The seasonals have left, the snow is rapidly melting and Baldy has stopped running its lifts for the season. Yes, “Slack” is upon us once more, and as the reality of the end of ski season sets in on us, we’ve got to find ways to avoid slipping into insanity. Here are a few ideas to get you out of mourning.
1. GET YOUR ASS TO THE GYM
People make resolutions to go to the gym at New Year’s Eve, resolutions which inevitably fail. In reality, this is the time to start hitting the gym and work on that beach body! Our tummies are soft and flabby from excessive après activities, and now the excuse that it’s “just one beer at the mountain” is nonexistent. Take up some classes over at High Altitude, YMCA or Crossfit. Call up your ski friends and instead take them out for a vigorous workout. After all, summer bodies happen in Slack.
2. DETOX
Now that we’ve spent five months bingeing on fondue and wine at the Roundhouse, or better, the $3 taco bar at Lookout Lodge, it’s time to consider taking up a cleanse and flushing out those toxins. NourishMe is offering a guide to detoxifying in just seven days, or you can try Glow’s five day solution via group juice cleanse (May 19-23). Slack is basically lent for ski towns.
3. DEEP CLEAN
Spring cleaning is both cathartic and effective. It’s time to unload all of the junk that’s been gathering dust the past year and clean house. This way, when it’s time to entertain in the warmer season, there’s no clutter and mess to deal with. The Gold Mine in Ketchum, or Hailey’s Barkin’ Basement and the Advocate’s Attic all accept tax-deductible donations and help benefit local causes.
4. EXPLORE
The snow has begun to melt off the mountains, making way for the continuous exploration of the area around us—it’s time to rediscover it. Ride the bike path from Bellevue to Hulen Meadows, or later in spring take a ride along the friendly Harriman trail and have a picnic at the base of Galena. Explore the pages of a new book, even, and let the mind wander through a fantastical new world. Check out our guide to hiking/biking trails in the Valley.
5. TAKE UP A NEW SPORT
There’s more to life than skiing! The YMCA offers kayak rolling classes, deep sea diving certification and a state-of-the-art climbing wall that will prep climbers for adventures to the City of Rocks National Park and beyond. The tennis courts at Atkinson’s Park have thawed out, and there’s always a trail to ride a bike on. Get out there!
6. GO ON A VACATION
The doldrums of slack can make one shout with anguish “Get outta town!” So do it! Take off for a couple of days, down south to warmer climates for some much needed sunshine or even further north if skiing hasn’t left the system yet. Alternatively, have a Staycation. The Tamarack Lodge is offering a two-night stay for $89 with mention of a special code, or stay at the Sun Valley Lodge for just $109 a night. Turndown service, spa treatments, room service… Two words: treat yoself.
7. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH SLACK SPECIALS
Possibly the greatest part of slack is the specials that local restaurants are running. WIth all the gym trips and sports playing that will take up your time this slack season, it’s worth getting a ½ pound hunk of prime rib at the Pio.
8. LIVE “FREELY”
Since there isn’t much going on in town, it doesn’t hurt to find ways to live without spending money. Instead of having dinner out multiple nights a week, try meal prepping at the beginning of the week to cut costs. Marathon that television show you’ve been meaning to watch on Netflix rather than going to the theatre. Walk to the store instead of driving the six blocks there and back.
9. KETCHUM WIDE OPEN
The Ketchum Wide Open, Ketchum’s quintessential springtime putt-putt activity, will happen on May 31, making the perfect break in a lull of activity. Get a group of two or four together and let your freak flags fly! Dressing up is half the fun in this town-wide mini-golf tournament. Local cred and some awesome prizes await the winners.
10. FIND YOURSELF
Transitioning between the seasons in this Valley, we have a lot of time to reflect on things that have passed and what is next to come. It’s easy to lose oneself in the excitement of the end of season and fall into a slump for the slow period, but this is a great time to mentally prepare yourself for the coming warm months.
