Full disclosure: I come from a professional snowboard background, emphasizing the importance of knowing your body and technical abilities during pregnancy. It's a personal choice, and for me, the decision to continue snowboarding during pregnancy was rooted in caution and adaptability.

Snowboarding while Pregnant

Snowboarding while pregnant is like a gentle dance with the mountain's contours. Rather than feeling compelled to conquer every peak, the wisdom lies in choosing terrain that resonate with your evolving body. Whether it's the mellow hills that mirror your comfort or the gradual descents that bring a sense of calmness, adapting your ride to your pregnancy rhythm is key. Now is the time to really listen to your body.

Can you snowboard while pregnant?

I'm living, breathing proof that yes, you can absolutely snowboard while pregnant! While many medical professionals while discourage partaking in the sport, you have to make decisions that work best for you.

Know your Ability

In the symphony of snowy slopes, understanding your ability takes a front seat. It's not about proving mastery over every turn but gently cruising on terrain that aligns with your current physical needs.

It's time to have an honest conversation with yourself on your level of riding competency. If you can't confidently ride an entire day without catching an edge, I wouldn't chance it.

Choose Your Times

Some things that I considered was busyness and terrain choice. I made sure to ride when it wasn’t crowded and picked mellower terrain.

Know when to Call it

At 21 weeks in my pregnancy, a momentous decision had to be made. Unable to bend over to strap into my bindings, I gracefully hung up my board for the remainder of the season.

Little did I know that this hiatus would coincide with the first fluttering movements of life within me. Sylas, my unborn baby snowboarder, made his presence felt, marking a beautiful intersection of mamahood and winter sports.

A Postpartum Ascent

Fast forward to postpartum life, and the lure of the mountain was irresistible. Timing proved to be on my side as Sylas made his entrance in late August, granting me a precious 2.5 months for postpartum recovery before returning to the slopes.

Strapping into my bindings after this brief hiatus was nothing short of magical. It wasn't just about conquering the mountain; it was about reclaiming a piece of my identity. The mental boost was unexpected, almost indescribable. That day, I may have shed a tear of joy underneath my googles, realizing I was still more than the sleep-deprived mama of an infant. I was my old self - a fearless shredder, gliding through the snow with a newfound sense of freedom.

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Triumphs in Every Turn

Recovery postpartum wasn't a quick downhill descent. It took most of the season to regain my technical prowess, but each day spent on the hill was a victory. The journey was a mix of physical challenges and mental triumphs. The crunch of snow beneath my board became the soundtrack to my renewed sense of accomplishment and a fleeting taste of my former, more liberated lifestyle.

Snowboarding, once a pre-pregnancy passion, now became a crucial part of my postpartum recovery. It wasn't just a sport; it was a therapeutic escape, a way to rediscover myself amidst the snow-covered peaks.

Maintain an Active Lifestyle

While pregnant in Canmore, Alberta, I was on education leave from Parks Canada and pursuing my Master's degree. With the flexibility this provided, I enthusiastically embraced outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and snowboarding became regular fixtures in my routine, allowing me to stay active and connected with nature throughout this transformative time.

Postpartum Recovery Activities

Embrace nature's healing power, even with just one of these postpartum recovery activities, to recharge both mentally and physically amidst the Rockies' abundance of outdoor wonders.

1. Frisbee Golf: Enjoy low-impact fun with Frisbee golf, offering exercise and socializing amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
2. Hiking: Explore diverse trails for exercise and a sense of accomplishment in the Rockies' natural beauty.
3. Yoga: Strengthen body and mind with outdoor yoga, fostering flexibility and stress reduction.
4. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Improve balance and core strength with SUP, while soaking in mountain views.
5. Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs, a serene retreat amidst the Rockies' splendor.

Ski Resorts closest to Calgary, Alberta

Whether pregnant or in the postpartum phase, venture out to these ski resorts near Calgary, Alberta for a refreshing escape. Opt for shared rides with friends or public transportation, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Here, it's not just about carving through powder—it's about embracing nature and self-care.

The closest resorts to Calgary are:

• Canada Olympic Park - COP is located on the west end of Calgary and features a terrain park for freestyle skiers and riders. They are home to the Olympic bobsled and luge track, as well as a variety of off-slope activities like zip-lining and mini golf.
• Nakiska - Located just 45 minutes from Calgary, Nakiska is a family-friendly resort that has fantastic grooming and is a great place to learn how to ride. This is our families home resort due to proximity, varied terrain, and the ability to ski and hike in one day!
• Norquay - On the outskirts of Banff, Norquay offers steep terrain and spectacular views of Rundle. They are the only ski resort that has night skiing in Banff National Park, so you can hit the slopes after dark.
• Sunshine Village - Sunshine is located in Banff National Park an offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The resort features the best natural snow in the area and some of the longest runs in North America.
• Lake Louise - Lake Louise offers the most accessible, big mountain terrain in our area as well as stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.