It was a foggy, snowy morning at Snowmass Ski Area on Tuesday, with a light layer of snow on top of a much firmer base. But the flat light and funky conditions didn’t keep skiers off the mountain for a bustling Tuesday on the slopes.
And depending on the condition of your ticker, you might be better off out there this week than just about any other, according to Kansas City, Missouri cardiologist Paul Chan, who was in town for a cardiovascular conference.
“It’s a good time to have heart problems because there are 200 cardiologists right now on the ski slopes,” Chan joked while riding the Village Express chairlift.
So, from a cardiologist’s perspective, is what we’re doing out here in the snow good for us?
“Absolutely,” Chan said.
“It’s good for us from a physical standpoint because the recommendation for the general population is to get two and a half hours a week of at least moderate aerobic activity, and skiing is one of those activities,” Chan said. “I think also, our endorphins go up and we feel better just because we’re out and enjoying the outdoors, so I think it helps people’s moods and elevates the moods as well.”
