Ready to Ski
The ski fitness programme I recommend to my students before the season: 8 weeks (or a 4-week express version), 3 sessions a week, at home with no equipment.
- 40 illustrated pages
- 10 exercises, 3 levels each
- 4-week express version
Four two-week phases, then everything you need on the slopes
- 1
Foundations
The right moves, slowly: the squat, glutes that keep the knee aligned, a strong core.
- 2
Endurance
Circuits so your legs last the whole week, not just the first day.
- 3
Power
React fast to recover your balance, with no jumping by default.
- 4
Balance
Stay stable on changing snow, and arrive at the resort fresh.
- 5
Protect your knees
The fall that injures knees, the right reflexes, and how to fall well.
- 6
On the slopes
My morning warm-up, good habits during your stay and knowing when to stop.
Plus: 3 tests to measure your progress, an 8-week tick-off plan, a morning checklist and a printable logbook.
This programme is for you if…
- You ski one week a year and want to enjoy it until the very last day.
- Your thighs burn from the first runs.
- You want to protect your knees and your back.
- Your trip is coming up: the express version takes 4 weeks.
Get the programme« A ski week is often the only one of the year. It would be a shame to spend half of it suffering. »
Tim, instructor in La Plagne and ski club coach for fifteen years
Your questions
Are the free guides really free?
Yes. A first name and an email are all you need to get the PDF guide, with no payment. You can also tick the option to receive my tips by email (a few messages per season), but it is optional. Your email is never sold; details in the privacy policy.
Do I need to be physically fit to ski?
You do not need to be an athlete for on-piste lessons: the pace adapts to you, with breaks. But arriving with prepared legs changes everything, especially in the first days. My free “Ready to Ski” programme (8 weeks) prepares thighs and knees: see the free guides. Ski touring, however, does require being fit.
Is the lift pass included?
No, you need a valid lift pass, bought separately. During the lesson you do get priority access to the lifts.
Which lesson length should I choose?
The 2.5 hours suits a warm-up or one specific point. 3 or 4 hours let you really work on a theme and still ski. The full day (9 am – 5 pm) is the format for complete programmes: several activities, a big outing or a change of area. Over several days progress really sets in, with 5% off from 6 days. Tell me your goal and I will advise you.