This winter seems to be different than most, but that doesn’t mean ski trips will have to suffer. Quite the opposite in fact, now that you have this go-to guide for making your vaca’ a 10 out of 10. Nobody’s ideal R&R time is exactly identical, so we’ve strung together a list of ideas for anyone from the couch potato to the adrenaline junkie. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen!
Power Up Your Runs
You’re gonna have to fuel up for the slopes. In more ways than one. First, set the tone for your day by putting together a playlist that matches the mood. Looking for a great workout? Try some EDM to pump you up. Just want some easy listening for a casual ride? Coffeeshop acoustic might be what you’re looking for. Music can dictate our moods, thoughts and energy levels, so harness that. What else would you do while you shred? Think? No thanks. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
- Spotify’s ‘All the Feels’ Playlist– Songs that make you feel like you’re cruising down the 101 on a starry night.
- Pandora’s Banana Pancakes Radio– The kind of music that makes you smile, no matter how hard your goggles are pushing down on your cheeks.
- Spotify’s ‘Rock 360’ Playlist– For when you want to feel like a total bad apple plunging down the slopes.
- Pandora’s Major Lazer Radio– Is this the mountain or the club? I can’t tell. Let’s dance.
So now that you have fuel for your brain taken care of, it’s time to take care of fuel for locomotion. A classic for trailblazing is gorp. Technically it consists of granola, oats, raisins and peanuts, but go ahead and add some M&Ms or almonds. Or you could bring a food processor to the party and make some killer bliss balls. The point is, being able to eat your snackage with one hand is key. One hand pulls the glove off, the other does the mouth-cramming, and you’re ready for the next run in no time.
Other Activities Snow Is Good For
If you’re not the type to fling yourself down a steep mountain at multiple miles per hour, that’s perfectly logical. But you don’t have to miss out on the powder party. Try activities like snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Your trail stays horizontal and you get a killer workout in the process. Lots of resorts have trails by the mountains for these exact purposes and usually have equipment for rent.
Tubing is another great option for people who aren’t in the mood for strapping up for the slopes. You still get some wind in your hair and flurry on your face, but to a much more jaunty degree. Anybody, from toddlers to grandparents, can sit in a giant donut. So try it out! Extra points for night tubing. That way it’s harder for people to notice if you (in the off chance) tumble.
Do your research and see if the area around you offers animal-drawn rides. You might find dog sleds or horse-drawn sleighs. Both are great ways to enjoy the beauty of the trails around you without moving a muscle, so take the opportunity if possible.
Explore the Town
Ski resort areas experience constant influx of tourists, travelers, retirees, locals, and rock bands (probably?). So it stands to reason that the towns and villages that surround the mountain have awesome shops and restaurants. Spend some time checking out the area- get yourself some chic new ski wear, enjoy a delicious meal or even do some wine tasting. When it comes to getting the most out of your vacation, you’ve got to think big picture. So don’t be afraid to take some time off from the slopes. If you’re looking for something specific, your resort concierge (or Yelp) is your best friend. Try to scope out the favorite spots of the locals- they’re pretty trustworthy.
Be a Creature of the Night
If the mountain you’re staying it offers skiing during the evening hours, take them up on it at least once. Nighttime runs give you an entirely different perspective of the mountain. Not to mention it’s quite beautiful- if the mountain you’re at is in a relatively remote location, chances are stars will be brighter than you’re used to. Some mountains offer ski lift rides to observation points with views that will blow your mind.
If skiing or snowboarding at night isn’t an option for one reason or another, try out (as mentioned before) night tubing. It’s a great family activity and plenty of laughs. And if you have little ones, tubing is your answer to excessive energy before bed.
Or maybe you’d rather save mountain time for when you have full and clear vision- that’s fine too. Check out other activities and amenities your resort has to offer. Après-ski is an age-old tradition of loosening up those tight muscles with a few drinks with your fellow skiiers. Make an appearance at the resort bar to get the full vacation experience.
Just Relax
A blanket of snow is a great backdrop for clearing your mind of the usual daily hustle and bustle. Use it in your favor to finally read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, write your memoir (you’re ambitious like that), or just to enjoy some silence.
Most ski resorts offer awesome spas and relaxing amenities. You’re sure to be sore after multiple (or one) days on the slopes, so give your body a break from the action. Plan a massage, enjoy a soak in the hot tub, spend some time in the sauna, you get it. Ski weekends are meant for enjoyment. And you’re allowed to get that in ways other than actual physical activity.
