After the Mountain Closes…

The snow is melting and the chair lifts have stopped, now what? The first weeks after the mountain closes can be rough. You may be asking yourself what am I going to do in my spare time? If you’ve already waxed and stored your gear, the next step might be distraction. Here are five helpful practices for dealing with that post-season heartache.

Go shopping. There are always end of season sales offering amazing discounts on a wide range of products. Take advantage of the deals and get ahead of the game by purchasing new gear to rock while the prices are killer, and the savings are huge. It will feel like Christmas morning on Opening Day.

Exercise. You have to stay active pre/post winter and It’s never too early to prepare for next season. Strengthen your legs, squats and lunges are excellent for targeting those key muscles and the best part about these types of exercises is that you can do them practically anywhere: during lunch breaks, doing laundry, or while holding your kids.

Watch videos of your favorite ski/snowboard athletes or even your own exploits. Study them like the pros do to improve technique. This is also a wonderful way to plan out a course on a mountain you aren’t too familiar with.

Explore your favorite resort in its summer colors. Grab some friends and go for an adventurous hike or bike ride into the back country. Perhaps you’ll spot some new lines to ride while you’re out there.

Go water skiing. Summer offers a terrific opportunity to practice your hobby in a unique way and explore all the beauty the mountain has to offer. It gives you the chance to strap on a pair of skis and soak in picturesque scenery, which makes for the perfect escape and a great rush of adrenaline.

Bidding winter farewell can be hard but there are ways to manage without feeling the loss of your favorite pastime. I hope you find these tips helpful and avoid those winter blues. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from John Snow, “Winter is Coming!”