The winter of '09-'10 has been mighty fun, and it's still not over! Looks like after getting hammered on all throughout early April, Tahoe is due for more snow this week 
It's that time of year, however, when the wonderful sport of skiing can start to take it's toll on our bodies. Unfortunately for some, a sick season of shredding can leave you with more than a perma-grin and a goggle tan. Tweaked knees, 6th toes, and a other aches and pains are common this time of year. I have one friend with a bone spur the size of a newborn baby's head on his heel, and I'm not exaggerating. Do yourself a favor and and unwind a little bit. There's still a lot more shredding to be had this season and you just might enjoy it that much more if you give your body some TLC.
I'm a firm believer in the benefits of practicing yoga and what it can offer to skiers. After getting a bit too agro in the KT line and then crashing on your nose to fingers lap, what's better for you than a little stretching and breathing? (I guess besides a few beers at the Chammy…?)
I checked out Mountain Lotus Yoga this month in the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. $89 for unlimited classes for the month. The great thing about Mountain Lotus is that it's a heated room (classes range from 80 to 100 degrees) which allows for your body to get deeper into stretches, as well as to release toxins by breaking a sweat.
There are a handful of other studios around that offer yoga at a regular room temperate. Being a Tahoe City loc, I frequent the classes at the Asante gym as well. Although I hear that Truckee has some great classes taught by some awesome instructors.
My friend Mel, who has been practicing massage therapy for many years both independently, and at the Squaw Valley Lodge, just opened up a new studio above Blue Agave. Mel offers most different types of massage, and if you're not into the yoga thing, she can help you with some more mellow stretches while on the massage table. She's super strong, really friendly, and offers cheap rates compared to all other local spas. So do yourself a favor and give her a call! You'll be glad you did!
Here's to a healthy spring full of lots of sunshine and good skiing in one of the most beautiful places in the world!