idea existed, and was utterly unprepared for. I panicked. We hit Cornice, which was an absolute blast, but on the second ride up to the peak, I decided to back down from my plans to hit Climax.

“I felt a comforting calm wash over my body and mind, relaxing my nerves, loosening my limbs, and helping me focus.”

We spent the rest of the day doing laps on the right side of the mountain, which is a bit more secluded and quiet. I took a few more puffs of the pod, and that quiet calmness started to feel almost mystical, and all the more inviting. We finished in the early evening, feeling absolutely spent, but already excited for another day of skiing.

Back at our hotel, I did a bit more research on Climax and the intimidating features I’d spotted from the gondola. A few seasoned shredders talked me through the terrain, and I started to feel my confidence return. The next day, I decided I was going to do it. It was time to make my tiny self that used to daydream of daring double diamonds proud. After warming up on a few challenging single blacks, I hit the gondola, and my Caldera Pax pod, and headed to the top. 

Just like the previous day, I felt a comforting calm wash over my body and mind, relaxing my nerves, loosening my limbs, and helping me focus on confidently tackling the terrain ahead. I scoped out a line, and dropped into the 45° pitch feeling light and a bit buzzy, but also relaxed and courageous. I connected a few smooth, strong turns and tore down the first two-thirds of the run, until I found myself at the top of a super sketchy looking chute that featured some really terrible looking moguls. 

I noped the heck out of there, traversing to the right, and found a wide open steep space to rip down the rest of the run. As soon as I got to the bottom, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, and let out a loud scream of success. And yes, I shed a proud tear, literally crying after Climax. (Immature giggles ensued.)

I skied a few more hours after that, comfortably floating on cloud nine. I was stoked to have not just made a major life accomplishment, realizing the dreams of a tiny snow-lovin’ Sam, but to have also found an amazing cannabis companion for taking on intimidating and adventurous activities. Whether you’re spending the day out on the slopes, or just looking for that extra little confidence boost to approach a cutie at a coffee shop, I strongly recommend Caldera’s Peach Rings Pax Era Pod for a light, free feeling and inner sense of calm.