SUP dog? That's the preferred greeting when encountering a K9 aboard a standup paddleboard. Not only is stand-up paddleboarding (SUPing) great for puns, it’s also a great offseason workout for skiers. Although a day spent gliding along your favorite body of water may seem purely recreational, SUPing is great for improving balance and strengthening your core. If you’ve got the snowmelt blues, then maybe it’s high time to head into ski country and pick up a paddle at one of these top five destinations.
1. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe offers nearly 22 miles of paddleboard access on all sides and is surrounded by a variety of iconic ski areas, including Heavenly, Homewood and Diamond Peak. Lake Tahoe’s average surface elevation of 6,225 feet makes it the highest lake of its size in the United States.
2. Deschutes River, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, not only offers great skiing and riding at nearby Mt. Bachelor, it also provides endless opportunities for paddleboarding, perhaps the most iconic destination being the Deschutes River. Gliding alongside the Old Mill District, the Deschutes offers a slow moving current that’s perfect for floating lazily with your elated four-legged friend. If you’re not planning on running a shuttle, make sure you leave yourself enough energy to paddle upriver once your float is complete.