There’s little that can keep most people off the slopes after they make the trip out to a world-class ski mountain, find the perfect gear, and the weather lines up for great snow on the slopes.
However, one thing that can do exactly that is sore muscles, especially in your legs.
No matter how much fun you’re having on the snow, skiing and snowboarding are still exercise that mostly works your legs. As a result, your legs may be sore after just one or two days on the slopes, which may keep you from going back. That’s why we’ve created a short guide to dealing with sore legs from skiing and snowboarding here.
Read all about it, then visit the ASO Mammoth shop for the best deals on ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Preseason Workouts
Although this won’t help you if you’re heading to or from the mountain as you read this, the best way to treat sore legs from skiing or snowboarding actually happens in the offseason ahead of your trip.
It’s simple. If you work your legs through exercises that mirror the repetitive nature of skiing and snowboarding in the offseason, then they’ll be less sore the day after you actually ski or snowboard.
High repetition of exercises like squats, squat jumps, and lunges using only your bodyweight in your living room will pay off big time once you’re on the snow.
Roll Out and Massage Your Muscles
Most people don’t get the chance to work their legs in the offseason, and if that’s you then the best thing you can do is roll out and massage your sore muscles after you leave the slope.
Massaging your muscles helps with recovery by increasing blood flow, relaxing the fibers that have tightened due to the physical exercise, and removing some of the waste that has built up from exercise.
Of course, you can always massage your thighs, calves, and feet by hand, but a massage gun will allow you to work smarter instead of harder during your recovery.
Foam and hand rollers also help recovery by relaxing your muscles and allowing them to lengthen instead of staying tight. There are several different ways to roll out your muscles, but for your feet you may need a stiff ball to roll underneath them instead of a foam roller.
Stay Hydrated
Being hydrated is a part of daily health, but it’s even more important when skiing and snowboarding.
Not only are skiing and snowboarding physical activities, but they’re often done at high elevation where your body works even harder to function. On top of that, most people are on vacation while skiing and snowboarding, so they may drink more alcohol than usual while on a trip which will further dehydrate them.
Your body needs water to recover from physical exertion, so drink plenty during your trip to aid your recovery. You can also add electrolytes to what you’re drinking for even better hydration!