Outside Online
Monday, February 04, 2013

Yes You Can: Become a Better Skier in Just 5 Days

Can’t skin up a mountain or drop off a massive cornice like a Warren Miller star? Five days of carefully planned resort skiing can get you closer to shredding expert terrain. Here’s how.

By:
Spring ski touring on Hardangervidda, Norway. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

It’s the ultimate fantasy. Living in a picturesque ski town, trading beer for a tune-up, and counting 120 days a year on the slopes. But while many skiers dream about bumming it and logging massive vertical in a single season, it’s not always possible, particularly if home is miles away from snowy peaks. Fortunately, experts say five days are all it takes to enhance technique and feel confident tackling more difficult terrain.

“With four or five days of a ski vacation, you can do a lot to turn things around and improve your skiing,” says Reid Phillips, master’s coach at the Vail Ski and Snowboard Club. It just takes planning, dedication, and a little expert help. So bust out a note pad, get amped, and read on for nutrition, training, and vacation tips from the pros, including Phillips and three-time World Cup champ and Olympian Rob Boyd. (Who really does ski 120 days a year. Don’t hate.)

Booked the lodge and pre-ordered your lift tickets?

More at Outside

Free Newsletters

Dispatch This week's featured articles, reviews, and videos. Sent twice weekly.
News From the Field The most important breaking news from around the Web. Sent daily.
Gear of the Day The latest products, reviews, and editors' picks. Coming soon.
Outside Partners Outside-approved deals and special offers from select partners. Sent occasionally.

Subscribe
to Outside
Now with
iPad Access

Magazine Cover

Plus 2 Outside Buyer's Guides included with your purchase!

News

May 25, 2013

Current Issue Outside Magazine

Subscribe and get a great deal! Two free Buyer's Guides plus a free GoLite Sport Bottle. Monthly delivery of Outside—your ultimate resource for today's active lifestyle. All that and big savings!

Free Newsletters

Dispatch This week's featured articles, reviews, and videos. Sent twice weekly.
News From the Field The most important breaking news from around the Web. Sent daily.
Gear of the Day The latest products, reviews, and editors' picks. Coming soon.
Outside Partners Outside-approved deals and special offers from select partners. Sent occasionally.

Ask a Question

Our gear experts await your outdoor-gear-related questions. Go ahead, ask them anything.

* We might edit your question for length or clarity. If it's not about gear, we'll just ignore it.