6 Ways to Prep for Ski Season

Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s lifts will be spinning in no time. Those endless powder mornings will have you wishing you rode your bike more, or actually went to the gym this off-season. Getting in ski season shape can be tricky, so we’ve got six ways you can actually it AND feel the burn. If you’re dealing with an old injury the best way to get back out on the hill is with the expert help from Griggs Orthopedics, and they offer great clinics all season long to teach you the proper technique out on the hill so you can avoid injuries in the first place!

The legs will burn on your first powder day of the year, but by starting now you can minimize the pain. Most cardio exercises train the quadriceps muscles of your legs, so if you’ve been hiking or running this fall you’ve got a head start. The big difference is skiing is mainly downhill, which use the muscles in a different way (reducing force versus producing force). This is why you must train them differently.

Recommended Exercises: Squats, Lateral/Rotational Lunges 

Yoga increases flexibility (great for range of motion), improves core strength (great for skiing), and provides a great foundation for any activity. Additionally you’ll clear your mind and feel relaxed after each session. Solo at home or with group class, there are plenty of ways to squeeze this into your schedule.

Toss on your favorite ski movie, youtube highlight reel, or just go through last year’s pics on Instagram. Mental prep is just as important as physical. Close your eyes and picture yourself taking those turns, cruising through moguls, or just soaking up the rays on the lift.

Whether you’re skiing the easier green runs or the double black diamonds, a stronger core will improve performance and reduce fatigue. The origin of all movement, the muscles of the mid-section (lower back, abs, and everything in between) are essential to absorbing moguls, and making tighter turns.

Recommended Exercises: Plank/Push ups, Crunches on a stability ball

Go through the check list and snag some replacements at this year’s Snow Swap or the local sports store:

At Crested Butte Mountain Resort the base elevation is 9,380′. The best way to condition yourself for the lower oxygen altitudes here is cardio. Keep going for your runs, ride your bike as long as weather permits, get in those extra swims at the pool. You’ll not only feel better on the slopes, but off of them too!

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