Surviving your ski trip! Part 2

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More Ski Survival tips

As it's the season it seems daft not to add another little thought or two to my 'in resort survival' ideas, so here goes...

I've already tackled sore muscles and recuperation but I'm going to add another dimension to this here with eating and drinking tips.

Drinking

It actually bears repeating that you need to stay hydrated as I mentioned in my previous blog but this still gets forgotten – one coffee or hot chocolate on the slopes is simply not enough and it more likely provide useful calories for the exercise than any hydration effect.

The easiest way that I have found to stay hydrated is to carry a back pack that takes a 'bladder' most day packs are now designed with a space for that and a hole to push the feed pipe through. Unless you have an insulated pipe though take care to blow the water back down into the reservoir after each sip or it may freeze! If you've not got or can't get one of these then carry a bottle you can refill in your pack, you won't feel the weight of either when you get moving. One word or warning though – I would not advise using a metal or solid bottle of any kind as if you manage to fall on it, it's gonna really hurt.

Eating

Skiing can be hard work (at any level) and as well as burning extra calories doing this your body will also be struggling to keep your temperature steady, warm on lifts and often trying to cool you as your work your way downhill or across country. You do need more calories, so eat well;

Breakfast – a good hearty breakfast will keep you going until lunch and beyond in many cases. You may find that the adrenaline and endorphins created when skiing mean that you have no appetite for lunch but this does not mean that your body does not really need the calories to keep going so make sure it has them with a good breakfast.

If you can face lunch (adrenaline may prevent you), eat a little of what you fancy eating – if not you can still help your calorie intake by getting a hot chocolate with cream...notice how I am not saying the usual things about food you've come to expect here? Well, you're in the cold, doing a somewhat hard activity for both body and brain, you need the calories.

Ok so now to dinner – If you are in a chalet or half board hotel enjoy the food prepared for you with no guilt. In many cases it has been prepared with your energy needs in mind. If you are not being catered for in your hotel/chalet then make sure that you do get some dinner – going out early may help you get the rest you need and avoid the rush as many Europeans eat later than we Brits. Don't go mad on the alcohol though (as I may have mentioned before!).

One final point before I go and reminisce with over my now 'almost forgotten' skiing holiday – carry snacks in your pockets or back pack as not all resorts have good restaurant facilities on the hills. Enjoy – I know we did!