Does anyone else feel a little weird right now in Park City? The trees are flaunting their fiery fall colors, but the trails are muddy messes and the weather’s overcast and cool. I mean, this morning I even got my feet wet through my sneakers walking Mogul (my dog) on the library field. It’s that in-between time, aka mud season; part of me feels a little MEEEH about it.

All summer, I biked nonstop and hiked, but now what? No more mountain biking and no more hiking!! No thanks to cold toes or muddy legs—comfort is queen here. If it involves mediocre suffering, it’s not fun for me. I can only mindfully tolerate so much discomfort before my joy meter plummets. So, this month, I’m leaning into the pause. A time to go inward, reflect, and set soft intentions instead of hard goals.

Speaking of intentions, I have one brewing that’s totally ski-related. HERE it is: I want to ski continuously from the top to the bottom underneath Thaynes chairlift—hello, moguls! I did it once last April, which was the end of the winter season, with soft moguls and strong ski legs!! I’m setting a new intention to do it come early January. To get there, I’m activating my ski muscles at the gym—quad strength, endurance, heart power. Yesterday, I didn’t have a good night’s sleep and didn’t feel like sweating… it was an inside struggle and I showed up anyway. I dragged myself to the gym and did 30 light weighted deadlifts instead of 70; 20 squats instead of 100; and 30 bicep curls while listening to my 90’s Turkish pop playlist. I was proud of myself for showing up. I never regret showing up for myself. That little stubborn spark inside? Yeah, it sometimes gets me into trouble, but it’s also one of my best superpowers.

So here’s a cheeky question for you: What’s your mud season like? Does it invite you to slow down or push harder? What’s a small step you can take toward your next winter goal—even if it’s just showing up in some way?

Mud season might be dark, but it’s also magical; transformation is! It’s my and your reminder to trust the flow of life—with an open heart and ready legs.

What’s your intention this winter? Share it with me—I’d love to hear.

Big hug with gratitude!

The post Mud Season Musings – Deepen the Pause and Take Small Steps appeared first on SkierTV.

I want to talk about something very real for me! I used to get obsessed with projects, loves, diets, competitions… I loved my goals, new year resolution and endless to-do lists —set it, chase it, conquer it. After decades of this single-minded stubbornness, I’m transforming fast like the seasons. I don’t do goals anymore. Nope. Instead, I trust the flow of life and keep my heart open with intentions.

When I set a goal, I got all laser-focused and locked in. Sometimes, my stubborn laser focus helps me win, but sometimes that stubbornness fails me big-time. I failed so many times with my ideas, my projects, my loves, on bike, on snow, on my hypothesizes… I fail and get up again and again. I strive to make original mistakes, rather than making the same mistake again and again. Now being mindful (hey, I’m trying!) helps me catch my failures early and pivot with grace. Then they follow me with shame and guilt but it’s another blog post!!!

Let’s come back to ski… This winter, my intention is to ski under Thaynes chairlift from top to bottom—black run, moguls, heart pounding, legs burning. It’s less about the finish line and more about the journey and the motivation to go out today during the mud season and go out to the mountains early in the day during the winter.

Even when it’s freezing cold and dark outside I remind myself: no regrets on showing up. Some days I don’t want to leave my cozy bed or my hairy cuddly companion (Mogul is the best!), but I do it anyway. And every time, I’m proud. No regrets, show UP!

So here’s a little blast for you: What stubbornness do you have that might be holding you back? What would happen if you replaced it with a loving intention instead? How can you take a mini-step toward that intention today—no matter how small or imperfect?

I’m also cooking up something exciting: a workout program just for beginner skiers and a comprehensive ski vacation guide. Want to be the first to know when they drop? Sign up for my newsletter below!

Thank you for being here and seeing me. Your light is welcome here!

Let’s keep shining and skiing—one mindful turn at a time.

Big hug with gratitude!

The post No More Goals—Just Heartfelt Intentions for Ski Season and… Life appeared first on SkierTV.

My Skiing Philosophy: TLC – Tender Loving Care

My approach to teaching is all about TLC – Tender Loving Care.

• You’re starting out… Yeah! I’m your gal!
• You want pointers to fine-tune your technique…I’m your gal!
• You want to explore secret stashes of Deer Valley… I’m your gal!

In-Person Lessons at Deer Valley

For the 2024-25 winter season, I’m excited to announce that I have a few private lesson days available. Here’s the scoop:

• February: Booked
• March and April: A few days are open towards the end of March and early April

To ski with me in person, you’ll need to book through the Deer Valley Ski School. Here’s how:

Step 1: Call the Deer Valley Ski School Reservation Line:

435-645-6648 or 888-754-8477

Step 2: Request a full day private lesson

Step 3: Ask specifically for me, Ceylan Sonmez (pronounced “Jay-lawn”)

Step 4: The agent will check my availability and confirm either on the phone or later

I can’t wait to meet you on the mountain and help you take your skiing to the next level!

Online Ski Lessons

For those of you who can’t make it to Deer Valley or prefer to learn the theory from the comfort of your own home, I’ve got something exciting in the works. I’m launching online ski tutorials in November 2025. Stay tuned to this space for more details as we get closer to the launch date.

Remember, whether it’s in person or online, my goal is to help you fall in love with skiing just as much as I have. Let’s make this winter season unforgettable together!

Ski ya on the slopes!

Ceylan

The post HOW TO SKI WITH CEYLAN FOR 2024-25 WINTER appeared first on SkierTV.

Through my healing journey (aka life), I was introduced to the transformative power of gratefulness by my medicine lady. She assigned me the gratefulness practice as a 10-day integration homework to rewire my brain. Gratefulness, you see, is a high-vibration state, alongside joy, peace, passion, and love. When you’re in a high-vibration state, you’re in sync with the universe, accepting synchronicities, and manifesting your desires. It’s an elevated place, and I made a choice to live in an elevated place from then on.

One simple way to reach this high-vibration state is through practicing gratefulness. I journal or announce three things that I’m grateful for every single day. Here is an extensive example. Three things I’m grateful for today:

1. I’m grateful that I’m healthy: I got to ski today! My limbs are working, my bones are strong, and my heart is pumping elegantly.
2. I’m grateful that I’m wealthy: I have friends that I love and go on adventures with. I have time to go on adventures with my friends. I have warm boots to walk on snow. I have skis. I have gloves. I’m not in a war-torn area.
3. I’m grateful that my brain is working just fine: I can build relationships, I can articulate my message, I can communicate. I can learn new sports and new skills.

Most days, my gratefulness practice is as simple as:

• I’m grateful to have a dog to hug every morning.

• I’m grateful that my heart is pumping without my effort.

• I’m grateful that I get to eat a chocolate cookie for my breakfast.

How is gratefulness relevant to your skiing?

Gratefulness is a high-frequency state where you manifest fast and easily. Did you order a ski instructor? The universe might just deliver! It’s a joke:-) I’d like you to live mostly in a high-frequency state to raise our collective consciousness. Mountains are a magical place. I would not want you to miss the magical mountains because of low-frequency feelings. You have courage, you’re open-minded, and you’re curious instead of judgmental when you’re elevated. I’d love you to make your decisions in that state, instead of dancing with low-frequency emotions.

Facing Fears on the Slopes

Low-frequency emotions like fear, anger, guilt, and jealousy are also part of the human experience. When I’m at my low, I acknowledge them, sit with the discomfort, and work to raise my frequency. My recipe is dancing, hugging my dog, and doing any kind of physical exercise like skiing.

As far as starting to ski, let’s consider fear. You might be afraid of falling off a cliff or breaking a leg. How much courage would you have if you’re sitting in fear? You always have options:

Option 1: Skip the mountain vacation entirely (and miss creating memories with your friends and family)

Option 2: Stay in the lodge sipping hot cocoa (and miss the mountains’ magic)

Option 3: Hire an instructor and start on the bunny hill (and risk the embarrassment of making mistakes even though you know that everyone starts as a beginner)

Option 4: Join a group lesson with other beginners (where falling is part of the learning process, just like for pro skiers; where falling and getting up is a part of the sport, just like life)

Whatever you choose, there’s always a risk and a potential missed opportunity. Remember, whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. I invite you to take baby steps towards your fears. Sometimes I take small steps; other times, I dive headfirst into what scares me. It can be teary, bloody, and gut-wrenching.

Meeting You Where You Are

In my ski teaching, I meet you where you’re at while gently encouraging you to explore your edges. If you say no, I respect your boundaries. I’ll suggest another small step. Once you’re comfortable, we move to the next challenge if you’re ready. We might do many laps on the beginner conveyor belt before tackling the steeper one. You set the pace, and I’m there with you every step of the way. This approach applies to life beyond the slopes too. Whether you’re facing fears on the mountain or in your daily life, remember that growth comes from gently pushing your boundaries, practicing gratitude, and embracing the journey.

Ready to start your snow adventure? Enroll in our Snow 101 online course and begin your journey to conquering the slopes with confidence and joy!

The post Gratefulness Practice: A Path to High Vibes on the Slopes appeared first on SkierTV.

Would you like me to ski with me?

I’m available for private lessons on select days in December, January and February via Deer Valley Ski School Please call to request me personally for private lessons. Deer Valley Skier Services Reservations has my up-to-date schedule, and they can also assist with your other vacation-related questions and bookings such as accommodations, lift tickets, and dinners.

Deer Valley Skier Services Reservations Phone Line: (435) 645-6648

Call and request to book Ceylan SONMEZ for a private lesson.

Also join my Ski and Yoga Retreat in Portillo, Chile, August 1-8, 2020. In this retreat, you’re in for a treat! There are well-decorated ski instructors—ski celebrities, I should say. All levels, from first-timers to advanced skiers, are welcome. Enroll in the email list to get the retreat details before we announce them.

The post Calling all beginner skiers! appeared first on SkierTV.

1. I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. Since 2003, I’ve been living in Los Angeles, California and Park City, Utah. I still have an accent. 
2. I got my level 1 ski instructor certification at Big Bear, California and level 2 certification at Snowbird, Utah. 
3. I taught skiing to more than 1,000 people.  
4. I’ve skied at more than 60 resorts on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
5. I skied with a fully-ruptured ACL for 100 days. The experience helped me to be in tune with my body and mind. 
6. I competed in bodybuilding competitions, triathlons, open water swim races and running races. The longest open water swim race was 4 miles (6.5 km) from Asia to Europe in Istanbul. 
7. I did ice bath training at the beginning of the 2019-20 winter season. My definition of cold has changed. 
8. I practice yoga and do the Feldenkrais method to align my spine.
9. On my ski days at Deer Valley, I do intermittent fasting and break my fast with a natural buffet.
10. My core values in life are playfulness, integrity, and growth.

The post 10 Fun Facts About Ceylan appeared first on SkierTV.