Bonus of being a pilot. Work in the morning a bit, then head up North in my airplane to Crystal Mountain to get a couple runs in. It's about a 45 minute flight each way, versus a 2.5hr drive, so it's a nice option when they have snow, and we don't! Landed and parked my Grumman Tiger at Thompsonville airport, which is a short walk across the street to Crystal Mountain. Easy.

Without a personal airplane, an afternoon of snowboarding wouldn't be possible this early in the winter.. It would have to be a long, full day, or even an overnight trip. My Grumman Tiger probably burned about the same gas as my van does too.

Also, looks like I misspoke and Crystal Mountain has free parking. I think.