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4 Great Things to Do in Salt Lake City in Spring

4 Great Things to Do in Salt Lake City in Spring

Salt Lake City is a fantastic place to visit during the winter. There is a lot to do in town, but it’s the easy access to the slopes that brings so many people here. We are thrilled to be able to assist with snowboard rentals, ski rentals, ski tunes, and more. But we’re also happy to help our customers get the most out of spring and summer.

For the record, spring is a wonderful time to visit the Salt Lake City area. There is so much to see and do that it’s really hard to get to everything in a single trip. If you live here, you know there’s never a time when nothing is going on. You have plenty to keep your calendar full.

While we transition our ski shop to prepare for bike tunes, paddleboard and kayak rental, and other services for spring or summer, we thought it might be a good idea to talk about some of the wonderful things to do here in Salt Lake City at this time of year.

1. Enjoy Cottonwood Canyon

The canyons in and around Salt Lake City are spectacular during the spring. You might want to check out Cottonwood Canyon. Actually, there are two of them: Little and Big Cottonwood. Miles of hiking trails makes for hours of adventure. The one thing to remember about Cottonwood is that you might still find snow on the ground during the early spring. Keep an eye on the forecast and dress accordingly.

2. Spend the Day with the Animals

Locals and out-of-town visitors alike can take advantage of many opportunities to visit with the animals in SLC. One of our most popular attractions is the Hogle Zoo. It’s an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo with plenty of adventures for every member of the family. Most of the exhibits are designed to mimic the natural environments of the animals within, so it’s a chance to see the animals in a more natural element.

Other options for spending the day with animals include the Tracy Aviary, Living Planet Aquarium, the Wheeler Historic Farm, and the Farm at Gardner Village.

3. Check Out Some History

If you like to combine the great outdoors with a bit of local history, we suggest you check out the Pioneer Memorial Museum and This Is the Place Heritage Park. You’ll see some amazing things and learn about what life was like in Utah back in the day.

4. Don’t Forget the Culture

Utah is known as being a great place for winter skiing and summer kayaking. But every now and again you might want to take in the great outdoors and enjoy some culture. Salt Lake City does not disappoint. We recommend checking out Temple Square in downtown SLC. It really is impressive.

You can also pay a visit to the Clark Planetarium and Gale Center of History and Culture. Last we knew, both offered free admission. Check with them to be sure, just in case things have changed. Also, be sure to check out the Natural History Museum of Utah and Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Salt Lake City. Whether you live an hour or two away or come to Utah from another state, those of us who live and work locally want you to feel welcome. If you are coming in from out of town and want to spend some time outdoors, stop by Canyon Sports for kayak, paddleboard, and bike rental. And if you live locally, we are your best bet for bike tunes.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for Next Skiing Season

It's Never Too Early to Start Planning for Next Skiing Season

Well, another successful skiing season is drawing to a close. The slopes were still mostly open when this post was written, but they will eventually be shutting down as the white stuff melts away and the colors of spring emerge. If you live for the powder, this time of year can be tough. But chin up. It’s never too early to start planning for your next skiing season.

If you live in the Salt Lake City area, you might want to stop by our ski shop and take a look at what we have on hand to close out the season. Maybe your time on the slopes this past winter was made possible by ski rentals or snowboard rentals. You loved it so much that you’re finally ready to invest in your own gear. Come take a look at what we have.

If you live outside of Utah, we are willing to bet you are planning to come back again. We have some of the greatest mountains in all the country. Now is the perfect time to look at your schedule and see what you have open. It is time to make your hotel reservations while there are still plenty of good openings left.

Spring and Summer Are Good, Too

There is no doubt we love skiing and snowboarding here at Canyon Sports. We love talking about all things skiing and snowboarding with our winter customers. Whether you live locally or come in from out of town, we’re more than happy to help you get the most out of Utah winters. But, and there’s always a but, spring and summer are good, too.

Spring in the mountains is unlike spring anywhere else. There is something unique about seeing the mountains come to life as the snow melts. And once the snow is gone, Utah’s great outdoors offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature. We’re here to help with bike tunes, bike rentals, and even kayak and paddleboard rentals.

While you’re out and about enjoying spring and summer weather, don’t forget your winter plans for next season. The sooner you start planning your 2023-2024 skiing and snowboarding trips, the less you’ll have to worry about as next fall begins the lead into winter.

Book as Early as Possible

Locals need to plan somewhat in terms of taking time off from work and arranging their ski and snowboard rentals. But if you are from out of town, you have more to do. We always recommend booking as early as possible. Here in Utah, the skiing is awesome. Skiers and snowboarders from across the country flock here every season. At peak times, it can be tough to find accommodation anywhere close to the resorts.

One of the best tips we can offer is this: if you’re here skiing and you know you want to come back the following year, try to book that future stay before you head home. Being able to secure your booking a year out means one less thing for you to worry about when planning your next ski vacation.

We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you are local or from out of town, remember that we have you covered for outdoor recreation. While you’re making your plans for next season, also make plans to visit Canyon Sports for a ski or snowboard tune, equipment rental, and any of the gear or accessories you need for an enjoyable winter season.

Meanwhile, it’s time for us to start turning our attention toward spring and summer. It will not be long before customers are after bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Spring Is Snow-Chasing Season in Utah

Spring Is Snow-Chasing Season in Utah

Like you, the team here at Canyon Sports is holding on to the last vestiges of winter. It is an annual rite of passage from winter into spring. We know the slopes will be green soon enough, but we all want just one more opportunity to race down the hill. If you’re like us, you know that spring is snow-chasing season in Utah.

We’ve spent all winter helping customers with ski and snowboard tunes. Some of our customers who came to us late last year looking for seasonal rentals have already begun returning their equipment. But wait, not so fast. Some of our ski resorts are open into early April and a few even staying open into May this season.

Chase that Snow

Spring snow is a different kind of snow. It feels different. It skis different. And when you combine spring snow with warmer temperatures and longer days, you have a completely different experience on the slopes. That experience makes chasing the snow well worth it.

There’s no telling how long Utah ski resorts will stay open. Mother Nature ultimately determines that. But we still have quite a decent snowpack right now. So strap those skis or snowboards to the roof and get out to your favorite resort. It won’t be long before the snow takes its annual summer vacation.

We’ve Got You Covered

Once the skiing season is officially over, we have you covered with spring and summer equipment designed to make your enjoyment of the great outdoors as exciting as possible. Come see us for bike rental, paddle board rental, and even kayak rental. Don’t forget bike tunes, either. Our technicians are ready to get your bike into tip-top shape.

One of the great things about living and playing in Utah is that there is always something to do outdoors. The winter is all about skiing and snowboarding. Spring and summer offer everything from mountain biking to hiking and boating. In the fall, getting out and enjoying the spectacular colors on the Wasatch Front is unlike anything else.

Hang On to Every Last Drop

There is plenty to look forward to during the spring and summer months. But we aren’t there yet. Even now, there is still some snow left on the mountains. It’s time for the hardcore skiers and snowboarders among us to get out there and chase the spring snow. Let us hang on to every last drop for as long as it sticks around.

If you need one final ski or snowboard tune to make the most of spring snow, come see us at Canyon Sports. A properly tuned snowboard or set of skis is your ticket to enjoying the most exhilarating day you could have on the slopes. Just remember that accurate tuning ensures maximum control as you make your way down the mountain.

We still have time for full days on the slopes and laid-back evenings sitting around the fire with a favorite beverage, good friends, and conversation. It has been a fantastic winter in Utah. We’re expecting next winter to be just as good. Between now and then, we have our memories of this past season.

Spring has to come to Utah. For people who live for winter sports, this might not be such a good thing. But as you chase the spring snow, remember that Utah’s natural environment offers plenty for you to enjoy once the snow is gone. Give the mountains a try this spring and summer. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you can actually enjoy them – even without a sturdy snowpack.

Visiting Utah: Spring Might Be the Best Time to Come

Visiting Utah: Spring Might Be the Best Time to Come

Our annual ski rental and snowboard rental are now winding down as spring makes its arrival. Many of the out-of-town visitors that came to Utah to hit the slopes have returned home. New crowds will be back to chase Utah’s red rocks come summer. During the spring though, it is pretty quiet around here. It might be the best time for you to come for a visit.

Utah has two heavy tourist seasons: winter and summer. Winter is all about the snow while summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the mountains in a different way. As you might expect, resort rates are highest during these two seasons. You get better pricing in the spring because winter enthusiasts have gone home and the summer crowd hasn’t arrived yet.

Better Rates and Free Nights

So, what kinds of deals can you get in Utah this time of year? We can’t give you any hard and fast numbers because the resorts all do their own thing. But it is not unusual to see discount rates on all sorts of hotel rooms and home rentals. Some of the resorts even offer free nights when you extend your stay for a certain amount of time.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Utah but can’t justify spending on winter and summer accommodations, check things out this spring. You just might find that a trip to Utah is more affordable than you thought.

The Crowds Are Smaller, Too

Being in the kayak, paddle board, and bike rental business, we have the opportunity to greet guests from all over the country. They come to Utah in the spring in order to enjoy the beautiful natural environment in a different kind of way. It turns out that a lot of them come during the spring because they don’t like crowds.

No doubt that things can get hectic here during winter and summer. In peak tourist seasons, there are people everywhere. So maybe you aren’t a large crowd kind of person. Perhaps you prefer a more laid-back experience that includes room to stretch out and relax. Once again, spring may be your ticket to enjoying the Beehive State.

You might want to check out the Visit Utah website to see what they have going on. You can find fantastic articles on everything from mountain biking to fishing. The site offers information on planning your trip, creating an itinerary, and making your visit to our state safe. And of course, the site lists tons of things to do in all four seasons.

Spring Skiing Is Possible

Spring’s arrival in Utah doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate end to skiing. Some of our resorts are open well into April. If memory serves, the longest ski season in Utah history actually went into July. We can’t make any promises, of course, but we’ll continue offering ski rentals and snowboard rentals for as long as the white stuff is on the slopes.

If you are considering a visit to Utah in the spring, why not spend some time skiing and the rest of your time exploring other things to do in the area. There are all sorts of great activities in and around Salt Lake City and across the Wasatch Front. We have great parks and hiking trails. We have a great arts culture. Utah is even one of the best places in the country to enjoy a night of stargazing.

Spring is a time of transition. It is a time when Utah transitions from winter wonderland to a majestic summer escape. It just might be the perfect time for you to visit.

Give Skiing a Fair Shake Before Deciding You Hate It

As a company specializing in ski and snowboard rental, we hear from a lot of people who say they hate the two sports. We need to wonder how many of them have actually tried one or the other. We get the fact that snowboarding tends to appeal to a more limited audience. But skiing? How would you know you hated it without trying it first?

If you’ve decided that skiing isn’t for you despite never having strapped a pair of skies to your feet, allow us to issue you a challenge. Here it is – give skiing a fair shake before deciding you hate it. Maybe your current dislike for the sport is only rooted in a lack of knowledge or a single bad experience from the past.

Take Some Lessons

There are couple of things you need to do to give skiing a fair shake. First is taking some lessons. By this we don’t mean a single 30-minute lessen before you take to the slopes for the first time. Rather, we are talking about a series of class-style lessons designed to teach you everything from the basics to the finer points.

Skiing is as natural to some people as doing ski tunes is to us. But it doesn’t come naturally to others. That does not mean people in the second group cannot enjoy the sport. Some of them can, and actually do, after taking formal lessons that taught them how to ski.

Invest In a Seasonal Rental

Next up is investing in a seasonal ski rental. Why? Because it is hard to get a good feel for skiing with just one or two days on the slopes. The first couple of times you go skiing, your main focus is staying upright. It’s hard to enjoy the sport when you’re working so hard to not fall down.

A seasonal ski rental offers the motivation you need to hit the slopes on a regular basis. After all, you don’t want to waste your money. Getting the most for what you spent is all about skiing as often as you can during the season. And if you do it often enough, you will get a more realistic impression of the sport. Then you will be better able to decide whether it is right for you or not.

Go Skiing with Friends

Skiing alone is better than not skiing at all. But we can think of no better experience than hitting the slopes with a group of friends. So if you really want to give skiing a fair shake this winter, get together with friends you normally enjoy hanging out with. Go do it together.

If some of your friends are already experienced skiers, they might be willing to help you out. Maybe they can teach you some pointers. If you are all learning together though, that’s not a bad deal either. There’s something to be said about the camaraderie of conquering the slopes as a group.

A Full Season Should Do It

What we are saying here is that you really need a full season under your belt to get a good feel for how skiing suits you. A single trip to the slopes doesn’t offer enough time or experience to make an informed decision.

Do you hate skiing? Have you ever tried it? It is hard to know whether skiing is a good sport for you without giving it a fair shake. So how about it? Spend at least one winter on the slopes before deciding one way or the other. You just might decide you love it after all.

Ski Rental Has Its Advantages – Even If You Live in SLC

Ski Rental Has Its Advantages – Even If You Live in SLC

A big part of our business is ski rental aimed at tourists who visit Utah from out-of-state. Tourists have plenty of reasons to rent, not the least of which is the hassle of trying to take skis and boots on a plane. But even if you live in Salt Lake City, ski rental has its advantages. It is something every avid skier should consider.

When you rent ski from Canyon Sports, you can choose between an entire package or skis only. We do not rent boots alone. If you are into snowboarding instead, we have you covered. Snowboard rentals are on our menu, too.

With all that said, here are some of the advantages ski rental offers to SLC residents:

1. Get the Latest Gear

It is in our best interests to make sure that we don’t let our equipment get too old. Not only do customers not want old stuff, but maintaining skis and boots for years on end gets costly. So it’s also in our best interests to keep the latest gear in stock.

What does this mean to you? It means renting gives you the opportunity to try out the latest gear. Even if you intend to buy at some point down the road, giving new skis and boots a try before you buy is a wise decision.

2. Free Routine Maintenance

We cannot speak for other rental shops but can tell you that free wax and edge sharpening are part of our rental service. Whenever your skis need some service, just stop by and we’ll take care of it. We won’t nickel and dime you to death with maintenance charges.

3. Save Money with Seasonal Rentals

Some of our ski rental customers are weekend warriors who hit the slopes once or twice per season. But most are seasonal renters. They pick up their skis and boots at the start of the season, spend all winter on the slopes, and then return the equipment in the spring.

The advantage of seasonal rental is that you pay less. If you only ski once or twice per year, seasonal rental isn’t worth your while. But if you are an avid skier who can manage to make it to the slopes at least once or twice weekly, seasonal rental is a lot cheaper than individual rental every time you go skiing.

4. Learn the Equipment

Here at Canyon Sports, we help a lot of newbies get to the slopes for the first time. If you are new to the sport, do you really want to drop anywhere from $500-$1000 on new skis, boots, and poles?

Beginners still in that first year of skiing don’t have a true grasp of how equipment influences both performance and one’s pleasure of the sport. Likewise, they haven’t yet developed any preferences. So going out and spending a ton of money on a complete ski package that first year doesn’t make a lot of sense. It is cheaper for newbies to rent for the first season or two, then consider the possibility of buying.

5. A Lighter Financial Burden

Rounding out our list of ski rental advantages is the lighter financial burden. A single year of ski rental is substantially less than buying your own equipment. Renting means a smaller financial outlay that takes less out of your entertainment budget.

Buying skis, boots, and poles is always an option. But don’t discount the possibility of ski rental. Even if you live in Salt Lake City, there are advantages to a seasonal ski rental package. Give it some thought before you head out to the mountain again.

5 Signs That It’s Time to Consider New Skis

5 Signs That It's Time to Consider New Skis

We know how tough it can be to replace a pair of skis you have grown to love. You found a pair that fit you like a glove. You have had the skis tuned every year since you’ve own them. They have served you well – so well that you can’t bear to part with them. But every pair of skis reaches end of life. At some point, they need to be replaced.

How do you know that time has come? How do you know it’s time to head down to the ski shop to replace a pair you thought you would stick with until you died? You ultimately need to make that decision for yourself. But to get you thinking in that direction, here are five signs suggesting it might be time:

1. The Ski Shop Won’t Do Any More Work

You have faithfully taken your beloved skis to the ski shop whenever they needed work. DIY isn’t in your vocabulary, so you know they have always gotten professional attention. But if you took them to the ski shop at the start of the season and they refused to do anymore work, it is a sign that things aren’t looking good.

Maybe the tech said he could not put new bindings on your skis with a clean conscience. Perhaps you were told that there wasn’t much tuning left in your skis. Refusing work is an indication that your skis are wearing out. If the ski shop won’t do any more work, it’s because they are worried about liability. Pay attention to that.

2. Skiing Safely Is Becoming Harder

Ski technology has evolved over the years. So has slope grooming. Skiing on modern slopes with aging skis can be challenging. Even on the easiest slopes at your favorite resort, old skies can make safety a real issue. So ask yourself this: do you find skiing safely harder than it used to be? If so, consider it a big red flag. Either your skills are diminishing, or your skies are getting too old.

3. Your Skis Don’t Match Your Style

Skis and grooming technologies aren’t the only things on the slopes that evolve. Every skier’s style evolves as well. If you’re still rocking a pair of skis that you bought 20 years ago, there’s a good chance they are no longer a good fit for you. Your style has changed. Your old ones haven’t kept up. It’s time to consider something new.

4. Something Is Missing

Five years ago, it didn’t matter that one of your skies was missing a pretty good-sized chunk from the tail. You adapted. Well, here’s the deal: a pair of skis with missing mass are both unsafe and bad for your form. If something is missing, don’t just chalk it up to the possibility that you and your skis have grown apart. This isn’t a relationship. It’s a sport. It is time to retire the broken-down pair and get something new.

5. Something Else Catches Your Eye

Speaking of relationships, replacing your old skis with a new pair is not a matter of infidelity. You didn’t pledge your undying love to those old skis when you first purchased them. You did not promise to stick with them until death parted you. It’s okay that something else has caught your eye. It is okay that you are attracted to something new.

If you’ve noticed any of the five signs described in this post, perhaps a trip to the ski shop is an order. At canyon Sports, we recommend starting your search for new skis with a ski demo rental. Try out some different skis, and maybe you’ll find it is time to thank that old pair for the memories while you move on to something new.

What Does a Typical Ski or Snowboard Tune Look Like?

What Does a Typical Ski or Snowboard Tune Look Like

Ski and snowboard tunes are part and parcel with running a ski shop. We offer the service to local Salt Lake City skiers as well as visitors from out of town. If you are new to the sport, perhaps you’re not clear about what tuning is. This post will explain it. The most important thing to know is that skis and snowboards need to be tuned whenever the edges start showing noticeable wear.

The simplest way to explain snowboard and ski tuning is to say that the practice returns the edges back to factory condition. Tuning involves modifying the flat surface of a ski or snowboard as well as sharpening the side edges. Some skiers and snowboarders prefer to detune the front and back edges at the same time.

Flat, Smooth, and Sharp

Tuning’s primary goal is to create flat, smooth, and sharp surfaces. Why? Because you need your snowboard or skis to dig in and hold the snow for maximum control. When skis and snowboards are out of tune, it is much harder to remain in control on the way down the hill.

A ski shop will generally start the tuning process by addressing the flat (bottom) surface that rides on the snow. Technically, not every bottom surface will be perfectly flat. How flat it needs to be depends on the type of equipment you’re using and your preferences for using it.

When it comes to skis, racers tend to prefer a nearly flat bottom surface with a slight bevel at the edges. Park skiers tend to do best with a slightly beveled bottom surface. In every case, the bottom surface needs to be smooth and clean.

Side edges are also beveled based on the rider’s preferences. But they also need to be smooth and sharp, especially when you’re talking about snowboards. The edge is everything to an accomplished snowboarder. So you don’t want any burrs, chips, etc.

Tuning with Specialized Equipment

It is entirely possible to tune a pair of skis or snowboard with nothing but hand tools. But doing so is a lot of work. Ski shops tend to have specialized equipment that handles most of the heavy work. Skis and snowboards are machine-tuned initially, then fine-tuned by hand.

One of the main advantages of machine tuning is consistency. With hand tuning, every tuning job is going to be slightly different. Having your skis hand-tuned multiple times during a single season could mean slightly different experiences each time. But with machine tuning, your seasonal experience is consistent.

With all this said, there are hard-core skiers who prefer to handle tuning at home. They only bring their skis to the ski shop at the start of the season. After that, they are content to take care of things with their own hand tools.

Frequency Depends on Usage

Every pair of skis or snowboard should be tuned at least once at the start of the season. Subsequent tuning depends heavily on usage. If you only ski two or three times per season, you can probably get away with a single tuning. But if you ski every week, you will need to tune more frequently.

There are those skiers and snowboarders who insist on weekly tuning. They are the same ones who are on the slopes several times per week. Their counterparts who hit the slopes once every 7 to 10 days may be content to tune every couple of weeks. The bottom line is this: if the edges of your skis or snowboard are not clean, smooth, and sharp, it’s time to tune.

The Key Things Every New Snowboarder Should Know

The Key Things Every New Snowboarder Should Know

We have had the opportunity to speak with plenty of people who have come to our shop looking for snowboard rental only to second guess their decision to get into the sport. We get it. New snowboarders often feel apprehensive about tackling a sport they have never tried before. Hopefully, we can offer a little bit of encouragement that helps them follow through with their plans.

Here at Canyon Sports, we don’t just sell and service skis and snowboards. We are actually skiers and snowboarders ourselves. To the extent we can, we are happy to offer whatever wisdom we possess along with our own personal experiences. With that in mind, we think there are some key things every new snowboarder should know.

1. It’s Not Harder, Just Different

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve arranged snowboard rental for beginners convinced that the sport is harder than skiing. We are not quite sure why this thinking prevails, but it does. The thing is that snowboarding isn’t any harder than skiing. It is just different.

Being two different sports means that skiing and snowboarding require different skill sets. They utilize different techniques and methodologies. Even the equipment is demonstrably different. So saying one is easier than the other does a disservice to both. One particular skier might find snowboarding harder, but that does not mean snowboarding is harder across the board.

2. Trying Before You Buy Is Okay

Next up, we think it’s important that every new snowboarder know that trying things out before they buy is okay. That is one of the reasons we offer snowboard rental here in Utah. We want beginners to get a good feel for the sport before they spend their hard earned money on new equipment. We would hate for them to buy a new board that ultimately doesn’t work for them.

3. Lessons Really Are Helpful

There is something about both skiing and snowboarding that leads people to think they should be able to do it without taking lessons. Do not misunderstand. It is possible to learn how to snowboard without formal instruction. But truth be told, lessons really do help.

Snowboarding is like any other sport in the sense that succeeding requires a certain amount of knowledge. Why acquire that knowledge through the school of hard knocks when you can learn it from someone who already knows how to snowboard? Taking lessons doesn’t make you weak. Quite to the contrary, lessons will make you a stronger snowboarder.

4. Size Does Matter

When we outfit a customer with a seasonal snowboard rental, one of the things we pay attention to is the person’s height and weight. Why? Because size matters. The width and length of a snowboard needs to be commensurate with the user’s height and weight. Having a board that is not the right size makes learning even basic skills more difficult.

We think it is very important to fit each snowboarder with an appropriately sized board. When a beginner’s board fits, they have an easier time mastering the skills necessary to become an expert. That is ultimately what we want for any snowboarding beginner.

5. Practicing Falling Is Necessary

Finally, one of the first things new snowboarders learn in formal lessons is how to fall. It sounds contrary to the goal of remaining upright. Still, it is necessary. Every snowboarder falls regardless of skill level. Learning how to do it properly prevents unnecessary injuries and equipment damage.

If you are a beginner, a seasonal snowboard rental represents your opportunity to try out a fantastic sport loved by millions. We wish you well on the slopes.

5 Fantastic Reasons to Take Up Skiing This Winter

5 Fantastic Reasons to Take Up Skiing This Winter

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.