H O W T O B E C O M E A B E T T E R S K I E RC R E A T E D B Y J A C K R Y G E R

• With winter approaching rapidly, now is the time to get ready for a season of skiing.

• Whether you ski for pleasure or for competition, there are always ways to improve how well you handle the slopes.

• Many people only have a limited amount of time on the mountains, so here are a few tips towards becoming a better skier in just five days…

• First, keep in mind that skiing is a cardio-intensive sport – this means it’s time to get fit.

• Before you begin your skiing adventures, take the opportunity to set aside a certain amount of time per week to get a strategic workout in.

• You should preferably create an even balance between cardio and weight-lifting so that you don’t over-push your body the first few days you start your workouts (pulling a muscle is not fun).

• Skiing is all about endurance, so working your way towards running long-distance will greatly improve how well you end up skiing, or at least how long you last on the slopes.

• Setting aside a one-month crash course that is designed to strengthen the areas you use most while skiing, like your legs and core, will help your muscles be prepared for the first day you ski.

• Second, make sure your equipment is updated.

• Most skiing injuries result from overused skis.

• If you’ve had your equipment for over six years, perhaps it’s time to freshen up.

• Be sure your boots fit properly as well, because you’ll be on your feet for hours at a time and you want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

• Another tip would be to drink plenty of water.

• You may be on vacation, but try to hold back on your alcohol intake.

• Remember, you’re at a high altitude, so it’s easy to overdo it the first night.

• Water will help your body replenish after hours on the mountain, and it will give you the energy you need to last the day – alcohol will do just the opposite.

• A better idea would be to hold the champagne until after your week of skiing, celebrate your success at the end of your time on the slopes, you’ll feel way better about yourself.

• Besides, you don’t want to pull a muscle, which is much easier to do when your body is dehydrated from drinking alcohol.

• Lastly, conservation is key.

• Don’t overwhelm yourself the first day of skiing, back off if you’re feeling tired.

• One of the most important things an athlete can do is listen to his or her body, this includes recognizing signs of fatigue and muscle strain.

• Rotate between pushing yourself for an hour and then taking a long break.

• The worst thing you could do is get an injury the first day of skiing because you were over-amped about nailing that jump – easing into it is the way to go.

• Following these simple tricks will help improve your skiing abilities for your first week on the mountain.

• Remember, this is a time to have fun, so don’t push yourself past your limits.

• Slow it down to fully enjoy the beauty of the mountains, make every breath worthwhile.