Getting ready for your Ski Holiday

View of cloudy La Tania in the 3 Valleys

As the weather gets colder in England and the autumn leaves start to fall, we don’t get sad, we start to get excited about the coming ski season! Which resort to go to this year? What jazzy new jacket can I buy? When shall we go? Vin chaud or Michelob ultra? These are some of the questions racing through any skier or boarders mind when thinking about planning a trip but very rarely do people start to think about how they’re going to get fit for their well earned week (or two for the very lucky) on the snow. Most people just expect to be able to ski all day for 6 days in a row with no form of exercise prior to their holiday. You wouldn’t run a marathon without any training (and even if you can, you’ll be feeling it after) so why would you not do any training for one of the most fun and physical of holidays! Getting fit for your ski holiday really will ensure you get the most for your money. Instead of barely being able to walk to the slopes on your second day, you’ll be zooming down past the ski schools on your last day wanting more!

Skiing and Snowboarding for me is primarily about being out in the mountain fresh air, enjoying the elements and having fun, but some preparation can go along way help to reduce your chances of injury and improve your performance on or off piste.  How far in advance you begin your preparations really depends on your current level of fitness and activity levels. If you don’t ever do any structured exercise or physical activity then it would probably be a good idea to start preparing up to 3 months in advance with low level simple exercises. If you’re a fitness God and exercise regularly then performing more specific Ski exercises up to 6 weeks in advance will help you to be at your best.  

The sooner you start the more time you’ll have to get your muscles and body working the way YOU want to down those black (or nursery) slopes! Keep posted for updates on the best exercises you can do at home or in the gym to get you ready for your winter trip.

3 Valleys Panorama