Top Five Ways to Prep for Ski Season

Soon Park City will be covered in snow, ski lifts will be turning, and visitors will have high hopes of shredding deep pow. But how do you best prepare for ski season?

For me, ski season preparation rarely has anything to do with exercise; rather it’s more mental and emotional. I hate going to the gym and I know for a fact that nothing can get your legs ready for ski season except skiing. No matter how hard you cross fit or suspension train, your legs will still burn after your first turns of the season. If you do exercise make sure it’s fun and you actually enjoy it. Ride a bike, walk your dog, or go hiking.

All that aside, there are some things I do to prepare for ski season. Here are my top five ways to prep for the ski season:

• Attend ski premieres– Go to every ski film that comes through your town. Get your friends together and imagine yourself on the big screen. Luckily for Park City ski premiers roll through town all season long. We’ll add more dates as they are confirmed. View a schedule of ski premiers here.

• Read Powder Magazine & Ski Utah Magazine– There’s something magical about the first issue of Powder for the new season. It’s captivating. And Ski Utah’s annual guide is a “must read” for anyone planning a trip to Utah (www.skiutah.com). If you can spend less than 3 days reading, dreaming and imagining yourself heli-skiing I applaud you.

• Pay homage to Ullr– If you’re lucky enough to live in a ski town you understand just how important Ullr Fest is and the consequences if you don’t. Named for the Norse god of snow, Ullr Fest is a celebration of snow and to bless the upcoming ski season. Ullr Fest can range from a personal celebration to a huge town wide event. Another cool event is The BAMBOOZLE, a night dedicated to promoting local artwork constructed out of upcycled ski scraps. RAMP honors Ullr with an annual Yeti rail jam. Sponsored athletes ski and ride down the arm of a 30 foot yeti sculpture and slide a 15 foot rail. Food, libations, and live music are provided all night long. If you missed these October events, pencil them in to attend next year. Or better, yet, find your own fun and funky community celebrations to get yourself in the mood. For more information check out RAMP’s event page here.

• Ski Swap– It’s more than just the gear. It’s the comradery amongst skiers and snowboarders. It’s a space to share stories and general stoke for the upcoming season. There’s a buzz in the air that makes your heart beat a little faster and hair stand a little straighter. The annual Park City Ski Swap happens each November at the Basin Recreation Fieldhouse. Known as one of the largest and oldest ski swaps in the USA it’s an event locals don’t want to miss. Most large cities have ski sales and events to gear up for the season. For more information on Park City’s Ski Swap click here.

• Prep your gear– It’s a good idea to shake out your jacket and remove your googles and gloves from your ski box to make sure nothing is lost or torn. Take your skis into the shop or better yet hot wax your skis at home. Hopefully P-Tex isn’t necessary but after last season no one would blame you for filling at least one core shot.

Relax. Skip the gym, and enjoy the fall. Spend your days outside or in, biking or reading books, relaxing or having fun. As you begin planning your winter vacation to Park City remember to check out www.ParkCityLodging.com for the best selection of vacation rentals near Deer Valley® Resort and Park City base areas.

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Published on Monday, October 12, 2015