Jack Ryger, who is well-acquainted with the slopes, discusses ways in which you can improve your skiing skills in just a few weeks.

1. H O W T O B E C O M E A B E T T E R S K I E R
C R E A T E D B Y J A C K RY G E R

2. • With winter
approaching rapidly,
now is the time to get
ready for a season of
skiing.
• Whether you ski for
pleasure or for
competition, there are
always ways to improve
how well you handle
the slopes.

3. • Many people only have a limited amount of time
on the mountains, so here are a few tips towards
becoming a better skier in just five days…

4. • First, keep in mind that
skiing is a cardio-
intensive sport – this
means it’s time to get fit.
• Before you begin your
skiing adventures, take
the opportunity to set
aside a certain amount
of time per week to get
a strategic workout in.

5. • You should preferably
create an even balance
between cardio and
weight-lifting so that you
don’t over-push your body
the first few days you start
your workouts (pulling a
muscle is not fun).

6. • Skiing is all about
endurance, so working your
way towards running long-
distance will greatly improve
how well you end up skiing,
or at least how long you last
on the slopes.
• Setting aside a one-month
crash course that is
designed to strengthen the
areas you use most while
skiing, like your legs and
core, will help your muscles
be prepared for the first day
you ski.

7. • Second, make sure your equipment is updated.
• Most skiing injuries result from overused skis.

8. • If you’ve had your
equipment for over six
years, perhaps it’s time to
freshen up.
• Be sure your boots fit
properly as well, because
you’ll be on your feet for
hours at a time and you
want to make sure you’re
as comfortable as possible.

9. • Another tip would be to drink plenty of water.
• You may be on vacation, but try to hold back on your
alcohol intake.

10. • Remember, you’re at a
high altitude, so it’s easy
to overdo it the first
night.
• Water will help your
body replenish after
hours on the mountain,
and it will give you the
energy you need to last
the day – alcohol will do
just the opposite.

11. • A better idea would be to
hold the champagne until
after your week of skiing,
celebrate your success at
the end of your time on
the slopes, you’ll feel way
better about yourself.
• Besides, you don’t want
to pull a muscle, which is
much easier to do when
your body is dehydrated
from drinking alcohol.

12. • Lastly, conservation is key.
• Don’t overwhelm yourself the first day of skiing, back off if
you’re feeling tired.

13. • One of the most
important things an
athlete can do is listen
to his or her body, this
includes recognizing
signs of fatigue and
muscle strain.
• Rotate between
pushing yourself for an
hour and then taking a
long break.

14. • The worst thing you could do
is get an injury the first day of
skiing because you were over-
amped about nailing that jump
– easing into it is the way to
go.

15. • Following these simple tricks will help improve your skiing
abilities for your first week on the mountain.
• Remember, this is a time to have fun, so don’t push yourself
past your limits.

16. • Slow it down to fully enjoy the beauty
of the mountains, make every breath
worthwhile.