Ski well, be well: 8 benefits of skiing during a pandemic

Packing for extreme weather, sorting out hire equipment, ski passes and transfers: skiing has never been the simplest of holidays. So why then, year after year for decades gone-by, have people flocked to the Alps to strap on two planks and propel themselves down a mountain?

The answer is not just that skiing does wonders for the body, but that it does even more for the mind, and this huge boost becomes addictive! In fact, science has actually proven that skiing makes you happier, healthier and smarter – and we could all do with a bit of that in our lives!

Here we explore why skiing in a pandemic could be good for you, and consider the side effects of the situation which may actually improve your skiing holiday. So if you’re at home feeling blue, and wondering if you should ski this winter, read on to find out why hitting the slopes could be the best thing you do.

1. Boost your mood

We don’t need to tell you how good it feels to escape the gloomy winter months to snatch a few rays on the mountainside. Skiing takes us into wild places and gives us a big dose of fresh air – key contributors to mental health in the winter months.

What’s more, Vitamin D from sunlight is proven to fight disease and reduce the risk of depression. The mountains, where sunlight is plentiful, even on overcast days, are the perfect place to top up your vitamin D intake. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has been linked to low vitamin D levels, and while light therapy is often prescribed to sufferers, just one hour of outdoor aerobic activity, such as skiing, has been proven to have the same benefits as 2.5 hours of indoor light treatment.

2. Promote deep sleep

Stress, worry and anxiety wreak havoc with our sleep patterns. The fresh air, mountain scenery, along with the exertion of skiing, offer an escape route. Whether you are new to skiing or a seasoned pro, you will feel exhausted in the best possible way after a day out on the slopes. You’ll find yourself happy to hit the pillow early and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

3. Skiing improves brain power

Exercise strengthens more than your muscles, research shows it also promotes brain growth. Exercise increases the brain’s capacity to learn and retain memories. In addition to this, learning something new and challenging improves your brain’s speed and ability to process. The performance improving white mater in your brain, called myelin, naturally decreases with age, which explains why it is harder to take up challenging skills later on in life. The good news is that the brain can continue to grow at any age, and learning a new skill at an older age can allow it to regrow some myelin and improve your brain power. In other words, there’s never been a better time to brush up on your skiing technique.

4. Cut down on screen time

It’s virtually impossible to escape screens in our everyday life, but now more than ever when constant scary news reports and social media leave us feeling wary, it is crucial that we find a balance. Being out on the slopes all day leaves little time or energy for scrolling social media, and whilst our chalets have Wi-Fi and television, its the hot tub, delicious food and comfy beds that take precedence!

5. Choose one of the safest holiday options

Being out in the fresh air, wearing ski gear and escaping the crowds high up in the mountains has got to beat crowded beaches and city breaks when it comes to finding a safe holiday option during a pandemic. Ski gear, which usually includes full body coverage with gloves, goggles, hats and a snow suit already gives a layer of protection. The introduction of sensible safety measures by our resort – including social distancing, wearing of masks indoors and on lifts and the availability of hand sanitiser– will help skiers feel protected when out on the mountain.

6. Experience a smoother holiday

Across the resort, staff have been working hard to ensure that your ski holiday essentials can be pre-organised online. Booking ski hire, ski lessons and ski passes at the touch of a button, means you can relax and avoid the hassle of making these transactions on your holiday.

7. Get fresh tracks

We can’t know for certain what number of skiers will visit the resort this season, but it is likely to be fewer than usual. Whilst this makes us sad, it has the silver lining of less crowded slopes and snow parks. It increases our probability of fresh tracks when the powder hits, and this season its due to hit hard, we’re already hearing reports of a bumper season for snow, so don’t miss out!

8. Reconnect with family and friends

Restrictions and lock down have stolen weddings, birthday celebrations and general good times with our loved ones. Stock up on feel good vibes by inviting friends and family to share a stunning ski chalet holiday with you for a week. We have 2 bedroom to 10 bedroom chalets available for exclusive use. Book now to reserve your ideal chalet, and don’t forget our Covid policy gives you 100% value should government restrictions stop you coming.