Today we went skinning. For those new to this idea it is basically walking uphill on skis. It was beautiful. We try to do this several times a week. It is our exercise during Winter months when we cannot walk because the snow is too deep.

We discovered what is known as ‘Backcountry Skiing’ during the Pandemic in 2020. When our local ski resort closed in March were instructed by neighbors to simply try it. So we went down to town and rented gear the first time. After that we were hooked! We bought our own gear and have been using it happily ever since.

We like to get our heart rates up promoting cardiovascular fitness and this is an excellent way to do it. There is also something so magical and dreamy as walking slowly uphill on skis amongst the trees. There may be sunlight or wind coming through as we glide each in our own thoughts. Movement is a key to brain activity. I used to be a runner and some of the most interesting topics would come to mind during the activity. It is how the brain does it’s best work for some. I remember my youngest son Bryan would learn his maths or reading best while jumping on the trampoline. It helped him connect the dots.

I relive my running days when I skin uphill. You can get into a rhythm, hear your breathing and heartbeat the same. Sometimes I like to listen to music. Most of the time, I don’t. The sounds of the forest are so uplifting. Being lost in ones own thoughts can be such a peaceful experience.

In the same way, skinning uphill calms the brain. Breathing and listening to the sounds of the forest also promote activity in the brain.

Once we reach our destination, we break and take off our skis. We enjoy a welcome reward of small sandwiches and some water. Additionally, we have some Obstbrand. It is a German Brandy distilled from apples and pears. This is a typical Bavarian specialty.

We then prepare to ski down the mountain back to home. Sometimes this is done quickly, depending on incoming weather. Like yesterday, a snowstorm was coming in so we wanted to get going before it started snowing heavily. We took off the skins. They stick to the bottom of the skis. We put our bindings back into ski mode. Then, we packed away the skins for carrying in the backpack. Off we go!

Skiing down is the best part of all this. It is through the trees, in powder usually, so provides you with a calm thoughtful descent. We end up back at the bridge across the river through Garfield. It is difficult to ski all the way back to our cabin since the last bit is uphill. So we usually take off the skis and walk carrying them the last hundred feet to home.

It is a fun activity I highly recommend to others who have never done it. You feel all alone up in the woods. Being able to enjoy your serene surroundings with friends is the best.

I would recommend to those who have never tried it to consider renting gear first. See if it something you enjoy. I believe that we get a lot of benefit from it. The endorphins generated provide significant advantages. Additionally, our activity is conveniently located from our front door. We don’t have to get into our car at all. To me, that is the best!

Wir sehen uns da draußen! See you out there! 🙂