The skier is forced to conquer the laws of force and motion with precise control of their body while performing the act of sliding down the slope. Strength and balance are essential skills for the skier. Muscular strength improves the skier's ability to relax and still maintain control, and to handle the quick adjustments needed on uneven terrain. Total body muscular strength is significantly important for skiers. The act of downhill skiing includes all the major muscle groups of the body.
Flexibility is also very important to skiers.
When strength training is combined with speed, quickness and mobility training, the potential for producing a high explosive skier is greatly enhanced. These types of activities can include sprint cycling, sprint running and quickness drills, as well as plyometrics. Plyometrics are commonly referred to as explosive types of exercise drills often used in the conditioning program for skiers along with weight training because the combination of squatting and cycling develops the quality leg and hip power necessary for high performance skiing. Caution must be exercised whenever beginning a conditioning program. Utilize the conditioning program appropriate for your body type, present level of condition and any particulars regarding personal physical fitness.