Why Strength Matters For Skiing
The Demands of Skiing
To ski efficiently and safely, your body must be able to:
Maintain full-body tension and have high muscular endurance
Generate force, especially lateral force
Sustain that force over time
Hold isometric control of your core against the force generated from turns
If any of these areas are weak, you’ll fatigue faster, your technique will break down, and your risk of injury will rise.
Why Your Core Is the Key Player
Your core is the link between your upper and lower body. Every time you ski, constant pressure from your skis into the ground generates force that must transfer efficiently through your trunk. Strong legs alone won’t help you sustain a long day of skiing if your core can’t support and direct that force.
Each change of direction, quick adjustment to uneven terrain, and forceful turns depends on your core’s stability. The stronger and more resilient your core is, the smoother, more powerful, and more controlled your skiing will feel.
What the Research Shows
Research confirms that strength training significantly enhances skiing performance. In a two-year study of adolescent skiers, combining skiing with structured strength training resulted in:
Increased leg muscle mass and strength
Improved jump height and power output
Higher bone density in the lower spine (L2–L4)
Reduced fat mass in the legs
Greater overall athletic performance compared to sedentary participants
How Strength Gains Translate to the Slopes
Better stability on bumpy terrain as your body can absorb and distribute force more effectively
Lower injury risk from stronger muscles, joints, and connective tissue
Smoother exits from turns thanks to improved core control
Longer runs since your muscles resist fatigue more effectively
With all the benefits strength training can offer to your skiing performance it's important to take time this preseason and hit the weights. Try for at least two days a week, manage your recovery with rest and protein. Join us for an 8-week Ski Conditioning Program this fall to focus on getting yourself ready for the upcoming season!