Could CBD be the DIY cure-all for skiers’ ailments? From cracked, wind-whipped skin to arthritic aches and pains, many think yes. An oil derived from the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD for short) is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. We put products from some buzzed-about companies to the test.
Vermont Pure CBD
This Shoreham, Vermont-based company prides itself on quality, growing USDA certified-organic hemp on its sustainably managed farm. Harvested hemp flowers are extracted on-site to produce the Full Spectrum Organic CBD Oil that goes into a dozen-plus products—from salves and tinctures, to sweet treats like caramels. Small-batch salves come in jars or travel-friendly sticks, handcrafted with Full-Spectrum active CBD oil, almond oil, local beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. The texture is silky rather than oily and provides relief to achy muscles. Unlike some CBD products, these have no funky cannabis odor yet, if you do crave aromatherapy, three scents include an invigorating combo of wintergreen, camphor, and pine. The tinctures come in seven strengths ranging from 100mg to 3,600mg, intended to help relieve stress and anxiety. I had been relying on a nightly glass of wine or two to calm my nerves. The switch to orange-tincture spiked seltzer had the same effect but didn’t leave me feeling groggy the next morning.
Flexpower
No one wants to wreak of medicinal Bengay at après ski. Thankfully, Flexpower makes fast-acting muscle and joint pain relief products that are all-natural, scent-free, and vouched for by Olympians and NFL stars. Flexpower Warm lotion therapeutically warms the skin while soothing sore muscles and continues to activate throughout the day. Flexpower Soothe lotion is described by customers as a magic potion that helps mellow stiff joints and muscles. I slathered it on my calves and quads before heading to the mountain and found it as effective at loosening up my muscles as a pre-ski foam rolling session. Natural anti-inflammatory ingredients include arnica, turmeric, eucalyptus, and CBD, and a dose of vitamin E goes for extra hydration. The Cool Bath Salts, spiked with Epsom and sea salts and sunflower seed oil, are so restorative I found myself skipping post-ski hot tub sessions in favor of a home soak.
Mind Skincare
This Columbia-based skincare company may just convince you that CBD is the fountain of youth. Founded by Paulina Vega, a former Miss Universe, its products combine top-quality botanical extracts with organic CBD oil from the brand’s own sustainable farm in Columbia. Some of CBD’s skincare superpowers include reducing the appearance of wrinkles, protecting against free radicals, and removing impurities that clog pores. The Long-Lasting Hydrating Face Mask has become my secret weapon in moisture-sucking high-altitude destinations. Crafted from CBD oil, shea butter, and acquabio 3R (a plant-based extract known for regenerative properties), it left my skin looking plump and dewy even after a day on the slopes. The Eye Cream is as essential as a strong cup of coffee after a big night out. Its magic formula of CBD oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, and extracts of Ceratonia siliqua seed and sea chamomile erase puffiness and a metal applicator tip softens fine lines. — Jen Murphy
Daytrip
First, it was flavored bubbly seltzers that took off. Then they were spiked with booze. Now seltzers are being infused with CBD. One of the coolest new brands, California-based Daytrip, stands apart for its use of terpenes—a little-known compound found in the essential oils of plants. Daytrip has developed a proprietary blend of botanical terpenes inspired by the profile of classic cannabis sativa strains, prized for their uplifting, energetic, yet calming effects. Combined with Hemp CBD, the formula energizes the senses while relaxing the mind. When added to seltzer, you get the ultimate combo of refreshing and chill in six fruit flavors and only five calories. An interesting alternative to a post-ski beer.
