If you’re a yogi who loves to ski, or vice versa – or you’re just starting out with either – try these simple yoga poses to warm up before you hit the slopes.

It’s ski season! If you’re a skier, nothing compares to the rush of the fresh, cold wind on your face, and the soft swish of the snow under your skis. Nothing, that is, except maybe yoga! 🙂

For those of you who love both yoga and skiing, you may be surprised to learn that the two can actually go together. In fact, champion skier K. Mae Copham recommends yoga to help warm up and prevent injury, as well as to help you start getting used to being on your skis before taking to the slopes.

Here are 3 yoga poses to try out on skis:

1. Upward hands (urdhva hastasana)

Upward hands is the perfect way to gently lengthen your spine and warm up your shoulder rotator cuffs, which is especially important if you do tricks. Bend your knees slightly and reach toward the sky as you create space between your vertebrae. Look up and take the opportunity to inhale gratitude for the beautiful setting and the privilege of being on the mountain.

2. Downward-facing dog (adho mukha svanasana)

This classic yoga pose is super fun on skis, because your heels are held down by your bindings. From upward hands, sweep your arms alongside your body to the ground. Walk your hands toward your ski tips. Inhale deeply to fill the back of your lungs, then exhale, and as you arch your back slightly. Nice calf stretch, right?

3. Standing star (utthita tadasana)

Open your arms and slide your legs wide. Activate your inner thighs and your triceps to generate heat. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your chin up to stretch open your chest and the whole front side of your body.

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