How can I improve my skiing?

What are some good exercises to do that can help improve skiing abilities?

• I have recently taken up skiing and find it very difficult to do the 'snow plough' to learn control of speeds as it feels very unnatural - particularly with my knees and I therefore struggle to achieve a large triangle. I was wondering if there are any exercises that one could recommend particularly to increase flexibility in the knees or that they feel are generally beneficial to skiing beginners.

• Answer:

  Getting flexibility in the knees is very difficult, since they are a hinge joint.  If you're putting your skis in a snow plow and forcing your knees inward you're trying to bend your knees in ways that they were never designed to move.   The snow plow - or better said braking wedge is typically used to insure that you have a solid base to stand on.  You should be focused on controlling your speed via turn shape and making wedge christies rather than inward force on your knees. Now in terms of general fitness and exercise, the quick answer is anything that you can do with consistency is going to be the best for you.  You could focus on the following: Strength - Squats and dynamic jumping are classic for skiiers (Crossfit) Core - Crunches, Side Crunches, Medicine ball drills Flexibility - Yoga (there really isn't anything better IMHO) Aerobic - Running, Cycling, Rowing Showing up in the slopes in shape regardless of if it's "ski specific" or just general fitness is really going to make a difference in your day.