Activity: How many differences can you find between these two drawings of Lester snowboarding? Hint: There are more than six! Credit: AARON BAGLEY

Originally published on Jan. 16, 2019.

Activity: How many differences can you find between these two drawings of Lester snowboarding? Hint: There are more than six!

Activity: How many differences can you find between these two drawings of Lester snowboarding? Hint: There are more than six! AARON BAGLEY

America’s ski areas are full of secrets. Hidden in the woods between ski runs are hundreds of makeshift chalets—humble wooden shacks formed mostly out of downed trees and found wood. Some are as simple as a small A-frame built over a wood platform; others are more elaborate and feature multiple rooms and levels. These chalets hardly ever have a door and are open to anyone who wanders by.

Usually, it’s only the stoners that find them.

Lester Black is a former staff writer for The Stranger, where he wrote about Seattle news, cannabis, and beer. He is sometimes sober.