MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Fall Winter 2018

118 MLCM FALL/WINTER 2018 words :: Carmen Kuntz illustration :: Dave Barnes She comes rocketing out of the glades, skidding into the lift line and throws a cheeky little nose stall, oblivious to the gaping mouths and wide eyes of onlooking dudes. You know the woman—the one equally at ease breaking trail as she is dropping in first. She’s the life of the après, queen of the bonfire, and the first one up in the morning clearing snow off the windshield. She’s assertive and kind, encouraging and ambitious. She’s confident. Girls wanna be her and guys wanna be with her. Want some tips on how to keep up with and gain the approval of one of these free-range women? Learn how to date wild. 1. DITCH THE OLD-SCHOOL ‘TUDE. Cool confidence and humility is far sexier than any attention-seeking big- mountain big mouth. She can smell your ego the second you step into the chalet and doesn’t want to hear how you landed that backside-5. Show don’t tell. And accept that she’s going to be better than you at some things—from starting the woodstove with damp wood, to beating you to the lift on a powder day. Swallow your pride, and your old-school attitude. 2. CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION ON PERFECTION. If she’s on the go and constantly chasing adventure, time in front of the mirror is limited. Chipped nail polish and scars are beautiful. Helmet hair and goggle tans are signs of a good day. And sweat happens. Don’t expect her to look like a swimsuit model from the poster above your bed in high school. Strong legs and blistered feet are par for the course. She will smash your Instagram-saturated preconceptions of what real outdoor women look like. 3. COMPLIMENT AND GIFT APPROPRIATELY. Forget flowers and chocolate. Plan to go hot tub poaching or hot spring ETIQUETTE DATE WILD Advice For Dudes On Getting To Know The Modern Mountain Woman