Ski Fitness: The Most Effective Exercise to Boost Your Skills

Is There a Specific Exercise That Will Help Me Ski Better?

A client recently asked us a great question:
“Is there one specific exercise I should be doing to help my skiing?”

The short answer is: no single exercise will fully prepare you for skiing.

However, the right approach to off-snow training can make a big difference once you’re back in the mountains. The exercises you choose should depend on your goals, but focusing on strength, stability, and mobility will help you ski with more efficiency and confidence.

At Pulse Snowsports, our coaches highlight different areas of training that complement each other well:

Strength: Squat Variations

Anthony emphasises the importance of squats in building the foundation for skiing. Leg strength is essential for maintaining control on demanding terrain, holding strong positions through turns, and reducing fatigue across long days. Incorporating a variety of squat patterns, such as bodyweight, goblet, or single-leg squats, will target different aspects of strength and stability.

Core Stability: Plank Variations

Sammy highlights the critical role of core strength. A stable core provides balance, alignment, and control, allowing the lower body to move efficiently while minimizing strain on the spine and hips. Plank variations, including forearm, side, and dynamic planks, are excellent ways to develop this stability and resilience.

Mobility: Hip Openers

Strength and stability are only as effective as the range of motion you can access. Mobility, particularly around the hips, is key for maintaining a strong ski stance and adapting to different positions on the mountain. Hip openers and similar mobility drills enhance flexibility, reduce stiffness, and allow for smoother, more fluid skiing movements.

The Big Picture: Balance and Variety

Perhaps the most important factor in off-snow training is avoiding over-specialization. Repeating the same movement or focusing too heavily on one type of training can create imbalances and limit performance. A balanced mix of strength work, core stability, and mobility will not only improve your skiing but also reduce the risk of overuse injuries and keep training sustainable.

Key take away: There is no single “magic exercise” for skiing. Instead, focus on a well-rounded approach: build strength through squats, stability through planks, and mobility through hip openers. Most importantly, maintain variety in your training to prepare your body for the wide demands of the mountain. We will have a video of our recommendations coming soon.

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