PREPARE FOR THE BIG FIRST SNOWFALL

Ski season is upon us and riders around the world are preparing their bodies and minds for snowy adventures. So, now’s the time to dust off your gear and put yourself into the right mindset to go bigger and better this season.  

Even though skiing and snowboarding involve vertical drops, ripping through trees and finding the perfect line in off-piste powder, the sport is still considered by many as mindful and even, meditative. Like rock climbing or downhill biking, there's simply not enough mental capacity to think about anything else apart from the present. For this reason, people tend to feel happier and relaxed after a solid day tearing it up in fresh mountain air.

So, let's dive into some tips n' tricks that will get you hooked on riding and leave you dominating the slopes this season.  

Dubbed 'protector of the feet', a good pair of ski socks will go a long way to keeping your feet warm during those freezing cold days. 

After a few hours of shredding, your feet are bound to get sweaty. So, invest in a quality pair of ski socks made from moisture wicking material such as Merino wool, which transports sweat and moisture away from skin as vapour, keeping your foot dry and warm.

Having the right boot makes your season, but buying the right boot can be a daunting task. With technology forever catching up with performance, it’s essential you get the right tech for how and where you love to ski. Luckily for you, our in-store experts can provide boot-fitting services in stores across the UK. 

Once you’ve found the right pair, you need to make sure they’re in top notch condition each season. The little things like making sure your boot liners haven't had more than 100 ski days on them are crucial because once compressed, your boot will feel 'roomy', leaving you with less comfort and control.

When prepping for a snowsports season, the legs are the most used body part and make up most of your stamina on the mountain. You might hear skiers shout, 'My legs are burning!' and trust us: there's nothing more frustrating than stopping halfway down a slope because your legs can't keep up. Strong hamstring and glute muscles can significantly impact your downhill riding performance.

Even though skiing involves a whole lot of leg work, arm strength is vital to your general stability. In some larger resorts, flat areas that connect parts of the terrain require 'skating', which involves just that – using your skis like you would ice skates to pick up some momentum and traverse to where you need to get to. So, like ice -skating, your arms play a crucial role in moving your body to gather speed. 

Plus, if you take a tumble, strong arms help push yourself up and support balance during those last rips of the day. 

Strong abs help you perform better and can help reduce the risk of injuries. All other parts will perform at maximum efficiency if your core is strong. For example, when ripping down the mountain, strong abdominal muscles support your spine and prepare your body for sudden jolts during varying snow conditions. They’ll also help you with those challenging black runs, especially moguls - which require plenty of whole-body movement. 

Maintaining a solid aerobic fitness level improves cardiovascular and muscular endurance, minimises fatigue, and decreases the risk of injury. 

Weather conditions on the mountain can be unpredictable, and with this, comes varied terrain. A well-seasoned skier will have experienced a range of snowy treats, from icy hard-pack to deep, fluffy powder. Whatever you're up for, all conditions require strong balance and a body prepared to adjust to different speeds and changing directions.  

So, test your fitness by trail running and biking. These activities can help your core adjust to bumps, changing direction and varying speeds when out on the mountain. 

Spending time in the mountains is a chance to de-clutter our headspace and have a brilliant time doing it. The snowsports community are a naturally inclusive bunch - it’s not uncommon to make a mountain connection and ride with them for the day. 

So, put your mind to it this snow season and raise the roof on endorphins levels while sailing down vertical drops with your new powder-forged friendships. Those feel-good hormones will lift your mood so you can focus on improving those turns, no matter what conditions you face.