Winter is nearly here, and you can almost feel the first turns of the season—for a lucky few they’ve already happened.

In anticipation of that hallowed first day, we have partnered with Newschoolers.com to bring you an essay contest on this very subject. The new issue, #4.2, features 20 pages with the one and only Warren Miller—and an essay from Mr. Miller on his first time ever on skis, which took place in 1937.

In homage to first days worldwide, Warren wants to read about your first time ever on skis. Whether it happened on an icy backyard hill or in two feet of alpine fresh, we all know your first day was a life changing experience. And yours might just lead to another epic experience: the winner will receive a pair of K2 Skis, a jacket from Orage, and a pair of goggles from Smith Optics.

The details are simple: In 500 words or less, tell us about your time ever on skis. Entries must be an original work written by you—original content only, please. Include pictures if you have any. Send your story to contests@theskijournal.com with the subject line “First Time.”

Entries will be judged by Warren himself, and the winning entry will be published in an upcoming issue of The Ski Journal. The chosen essay will also win K2 Skis, an Orage Jacket, and Smith Goggles.

For those who want to subscribe to The Ski Journal, use promo “WarrenMiller” and you are automatically entered to win another prize package from K2, Orage and Smith, and a copy of #4.2 signed by Warren Miller—valid for new subscriptions, gifts and renewals.

The deadline is December 1, 2010, so put pen to paper, subscribe, and remember your first time ever on skis—and all the days which are yet to come.