It is a journey into Being; for as I penetrate more deeply into the mountain's life, I penetrate also into my own. — Nan Shepherd, The Living Mountain
There is a moment, just after the first lift of the morning, when the whole valley is still blue with shadow and the only sound is the squeak of snow under your boots. Breath fogs. Cheeks sting. And something in me quietly says: yes. This.
This winter will be my tenth bringing people to the mountains to ski and practise yoga, and I am still asked the same question: why put the two together?
Two practices, one body
Skiing asks everything of you — strong legs, a steady core, quick reactions, and the nerve to trust your edges on an icy morning. Yoga gives it all back. The morning practice wakes the body gently, warming the hips, opening the ankles and knees, and settling the mind before you clip in. The evening practice is slow and restorative: long, supported shapes for tired legs, breath for a busy head, and space to simply land.
But the deeper gift is attention. On the mat you learn to notice — your breath, your balance, the small tensions you carry without knowing. On the mountain that noticing becomes presence. You feel the snow change under your skis. You look up. You see where you are.
The joy of sharing it
For so many of us, skiing began as a shared thing. Family holidays. The friend who always wanted one more run. The gang squeezed around a table at lunch, cheeks red, telling the same stories.
And then, gently, life changes. Knees complain. Partners decide they'd rather not. Friends move away, or simply stop. The children grow up and ski with their own friends now. The mountains are still calling — but who do you go with?
Here is what I've learnt: most of the people who join me come on their own. They arrive as strangers on Saturday afternoon, a little unsure, and by the Tuesday they're saving each other seats at supper. By the end of the week there are plans to ski together again next winter — and so many of them do come back.
It's never too late
If the people you used to ski with have hung up their boots, it doesn't mean you have to hang up yours. You still can. Your body may ask for a slower pace, a warmer-up morning, a longer rest in the afternoon — and that's exactly what yoga offers. Ski as much or as little as you like. Take a lesson and rediscover your confidence. Or skip a day entirely and snuggle up by the fire with a book, a hot chocolate and a very grateful dog.
Whatever you choose, you won't be doing it alone.
Come and join me
If this resonates — if the mountains are still calling you — take a look at this winter's ski yoga holidays in the French Alps. Three weeks in January 2027, in a little village at the edge of Alpe d'Huez. Come on your own, bring a friend, or come and find some new ones.
I'd love to share the mountain with you.
Emma