In general, snow sports are fabulously enjoyable activities, though the reality is that they place tremendous physical demands on our bodies as well. Without exception, snowboarding and skiing professionals are individuals that have achieved a remarkable level of physical fitness; while you may not have the slightest interest in matching their talent on the slopes, it is nonetheless important that you be in somewhat decent shape before packing up your gear and heading for the mountain.

Whether you plan on skiing or snowboarding, you simply need to meet a minimal level of physical conditioning to be able to engage in such sports (much less enjoy them). In knowledge of that, it is also true that the particular snow conditions present on the mountain will determine just how physically demanding your day of skiing or snowboarding will be. Hence, it’s important to always be aware of just what the conditions are in the area you plan to hit for action, and what the implications are of each kind of condition.

A widely held notion among snow sports aficionados is that nothing compares to getting to ride down a slope decked with perfect, undisturbed (well, up to the point you got there) powder snow, or “white gold” as it is often called. The physical demands are quite significant here, as a field of powder completely hides the obstacles that lie beneath the surface such as bumps or depressions. Skiing down such a slope means greater use of the body in the hips and legs than in other conditions, and a person needs to literally turn their body into a gigantic shock absorber. It is quite challenging, but powder skiing and snowboarding is perhaps the most addictive variety of snow condition.

Quite unlike powder, there is a distinctly “rough” feel to man-made snow. It is much easier to compact and therefore the risk of sliding and slipping on stretches of man-made snow is higher than on other surfaces.

Similarly, icy patches of trail (whether dealing with natural or man-made snow, it doesn’t make a difference) are areas that must be handled with extra care. Avoid panicking when you reach such areas of the trail, and do your best to carefully brake without making any abrupt movements.

Completely off in a category of its own, spring snow conditions will make riders feel a lot heavier in their movements as they make their way through the “soupy” or “sludgy” snow. This kind of snow will require a greater level of exertion on your behalf as compared to normal winter conditions which let you glide along. On the flip side, you get to ski or board along in your shorts and a t-shirt, weather permitting!

Skiers and snowboarders should beware of hitting the slopes outside of the designated trail areas, which are usually clearly marked by flags, tape, or some other indicator. Not only can the snow be very deep and treacherous, but furthermore the risk of avalanches forming and of people getting lost is much greater.

If you have the urge to try out a bit of tree skiing, then take the time beforehand to put your braking skills to the test. This is an activity that is significantly more risky than regular trail skiing, as you must avoid obstacles and be ready to brake without warning. Speed regulation and a tendency to move along at a slower speed are fundamental here.

If you’ve brought kids along on your skiing or snowboarding vacation, let them get a little training in from an instructor before riding on any sort of slopes. And lastly, bear in mind that you should never assume others are experts at the sport (similar to when driving a car on the road), and should be extremely cautious when skiing or snowboarding along side others.

When Byron Jonas enjoys skiing Japan, he enjoys a lodge which he invariably uses for snow accommodation Japan – The Hooting Owl Lodge.

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