Skiing is something winter sport lovers do for recreation and sport. It requires balance, agility and speed to manage cold, slippery snow-packed slopes. Competitive skiers are always looking for ways to increase their speed on the snow. Even recreational skiers might find themselves looking for tips on how to improve their times. Both downhill and cross-country skiers can train to increase their speeds. Ski faster by increasing your cardiovascular strength, and paying attention to your form when you are on your skis.
Steps
1
Set goals. Decide how much faster you want to go, and set a target for how quickly you want to accomplish a faster time.
2
Record your current speed. Get your time by recording how fast you ski from the top of one slope to the bottom by setting a stopwatch, or asking someone to measure your speed for you. This will give you your starting point, or the time you want to beat.
3
Increase your physical training. Doing more cardio exercise and interval training off the slopes will help increase your speed on the slopes.
Run, bike, swim or walk in order to increase cardiovascular training. Do it daily, and try to increase those training times as well. Record how long it takes you to run 1 mile (1.6 km), and try to beat that time every week.
Try interval training to increase strength and speed. During your cardio workout, alternate between exercise at a regular pace and short bursts of resistance training. For example, run at a regular pace for 3 minutes, and then sprint for 1 minute, and then return to your regular pace for another 3 minutes.
Try split squats. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, and bend at the knees, keeping your back straight. This will strengthen your quadriceps and glutes, which will keep you in a tight and controlled tucked position on the slopes.
4
Use your ankles. On the slopes, press your shins against your boots. Keep your arms out in front of you and parallel to your chest to achieve balance. This will apply pressure to the skies, moving you down the slopes faster.
5
Lead with your chest. Point your chest forward, and position your upper body so it faces downhill. This will keep your speed higher and your direction consistent.
Keep your eyes focused down the course, not directly in front of you. You want to be watching where you plan to go, not where you currently are. This will help you prepare for any adjustments you have to make to avoid people, trees or other obstacles.
6
Get enough rest. All of your training will wear out your body if you do not give it adequate periods of rest. Let your muscles recover between training sessions.
Take a day off between interval training and just do some light cardio exercises.
7
Use wax when you are cross-country skiing. Glide wax can be used to make a ski glide faster across the snow, and kick wax is helpful in gripping the snow to the ski.
