Staying Frosty: Beating the Mid-Summer (Snow) Drought

If you're reading this, you're probably one of us, a Nordic dork through and through. You live for fresh corduroy, and that feeling of flying through the winter woods. But right now… it’s July. Which means we’re smack in the middle of that strange limbo where the last ski feels like a distant memory and the next one is just out of reach. 

Call it the Mid-Summer Melt—that time when the snowless months stretch long and you start to feel a little unmoored. But here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to channel that ski spirit and stay on track for winter, even when there’s not a snowflake in sight. Here's how: 

1. Adventure Runs and Swimming Holes: Make Training a Mini Vacation 

Nothing breaks up a hot, dusty training block like planning your run or ride around a swim. A good dip can reset your brain and your legs. 

Some favorite pairings: 

2. Get a New Hydration System: Motivation in a Bottle 

There’s something energizing about new gear. A fresh hydration pack or belt can motivate you to train through even the stickiest days. And if you haven’t worn a running vest before, it might surprise you. With the right combo of soft flasks, bounce-free fit, and breathable fabric, a good vest feels like a second t-shirt. You forget it's even there until you're grateful it is. 

Gear West carries Osprey, USWE, Salomon, Coxa, and other solid options worth trying on. 

3. Mix Up Your Drink Mix and Fight the Cramps 

Hot weather means sweat. Lots of it. If you’re not replacing what you're losing—especially sodium—you’ll feel it in your performance, recovery, and overall motivation. 

Now’s the time to experiment. Pick up a few different drink mixes and use your workouts as testing grounds. Try one during your run, one after, and take notes. Figure out which ones taste good warm, sit well in your stomach, and give you that extra boost when your legs start to fade. 

Quick strategy for cramping in the heat: 

Some popular choices include Skratch, Tailwind, Nuun, UnTapped, and Maurten. 

4. Set a Fall Trail Goal 

Trail races in the fall—like half marathons or 25Ks—are perfect for skiers. They reward strength, pacing, and grit. Signing up for one gets you moving in August and helps build fitness before roller ski season kicks in. Plus, you get an excuse to buy new trail shoes. 

 5. Join a Strength Class and Find a Community 

Whether it’s HIIT, yoga, CrossFit, or a ski-focused strength class, committing to something with structure can shift your entire routine. You’re more likely to show up if you’ve paid for it, and even more so if you enjoy the people in the room. 

Some options to explore: 

 6. Find Your Tribe or Start One 

You don’t need a formal class to train well. Gather a couple of fellow parents, coworkers, or neighbors and meet once a week for a run, ride, or strength session. The consistency and accountability are what really make it work. 

 7. Just Commit 

Pick something and stick with it. Maybe it's a race, a weekly group, a class pass, or a training loop you want to improve. Put it on the calendar and follow through. Even small commitments can have a big payoff once the snow returns. 

Final Thought 
Ski season might feel far away, especially when you’re training in sweat instead of layers. But summer is when your winter is built. Every run, every strength session, and every intentional recovery drink is a step toward that first perfect ski.