When the Snow Isn’t Great… It’s Still a Great Time to Move

Dr Jess Klain
6 hours ago
3 min read

If you live in Colorado, you know how I am feeling: you check the snow report, hoping for powder days and the opportunity for fresh tracks… and instead you find spring-like temperatures resulting in thin coverage and icy runs. Some winters just don’t deliver the ski conditions we have come to expect in the Rockies and this year is definitely one of them. Per Colorado Public Radio, "normal snow cover this time of year should be about 460,000 square miles, about the size of California, Utah, Idaho and Montana but this year it's only California-sized, about 155,000 square miles, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center." Even the weather in Denver has been outragously warm with the most 70-degree winter days (7!) and 60degree days (41!). While this winter is disappointing for skiers, it’s actually pretty great for many other sports and movement activities.

No snow at Vail Mountain 2026 — Vail Mountain January 2026

Trade the Lift Line for the Trail

When the mountains are icy but the Front Range is warm, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails.

Due to the lack of snow, hiking trails are perfect right now and the unseasonably warm temperatures present us with a great opportunity to build endurance for spring and summer adventures. If snow is on the way and our ski season is just late, hiking is also fantastic cross-training. The uneven terrain helps strengthen the ankles, hips, and core - areas that are helpful for injury prevention for skiiers and snowboarders. If you’ve been dealing with lingering knee or hip discomfort, hiking on varied terrain (within tolerance) can actually help improve joint stability.

My favorite front range trails for running/hiking, vies and sunshine: Apex/Enchanted Forest, Mount Falcon, North Table Mountain, and more recently, Chimney Gulch, after a patient recommended it to me for my Leadville marathon training.

Run, Walk, or Move Around the Park

Those random, 70deg Denver days are a gift. Take advantage of them with simple movement:

Run or jog around the park
Walk with a friend
Do mobility work or yoga outside
Try a short bodyweight workout

The best movement is often the simplest movement. And from a physical therapy perspective, consistent movement is a powerful tool for reducing pain and improving resilience in the body.

Try Something New

Sometimes poor ski conditions are a sign to mix things up.

Consider trying:

A yoga class
A strength class
Pilates
Mobility or balance training
HIIT
Spin class

Classpass is an easy and economical way to try new classes without a big commitment.

Trying new types of movement challenges your nervous system in different ways. This improves coordination, balance, and overall movement efficiency which can help your outdoor sports performance.

Why Variety Matters for Injury Prevention

Many people in Colorado, and other 4 season places, are seasonal athletes: ski in winter, bike in summer, run or play racket sports in the fall and spring.

The problem? When we do the same activity over and over without cross-training, the body often develops:

Mobility restrictions
Strength imbalances
Overuse injuries

Adding variety, whether that’s hiking, strength training, yoga, or a new movement class, helps keep the body resilient and adaptable.

Hiking with view of Red Rocks February 2026

Use This Time to Prepare for Your Next Adventure

As we mourn the poor ski conditions this season, we can also think of it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to:

Build strength
Improve mobility
Address lingering injuries
Try new ways of moving

Because when the snow returns, or when summer adventures begin, you’ll be stronger, more resilient, and ready to enjoy it.

Whether you are skiing, snowboarding, or biking, don't forget wear a helmet to protect your brain. March is Brain Injury Awareness month and Physio, Yoga & Wellness is supporting Save A Brain.

If your body could use some post-adventure care, or you’re training for your next one, PYW is here to help you move better, recover smarter, and keep doing what you love.

Book an Appointment here.