Top 5 Health Benefits of Skiing and Snowboarding (2024)

11/15/23

Blue Mountain Resort

Winter is the perfect time to engage in some heart-healthy exercise and shed some of those unwanted post-holiday pounds. The time to take action is now, no need to hibernate this season! Grab the family and visit the local Pennsylvania slopes for a heart-pounding workout in the great outdoors that not only offers beautiful scenery and fun, but some serious health benefits, too.

1. BURNS CALORIES

Skiing and snowboarding are great cardiovascular exercises that can help families burn some serious calories and lose weight. The ultimate number burned per hour is based on weight and proficiency, but according to Harvard Medical School, someone who is 185 pounds burns 252 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing. Beginners can get an extra calorie burn by walking up the slope rather than using the ski lift. And, for the advanced skiers, the steeper the slope, the more calories burned because the body has to work harder to keep balanced. Believe it or not the cold weather also contributes to added calorie burn, since the body is forced to work harder to maintain its own body temperature.

2. STRENGTHENS LOWER BODY MUSCLES

Take the gym workout to the slopes this winter. Skiing and snowboarding heavily targets the lower body muscles. Skiing naturally keeps the body in the squat position, which strengthens the quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Snowboarding also works some muscles that may not be used as often including those in the ankles and feet, which are engaged to help steer the board and maintain balance.

3. IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY

The very art of balancing and engaging the core and key muscle groups during skiing and snowboarding makes the body more flexible. It also helps to reduce muscle strains and sprains. Snowboarding especially improves flexibility tremendously as it requires the body to change directions frequently and swiftly. Just like any sport, it is recommended that families develop a stretching routine both prior to their day on the slopes and after to reduce the chance of injury.

4. ENGAGES CORE MUSCLES

Keeping the body upright on skis or a snowboard requires some serious balancing skills and focus. It is not easy to stay steady on a slippery slope, while weaving down the trail. By having to constantly stay balanced, it forces the core muscles to work hard at engaging, which improves muscle tone in the abdomen and overall core strength.

5. BOOSTS MOOD

Getting outdoors and exercising promotes increased production of endorphins, which creates feelings of relief and happiness. Families can also benefit from the added boost of vitamin D exposure from the sun, which is especially important in the winter when the hours of sunlight are fewer.

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You might also like: 11 Ways to Get in Motion this Winter

Top 5 Health Benefits of Skiing and Snowboarding (2024)

FAQs

Why snowboarding is good for mental health? ›

Snowsports to boost your mood

Like most exercise, skiing and snowboarding produce endorphins, which can make you feel calmer and happier. And because it's such an ideal activity for family and friends to enjoy together, you could improve your mental health just by having fun together, whether you ski or not.

What is skiing and its benefits? ›

Skiing Improves Balance and Core Strength

Each time a skier crouches, steers and avoids falls, they use their balance and core to stay on their feet. The core work required while skiing improves abdominal muscle tone and overall core strength. This has many benefits including: A strong healthy back. Better stability.

Does skiing improve mental health? ›

Aerobic and cardiovascular exercise through skiing and snowboarding is proven to reduce the levels of the body's stress hormones, whilst in return, stimulate the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as handy mood elevators.

Is skiing good for lungs? ›

Skiing can improve respiratory function by strengthening lung capacity and increasing ventilation rates. The physical activity required for alpine skiing allows fresh air into the lungs while improving lung capacity.

Do you burn calories snowboarding? ›

The bottom line: Skiing and snowboarding can both burn between 300 and 600 calories an hour, but how much exactly depends on how hard you work. Of course, there's one sure-fire way to know that you're getting the best workout possible: Skip the lift and skin your way to the top.

What does skiing strengthen? ›

Primarily, the SkiErg works the triceps, abdominal muscles, hip flexors and shins but can also work the quads, back, hamstrings, glutes and more. When using the correct form and stance, these muscles should work together in harmony to create a fluid, continuous and smooth motion during your pulls.

Why does skiing burn so many calories? ›

Skiing is a broad workout that requires the use of multiple muscle groups, as well as strong balance and endurance. Essentially, skiing is a full-body exercise class just in a colder environment! When you're skiing, you are using all of your leg muscles to maintain your balance and control how you move down the slope.

Is skiing good for your knees? ›

Knee injuries are one the most common traumas to occur whilst skiing. The knees bear the brunt of the body's weight and are extremely vulnerable when on skis.

Can skiing help with stress? ›

One of the most significant benefits of skiing and snowboarding is the release of endorphins. These “feel-good” chemicals are produced by the body during exercise and are known to reduce stress and improve mood.

Does skiing relieve stress? ›

Skiing and snowboarding are great for your mental health, as they help relieve stress and anxiety. Being in the fresh air and surrounded by beautiful scenery can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. In addition to this, exercise also improves sleep quality and increases energy levels.

Why do people like skiing so much? ›

Any change in the relative position of gravity makes it roll. This gives the body a feeling that it is moving relative to the center of the Earth. This creates that feel-good state where your mind and body experience the ultimate in skiing.

Is skiing good for belly fat? ›

"Cross country skiing is one of the most demanding of all sports and would certainly increase energy expenditure plenty and thus contribute to reduced body fat. Downhill skiing wouldn't do this as much, but as part of a fitness regime it's a good thing if done in a balanced and controlled manner.

What sport has the best lungs? ›

Physical activity has a positive effect on the function of the whole human body system. The influence of physical activity on the development of the respiratory system is still a matter for debate. Swimming is considered the sport with the most profound effect on the lungs.

Is skiing bad for a bad back? ›

Exacerbating an existing spinal problem: If you already have a spinal problem, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease, skiing might worsen your symptoms by putting extra stress on the vertebral discs, joints, and muscles.

Is snowboarding an intense sport? ›

SNOWBOARDING. One of the essentials in the extreme sports family, Snowboarding. Attached to the board the rider is able to gain great control over the movements, slide down snowy mountains and fill out air time with some impressive stunts.

How do you snowboard properly? ›

10 Important Snowboarding Tips for Beginners
  1. #1 Make Sure You Have The Right Board. ...
  2. #2: Make Sure You Have Proper Gear (And It Fits Well) ...
  3. #3: Take a Snowboarding Lesson. ...
  4. #4: Always Look Forward and Watch Where You Want To Go. ...
  5. #5: Bend Your Knees. ...
  6. #6: Ride Across The Slope. ...
  7. #7: Practice on the Bunny Slopes.
Dec 15, 2020

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