As many of us know, drinking water and staying adequately hydrated is one of the most important factors allowing us to operate at our best. That’s why we thought covering why and how to carry water while skiing would make a great addition to our beloved Snowledge blog series. When we are fully hydrated our organs perform at their highest ability, our brain functions are optimal, and our muscles and joints are working most effectively. Whether you are in bounds or out of bounds, staying hydrated is a must. While skiing and snowboarding, you should be consuming water before, during, and after your time on the mountain.

The general rule is a minimum of 67 oz of water a day. For a more personalized quantity, take 67% of your body weight and drink that number in ounces per day. However, you may need to be drinking more water based on your daily habits and activity level, like alcohol and caffeine consumption, and exercise. Maintain a 1-1 ratio for alcohol and caffeine to water intake. If you enjoy adult beverages the night before, make sure you are having a glass of water for each drink. Do you like to start your day off with a rush of caffeine? Great, but be sure you are balancing it out with pure water!

It will be obvious if you are hydrated — just observe your urine. Light in color and watery consistency? Keep up the good work! Dark in color and high viscosity means you need to treat yourself to more water. If you are choosing to use supplements in your water to help hydrate, your urine may change color. You should need to urinate every few hours and it should maintain a low viscosity.

But how do I carry my water?! Well, here are some pros and cons between using a water bottle, like a Nalgene, or using a hydration pack or bladder with a hose around your shoulder. The main pro of using a hydration pack is convenience as you can be drinking water without having to stop and open your backpack. However, if you are going to be out in subzero temps your hose will freeze! This is a total inconvenience for those chilly days, but great for spring skiing. Hydration packs can also get holes and leak all over your backpack. Now you have no water and a soaked bag. When using a water bottle, you’ll have to stop and open your pack, but they are more durable, and the water doesn’t freeze as long as you’re moving. Depending on the type of water bottle you use, it can also weigh more than a hydration pack or bladder, which is something to consider. All and all using a water bottle is your most reliable option, even if it means regular breaks to stop and open your pack to hydrate. Encourage water breaks!

See some of our favorite products at the end of this post.

Can You Eat Snow to Hydrate in the Backcountry

Eating snow should be the most convenient option, right?! You’re surrounded by it, there’s no leaky hydration pack, and no water bottle to dig out from your pack. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. In fact, eating snow is toxic and dangerous. Imagine a snowflake under a microscope, it’s the perfect net! It catches all the yuckies that are in the atmosphere, including dust, pollutants, and pesticides. At a ski resort, the snow can be loaded with wax from skis and boards, and diesel and oil from lifts, snowcats and sleds! So when you see a friend or family member, who clearly didn’t read this article, eating snow, educate them and SAY NO TO EATING SNOW!

We can all agree that we want our group to be safe and smart at the resort and in the backcountry. Take care of each other and make sure everyone is hydrated by encouraging regular water and bathroom breaks. Having a hydrated brain that can respond quickly and act optimally is one of the many ways we can be safe and smart while skiing and snowboarding at a high level all day. Be the best you can be for yourself and for the group and always have plenty of water accessible.

Our Favorite Water Bottles and Hydration Packs

Mizu M8 with Loop Cap Water Bottle Hydro Flask 21 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle HydraPak Shape-Shift CamelBak Crux Reservoir Mizu M8 with Loop Cap Water Bottle

Mizu is the ideal size and weight whether using at home, in your car, or on any adventure.

Hydro Flask 21 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is easy when you’ve got this portable thirst-quenching travel buddy by Hydro Flask. Whether you’re headed to the backcountry or to the resort to spin a few laps, you can easily take your refreshment with you.

S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

S’well is the only reusable bottle that looks great and does good. S’well keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12, while giving back to those in need. S’well bottles are beautifully crafted and designed to last.

HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle

HYDAWAY is an infinitely adaptable water bottle that’s as on-the-go as you are. Space is a terrible thing to waste! No more lugging around bulky “empties,” no more disposables in landfills and no more hard-to-clean bottles.

HydraPak Shape-Shift

Hydrapak is a time-tested creation for hydration on the go. It can take a serious beating, it fits nicely in most packs and it’s fully reversible for easy cleaning. Durable, dependable form and function.

CamelBak Crux Reservoir

The Camelback Crux delivers more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easier refilling, and an on/off lever that makes it easy to prevent leaks.

Visit Authentic Alignment Wellness for more health and wellness tips for performing your best in the outdoors