As the Australia and New Zealand ski season kicks off and school holidays approach, many of us are gearing up for some fun on the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or heading to the slopes for the first time, it’s important to make sure your body is ready for the challenge.
Here are a few tips from our physiotherapists to help you enjoy the snow safely:
1. Start With Some Pre-Slope Prep
If you’ve booked a ski trip, now’s the time to get moving. Skiing uses muscles in your legs, core, and back, and these muscles need to be strong and flexible to handle the slopes. Try adding some squats, lunges, planks, and balance work into your routine in the weeks before your trip. Even a little bit of regular movement now can go a long way.
2. Warm Up Before You Hit the Snow
It’s tempting to jump straight onto the lift, but taking 5 to 10 minutes to warm up your body can help prevent injuries. Do some light cardio (like a brisk walk or jog), followed by dynamic stretches for your legs, hips, and back to get your muscles firing before you start gliding downhill.
3. Know Your Limits
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, especially on the first few runs of the day. But fatigue is a major factor in ski-related injuries. If you start to feel tired, take a break. Listen to your body – not just your adrenaline!
4. Protect Your Knees and Wrists
The most common ski injuries we see are to the knees (like ACL sprains) and wrists (from falls). Make sure your equipment is fitted correctly, wear wrist guards if you’re snowboarding, and consider seeing a physio before your trip if you’ve had past injuries or niggles that could flare up.
5. Stretch and Recover Each Day
After a day on the mountain, give your body some TLC. Light stretching, a warm shower or bath, and a gentle walk can help reduce soreness and keep you going all holiday long.
You can contact our team at [email protected] or call us on 9997 4970.
Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the snow! ⛷️❄️
