Improving your skiing technique is something many people aim for, whether its to ski faster, tackle steeper runs, or simply feel more confident on the slopes with the people you ski with. The main challenge for most skiers is finding the opportunity to practice their skills consistently in an active skiing position.
With most skiers only getting one to three weeks of skiing each year, it doesnt offer the same kind of practice opportunities as sports like golf or tennis. Often, it takes a day or two just to get comfortable on your skis before you can even start working on improving your technique.
Thats where dry land training comes in. This form of training can be done all year round, regardless of snow or access to artificial ski slopes. A simple exercise like jumping from side to side can help simulate the athletic movements needed for skiing short to medium-radius turns. At first, this may seem too basic, but when you try it, youll quickly realize its not as easy as it sounds.
Dry land training can target various aspects of skiing, such as improving your balance, symmetry, and leg strength. Exercises can focus on issues like A-frame posture, flexing the legs, activating your core for mogul skiing, and making short-radius turns. Practicing without using your arms can also help improve your balance and dynamics, as can trying to jump farther and with greater angulation.
The best place to practice these ski-specific exercises is outside, on a small incline or in a gym. These activities give you plenty of opportunities to develop and enhance your skiing skills, so youre ready for your next ski trip or season.