My all time favorite winter sport is skiing. Having a father who loves the outdoors, and spending my college years in Salt Lake City, I was exposed to the world’s best skiing at a young age. Because I love nature, I am also a big fan of outdoor exercise, and skiing covers all the bases. Last weekend, I ended up at Snowbird and was able to ski the beautiful Utah mountains. It took me a few runs to remember how to turn without having to slow down. But it really is like riding a bike, it does comes right back to you.

I was impressed with how much my yoga practice helped me, especially with: balance, concentration and leg strength. I definitely found out that all those Utkatasna (aka chair poses) really do pay off. Luckily, I also had a great partner, expert skier and mountaineer, Doug Stoup, who reminded me to stay in control and be patient. According to Doug, “to prepare for skiing it’s best to cross train, using a variety of exercises. Try to do some that simulate skiing, such as: rollerblading, riding a mountain bike, stand up paddle boarding and yoga. All these sports improve your core and leg strength which pays off when you hit the slopes.”

Doug has turned skiing into a lifestyle. He takes people skiing in some of the most unbelievable places on this planet. You can go with him on one of his wild and life changing adventures by clicking on his website: http://www.iceaxe.tv/.  By the end of the day at Snowbird, my legs were warmed up and I was able to enjoy flying down the mountain.  Of course, just at that moment, the lifts closed….. and it was time for the hot tub!