Floating through deep, fluffy clouds of powder all day long is the quintessential daydream for every skier & snowboarder out there.  Unfortunately, that fantasy has a tendancy to fade as quickly as our shuddering legs by the third or fourth run.

So, what can we do to stop the body screaming that it ‘didn’t get the memo on the squat, lunge, fall-fest!’ on your next ski vacation?  Well, a good starting point would be to be to mix a little yoga into your daily routine.  Yoga promotes strength, balance and flexibity within the body, and can also be done practically anywhere, as our Winter Park Lodging Company models have shown us below.

Upward Plank – Here’s Sarah, strenghtening her back, hamstrings, arms and core.

From a seated position, extend your legs. Place your palms on the floor behind you with fingertips spread and pointing forward.  Press down through your hands to lift your hips toward the sky, to make a straight ‘plank’ from head to toe.  Start by trying to hold this pose for 30 seconds and build over time.

Full Boat Pose – This is Paige, building strength and stability to her core, legs & arms.

Sit on the floor with your legs bent so that your feet are flat on the floor.  Place your hands on the floor behind your hips.  Lift through the top of the sternum and lean back slightly with a straight back.  Engage your core muscles and gently lift your feet off the ground (straighten the knees if you are able to).  Slowly raise your arms to stretch alongside your legs, parallel to the ground.   Try to hold the pose for 10 seconds initially and build up over time.

Warrior 3 Pose: Sam is building strength in her ankles, legs, shoulders, back and abs while improving her overall balance.

Step forward on your right foot and bend the knee.  Keeping your hips square to the front, slowly raise your left leg and fold your torso forward, until both leg & back are parallel with the floor.  Keep your neck relaxed and slowly flex your raised foot for maximum effect.  Bring your arms forward.   Try to hold for 30 seconds to a minute.  Repeat on other side.

Extended Child’s Pose - Bill is stretching out his back, quads and shoulders.

Begin kneeling on all fours. Keep your hands on the floor, push backwards to sit on your heels and let your head drop to the floor.

Relax into the stretch and enjoy.

Chair pose – Conor is working his quads, core & Gluts.

From a standing position, with the legs together or hip width apart, slowly bend the knees.  Stretch the arms up over the top of the head.  Clasp the hands together or keep them shoulder width apart.  Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  If you have a knee problem be careful. Don’t bend the knees beyond the point of mild discomfort.