How to warm up before a ski lesson: the pros' routine
Published on 23/01/2026 - Written by Coline
So as not to risk letting the pleasure of skiing be compromised by aches and pains, or even injury, it's important not to neglect the warm-up when preparing for a lesson.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, establishing a warm-up and stretching routine ahead of your trip, but also at the top of the slopes, will help you get the most out of your skiing. Arms, legs, abs, joints: discover all the exercises that will help you get into top shape so you can make the most of your stay in the mountains!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, establishing a warm-up and stretching routine ahead of your trip, but also at the top of the slopes, will help you get the most out of your skiing. Arms, legs, abs, joints: discover all the exercises that will help you get into top shape so you can make the most of your stay in the mountains!
Physical preparation: an important step for optimal skiing
Skiing is a dynamic sport which, especially when practised at altitude, calls on many muscles and requires a lot of energy. So, as with all physical activities, warming up is an essential part of preparing for the exertion and limiting any risk of injury.
You can therefore start a sports routine before you come to the resort. For one or more weeks, don't hesitate to do a few sessions of walking, or even running, or to alternate muscle-strengthening exercises (squats, chair or plank...) with cardio sessions (lunges, jumping jacks...).
From the muscles to the joints, not forgetting the cardiovascular system, good physical preparation will enable you to get the most out of board sports.
You can therefore start a sports routine before you come to the resort. For one or more weeks, don't hesitate to do a few sessions of walking, or even running, or to alternate muscle-strengthening exercises (squats, chair or plank...) with cardio sessions (lunges, jumping jacks...).
From the muscles to the joints, not forgetting the cardiovascular system, good physical preparation will enable you to get the most out of board sports.
Enjoy a fantastic holiday!With a wide range of ski lessons on offerWarm up before your ski lesson with the right exercises
While it's not always possible to put in place a sports routine before your stay in the mountains, a pre-skiing warm-up is essential for all skiers.
To ensure that you're properly prepared for your sports session and the cold of the mountains, we recommend that you do a few stretches to warm up your muscles and joints, but also to prepare yourself mentally for the downhill runs that await you!
For a complete warm-up that stimulates every muscle group, choose a variety of stretches to be repeated 5 to 10 times. Less than ten minutes will be enough to get you off to a good start:
To ensure that you're properly prepared for your sports session and the cold of the mountains, we recommend that you do a few stretches to warm up your muscles and joints, but also to prepare yourself mentally for the downhill runs that await you!
For a complete warm-up that stimulates every muscle group, choose a variety of stretches to be repeated 5 to 10 times. Less than ten minutes will be enough to get you off to a good start:
- Mobility: Move your arms in circles forwards and then backwards; swing your legs forwards and backwards, leaning on your ski poles or not, depending on your balance; rotate your neck backwards and forwards; stand up straight and rotate your pelvis and then your knees, legs bent.
- Strengthening: Do lunges on both sides and/or squats. You can use your ski poles to keep your balance.
- Dynamic exercises: You can complete the workout with jumping jacks, squats with jumps or side lunges to get your heart rate up.
And then what? Our advice for a good recovery!
While sufficient hydration and a suitable diet during the day will complete your warm-up for a top session, you should also think about the after-course.
There's nothing like taking the time to stretch to relax and prevent aches and pains. Once you've got out of your shower or hot bath, we recommend you do a few exercises that you can even do on your bed, while reading a book or discussing your day's skiing with friends and family.
Hamstrings, calves, arms, trunk, back: stretch gently so that you're back on the slopes in great shape the very next day!
There's nothing like taking the time to stretch to relax and prevent aches and pains. Once you've got out of your shower or hot bath, we recommend you do a few exercises that you can even do on your bed, while reading a book or discussing your day's skiing with friends and family.
Hamstrings, calves, arms, trunk, back: stretch gently so that you're back on the slopes in great shape the very next day!
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