As operators of one of Salt Lake City’s premier ski shops, we know there are plenty of people in the area who love skiing. We have the pleasure of hanging out and working with them year-round. But we also know that a fair number of Salt Lake City-area residents don’t go skiing. We aim to change that whenever we can.

We get that skiing isn’t for everyone. We have had some customers in our ski shop who probably should have chosen another outdoor activity. And yet how many people in SLC, and throughout Utah for that matter, have decided they don’t like skiing without ever trying it? If you are in that group, we encourage you to at least give it a go. Below are five fantastic reasons to take up skiing this winter. If you try and still don’t like it, fair enough.

1. Skiing Is Great Exercise

So many people who have never tried skiing just assume that it’s gliding down a hill with two planks of wood strapped to your feet. Well, it is so much more than that. You actually have to work your body quite a bit to stay upright and maintain control. A good day of skiing offers a full-body workout that strengthens your core, builds muscle mass, and makes you feel better.

The most fascinating thing of all is that you don’t feel like you’re exercising while you are skiing down the hill. You certainly feel the effects at the end of the day, especially when it’s time for bed. You are asleep the minute your head hits the pillow. But while you’re on the slopes, you are just having fun.

2. Skiing Gets You Outdoors

Skiing is a fantastic activity inasmuch as it gets you outdoors. You will spend some time in the ski shop and the lodge, but most of your time will be on the slopes. Here’s the thing: studies have shown that spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental health.

3. Skiing Can Be a Social Activity

For people wanting to be more social during the colder, darker winter months, there may be no better way to do so than going skiing with friends. You will travel to the mountain together. You’ll ride the chairlift together and glide down the mountain as a group. And when you get to the bottom, you will remark about how fun that was as you head to the chairlift for another run. You’ll spend the evening together around a warm fire with drinks and conversation.

4. Skiing Can Take You Out of Your Comfort Zone

For many of us, getting outside our comfort zones is not the norm. We need things to push us to be better, stronger, etc. Skiing can do just that. If you’ve never tried it before, you may be quite surprised by how pushing yourself to hit the slopes can make you a more well-rounded person.

5. Skiing Is a Tremendous Amount of Fun

Even if the previous four reasons matter little to you, the truth is that skiing is a tremendous amount of fun. Trust us. We hear people talking about it every day in our ski shop. We hear the stories; we see the smiles; we hear the excitement in the voices as customers plan the next ski trip.

Winter doesn’t have to be long and boring. You do not have to stay cooped up from December through the end of March. Take up skiing instead. Best of all, Canyon Sports can help you get started. Stop by when you get a chance.