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Writer's pictureJenna Goldberg

Why Skiing and Snowboarding Are Good for Your Mental Health

Beyond physical benefits, there are many incredible mental health benefits to skiing and snowboarding that will make you love and appreciate your passion even more. The chemical reaction that happens in your body when you hit the slopes decreases stress and anxiety, helps relieve depression and assists your body in getting on a good sleep schedule. Here are the mental health benefits you're getting when you spend the day skiing or snowboarding - it's what the doctor should order!


While carving down corduroy groomed runs and feeling the wind against your face, your body is getting an amazing endorphin boost, sending chemicals to the brain that elevate and improve mood. This is a blessing for those suffering from depression, as studies have found skiing and snowboarding have mood-lifting effects that can help improve mental health.


The cardio and aerobic exercise skiers and snowboarders get while going down the mountain helps reduce stress hormones, making it a great activity for those who suffer from anxiety. Skiing and snowboarding get your heart and blood pumping, improving the flow of oxygen to your muscles while lowering blood pressure and resting heart rate.


woman snowboarding on a powder day mental healh
Diamond Peak/Chris Bartkowski

Our favorite winter sports can also help us sleep better, as they boost our levels of melatonin and dopamine. These important chemicals help us form healthy sleep habits, improve our body metabolism and give signals to our bodies, telling them when it's time to sleep.


Skiing and snowboarding have mood-boosting effects from the happiness we feel while spending time on the slopes which raises overall mental health: happy mind, happy body. Enjoy your next day on the mountain knowing that you're doing something good for your mental health.


Mental health benefits of skiing and snowboarding
  • Cardiovascular and aerobic exercise decreases stress hormones and anxiety

  • Melatonin boost helps improve sleep patterns

  • Dopamine increase improves body metabolism

  • Increased dopamine enhances the immune system

  • Mood-boosting effects can provide relief from depression

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