Reaching 100 days on the slopes is a milestone many skiers and snowboarders aim for, regardless of age. This past season, eight-year-old John John LaConte from Colorado surpassed that goal with an impressive 105 days of snowboarding at Vail Mountain.
“He told me early in the season that he wanted to hit 100 days, so we set that goal back in November,” said John John’s father, John LaConte, a journalist for the Vail Daily and a longtime ski enthusiast himself.
While adults may find it easier to ski or ride nearly every day—thanks to flexible jobs or living in mountain towns—managing such a schedule is far more challenging for a young student. John John achieved this by heading to the mountain almost every day after school.
“There were days when he was really tired after a full day at school,” LaConte recalled. “Sometimes he even fell asleep on the gondola. He looked barely awake when we got off the lifts, but then he would start shredding anyway. Other times, he was full of energy, making quick turns and loving every moment.”
A short video shared by the Vail Daily shows this accomplishment was truly a family effort. Unlike many young athletes who sacrifice their childhood chasing professional careers, this journey was a special bonding experience for father and son. The two clearly had fun from the first run of the season to the very last.
Throughout the season, LaConte also documented several ski days for the Vail Daily, often with John John racing alongside him. It’s a heartwarming story. Ultimately, the 105-day season and the coveted 100-day pin represent a shared achievement for both Johns.