Embracing Winter

It is the 10th of October, and the snow is already falling on the mountain tops of Summit County, Colorado. While the residents of this area are rejoicing this early visit from Santa Claus, many people in all parts of the globe are experiencing what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly called SAD. According to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association, SAD is a condition that may begin as early as September, and last through the month of April. In general, SAD is at its peak in December, January and February. Most experts believe that it is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus. The shorter hours of daylight and lack of winter sunlight seems to be the culprit.

Depression, inactivity, staying indoors and excessive eating characterize SAD. A vicious cycle may result: the weight gain that results from lack of exercise feeds the depression. Furthermore, by staying indoors, people have fewer social contacts during the winter. This can also lead to depression and loneliness. Other symptoms may include loss of libido, sleep problems, lethargy and anxiety. SAD can begin at any age according to SADA, but usually has its main onset between age 18 and 30.

Although Light Therapy and a variety of antidepressant drugs may be used to treat SAD, the folks at Winter Feels Good, a division of Snow Sport Industries of America, have an even better idea. They have created a program for parents, consumers and educators that describes the physical, spiritual and psychological benefits of winter sport participation. Since winter weight gain seems to be a primary cause of concern, take a look at their chart detailing the average number of calories you can burn by snow sport participation.

The benefits do not stop at weight control. As we get older, our balance and proprioception become challenged. However, as much as we may be impressed as we watch Bode Miller recover from a near wipe out, it is just as exciting to see a 70 year old man or woman walk cross an icy ski village wearing ski boots, while maintaining the balance of a ballerina! Participation in a snow sport is an excellent way to enhance balance. Additionally, as a weight-bearing activity that is performed on a slippery surface, snow sport participation can play an important role in preventing osteoporosis. Since ski areas are usually in rather sunny locations, you can get a double dose of osteoporosis prevention. The healing rays of natural sunlight generate Vitamin D, which prevents osteoporosis, breast cancer, prostate cancer, psoriasis and depression. Since many people spend more time indoors during the winter, they may be Vitamin D deficient.

In an interview for Oprah Magazine, she says:"I felt lazy and toxic and had no energy for auditions, and anyway, I was old news in Hollywood. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I stumbled off a sidewalk and fell so hard that I injured my neck. The doctor prescribed pain medication and plenty of bed rest.”

Learning a snow sport may also have an interesting effect on creativity. If you saw the PBS special about John Denver, you know that he was inspired to write Annie’s Song on a ski lift at Aspen. It is also a great way to gain confidence. The actress Virginia Madsen can attest to this. In an interview for Oprah Magazine, she says: “I felt lazy and toxic and had no energy for auditions, and anyway, I was old news in Hollywood. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I stumbled off a sidewalk and fell so hard that I injured my neck. The doctor prescribed pain medication and plenty of bed rest.”

She describes the turning point in her life, when she was asked to participate in a celebrity ski event. Although she did not ski, the event organizers sweetened the deal by assigning a rather attractive instructor to help her learn. A few days later, her instructor saw her looking down from the top of a Black Diamond run. He told her that if she could learn how to ski it, she could walk into any audition free of fear. When she got home, she decided that if she could hurl herself down the mountain she could hurl herself back into life.

Since the psychological benefits of snow sport participation are becoming so well known, many resorts have devised programs that combine personal growth with skiing or snowboarding. Here are just a few:

• http://edgechange.com/leadership-program.asp


• http://www.aikiworks.com/skiing.html


• http://www.kristenulmer.com/

Getting Started

Now that we have hopefully convinced you of the health benefits of winter sports, here are some guidelines for getting started. Choosing the right clothing can make the difference between an enjoyable day at the slopes and a complete disaster. Fortunately, manufacturers of snow sport clothing have devised effective ways of helping you stay warm and dry on the slopes. It’s called the layering system, and consists of three (you guessed it!) layers.

1. The Inside Layer is also known as the wicking layer. In layman’s terms, it is simply called long underwear. There are a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics that have the ability to wick moisture away from your skin. This allows you to stay warm, dry and comfortable. If you want to feel sexy on the slopes, silk long underwear is known for its wicking properties. Cotton should be avoided, since it absorbs moisture.
   
   


2. The Middle or Insulating Layer consists of fleece or wool pullovers and/or turtlenecks. Nordic Skiing and snowshoeing will require less insulation than Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding.


3. The Outer or Protection Layer should be either waterproof or water resistant, and breathable. If you are alpine skiing or snowboarding, be sure to purchase pants that fit outside your boots. Avoid jeans! Like cotton, they will absorb moisture.

Snow sport participation can be the perfect cure for the winter blues. A winter snow sport vacation is also an excellent idea for a family vacation. In some cases, it may be more exciting and less expensive than a trip to Disney. Let it snow!