Your legs will tell you by the third run whether you trained over the summer or not. Skiing asks your quads to hold a crouch for minutes at a time, your core to absorb every bump and your lungs to work at altitude. The best skiing workouts start a few weeks out and keep that burn from cutting your day short in Mammoth Lakes.
Discover the best skiing in the Eastern Sierra Nevada by booking directly with Snowcreek Resort. Guests get complimentary access to the 30,000-square-foot Snowcreek Athletic Club during their stay as well.
When Should You Start Skiing Workouts?
Start six to eight weeks before your trip and train two or three times a week, according to REI’s ski training guide. Pair the strength work with running, biking or interval training.
Mammoth Mountain’s season typically runs from early November into June. Count back from your arrival date and put the first session on your calendar.
What Is The Best Workout For Skiers?
The best workout for skiers builds leg strength, single-leg balance and power. These five moves come from the American Council on Exercise.
- Squats and lunges: Both build the lower-body strength you need for moguls and steeper terrain.
- One-legged squats: Ski turns constantly shift your weight from one leg to the other, so train each side separately for balance and strength.
- Lateral slides: A slide board or balance board trains the side-to-side stability you use from edge to edge.
- Step-platform jumps: Hop onto a step to build explosive power.
- Core work: A strong core is essential for balance and agility. Crunches and planks both count.
Why Does Fitness For Skiing Matter More In Mammoth?
Altitude. The center of town sits at about 7,880 feet in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, and the summit of Mammoth Mountain reaches 11,053 feet, according to Visit Mammoth. Most visitors adjust within 24-48 hours. Take your first day easy, drink plenty of water and skip alcohol.
Test Your Legs On The Sherwin Lakes Trail
If you arrive before the snow, hike the Sherwin Lakes Trail off Sherwin Creek Road. It climbs steeply through switchbacks for 3 miles to a pair of small lakes beneath the Sherwin Range. The climb is an honest check on your legs and lungs before your first chairlift ride.
Keep Training At Snowcreek Athletic Club
Your access covers indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, cardio and strength equipment and classes. It also covers the entire day of checkout, so you can fit in one last session before the drive home.
Leg Day Comes Before Ski Day
Skiing workouts pay off on the mountain, and a warm Mammoth Lakes rental pays off following a day on the slopes. Choose from condo rentals in Mammoth Lakes with upstairs, downstairs and garage floor plans, including pet-friendly options.
Book one of our vacation homes in Mammoth Lakes and explore more than 400 acres of resort grounds. To book your Mammoth Lakes vacation rental, call 800-544-6007 or 760-934-3333, or email [email protected].
