Fit and Female: Winter wonderland
November 4, 2009 by Andie Bernard
Filed under Fitness, Inside You
Summer’s over, the leaves are falling, the air is cooler, and with the change of season comes a change of sports.
Think it’s going to be hard to stay active and fit now with the coming winter season? Think again. As much as we Coloradans — and especially Boulderites — love to swim, bike and run in the spring and summer, we also live in a region with amazing opportunities to enjoy snow sports. Most of these winter sports are right in your backyard — or not far from it.
I have come across many women who are intimated by the winter sports. When I first moved to Boulder from Philadelphia, I, too, was unsure and a bit intimated by skiing steep slopes and trying new sports.
But with encouragement from my Colorado friends, I’ve learned to love alpine skiing and skate skiing. I want all of you ladies to give it a try, too.
Good winter sports to start with are classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snow shoeing. Of these, snow shoeing requires the least skill, but don’t underestimate the great workout you will get. Cross-country skiing requires a moderate level of skill, but after a few days of practice or a lesson you’ll get the hang of it. Skate skiing requires the most technique, but is worth the investment. It’s the most fun and best workout I’ve ever had in the snow.
You don’t have to get on I-70 and drive all the way to Summit Country to enjoy these sports. Eldora Ski Resort, just up Boulder Canyon, is only 21 miles from Boulder. Eldora offers women’s Tuesdays and Wednesdays, a popular Eldora tradition. No matter what your ability level or physical conditioning, this program has it all. You even receive a continental breakfast and a gourmet lunch after the four hours of instruction.
In addition, most Summit County and Vail resorts offer beautifully groomed Nordic trails with gorgeous views. So stay fit and active this winter, and most importantly have fun.
– By Andie Bernard
Bernard, of Boulder, is the director and head coach of Tri Babes Training, www.tribabestraining.org. Send your fitness questions to coachandie@gmail.com.
