Article Surfing Archive

The following are some miscellaneous observations from my current ski trip at Vail.

Functional training is excellent physical preparation for skiing. I've definitely noticed a big improvement in my skiing and my 'comfort factor' on the slopes since I started functional training with a personal trainer. Ski lessons are also extremely important, but they will only take you so far if you are not in good shape. Functional training, with its emphasis on core strength, dynamic conditioning and plometrics is ideally suited to improving your skiing and allowing you to feel more comfortable and safe on the slopes.

Physical therapists 'get' the importance of using functional fitness equipment for rehabilitation and injury prevention in sports and just in every day living. As an example of this, on the local Vail TV channel there was a good basic demonstration of the use of the fitness ball (sometimes called a Swiss ball or exercise ball) by a physical therapist.

Anecdotal evidence provides an understanding of why Colorado is one of the fittest states. On my way to slopes this morning, walking down a steep road to the lifts, I passed a runner in full winter gear running up hill at a good clip on hard snow pack. She had a standard poodle running along side and appeared to be just out for a normal exercise with her pet. The physical exertion involved in running up hill at an elevation of 8,200 feet, in extremely cold weather on a slippery surface is significant. You won't see the average person doing this kind of physical activity in too many other states.

A solid core warm up before skiing is helpful. I normally do about 10 minute of light functional conditioning just before suiting up to head out to the slopes. It's enough to improve flexibility and activate the core but not enough to wear you out before skiing. It seems to make a difference in my skiing.

Generally speaking, this is a great time to be in Vail as snow conditions are excellent but the holiday crowds have not yet descended. Many of Vail's famous runs were empty today. There were no lift lines. There was powder and packed powder throughout the mountain. Vail continues to offer some of the best skiing terrain in the US and the owners continue to re-invest in the mountain to improve facilities and the overall winter experience.