Therapeutic Effect Of Winter Adventure.
The winter is again upon us and it is a good time to start opening a calendar for winter fun. There are many ways to enjoy therapeutic effect of winter adventure and here are some good reasons to think about skiing as shared by Savannah Wardle.
I think everyone should try skiing at some point in their lives. And why wait? This winter is as good a
time as any. I first tried skiing when I was in my early twenties. Almost a decade later and I still can’t
get enough of it.
When I took my first wobbly steps on the slopes I didn’t have the fearlessness of kids younger than
me. Nor did I have the skill of those who had been practising the sport for years. Nevertheless, from
my first day skiing to the most recent, heading out on to the slopes has always been an incredible
and, for me, life changing experience.
Here’s why I think everyone, no matter their age or their ability, should go skiing this winter:
The Landscapes.
The landscapes I’ve seen when skiing have been the most awe-inspiring I’ve ever come across. Faced
with these huge, snow-capped mountains and seeing tiny villages below, you get a sense of how
insignificant you are – in a good way! The things you’re worrying about today don’t really matter in
the grand scheme of things. There’s nothing I love more than getting up to the top of the piste with
the first chairlift and just sitting at the top admiring that incredible scenery for a half hour or so
before skiing down. Those quiet moments are always amazingly peaceful and humbling too.
©Adam Steiner
The Achievements.
When I first started skiing I didn’t feel I’d done much to be proud of in my recent past. I’d flunked a
load of exams, I was still living at home with my parents and my day job was less than inspiring to
say the least. Heading out on the slopes, however, I rediscovered the joy of learning something new.
Standing at the top of a steep slope, you have to conquer your fears and trust in your own ability. I
did both of those things and this gave me confidence in other areas of my life too.
The Work Out.
Skiing never fails to boost my energy levels and make me feel good about myself. I put it down to the
healthy fresh air and intensive exercise I get a good dose of every time I visit the mountains. Skiing
burns calories and helps to tone your muscles. Getting your blood pumping is also great for your
mental wellbeing as it releases feel-good chemicals into your brain. Throughout my time skiing I’ve
become fitter and much happier too.
The People.
Going skiing I’ve met a bunch of amazing new people. Hanging out with these people who were all
really passionate about skiing or snowboarding has been inspiring. I’ve skied with them and partied
with them and discovered new perspectives on the world. I’ve also learnt to be myself around new
people and have confidence in my own opinions and perspectives. Whilst the après ski experience
may come across as one long drinking session, for me it was much more than that. It was a chance to
make new lifelong friends and learn to be less of a wallflower in social situations.
Skiing isn’t just for serious winter sport fans. As I found, it was the perfect activity for someone
feeling a little down and uninspired by the world. My experiences skiing have led me to be pretty
proficient on the slopes. But they’ve also boosted my confidence, introduced me to new people and
helped me to rediscover the beauty of our wonderful planet. If you’re in need of a pick-me- up, try
skiing this winter and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Savannah Wardle works at Snowpak. She’s an experienced traveller who loves winter sports and mountains. Whenever not working, she’s at the slopes in the US, Asia or Europe. She’s also interested in photography and film-making.