Training for Alpine Skiing

Skiing requires aerobic fitness. For aerobic conditioning, there must be significant elevation in heart rate during training. Although anaerobic training benefits physical fitness in general, skiing requires more aerobic than anaerobic conditioning. Strength, power, and endurance can be maintained through the use of concentric and eccentric contractions, using a variety of equipment and sports. Care should be taken to avoid injury to the patellofemoral joint during training. It is important to use specificity in choosing sports, as well as the exercise patterns in preseason training. If these principles are recognized in ski conditioning, a successful and effective training program will result.