A ski tour beforehand isn’t required, but it makes the tree cutting day even more fun.

1. Pick somewhere to go on a little ski tour.

2. Don’t plan on skiing too much real terrain, it’s always thin this time of year.

3. Find a nice picnic spot with a view.

4. Scout out thin lines that will be all filled in for skiing later in the spring.

5. Pack up lunch and head down and get ready to start your search for a Christmas tree.

6. With your $10 tree permit go to your favorite area.

7. Hunt for the perfect tree. You might be surprised what you find out there.

8. When you find a good candidate, measure it up.

9. Is it full enough around the bottom?

10. How’s the other side?

11. What about its backside?

12. Make your decision.

13. Cut her down.

14. Decorate. Don’t forget to have “Yule Log HD” playing On Demand alongside.