Getting good at skiing can be a lifelong pursuit, but you don’t have to wait a lifetime to feel confident on the slopes. You can feel comfortable after three to five days of dedicated practice, but that’s only if you ski continuously several days in a row. Long lift lines can limit your actual ski time. If you don’t maintain this pace, you’ll also need time to relearn these skills on your next holiday. If you’re tired of treading nervously, use these tips to fast-track your journey to becoming a confident skier.
Take a Lesson
Hiring a professional trainer is the most efficient way to learn. You will only learn so much from YouTube videos and tutorials. It’s easy to repeat mistakes when you’re skiing alone. An instructor will watch your form from every angle to give you personal feedback, correct any issues on the spot and plan exercises that make the most of your limited time.
Book a session on the first day of your trip. An hour will introduce you to the basics, but repeat appointments will help you track your progress.
Bring the Lesson or Map with You
If you struggle to remember everything you learned from your lesson, whether online or in-person, use ski helmet headphones to listen to the information while you ski. It uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your phone or GPS and has voice commands, so you don’t have to press a button during your run.
Wear the Proper Gear
Nothing will slow you down like a loose binding or the wrong-sized shoe. Wearing a full-face helmet or a half-face helmet with goggles gives you peace of mind that you can get up and try again after a fall. Shoulder, knee and elbow pads reduce aches and pains that can limit mobility or put your arm in a sling. Proper eyewear increases visibility to help you avoid obstacles and time your turns.
Not wearing enough layers or baggy or tight clothing limits your time on the slopes. Your body will take longer to respond without proper insulation. Wear moisture-wicking underlayers to stay dry during exertion, removable middle layers to quickly adjust your body temperature and waterproof outer layers to keep the elements at bay.
Ski with a Friend
If you can’t afford a private session, join a ski club or pair up with a friend to get feedback you need to improve. Skiing with another person will give you a new perspective. You can also accelerate the process by combining what you’ve learned and comparing tips. You’ll feel more confident knowing someone else is watching your back. Point out obstacles and descents that will increase your speed. Pre-laid tracks reduce friction and provide flat, even terrain. Use ski helmet communication to talk hands-free while you focus on your form. The headsets connect automatically within range and won’t disconnect if someone falls out of formation. You can warn each other if someone is getting too close, navigate to the destination as a group or ask for help without a second thought.
Ski Frequently
From limited parking and narrow throughways to packed lifts, getting to the run can be an ordeal. However, you have to put in the time to get results. Ski as often as you can. Early-season and late-season skiing can present additional risks, but trying to pack all your practice into a long weekend isn’t realistic. If you can’t make it to the lift, practice cross-country skiing to keep these muscles fresh.
Stretch Before Every Run
Skiing utilizes all the major muscle groups: arms, legs, core and back. Sudden movements can strain your body unexpectedly. Your muscles need to warm up before a run, especially if they don’t move in this way regularly. Not stretching is a leading cause of ski injury. Stretch using yoga, resistance bands and core exercises (lunges, squats and deadlifts) that require balance. Use the plank and V-sitting position to work your abs. Use the cobra pose and sitting twist to increase back flexibility.
Stay Fit
All-day skiing requires stamina. Even a few hours can leave you wiped out if you’re not used to exercising for several hours at a time. Build endurance during the off-season by running, rowing, swimming, biking or hiking. You can also add weights to your leg exercises to build muscle. You are more likely to lose control if you’re tired. You can’t call it quits in the middle of a run or backcountry trail. Use low-intensity exercises like an elliptical or stationary bike if you have sensitive knees.
Eat a balanced diet with lean protein, complex carbohydrates and veggies to keep your energy up. Avoid alcohol the night before and get plenty of rest.
Building confidence takes time, but these tips will help you get there quickly so you can make the most of your next stay. Regardless of how you train, be consistent with your methodology to get your body into ski-ready shape.
