Skiing is great fun, and also an excellent form of exercise. If you’re planning your first ski trip then you’ll want to make the most of every day, rather than spending most of the time with aching limbs, feeling unfit. You’ll need a certain level or cardiovascular fitness and strength to spend all day on the slopes, and then still have the energy for the all important après ski afterwards.
If you’re not already exercising regularly through sport, or going to the gym, then it’s a really good idea to do some light exercise before you go on your trip. Running and swimming will help with stamina, and there are also a few nice easy exercises that can strengthen your body too, focusing on your quads, glutes, calves, and core. Try these five exercises at home:
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym every day to get fit for your ski trip, as fortunately, many of the best exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home. You’ll be using muscles you probably don’t use every day, so try to start exercising at least six weeks before your trip to give you enough time to get your body in shape.
How can good nutrition help with skiing?
It’s easy to forget how physically demanding skiing is, even if you’re a beginner and you’re falling over (a lot). The average skier can burn up to 600 calories per hour, so you’ll need to make sure you fuel up properly to keep going. Here are some tips for what to eat throughout the day while skiing.
What to eat for breakfast when skiing: Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it. To set yourself up right, fill up on protein with eggs, or go for a bowl of porridge for that slow-releasing energy. Muesli, yoghurt and fruit is a good healthy combination too.
What to eat for lunch when skiing: An active morning means you will have worked up an appetite by lunch. Though try not to overindulge though if you don’t want to be too tired for your afternoon session. A nice bowl of hot soup and fresh bread is a great option to warm you up, or grab a sandwich made with whole grain bread if you want something quick. As for drinks, leave the alcohol for après time as you’ll need to be alert on the slopes. Go for a warming hot chocolate, and don’t forget to keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
What to eat for dinner when skiing: After a long day on the slopes, you’ll be ready for a nice big satisfying dinner. Meat and veg is a classic combination, and protein-rich fish is good for your muscles. Pasta is a nice easy meal to prepare if you’re staying in a self-catering apartment, or venture out and try a few of the local eateries. Just try to eat balanced meals with a mix of carbs, protein, and vegetables to help your muscles recover for tomorrow.
Skiing is hungry work, so stash some snacks into your backpack in case you get peckish between meals. Cereal bars are handy, and pack a bag of mixed nuts and a banana for a little boost of energy that’s full of goodness. But it doesn’t all have to be healthy, you are on holiday after all. Eating well is important, especially when you’re exercising, but make sure you treat yourself to a couple of flaky pastries and some delicious local wine too.