Despite the downhill, graceful, nature of skiing, it is an incredibly strenuous sport that requires a lot of energy. But don’t let this put you off. You can make skiing as hard or as easy as you want it to be, depending on the runs you choose and how you tackle them. But exactly how strenuous can skiing be on the body and is it a good form of exercise? Read on to discover the impacts and benefits of skiing on your body.    

How Many Calories Does Skiing Burn?

According to studies by BUPA and Harvard, skiing for an hour can burn around 300-500 calories, depending on how much you weigh and the level of exertion you put into your skiing. The more difficult the run, the more calories you are likely to burn. Long and challenging runs will be sure to get your heart racing and legs burning. Whereas, cruisy blues and greens will be less intense on your body. 

Additionally, the outside temperature will influence calorie consumption. The colder it is the more calories you will burn, as it takes energy to keep your body warm! Therefore, you will burn more calories on a cold winter day than on a warm spring skiing day. Skiing at higher altitudes can also increase the amount of calories you burn as your body requires additional energy to cope with the reduced oxygen levels.

The style of skiing you choose to do will also affect calorie consumption. Cross-country skiing and ski touring can burn a considerable amount more calories than alpine skiing, often exceeding 600 calories per hour, as they both involve trekking uphill which can be very strenuous. Off-piste skiing can also burn more calories than alpine skiing as you will need to navigate more challenging terrain.

You will have considerably higher energy demands when you are on your ski holiday so make sure you are staying well fuelled.  When skiing, you typically need an extra 1,000-1,500 calories per day just to keep up with the demand being put on your body – so say yes to that tartiflette! 

Don’t forget, there is much more to skiing than its fitness benefits. Most importantly it’s about getting out there and having fun! It’s okay to take breaks and catch your breath whenever you need to so that you can remain safe and in control. 

Does Skiing Require a High Level of Fitness?

Skiing is a great sport that will challenge and reward you both mentally and physically. Skiing is an aerobic activity that is an excellent full-body workout. Skiing requires the use of multiple muscle groups as well as a good level of cardiovascular endurance. But, as mentioned before skiing is all about the exertion that you put into it. This means that skiing can be taken at your own pace and is a sport that is suited to people of all ages and fitness levels. 

To get the most out of your time on the slopes, it’s a good idea to get ski fit before your trip. With improved endurance, you’ll be able to stay on the slopes for longer and cover more ground. If you are a beginner skier, it’s especially important to strengthen the muscles needed for skiing to protect your joints and reduce the chance of injury. Doing ski-specific workouts before your ski trip will also make the learning process feel a lot easier!

Is Skiing Good for You?

As evidenced above, the answer to whether skiing is good for you is a resounding yes. Skiing provides a number of health benefits including improved muscle strength, heart health, flexibility and overall fitness. Skiing is the ultimate feel-good sport. Alongside the physical benefits, the adrenaline rush, fresh mountain air and sense of achievement after each run can do your mental well-being a world of good! 

Experience the benefits of skiing with the guidance of an expert instructor on Maison Sport!