32 Ways Skiing Is Great for Your Mental and Physical Health

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to improve your physical and mental health, then you might want to book a few extra skiing trips this year. Studies continue to stream in from countries throughout the world that show us some of the amazing benefits of this popular sport and pastime.  

Never gone skiing or snowboarding before? No problem, it’s easier than ever to rent ski gear and hire a pro. Here is a look at the top 32 health benefits of skiing and snowboarding.

1. It Works Out All of Your Muscles

While some muscles will be worked much harder than others, this physical activity engages every major muscle group from your calves to your shoulders.

2. Tone Your Stomach

Everyone wants to have a flat and toned stomach, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is to carry out activities that keep your core activated at all times.

3. Burn 3,000 Calories a Day

A full day of skiing can burn upwards of 3,000 calories. That is more than the average person could ever hope to burn in a typical training session at the gym.

4. Stay Young

Studies published by the Journal of Applied Physiology revealed that lifelong skiers have approximately twice the cardiovascular and muscular fitness of inactive adults.

5. Lower Your Mortality Risk

These same studies have also shown us that older skiers were in the absolute lowest all-cause mortality risk category. This includes lowering your risk of heart disease, one of the most common causes of death for many demographics.

6. It Can Be Low-Impact

There are countless cross-country trails that are perfect for anyone who would like to go easy on their ankles, knees, hips, and other joints.

7. Lower Your Stroke Risk

Skiing forces the body to produce more oxygen-rich blood cells, and this can substantially reduce your risk of having a stroke.

8. Shed Five Pounds in One Trip

A skiing trip that lasts for just five days could help you shed as much as five pounds. Just remember to eat healthy!

9. Increase Your Cognitive Abilities

Being forced to make quick decisions while skiing down the slope can actually increase your cognitive abilities, and this will make learning new skills even easier.

10. Reduce Mental Decline

Activities such as skiing that challenge your aerobic and anaerobic energy systems have been tied to a reduction in mental decline that takes place as a natural part of aging.

11. Sleep Better

Rigorous exercise is one of the best ways to burn off the excess energy that could be preventing you from getting restorative sleep at night

12. Be Happier

In addition to burning energy, skiing will also flood your body and brain with the chemicals that make you happy and content.

13. Stave Off Depression

Getting outside and exercising can help you stave off depression by balancing your body’s production of dopamine and serotonin.

14. Reduce Stress

Many skiers will “lose themselves” in the moment due to the physical and mental strain of this activity. In turn, this has been shown to reduce stress.

15. Become Closer to Your Family

Family members of practically any age can enjoy skiing trips as long as they are in relatively good health.

16. Find Like-Minded Friends

There is no better way to find like-minded friends than to hit the slopes and strike up a conversation with other skiers.

17. Get Your Legs Ready for the Beach

There are few activities that engage leg muscles as much as skiing, and this makes it a great off-season option for creating beach-ready legs.

18. Improve Your Flexibility

Any activity that works as many muscles as skiing will improve your flexibility and adaptability for all other sports.

19. Strengthen Your Bones

The constant stimulation of your muscles and joints could delay medical issues related to weak bones.

20. Improve Your Child’s Confidence

Studies have shown us that demanding sports can improve a child’s confidence and prepare them for other challenges in their life.

21. Help Your Children Avoid Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in this country, and one of the best ways to avoid it is to get your child excited about a sport such as skiing.

22. Avoid S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder often takes place when an individual does not get enough sunshine and fresh air during the colder winter months.

23. Meet People From All Walks of Life

Skiing is an activity that is enjoyed around the world by people of all ages, nationalities, and cultures. Why not get to know them doing something that you both love?

24. Bring Your Company Closer Together

Instead of the traditional company picnic, you might want to consider planning a skiing trip in order to bring your team members together doing something that is out-of-the-box.

25. Enjoy HIIT Training Without the Gym

High-intensity interval training is overwhelmingly supported by research as one of the most efficient ways to build strength and burn calories.

26. Produce More HGH

This style of training has also been shown to increase an individual’s production of human growth hormone. HGH is the natural hormone that tells your body to strengthen the muscle fibers.

27. Explore Nature

Skiing is one of the few sports that will put you right in the middle of nature and allow you to explore remote trails along the mountain.

28. Prevent Joint Problems

Skiing often gets a bad rap as being hard on the joints, but studies have revealed that it can actually stimulate the cushioning in one’s joints when done safely.

29. Prevent Future Injuries

Training your muscles in a balanced fashion is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. This activity also activates the buttocks and other core muscles that stabilize your entire body.

30. Reverse the Effects of a Stressful Life

Skiers who regularly hit the slopes often produce a chemical known as norepinephrine in large quantities. This chemical has been shown to reverse the negative side effects of chronic stress.

31. Improve Your Body Image

A positive body image is extremely important, and what better way to improve your body image than to sculpt your muscles with an exciting sport such as skiing.

32. Leave the Mountain Feeling Better

The flush of chemicals that takes place while skiing will actually remain in your system for days after your trip has ended.

Ski Rental packages, friendly instructors, and nearby mountains make it easier than ever to try out this sport for the first time or rekindle your love of an old pastime.