Aspen, Co-For Immediate Release-Skiers and snowboarders are eagerly anticipating their time on the slopes this season, and with less than 100 days before the first resorts open, the pros at PZ1 are providing important keys for a successful year.
PZ1’s Olympic and World Cup skiers-turned-coaches, and founder Phil McNichol recognize that pre-season training can serve as insurance for maximizing enjoyment and time on the slopes. “With average ski trip prices reaching into thousands of dollars, it only makes sense that you want to be as prepared as possible before you go to make sure you get the most out of your time. Ski and snowboard specific off-snow training can mean achieving that margin of difference between spending more time on the hill instead of more time nursing sore muscles or injuries,” reports McNichol, whose tenure as head coach of the U.S. Ski Team garnered the most success for the athletes in the organization’s history.
Tips for ski and snowboarder pre-season conditioning from the pros at PZ1:
Erik Schlopy, three-time Olympian in slalom and giant slalom, recommends SUP Surfing/Paddling. “Flat water paddling is not only fun, but it is great exercise for your core muscles and awesome for balance,” he suggests. Scholpy also is a fan of mountain biking for pre-season conditioning, since it incorporates stamina, power and speed acclimation.
Kaylin Richardson, two-time Olympian in combined alpine skiing, offers this tip: “Take the stairs as much as you can. This little adjustment can make a huge difference and your legs will thank you for it once they are strapped to skis or a snowboard. As you take each step think about tightening your gluteus maximus–aka, your bum–and bring the hips forward. Skiing and snowboarding are so quad centric that if you can automatically recruit your glutes to assist throughout the day, you will last far longer and be able to make strong, dynamic turns all day.
Doug Lewis, two-time Olympian in downhill skiing suggests “Tuck jumps and Skier’s jumps. Both build leg strength and power and mimic holding a tuck and ripping a sweet GS turn. Start with three sets of five to ten each. And for endurance, try holding your tuck for thirty seconds. Build that up to two minutes by November and you’ll finish every run to the lift strong.”
Holly Flanders, two-time downhill skiing Olympian says, “Assess where you are in your fitness right now and improve on it. That could mean starting a walking program, using weights, biking or running–anything to build your fitness base. Do something and be consistent about it.”
A unique take on getting ready to ride from Phil McNichol: “Balance work with a Slackline or Bosu Ball is excellent. There are many studies that indicate improving proprioception can help prevent lower limb injuries by incorporating specific balance training techniques. I cannot stress balance enough; skiing and snowboarding are dynamic sports that place a high load on the body.”
In addition to providing expertise in all aspects of off-snow and on-slope training techniques, PZ1 offers a chance for snowsport enthusiasts to learn from the best in the industry. Through private sessions, performance clinics, custom experiences and race camps, participants discover their true skiing ability. All programs challenge, enhance skills and pair attendees with athletes who hold impeccable resumes in both alpine and snowboard disciplines. Uniquely designed for skiers and snowboarders who desire to conquer the entire mountain playground or to improve specific skills such as competition, PZ1’s world-class team provides an extra cut above the average instructional experience.
“PZ1 invites our guests to ski or ride with icons in the sport; a dream experience on and off the slopes. The mission of PZ1 is to transfer what it takes to be the best in the competitive world into tools for skiers and riders to optimize their time on any type of terrain,” states PZ1 director Phil McNichol.
Training with the PZ1 team is located in the Canyons Resort in Utah, Vail, Colorado or any location requested–an ultra-flexible advantage for individuals and groups. More information on PZ1 can be found at www.pointzero1.com, and by contacting McNichol atphil@pointzero1.com or 435-640-8612.
