Let Skiing Utah Clear the Cobwebs

With the recent southern hemisphere snowfalls, it’s time to reminisce a little about the fun and fitness that comes with skiing and snowboarding in Utah.

One of the few outdoor activities that gets you thinking ‘Hurrah for the cold!’ many snow sports can be enjoyed whether you’re nine or 90. Plus, you can tackle the slopes as a family, a couple or on your own.

At Destination Utah, we think of skiing as nature’s therapy. Soaking up the great outdoors on a crisp winter day, with the sun shining and folks woohooing as they speed by – there’s nothing quite like it.

Personally, more than once I’ve taken to the slopes at Utah’s Snowbird and Alta Resorts with a head full of cold (…or last night’s mulled wine) only to realise within seconds of stepping onto the mountain that there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be.

So that’s your mind sorted. What about your body? Those in the know claim skiing can burn up to 3,000 calories during six hours on the mountain. In addition you can shed as much as 4lbs in a week, tone those undefined stomach muscles, and even boost your immunity. When you think about it like that, not skiing in Utah this winter could actually be detrimental to your health.

New to skiing and feeling a little pensive? Just take a moment to smile. This simple act will reduce your anxiety levels by releasing neurochemicals in your brain – true story. Other ways to prepare for the best debut ski holiday ever include familiarising yourself with the slopes, assessing the trail realistically, practicing simple breathing exercises, and applying progressive relaxation techniques to relieve muscle tension. Plus, remember that most Utah ski resorts offer ski lessons. The schools at Park City Mountain Resort have great first-timer lessons so you can quickly gain confidence on the hill.

I love to use the term ‘exercise reward’, and I always make sure to treat myself at the end of a day’s skiing. Whether it’s a coronarita  at Canyons Red Tail Grill, some après -ski appetisers at Deer Valley’s Stein Eriksen Lodge, or a fine steak at Snowbird Resort’s Steak Pit, it’s a great way to round off the perfect ski experience.