If you need a way to escape from the daily stressors, try skiing! It’s fun exercise, and makes you feel great.

I have been skiing since the 6^th grade, and probably go on 5 day trips at least every year. I have skied with many friends over the years, and have had dozens of opportunities to ski all over New England. I love to ski, and hopefully, you will too for reasons such as these...

1. It's easy to start

I started to ski in 6^th grade, and have loved it ever since. It was difficult at first, but I know that with the right help, you can start too. Once, some friends and I went skiing and we brought a newcomer with us. We taught him how to ski blue trails by the end of the night. It was great, and while he hasn’t continued, I'm sure he could if he tried. Many mountains offer lessons, and while it may be embarrassing, skiing is one of my favorite things to do, and can easily become one of yours as well.

2. It's a fun winter activity

Everyone is looking for fun things to do in the winter. Skiing is a fun way to get out, active, and enjoy the snow. Few other activities do this, and I'm sure you have tried tubing and sledding. Skiing is not much different, and is not that hard to do once you get the hang of it.

Plus, it feels like you're flying!

3. It's a nice break

Skiing is a nice break. It really clears your head; it is just you and the mountain. You are in the middle of nowhere, in the cold, and there are no worries. No jobs to apply to or work to do. It is an amazing break, and a great way to spend time with some friends or family, which brings me to my next point...

4. It's a fun way to hang with friends

Most friends just sit around on a Friday night or go out. But skiing is a cool way to get together. You can go skiing at night, in the day, for one day or multiple days. Often, people find it hard to find something to do with others. Bowling is old, hanging out is boring, and in the winter, it is hard to do things outside. Most people 15 or older spend more than two hours outside throwing snowballs. But skiing is a way to have fun, all day. Plus, if you’re a college student, it can be pretty cheap.

5. The cost for college kids is relatively cheap

College kids are broke, and parents aren’t always willing to spend on weekend activities. However, skiing is a great way to spend money. Many colleges offer day or even weekend trips to mountains, and at a discounted price. Mountains themselves often offer deals for college students as well, as they are aware college students want to ski but have little money. Skiing can cost roughly $100 for a good mountain, but I have gone to mountains for anywhere from $25-$60 for an all day trip. That is a huge deal! Plus, there is no inappropriate behavior involved in skiing, so it is easier to convince parents to help pay for it than other expenditures.

Skiing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter weather. See what local clubs or stores offer in terms of tickets or discounts. Hit the slopes -- what are you waiting for?