With your next ski holiday around the corner, we’re here to help with all your preparations. From getting into skiing shape, to discussing what ski gear you might need, this blog will take you through the final two steps so you can have that perfect holiday.

Step 3: Couch to ski slope!

Skiing is great fun, and also beneficial to your wellbeing like any physical activity. There are a few exercises you can do to get yourself in skiing shape.

First off, skiing engages a lot of your leg muscles. Squats are a great exercise to engage with your quadrilaterals and glutes. You can also get on the Stairmaster, and work your leg muscles that way. Other leg workouts include lunging and deadlifts. If you want to get in the real ski mood, you could do some bench lateral slalom jumps over a workout box or bench.

Of course, when you’re out on the slopes all day, you need stamina! Exercises such as cycling and running are a good way to maintain or improve your stamina, as well as a brisk walk. When it comes to the different exercises you can do to get in skiing shape, there are so many possibilities.

Remember, don’t forget to warm up, and cool down! Warm-ups are essential before exercise to ensure you don’t pull any muscles, or inadvertently hurt yourself. Start with some easy exercises like unweighted squats, star jumps, or a slow jog. Cooling down is also important. You could finish with a small walk and some stretching. This will help with any aching muscles from your workout, the day after.

Step 4: Ski equipment

When preparing for your ski holiday, everyone wants to look the part. However, it’s not just about looking good but staying safe too. When you go skiing you’ll need to think about ski boots, ski poles, helmet, and goggles when it comes to equipment. You can hire skis, boots, helmets, and poles in your resort, either by pre-booking or by getting them when you’re there. We recommend pre-booking if you’re hiring, as it makes it quick and easy when you arrive at your destination.

There are plenty of shops you can visit to buy goggles and other ski clothing, such as salopettes and ski coats. If you’re looking for more affordable clothing, especially if you’re clothing the kids, then Decathlon is perfect. You can also shop at Mountain Warehouse, SnowandRock, and DopeSnow. Some of the clothing items you may need include ski coat; salopettes; t-shirt; jumper; hat; gloves; thick socks.

The final thing to remember is suncream. The mountains look beautiful when the sun is out, however it means that the crisp, white snow acts as a reflective agent to the sun and you could burn your face. Therefore, it might seem strange, but make sure to pack that SPF!