About the snowscape concept

„I’m off to the beach“

"I'm going skiing."

Do you notice the difference? It would sound strange if someone said they were going swimming when heading to the beach. I'm not sure why no one says they're going on winter vacation or to the mountains, but skiing is much more than just skiing; I know that.

First of all, for those can’t skii, or are still in the learning process I think it's fair to expand the term "skiing." So, I started working on the snowscape concept. The snowscape concept includes everything you can do during a skiing trip that has nothing to do with skiing.

There are countless activities, but I think we should start with the ones...

...we usually don't have time for.

Snowscapes are the perfect time to be dedicated to activities you love but can't enjoy due to work and other obligations. Reading can be one of them. Bring a book you've been meaning to read for months but never started. Read a few pages before bedtime or during breaks from your daily activities. Use the book to disconnect from your phone.

Sun, snow, views from the mountaintops shrouded in clouds, forests, winter chalets, gondolas... There are not many more interesting destinations for photography than the mountains. Take your camera and venture into nature. Wherever you go, you'll come across breathtaking scenes that you must capture, not only for your profile picture but also as a memory.

We eat to survive, that's true, but when you pair food with wine in the right way, it turns from a physiological need into a hedonistic experience. It's best to go for a wine tasting where professionals will create the perfect pairings for you. Still, if this is not an option, you can do it yourself. In any restaurant, they'll be happy to recommend local specialties and the wines that go best with them. Just be careful not to overindulge. The point is not to turn hedonism into a hangover. If you have another hobby, don't hesitate. Your enjoyment is a priority.

I believe that we deal with various stressors daily, so use snowscapes for activities that...

...calm us down.

The mountains offer a tranquil and pure atmosphere, a chance to connect with yourself. Meditation and breatworks are great ways to achieve that. Whether you choose Metta meditation, Vipassana, mindfulness meditation, or another one, you'll discover something new about yourself. Wim Hof developed his own breathing method, which helps people worldwide. If all of this sounds boring to you and you have no intention of exploring it, simply enjoy the silence. Find a quiet place where no one will disturb you, turn off your phone, tablet, laptop, or any other device that could distract you, and be still. Ten minutes, to start with. See what happens when you're alone with your own thoughts.

We all come to vacation from the hustle and bustle, numerous responsibilities, missed deadlines, and tensions. Snowscapes are also an opportunity for activities that...

...relax us.

The mountains are full of places for relaxation. Everywhere, there are massage salons. You can opt for a basic relaxation massage that will release tension from your body. If that's too gentle for you, try a sportsmassage, which is more intense but relaxes your muscles more. There are also partial massages, where they focus on your face, neck, or feet. And if you're in the mood for something different, explore Thai massage, volcanic stone massage, Shiatsu, and many others. Many hotels have spa centers where you can pamper your body in various ways. In a sauna, you can focus on detoxifying your body through intense sweating. It's great for improving circulation, relaxation, stress relief, and detoxification. Dry saunas are also good for skin care. Apart from being excellent for relaxation, steam rooms are beneficial for respiratory passages, especially for those with asthma or sinus problems. A salt room is suitable for respiratory issues and allergies. If you have the opportunity, try acupuncture, an ancient Chinese method for relaxing muscles, reducing pain and stress, and achieving overall body and mind well-being. If none of these interest you, just relax in a Jacuzzi and let the warm water and bubbles lull you.

If you don't move around a lot, have a desk job, and have already started experiencing neck and back pain, use your snowscape for activities that...

...strengthen us.

I'm not talking about snowboarding or skiing. There are various ways to engage your body during the snowscape. Hiking is one of the first options. There's nothing better than exploring the mountain, sightseeing, trudging through the snow, and conquering hills and peaks. Just make sure not to get lost. Opt for swimming. The sea isn't the only place for swimming. In addition to indoor pools, outdoor thermal pools are becoming increasingly popular, where the water is heated, providing an unprecedented experience of swimming in the snow. Some even combine it with jumping into the snow, but that's not for everyone. Just because you're in a mountains surrounded by beautiful nature doesn't mean you can't engage in a quality strength training session in the gym. Dedicate an hour to activate your muscles. You'll feel better, stronger, and have more energy for other activities. Yoga is another recommended activity. It's a combination of mental relaxation and physical activation, making it ideal for a mountainous environment. There are several types, so if you don't have experience, it's best to seek out an instructor. If that's not an option, YouTube is full of guided sessions. For those gentlemen who still consider yoga too "girly," engage in deep and prolonged full-body stretching, in silence.

The most beautiful thing about snowscapes is that all these activities, including many I haven't mentioned now, can be done alone or with friends. And if you miss socializing, try some activities that...

...bring us closer.

No matter how surrounded by people we are in the city, it seems that there is less and less space for quality social interaction. Snowscapes are a great opportunity to play board games with friends. Cards are a standard option because there's always that one game everyone knows how to play. It's also nice to reminisce about your childhood while playing Risk or Monopoly. If you want to try something different, that's no problem. There are so many board games that you'll surely find one you like. My personal recommendations include Settlers of Catan, Saboteur, or Azul.

Engage in conversations. We talk all the time, but these are everyday talks or conversations with an underlying purpose that don't serve any purpose other than their intended goal. Whether you're on snowscapes with friends or family, discuss more personal topics. Talk about desires, insecurities, and feelings. There's no shame in it.

In conclusion…

It's a shame to neglect so many things you can do in the mountains because of terminology. Explore the concept of snowscapes and enjoy more than just skiing. And if you don't ski, consider learning it.