The Science That Explains Why Skiing is So Enjoyable - SnowBrains (2024)
When you are first learning to ski, part of the initial instruction typically includes “french fry to go, pizza to slow.” Those pizzas progress into slow turns, then soon you are linking parallel turns. Functionally you realize that turning is used to steer your direction and control your speed. Then, as you advance further, you become enlightened that the rhythm and pressure created from engaging your edges and flexing the length of your skis with the help of gravity is not only super fun but borderlines nirvana.
There is a neurological explanation as to why this is so enjoyable. This is explained by Dr. John Kitchin, a former neurologist, in his video documentary SLOMO. He explains that lateral acceleration stimulates a set of receptors within the inner ear that connects us to the center of the earth. The otolith, which is a piece of calcium, sits on the membrane of the ear. Any change in the relative position of gravity makes it roll. This gives the body a feeling that it is moving relative to the center of the Earth. This creates that feel-good state where your mind and body experience the ultimate in skiing.
The science of this might be over your head (like it is mine), but if you’ve experienced this state of perfect happiness, then you know it to be plausible. As you link turn after turn, the constant acceleration can have a compounding effect too. Because this feeling puts you “in the zone,” it can be used for meditation as well. So, when someone halfway jokes that skiing is their therapy, there is actually evidence to back it up.
I believe the apex of this sensation occurs in the best snow conditions. The coveted untracked powder line where you have the feeling of floating combined with lateral acceleration. Of course, the same feeling can be achieved on a hardpack day just carving groomers. So, the next time someone complains about there being no fresh powder, maybe it’s because they don’t understand the science of skiing.
This phenomenon translates to other activities as well. Certainly snowboarding, but also surfing, mountain biking, wakeboarding, or any activity that incorporates lateral acceleration. It’s also probably the reason my college roommate would take his motorcycle for a joy ride nearly every day.
It is true that some people like to just go straight and fast and there is nothing wrong with that. Pure speed has its thrill too. But why would you want something that could be so wonderful, to go by so fast? Now you have scientific evidence that although your partner might have beat you down the hill, enjoying those turns gave you the most satisfaction.
Any change in the relative position of gravity makes it roll. This gives the body a feeling that it is moving relative to the center of the Earth. This creates that feel-good state where your mind and body experience the ultimate in skiing.
Skiing has no goal, it can be enjoyed however you want. Often the scenery on the mountain is beautiful and simply floating through the landscape makes it all worth while. Other times the terrain is difficult and requires focus and skill.
In addition, the effect of skiing on your body temperature is another benefit, as cold outdoor temperatures can potentially cause you to burn more calories. But best of all, it's a form of exercise that's fun. “It's exercise that doesn't feel like exercise,” Cohen explains.
In downhill skiing, as your skis push against the ice or snow, kinetic friction occurs which transfers some kinetic energy into thermal energy. Kinetic energy comes from the act of moving and pushing yourself down the slope; the thermal energy is the heat that exudes from where your skis and snow rub together.
The great thing is, all three types of physical activity have positive effects on our mental health and wellbeing. Studies show that sport and exercise, like skiing and snowboarding, lower our levels of stress and improve our moods. This includes feeling more content, calm, awake, enthusiastic, positive and alert.
It can also help manage anxiety, stress and more as being active gives you something to focus on! The more active you are the more you feel like you can do, in turn this can help with self-esteem as you are meeting goals that you have set for yourself i.e. 1 hour of exercise a day.
It might sound cliche, but when you're going down a ski slope, you can't help but be amazed by the breathtaking scenery all around you. Every day, you'll discover something new, or something you haven't seen before. And every day, you'll be more than grateful that you decided to go skiing after all. Or this.
Because of the extremely long, steep slopes, and dangerous terrain, single mistakes at the wrong moment by some extreme skiers have led to them being seriously injured or killed.
Powder snow is arguably the best type of snow for both professional and beginner skiers. It encourages more experienced skiers to pick up more speed to avoid sinking into the powder snow, while novices are able to appreciate the softness as they get to grips with their technique.
Natural snow provides skiers and snowboarders a more weightless feeling as they cruise down the mountain because natural snow crystals stack very loosely on top of one another. A fresh layer of powder can be as much as 95% air. Naturally then, it feels so much softer and lighter to ski through.
Generally, skiing is easier to learn than snowboarding for most people, but it largely depends on your comfort level and overall balance and coordination. Skiing tends to be easier because your feet are attached to two different boards. You can adjust your footing with the skis attached to keep your balance.
Athletes who practice downhill skiing take advantage of Newton's Second Law, as expressed in the equation F = ma, where F represents force; m, mass; and a, acceleration. They increase the amount of force by the way that they push down the slope, and gravity accelerates them to speeds over 90 miles an hour.
Explanation: One way to increase speed is to cut down air resistance. To do this, skiers will tuck their body and bend their knees so that they are lower and closer to the ground. That way, there is less surface area for the force of air to work against.
The physical activity involved in skiing triggers the release of endorphins, those magical neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria. Carving through the snow activates various muscle groups, providing a full-body workout while simultaneously enhancing your mental state.
From ancient civilizations to modern wellness seekers, mountains have been associated with good health, strength, and well-being. Fresh and clean air, free from pollution, means that we can breathe deeply and enjoy the natural scents of the wilderness.
Traditionally, skiing has been considered an activity that is reserved for those with money. Fortunately, it is now not uncommon for ski resorts to offer discounts and deals to help those with less money enjoy the sport.
What is the ski thing that takes you up the hill? That's known as a ski lift. There are various types, including chairlifts, gondolas, T-bars, and magic carpets, all designed to transport skiers and snowboarders to the top of the slope.
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