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About the Author:

Jeremy Glanzer is the Marketing Director at FACT Water Co., where he leads a talented team in executing innovative campaigns that drive brand awareness and growth. With a marketing degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Jeremy combines strategic expertise with a passion for creativity and storytelling. Whether he’s snowboarding in the mountains, or biking to the next brewery, he thrives on adventure during work and play.

From Summit to Stream

Fresh snow in the mountains is more than just a powder-filled playground for a snowboarding enthusiast like me; it’s a critical part of life in Colorado. Each winter, the peaks of the Rockies become blanketed in snow, creating a seasonal reservoir that provides water for millions of people, wildlife, and ecosystems. For me, standing at the top of a ridge with a snowboard strapped to my feet is exhilarating, not just because of the thrill of carving fresh tracks but because it feels like I’m connecting with something much larger. This snow is essential for fueling rivers, reservoirs, and life itself.

Colorado is a headwaters state, which means the snow that falls here feeds rivers that flow across the country. What many don’t realize is how delicate and vital this process is. The snowpack acts like a natural bank, storing water through the cold winter months and releasing it gradually as it melts in spring and summer. This slow release sustains rivers during the arid months, quenching the thirst of communities and farms as far away as California and Kansas.

Additionally, the Continental Divide that runs through Colorado is more than just a high-elevation marker; it’s a pivotal line that decides where snowmelt will travel. From the top of the Divide’s peaks, water chooses its path, either toward the Atlantic or Pacific watershed. When I’m perched at the top, I often pause to marvel at this natural crossroads. Depending on which slope I ride, the snow beneath me could end up in the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi or flow westward toward the Colorado River and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a humbling reminder of how interconnected we all are, even through something as simple as water.

Snowboarding has been my gateway to appreciating the beauty and importance of this cycle. Chasing powder in Colorado’s high country isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s about connecting with nature at its purest. Each flake of snow represents a future drop of water, and each gravity-fed trip down the mountain is a celebration of this essential resource.

Living in Colorado, I’ve come to understand how much we rely on the mountains and their snow-covered peaks. These peaks provide water not just for those of us who call this state home but for countless others downstream. It’s a stark reminder that every flake matters, and so do the choices we make to protect our environment.

So next time I find myself carving down a slope, I’ll do so with gratitude, not just for the thrill of the ride, but for the lifeblood of our state and for many who rely on water from Colorado. Snow is more than winter’s gift to outdoor enthusiasts; it’s a resource, a responsibility, and a reminder of how interconnected our planet truly is.

Just like every run I take has its unique line; every drop of water has its unique journey. And it all starts at the summit of a snowy mountain.