While it’s warm and sunshiny at the Love With Food headquarters here in California, Mother Nature dumped enough snow on our friends to the East to put snow on our brains. Maybe a little ski envy even. So we’re going with it.
Now, some would tell you that the key to a great day of skiing is having the most up-to-date equipment, a snug fitting boot and a warm, stylish ski jacket. Well, whoever says that would be overlooking a big piece of the puzzle: snacks! Yes, you can try to ski like Lindsey Vonn and dress in the latest Helly Hansen, but if you don’t have a pocket full of treats, you are totally missing out on one of the great joys of hitting the slopes.
According to an article in the Atlantic Monthly, you can burn up to 30% more calories when exposed to mildly cold temps. Even more when you’re freezing your ass off-though we don’t recommend it! Hello!! With numbers like these, skiing sets you up for the ultimate snacking conditions! Read on and you’ll find out the 7 best bets to fuel your internal fire while burning maximum calories and taking the slopes by storm.
Skiing with the kids? Pack double what you think you’ll need. This is your currency to to stop the complaining and keep up with the big kids!
The Power Trip: You’re the first one on the mountain and the last to leave. Well, maybe a pit-stop for lunch. But in the meantime we recommend stuffing your energy bar pocket. You know the one that’s on the interior of your jacket, where it’ll keep warm from your body heat? Unlike chocolate, energy bars are best when they’re not frozen solid. Chewy and delicious, this Protein Almond Honey Bar by Rise exactly the thing to turn a snow bunny into an energizer bunny. Take advantage of it!
Classic Chairlift Chocolate: You started ski lessons in Aspen when you were 7, and a day on the slopes is bound to be filled with nostalgia. Toblerone was what you had back then and darned if you’re not sticking with it-and why not? Notched for ideal bites between runs, you can break off a piece on each chairlift and still have enough left over to share with the cute single next to you after your 5th run.
Breakfast of Champions: You know the lift lines get longer as the day goes on. So why wait? Hop on the first lift of the day, Smartie Pants. With a pocketful of Breakfast Cookies by Susie’s Smart Cookie, you’ve got whole grain goodness and Omega 3’s powering your morning powder sesh.
Chocolate Pick Me Up: Beginners, experts and everything in between, chocolate is the official snack food of every slope. Wrapped one by one in single servings, these PureNotes Squares by Tcho are ideal. Let them freeze in your outer pockets, so be it. The minute they hit your mouth, they’ll melt into oblivion, ready to refuel your next run.
Euro-Snack Packin’: The Alps may not be a hop, skip or (ski) jump away, but for the continental crowd, nothing compares. What to do? Sneak a few Meli Honey Waffles into the scene wherever you are. Crisp, caramel, buttery goodness all in one bite, the big question is to eat them cold on the chairlift or wait to warm ’em up over your cup of cocoa in the lodge? 
Trail Mixin’ It Up: Perfect for the whole family. Trail mix has everything, particularly Mango Staycation by Peeled. I’m talking protein from 3 types of nuts, potassium from mangos and bananas, and that oh-so-essential element we call chocolate. Call it staycation, call it ski-cation, just make the call. Trust me, 100% yum is on the line.
Slopeside Tear Busters: Calling all ski bunnies. Yum Earth’s Sour Beans can’t wait for the Easter basket. And let’s face it, neither can the kids! Perfect for skiers-in-training, a couple of these sweet treats between turns is just the incentive they’ll need to get down the mountain tear-free. And if you want the day to last, that’s exactly what you both need.
What are your favorite snacks to tote to the slopes? Let us know in the comments below.
