Brains
Are you ready to elevate your riding skills to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner aiming to carve down blue runs with confidence or an advanced skier looking to master double blacks, some specific strategies and actions can dramatically enhance your performance on the slopes.
This guide isn’t your typical nuances of how to tweak your form to improve your performance but will provide you with practical tips and expert advice to maximize your enjoyment of the sport. It certainly isn’t comprehensive, but these are some of our best tips to supercharge your skiing.
#1 Ride with people better than you
Skiing and snowboarding with better riders will push you to challenge your limits and try more difficult terrain or maneuvers. This will greatly accelerate your learning curve. Observing the techniques of more advanced skiers can help you improve your form and efficiency as well. You may have the self-discipline to push yourself on your own, but the best way is to mimic those who have already reached a higher proficiency level. As you work to keep up with those better than you it will foster faster skill development and greater confidence on the slopes.
#2 Train specifically for skiing and snowboarding
Squats and lunges are great for strengthening your legs, but being a good rider is so much more than that. Sure, the focus is on strong quads, glutes, and hips, but that’s only because they get worked the most. Just as important is balance, agility, mobility and stability, endurance, flexibility, and a strong core. A well-rounded fitness routine that incorporates all these aspects will take your skiing to the next level. So, use things like functional resistance training for strength, plyometrics for power, stretching and yoga for mobility, stability, and flexibility, and cardio for endurance. Do what works best for you, make it fun, and don’t be the one who gets injured or only skis a half day.
#3 Take a lesson
Lessons are not just for beginners and no matter what your ability is, you can benefit from them. Professional instructors can identify and correct bad habits, teach proper techniques, and help you understand the mechanics of skiing. Lessons often include tailored drills and exercises that target your specific weaknesses and build your confidence on the slopes. Additionally, structured learning environments ensure safe progression through skill levels, making you a more efficient and effective rider. Regular feedback and motivation from instructors can also enhance your overall skiing experience.
One of the best ways to get regular feedback is to take up ski racing. It can make you a better skier by honing your technical skills and enhancing your precision. It requires you to master turns, control speed, and navigate challenging terrain efficiently, which translates into improved overall skiing ability. The competitive environment will push you even more to become better.
#4 Ride in all conditions
When the conditions are perfect, skiing is much easier. However, that is rarely the case. The weather in the mountains is constantly changing and if you only ski on the ideal days then you won’t progress as much. Heavy snow, fog, and wind can make visibility difficult. Surface conditions like dense powder, ice, moguls, or crust can deter many. However, exposing yourself to these challenges can enhance your skill, versatility, adaptability, boost confidence, and enhance decision-making. Then when the conditions do line up perfectly you can more fully enjoy it.
One way to practice this is by skiing multiple days in a row, either as a vacation or by getting lodging close to the mountain. Immersing yourself like this not only allows you to encounter different conditions as the weather changes day to day, but the repetition and muscle memory will propel your ability.
#5 Don’t skimp on gear
Using the best gear is crucial for skiing and riding well because it enhances performance, safety, and comfort. Maybe the most important piece of equipment is high-quality boots that are designed to provide better control, stability, and responsiveness, allowing for precise movements and efficient turns. Consider custom-fitted boots and footbeds for best performance. Additionally, waterproof outerwear, warm gloves, and anti-fog goggles are gear items that make riding more comfortable and therefore more enjoyable, increasing your effectiveness.
Incorporating these various strategies to enhance your riding can lead to remarkable improvements in your performance and enjoyment on the slopes. From skiing with more experienced companions and taking professional lessons to training specifically for the sport and using the best gear, each approach contributes to a well-rounded skill set. Embracing diverse conditions and even participating in ski racing further sharpens your abilities, ensuring you become a more confident and versatile skier. By investing in these methods, you’re setting yourself up for a truly exhilarating and successful skiing experience.
