Get fit for your ski holiday

Mark Pawlak    ash, bestskiholidays     fitness, off piste, ski holidays, Skiing, winter, winter sports

With snow drifting its way across Europe everyone’s looking to get the winter ski holiday booked.

But, just because we’ve powder down doesn’t mean you will be going down any slopes anytime soon. And who’s to say you are fit enough to make it past the t-bar anyway?

So, for all the TV skiers out there here are a few keep-fit ski tips: This way you’ll be in good enough shape  to make it to the après ski.

Photo from Flickr user: mer de glace

Leg lunges

By simply lunging forward with one leg till it sits at 90 degrees to the floor, and repeating with alternate legs you will be building strength and power in your quadriceps.

Wall squats

Similar to lunges but with your back firmly pushed against the wall. This exercise leaves your thighs burning within seconds.

Quad stretches.

This is the easiest to do, and also good after a long run: Stood up place one hand on a wall, and with the other grab your outside foot and bring it up to your bum. Strike the pose for 20-30 seconds and switch legs.

Hamstring stretches

Sit on the floor, with your legs wide apart. Now reach toward your toes and that’s the hamstrings stretching.

Step Stretches

Find yourself a step: a good old house step will do. By resting on the apex of a step you can rock backwards and forwards, stretching and contracting all the muscles in the backs of your calves.

Upper body

Skiing holidays are not just great for your lower limbs; they also make for an all-round workout. So before you get packing for the hols, try some straightforward arm and upper chest exercises – just stick with press-ups and dips, both easily done from home.

Let’s ski!

Now once you arrive, there’s a new routine to be followed: A good breakfast, preferably with some slow release energy to help see you through; lots of water to help you stay hydrated, and last but not least, a good sense of humour – an early wipeout is likely!

Be safe, take instruction, follow safety advice, and if venturing off-piste, never go alone. Oh, and love every minute!

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 194 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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