Better Skiing: Warm Up

Welcome to this edition of Better Skiing, I’m Bruce Ruff.
When it’s 90 degrees outside, you’ll take the time to stretch and warm up before your round of golf or your daily run. You wouldn’t think of playing softball without stretching or warming up. Then why do you walk up to the base of the mountain – click on your skis and just go? Hello! It’s cold outside! How about a warm up?

Here are a couple of stretches you can do before you ski. Stand without your skis on and use your poles for balance. Extend one foot forward with your boot heel down and toe up. Now lean forward to stretch your hamstring and calf. Switch legs after a slow 10 count. You can also just balance on one leg and swing the other leg, using your poles for balance. This stretches the leg and lower back. During your first chair lift ride, extend and hold your legs straight out between lift towers. When you let them down, you can feel the blood rush to your thighs. Today, try warming up before skiing. I know you’ll ski better.