How to get fit for skiing – lessons in how to build leg strength from a Team GB Olympic skier
Snowsport England has teamed up with one of the UK's top wintersports athletes, Dave Ryding, to launch a series of fitness videos to encourage skiers to get fit for the slopes before the snow begins to fall.
The three-part Get Fit To Ski series demonstrates exercises that are suitable for skiers of all abilities, from beginners to experts. The routines are designed to improve overall fitness as well as making skiers stronger and helping reduce the risk of injury.
As part of the project with David Lloyd Clubs and online retailer Sport Pursuit, Team GB’s skiing front man shares his own experiences with fitness on the slopes. “Fitness and conditioning is obviously a huge part of my daily routine and I know how crucial it is in staying injury free and getting the most out of your skiing,” said the three-time Olympian.
“When Snowsport England, who helped me get into skiing when I was younger, suggested the idea of working together to produce a ski fitness video I jumped at the chance to pass on my knowledge.”
The national governing body for snow sports in England is responsible for increasing participation in skiing and snowboarding and its latest campaign hopes to inspire people ahead of the 2019/20 ski season. The program is designed to be performed regularly, two or three times a week at home or in the gym, in the build up to a ski holiday or session at an indoor or dry slope.
In the first of the three-part series Ryding and his trainer focussed on the importance of body strength and mobility in skiing. The second then moved onto how to recovery after a day on the slopes or in the gym.
“A few simple and easy-to-follow exercises can make a massive difference to your ski holiday,” said Ryding.
“When skiing and snowboarding we’re constantly fighting gravity and slope conditions so in order to prevent injury we have to be able to control our body effectively.”
The third and final video in the series focusses on building leg strength and is designed to help you become more effective in your landings, strengthen your lower body and help build stamina. "We can really relate this training to what I do in a race, when it's one minute full gas... doing these exercises really helps the body get ready for that and helps push through when the legs really start aching," said Ryding.
The high-intensity regime includes squats, skater lunges, ski tuck hops and lunges, all demonstrated by Ryding. Watch the 10-minute video above, or on our YouTube channel, to follow the full workout.
Who is Dave Ryding?
Lancashire-born Ryding is Great Britain’s number one skier. He rose to global stardom in 2017 when he won silver at the notorious Hahnenkamm World Cup slalom race in Kitzbühel – it was only the second time in 50 years of competition that a Briton has finished in the top three of a World Cup ski race. The 32-year-old has competed at three Winter Olympic Games, most recently in PyeongChang, South Korea, where he finished ninth in the slalom.
To coincide with the launch of Get Fit to Ski, Snowsport England is offering a £10 ‘Hit the Slopes’ membership which gives skiers and snowboarders access to a range of retail and travel discounts as well as helping fans of snowsport support the sport they love. More information can be found at snowsportengland.org.uk/joinus
