Summer Activities That Can Help You Prepare for Your Ski Trip

Are you looking forward to your next ski trip this coming winter? Stay fit while you’re at it. The biggest advantage of working out in the off-season (rather than waiting until the fall) is that it allows you to withstand the physical demands of the sport much longer. Plus, working your core, glutes, back, and legs early on helps you avoid more serious ski-related injuries.

You don’t need to go to extreme measures to be in tip-top shape for your next ski vacation (READ: CrossFit is optional). There are plenty of activities you can do this summer that can still have the same impact as the routines practiced by the US Ski Team, but not as hard and rigid.

Bicycling

Target: legs, core, endurance

Frequency: 5 days a week for resistance training, twice a week for strength training

The key to staying on the slopes all day and still having enough energy for post-après ski activities is strong legs and core. Keeping them toned allows you to keep your balance on your skis and helps prevent fatigue mid-slope or along bumps. Otherwise, you’re off to a rocky start.

Biking in the off-season is a fun and great way to keep those muscles toned and limber (and give you your daily dose of adrenaline, if you’re thinking of downhill mountain biking).

Start with an easy, casual pace over a longer distance to help build endurance while keeping your muscles moving and your heart pumping. If you’re ready to take your strength training a step further, turn up the gears (or the resistance on a stationary bike) to strengthen your leg muscles. Choose routes that include lots of uphill climbs.

lap swimming

Target: all muscle groups and endurance

Frequency: once a week, in addition to your usual exercise routine

It’s not just a great way to beat the summer heat. Swimming exercises all muscle groups and helps you build endurance for a day in the mountains. In addition, it helps you fight altitude sickness by improving your breathing.

Start slowly with no more than 10 laps, then gradually increase the number of laps up to 50 (or more).

Mountain’s race

Target: leg muscles and balance

It’s running, with a twist (and a few curves and hills). Compared to running on hard, flat pavement, trail running not only strengthens your leg muscles, but also helps you focus more on maintaining your balance using different muscle groups as you traverse more difficult terrain. Plus, soft dirt is a little easier on the joints. The great view and fresh air is another added bonus.

Start with easier and longer trails before opting for routes that require uphill climbs and jumps.

Staying fit doesn’t always have to mean sticking to your routine routines. Mix it up a bit or consider one of these activities as an alternative to your current routine, and you’ll be ready for your next ski trip in no time.