Park City Yoga Adventures — Photo courtesy of Washington School House
Yoga is phenomenal for strength, flexibility and mental clarity - and for easing tight muscles.
Sound good, skiers? You're not alone.
Ski resort yoga classes are the latest trend for winter 2016. Top resorts across the country are offering unique and creative ways to get your Namaste on.
1. Washington School House in Park City, Utah
The Washington School House offers yoga like you've never done it before: on a stand-up paddleboard deep inside a 10,000-year-old crater at The Homestead.
The instructor demonstrates poses from the dock, while you float and bend on a paddleboard bobbing on the 90-degree natural therapeutic pool. (Try a nighttime class - pure heaven).
Sundeck Yoga Winter Aspen Snowmass — Photo courtesy of Aubree Dallas
2. Aspen, Colorado
Begin your day with sun salutations on the sundeck in Aspen this season. The Mountaintop Yoga Class is the best way to refocus your mind, body and soul during your stay.
Start your morning with a gondola ride up Aspen Mountain. At the summit, head over to the sundeck for a yoga class geared toward skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts. The views are spectacular and yoga mats are provided.
Times: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Participants of all levels are welcome.
Aspen Shatki Shala in Aspen — Photo courtesy of Aaron Snow
Stretch out like a local at the Aspen Shakti Shala, located in downtown.
Filled with old barn-wood walls and Moroccan lanterns, it's a soothing and welcoming space.
“Everyone - yogis, non-yogis, skiers, athletes, winter die-hards, Aspen apre-ers - is welcome here,” says co-owner Jayne Gotleib.
With more than 40 classes offered per week, from power Vinyasa flow to après ski stretch, there's truly something for everyone.
Meta Yoga Studios in Breckenridge — Photo courtesy of Britt Johnson
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
If you’re skiing in Breckenridge, head to Meta Yoga, which hosts seven classes per day. Their après ski class is a wonderful way to wind down after a long day on the mountain.
“Après yoga is great not only for athletes but for all people looking to improve balance, flexibility, focus and joy,” says marketing manager Emily Steingart.
Don’t miss the happy hour class - a time to focus on intentions and balance yin and yang on and off the mat. Enjoy free pre-ski yoga classes on Saturday mornings and après ski classes in the afternoon.
Fairmont Whistler — Photo courtesy of Fairmont Whistler
4. Whistler, British Columbia
With already more than 22 feet of snow so far this season, Whistler Blackcomb is hosting an amazing ski season.
“Yoga goes a long way toward conditioning and stretching weekend warriors’ weary muscles from skiing,” says Michelle Leroux, director of public relations for Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
The hotel offers yoga classes twice daily, exclusively for guests, with an in-house yoga instructor.
In winter, yoga classes are held in a sunlit room with mountain views, while in the warmer months the sessions are held al fresco on the back lawn flanking Blackcomb Mountain.
Start your day with the Open & Invigorate morning class to warm up large muscle groups used for skiing and snowboarding.
“Morning yoga is an excellent warm-up and a fun way to begin your day before heading up the mountain,” says Michelle.
The afternoon class, Restore & Renew, provides long relaxing stretches for a therapeutic cooldown to aid in muscle recovery and prevention of stiffness.
Vail — Photo courtesy of Jack Affleck
5. Vail Valley/Beaver Creek, Colorado
For ultimate stretching of sore muscles, head to the Westin's Spa Anjali for their aerial yoga. Suspended a few feet above ground supported by silk hammocks, their "Alreal" yoga classes will lengthen muscles and release tension.
For those who are sore from a day on the slopes, try their "yoga for stiff people," offered several times a week at noon.
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole — Photo courtesy of Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa’s SpaTerre hosts yoga classes in their Oxbow Motion Studio. Guests at Terre, the Four Seasons and anywhere in town are all welcome.
All classes are designed for skiers, to strengthen and restore sore muscles for the next day.
Try the Ski Restorative class, which focuses on restoring the body from inside out, allowing recovery from stress by relaxing the muscular system and balancing the nervous system.
Inversion Yoga in Jackson Hole — Photo courtesy of Lindsay Linton
Inversion Yoga, located near the Alpine House Lodge and Cottages, holds more than 11 daily classes. Check out their Ski Fit Flow, to get limber and balanced for skiing and winter weather, and Après Ski Stretch for gentle flow after a long day on the slopes.
Telluride Yoga Center — Photo courtesy of Marla Meridith
7. Telluride, Colorado
Head to Telluride Yoga Center, located in the heart of this charming mining town.
“In Colorado, my favorite spot to chill out and practice yoga is Telluride Yoga Center,” says lifestyle expert and Telluride resident Marla Meridith.
“The instructors are top-notch, and you can opt in for many varieties of yoga to suit your abilities and interest. The best part of TYC is the epic mountain views that beckon you as you strike a pose. You can almost reach out and touch them.”
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows — Photo courtesy of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
8. Squaw Valley, California
If you’re skiing Squaw Valley, head to the Wanderlust Studio at the Village at Squaw Valley. Try their Pre-Ski Flow, designed specifically for skiers and snowboarders with an emphasis on opening the legs and hips.
Tired from a day out on the slopes or just looking to relax? Their Après Ski Restorative yoga class will stretch and soothe your muscles, boosting flexibility, mental focus and overall energy.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in Tahoe between February 20th and 28th, check out the Alpenglow Mountain Festival. This nine-day celebration of mountain sports will include backcountry tours, snowshoeing, fat biking and free restorative yoga classes.
Storm Peak Brewery Company Steamboat — Photo courtesy of Storm Peak Brewing Company
9. Steamboat, Colorado
Steamboat has many yoga classes, but head straight to Storm Peak Brewing for their unique Yoga and Beer session.
It’s a great option to get your body loose for an afternoon on the slopes. The class uses yoga and Pilates methods to build strength, flexibility and balance for winter sports.
Yoga and Beer costs $10 to attend, and happens only on select Saturdays - so plan ahead!
10. Keystone, Colorado
Keystone offers a yoga class daily at 4:30 p.m., perfect for guests to enjoy some après ski yoga. The Après Ski class is designed to stretch out tired muscles and relax you for a perfect night’s sleep. Classes are held at the recently-opened Studio K in Lakeside Village.
Any lodging stay at Keystone includes complimentary access to one yoga class for every person on the reservation.
