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Ski

Tips for making the most of your ski trip

December 7, 2017

Ask anyone, who to go to for skiing tips, whether it is big-mountain backcountry or beginner skier, and they'll all come to you with the same name: Warren Miller ski-film star — Scotty Kennett. I was lucky enough to meet this local legend, and together we've gone on countless adventures. When I picked his brain as to some tips for making the most of your ski trip, he had plenty to offer. As a ski instructor, as well as backcountry big-mountain skier, he has it all. 


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Scott Kennett making the most out of a powder day.

The Steps

First and foremost, he understands that most people who come to Telluride on a ski vacation are coming from "the city" and don't have the same oportunities, as those who live in the mountains, when it comes to pre-season conditioning. Scotty's favorite go-to? The stairs! Use the stairs instead of the elevator every chance you get, even if you're running late. A popular workout routine to get fit quick is to actually run up the stairs, two at a time if you can, all the way to the top. By the time you get to the top your legs are warmed up, and that's a good time for a quick stretch followed by some leg squats. Scotty recomments 2 sets of 20. And then the same with knee bends. Follow this routine for 2 or 3 weeks and your legs in killer shape for your upcoming trip. 

Drinking lots of water

Most people are coming straight from sea level, arriving in town at night. And what do they usually do? They go out on the town, have a few drinks and stay up late mingling with the locals. The next morning they're not feeling 100 percent, so they grab a cup of coffee on the way to the lift, to only dehydrate even more their "deacclimated" bodies. And then of course, the best runs are at the top of the mountain, and next thing you know they've got altitude sickness for the week. Scotty recommends drinking lots of water, catching an early night of sleep, staying away from the coffee, and warming up on some of the lower mountain runs for your first day. 

Focus on your skiing

During that first day, while you warm up, focus on your skiing. What do you need improvement on? What are you especially good at? The best way to take advantage of the expensive ski lessons is to spend a day warming up on your own, at your own pace, and signing up for a ski lesson on day 2. A private lesson is usually the best option, as you can have some one-on-one time with your instructor, to discuss what you learned about your skiing on day 1. This way you can use the rest of the week to focus on the tips your instructor gives you. 

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Local Legends and great friends Scott Kennett and Himay Palmer taking the time to enjoy a perfect day.

Enjoy the mountain

 Remember, you're here on vacation! To make the most of your ski trip, sometimes the  real joys can be the most easily overlooked. It's not about who gets the most laps or who has the biggest air. It's not about who rode the hardest run on the mountain or who had the best spa experience. It's about relaxing and enjoying the moments, every single little one. How often is the whole family together these days? When the children get older and the days feel shorter, just getting everyone together is a truly magical experience in and of itself. Forget about your goals of conquering that double-black run off the top of the mountain and remember to take some fun runs with the family. Those are the memories you'll cherish forever, and that double-black will still be there tomorrow when everyone else is wiped out and sleeping in. 

 

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