Whether you're a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or a novice carving your first turns, we’ve got tips on staying healthy and happy on your next ski vacation.
Maintaining good health while skiing isn't just about feeling good physically; it's also crucial for optimizing your performance, reducing the risk of injuries, and ensuring you have the energy to make the most of your time in the mountains.
From pre-trip prep to staying safe on the slopes to some après-ski wellness advice, here are the top recommendations we give to guests staying in our Moving Mountains luxury vacation rental homes for staying in peak condition during their ski getaways.
- HIT THE GYM
Come prepared by doing cardio and strength training before you get to your destination. Focus on legs, core and glutes, and work in some interval training on hills.
- ACCLIMATE
Colorado’s mountain resorts sit at high elevations:
- Steamboat Springs elevation: 6,867 ft.
- Breckenridge elevation: 9,600 ft.
- Vail elevation: 8,239 ft.
- Beaver Creek elevation: 8,098 ft.
To avoid feeling the affects of altitude sickness, start acclimating before you even arrive. Consider spending time at an interim altitude. For example, fly to Denver (5,280 ft. Above sea level) and stay a night before going on up to 8,000+ feet. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate even before you board your flight!
- SLATHER ON THE SPF
A bad sunburn will ruin a vacation. With 300+ days of sunshine each year in Colorado, you’re likely to get some sun! Don’t be deceived by cloudy days either. The sun is still intense.
- PROTECT YOUR EYES
You can also burn your eyes! On bluebird sky days the sun reflects off the snow. So, make sure you have goggles or sunglasses with high quality lenses.
- FUEL UP
Your body is working hard with all the physical exertion. Eat a balanced breakfast each morning and have healthy snacks throughout the day. Eat your carbs!
- HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re cold or don't feel thirsty. Electrolyte-infused drinks can be helpful also.
- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Don't push yourself too hard, especially the first few days. Pace yourself, take breaks when needed and rest when tired, especially the first few days.
- SHOE TRACTION
For extra stability, consider shoe traction devices such as YakTrax when you're walking around outside on snow-covered trails and even sidewalks. Even trekking poles with ski pole-like baskets can help keep you upright and out of a cast.
- WATER & OXYGEN
With the dry, thin air you’ll get dehydrated quickly. One of the easiest and most basic ways to stay healthy on your ski vacation is to drink water, lots of it! Since alcohol can dehydrate you even more, enjoy your après cocktails in moderation.
You might get winded walking to the gondola. Oxygen could help. From the canisters you can buy at the grocery for a quick shot, to a full oxygen tank to use at night, these can help ease the effects of the thin air.
- RELAX & RECOVER
Massage away sore muscles so you’re ready to go again the next day. Book an in-home massage so you can roll right out of the hot tub onto the massage table. The minerals in local hot springs also have healing and soothing properties.
Or stretch those muscles and relax in a yoga class in one of the many yoga studios in our mountain towns.
IV Therapies are also gaining popularity. You can get a “cocktail” to replenish and ease the effects of the altitude, dryness, vigorous exercise and over-indulgence.
