10 reasons to LOVE skiing

It’s no secret that I LOVE to ski. But for those of you who haven’t ever tried it. You might be wondering what all the fuss is about. How can someone love getting freezing cold, sliding down the mountain at force defying speeds with two planks attached to your feet?

I don’t think I need to spell it out for you, because you know it’s freaking awesome, but I will anyway. Here's 10 reasons why I LOVE skiing so much.

1. It’s awesome. Some may say it's the best fun you can have with your clothes on.

In what other sport can you stay outside all day, soak in insane views, showcase individual style and technique, burn a tonne of energy and yet still feel like you just had a banterous day out? In what other sport can you sit on the top of a mountain and eat a semi-squished sandwich in the snow? Skiing is such an adrenaline rush at all ability levels.

2. It keeps you fit

Although it may not be a sport that most can practice every day to get their sweat on, it sure does burn those calories! When you go skiing, you literally spend your whole day moving around and using every inch of your body. It’s pretty difficult to move your body at high altitudes, falling and trying to get back up again, walking around in heavy ski boots and twisting and turning your body and skis in order to constantly adapt to the terrain. It is said that advanced technical skiing can burn upwards of 2000 a day! If you want to find out just how many calories you can burn while skiing, read this bog post!

3. Anyone can ski, it doesn't matter how old you are.

I may not be old yet but if you love skiing as much as I do, you’ll never want to stop. Why let age get in the way?! I have met regular skiers who are in their 80s! With a steady healthy diet, an effective stretching routine and regular practice,, it really is possible to ski your whole life. I have also taught both men and women older than 70 how to ski for the first time. If you stay active and strong, it is never too late to try new sports, skiing included!

4. The views

The view of the gorgeous snow capped mountains and small ski villages just never gets old. It’s great whether the sun is out or not! One of my favourite views was actually from a chairlift in Japan during a snowstorm. It was a white out and huge snowflakes were falling on us, ice fling from the pylons, snow settling on the trees, HEAVEN.

5. The fresh air.

If you love being outside as much as I do, you’ll probably know that there are tonnes of different activities you could be doing. But skiing down a snowy mountain (occasioanlly surrounded by trees) is just something else. The air is cold yet tinted by the warmth of the sun. There isn't a road or fume in sight. If I could bottle it and sell it, I would.

There’s also the warmth of the sun mixed with cold snow, it is just amazing to experience. I find it fascinating that you can take off your jacket and enjoy your lunch at an altitude of 11,000 feet in the snow and still get a tan. Another favorite nature experience of mine is when I ski down through some clouds.

6. The friends you meet along the way- it’s a social experience.

Even when you’re on a solo mish, skiing just isn’t a solo sport. Chairlifts and lift lines are awesome opportunities to meet like-minded snow lovers excited to share the stoke. Yet once you’re off the lift, the slope is all yours to soak in, zone out and zoom to your heart's content.

7. The rest and relaxation. Skiing can be a totally leisurely sport.

Skiing at 100% all the time isn’t for everyone and luckily for us, there is always a vin chaud or a hot cocoa or even just a cheeky Mars bar at a safe side spot to watch people as you have a rest before your next run.

Let’s not forget après-ski! When the days on the slopes have ended, and you’re ready to go to sleep, the party is only just starting, it’s time to ditch the poles and get your hands on a beer or vin chaud. Après ski is a big scene in European ski resorts, you'll find yourself singing to old pop songs, dancing on tables, hammering nails into a block of wood, and attempting to get down the hill after dark when you’re done! Top tip; stay safe by remembering your chosen method of getting home (skiing drunk is never a good idea!) so if you’re up for a big party, take the gondola or book a taxi.

8. You look great. I mean the gear does.

Some may say obsessed but I’d call it a passion for ski gear. It comes at a price but it’s totally worth it! A huge collection of winter sports magazines and a Pinterest feed full of winter outfits and ski jacket combinations shows just how cool ski gear can be. Pair it with some impressive technique or an insane backdrop and you have yourself an Instagram worthy picture for all to admire. Check out atickettoride.com for some seriously stylish and affordable winter pieces. I wear a Montec jacket and it keeps me warm and dry in all conditions.

9. Skiing has a challenge for everyone

If you’re a beginner, just putting on the skis for the first time can be a fun challenge. When they start to glide and you don’t know what to do – except maybe throwing yourself in the snow, it’s such a thrill! When you try to make your first turn on a green slope, your heart will be pumping for sure. As you progress and become a better skier the challenges will continue to grow with you, and overcoming them will keep being as much fun as that first turn on the green slope.

If you begin to think the triple black diamond slopes are becoming boring, you might try your luck in the freestyle snow park instead. Get a pair of twin-tip skis and hit those rails and pipes. Or maybe you should hire a helicopter and try your luck with some backcountry off-piste? You could also strap on a pair of alpine ski touring skis and climb a mountain yourself and then ski down. Or you might want to become a mogul expert skier or move into speed skiing. The possibilities are virtually endless, which makes skiing a lifetime sport.

10. It’s fairly easy to learn- you just need a good instructor, like me!

Learning to ski isn't rocket science, and it can be so much fun! But like I said before, without correct instructions and a safe progression, it is possible to really hurt yourself and not have as much fun. This is why you should definitely consider getting a lesson when you’re new to the sport, when you’ve had a beak from it, when you’ve grown, when you’re skiing somewhere new and when you want to make the most of the mountain, so really you should always get a lesson, you won’t regret it!

11. Here’s an added extra for you. Skiing open’s doors to loads of other exciting opportunities on the mountain!

Fancy going up the hill instead of down for a change? Snowshoeing tours, cross country ski tracks, ski touring missions and ice climbing experiences are only a few of the non-ski activities that you can do on the snowy mountains. Last season my friends and I hired Telemark skis for the first time to give them a go and we had so much fun! Who knew how cool it could be to free the heel!

If you have children or you're ready to ignite your inner child, try your hand at tobogganing and or ice skating! Most resorts have designated toboggan tracks and ice rinks for you to enjoy day or night!

A lot of resorts also have spas and thermal pools, where you can sink your sore body into nice warm water. Some places even have hot springs and pools outside, so you can sit in the warm spa water and take in the scenery (and a hot drink) at the same time. You could always also get a massage or a facial if you feel like it.

You could also take your significant other for a romantic sleigh ride pulled by horses or even a reindeer (Mostly available in European resorts, not New Zealand). Snuggle up under a warm blanket in the sleigh and listen to the jingle bells, jingle all the way.

If you've got this far, you've probably got another tab open, ready to book your flights and head to the snow! What are you waiting for?!

If you're bizarrely still undecided, check out my other articles to see if life on the mountain or a short trip to the snow is your cup of tea.

TheSkiNomad