Be the best at … skiing

Hop on your bike

You need a good endurance foundation if you want to ski well all day, says British champion Chemmy Alcott. “This allows you to go all day without getting tired and it stops the lactic acid building up too quickly and giving you heavy legs. Cycling is a great way to build this, because it’s good cardio exercise and targets the leg muscles used for skiing.”

Save up

It’s fine to rent equipment when you’re a beginner, says Alcott, “but I’d recommend buying your own kit as you improve. Rental gear can be low-quality, and it’s amazing the difference a good pair of skis can make to your technique. Owning your own gear also means you can get used to the feel of it and develop with it each year.”

Think top to toe

When preparing for a ski trip, don’t just focus on strengthening your legs. “Your core stability muscles are vital, too, because they hold your ski position together. A strong core is especially important if you want to be a fast skier, because it stabilises your body in the aero position.”

Don’t over-think

“Try not to get too caught up in the nitty-gritty of technique,” Alcott says. “Information overload can really inhibit your skiing – even now, I stiffen up if I’m trying to think about too many things at the same time. Instead, focus more on being loose and relaxed.”

Be modern

Had the same pair of skis since the 70s? “If you have old skis, update them,” Alcott says. “Modern carving skis are more responsive and carve more easily. However, they do give more power back than old skis, and as a result the timing and technique involved are different, so take it easy at first.”

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