How Many Calories Do You Burn Skiing?
12 December 2023
How Many Calories Do You Burn Skiing?
If you’re an avid skier who is well accustomed to the slopes, it’s safe to say that you are familiar with the exhilarating world of skiing. However, if you’re not a keen skier, you might be surprised to know that not only is skiing just an exciting sport, but it also doubles as an exceptional calorie-burning workout. We’re often asked about the workout benefit of skiing so we decided to put our heads together and create this article to share some insight into whether or not you burn calories when skiing.
Does skiing burn calories?
So, let us be straight up with you: yes, skiing is a great way to burn calories! But before we get into the numbers of it all, let’s think about the science behind it. Skiing is a broad workout that requires the use of multiple muscle groups, as well as strong balance and endurance. Essentially, skiing is a full-body exercise class just in a colder environment!
When you’re skiing, you are using all of your leg muscles to maintain your balance and control how you move down the slope. Your core muscles are tirelessly working to keep you stable and upright, not to mention the role your arms play. Your arms are crucially important when it comes to steering and maintaining your posture.
All of these activities require energy, and energy usage = calories buried. Bingo!
How many calories do you burn skiing?
Now, the big question: how many calories do you actually burn while skiing? Well, it depends on several factors, including your weight, skiing intensity, terrain, and the duration of your ski session.
On average, a person weighing between 10 to 11 stone can burn anywhere from 150 to 400 calories per hour of skiing. However, it is important to note that this will vary based on your gender and what kind of exercise your body is accustomed to.
A leisurely day cruising on the slopes with moderate effort skiing may burn around 300-400 calories an hour. However, an intense day of skiing, perhaps tackling some challenging moves, can easily push that number to 600+ an hour. It’s almost worth mentioning that skiing at higher altitudes can also increase the amount of calories you burn as you are required to use additional effort to cope with the reduced oxygen levels.
Calories burned vs enjoyment had
While it is intriguing to know how many calories you’re burning on the slopes, this isn’t the main purpose of skiing. Unlike tedious treadmill burning or gym workout plans that rotate on a weekly basis, skiing is an adventure that is meant to keep you engaged, entertained, and enjoying yourself. The fact that you burn calories whilst skiing is merely a handy side effect of the whole experience.
Forgetting entirely about the calorie side of this exercise, skiing doesn’t just offer a physical workout but also a mental one. Navigating a range of terrains, and making quick decisions, all whilst being in beautiful scenery contribute to a positive overall sense of well-being. Many skiers note that skiing is a stress-relieving activity that can have a huge impact on your mental health, leaving you feeling refreshed and happy.
Other health benefits of skiing
Beyond calorie burning, skiing has several other health benefits that make it a great sport for people of all ages:
It strengthens your muscles
Skiing works out your quads, hamstrings, calves, triceps, and even your glutes. Your core muscles also get a good workout as they are crucial in helping you balance and control your movements.
It improves heart health
Skiing is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular fitness. The combination of downhill skiing and the occasional uphill hike on the slopes provides an excellent cardio workout.
It enhances flexibility
The dynamic movements in skiing help improve joint flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to navigate through daily activities.
Calorie-burning skiing at The Snow Centre
If you're on the hunt for creative calorie-burning workouts, here at The Snow Centre, we’ve got you covered. Our huge 160m main slope provides an ideal setting to blend enjoyment with physical activity and skill development. So, grab your lift pass today and discover the perfect way to stay fit while having a fabulous time.
If you’re more interested in learning how to ski to make this a full-time hobby, invest in some private ski lessons or adult ski lessons and you’ll soon be on your way to burning some calories on the slope on a regular basis.
If you have any more questions about The Snow Centre, whether it's about skiing lessons or anything else, please feel free to contact us. We're here to help you make the most of your snow adventures!
