A tense moment on the mountain didn’t prevent columnist Ali Margo from finding reasons to celebrate Aspen’s winter season. Drawing on personal anecdotes, she highlights why the seemingly challenging conditions were far from disappointing.
Margo: 5 reasons this season didn’t suck
Key Takeaways:
• The story is an opinion piece about Aspen’s winter season.
• It was written by columnist Ali Margo for Aspen Daily News.
• A dramatic exchange on icy slopes underlines the season’s challenges.
• The article argues the season wasn’t nearly as bad as it seemed.
• It was published on March 14, 2026, in the sports category.
Opening Context
Aspen is no stranger to winter’s extremes, and this year was no exception. In an opinion piece titled “Margo: 5 reasons this season didn’t suck,” local columnist Ali Margo reflects on a ski season many had initially dismissed. Yet, as she suggests, tough conditions on the slopes only added to the winter’s character, underscoring the positive aspects that often go overlooked in harsh weather.
The Icy Slope Moment
“Don’t tell me how to do it, I know how to do it,” Margo recalls yelling at her companion, Ryan, while she dug the inside edges of her split board skis into an unforgiving Alpine slope. This one raw moment reveals both the breathtaking challenges and the adrenaline-fueled thrill of navigating ice. Rather than letting fear or frustration overshadow the experience, Margo insists these hardships are part of what makes a season memorable.
Finding the Silver Linings
While the complete details of her “five reasons” remain a nod to Margo’s own list, her core argument is clear: even a season that looks disappointing on the surface can offer plenty of gems. Whether it’s the camaraderie found on the mountain or simple triumphs over tricky terrain, Margo’s personal anecdotes serve as a reminder that winter in Aspen rewards those who stick with it.
A Local Perspective
Margo’s voice as an Aspen Daily News columnist goes beyond mere reportage. She speaks directly to the local community’s enduring passion for winter sports. Her article weaves humor, frustration, and personal pride into stories of mountain adventures, echoing the sentiments of many who made the most of a season that others deemed lackluster.
Why It Wasn’t All Bad
The title itself, “5 reasons this season didn’t suck,” suggests a departure from typical winter grievances. Instead, Margo aims to flip the narrative, pointing to the quiet victories that pair with each hill conquered. Her firsthand account—though highlighting exasperation and sharp exchanges—ultimately underscores that the slopes, even at their iciest, hold a spirit of resilience and reward.
Looking Ahead
As Margo’s reflections show, a difficult season doesn’t have to define one’s experience. For her—and likely for many others—tackling the rough edges of winter serves as a reminder of life’s unexpected joys. If nothing else, her opinion piece stands as a tribute to the grit and good humor that Aspen’s skiing faithful bring to every run, proving that, in the end, the season may not have “sucked” after all.