Training for Ski Touring & Ski Mo Racing

 

Ski Touring and Ski Mo racing are increasingly popular, especially since the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The most recent research demonstrates that cardiovascular fitness, lean body mass and muscular power are key physical attributes for moving uphill on skis and lower body strength, not endurance,  is key for downhill.

 

There’s also emerging evidence that many recreational and race athletes fuel inappropriately in training, racing and big days out which impacts on adapting positively in training and performance when it counts.

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Cardiovascular fitness (VO2 Max and lactate or ventilatory thresholds) is best approached by specific training methods and especially if you are based away from the snow like most athletes. Optimizing lean body mass, losing fat and gaining appropriate muscle needs informed sports nutrition and specific training methods but needs to be done scientifically and individually to avoid issues like LEA (low energy availability) and RED-S ( relative energy deficiency in sport).

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Optimize Fitness supports recreational and competitive ski tourers, ski mountaineers and Ski Mo racers with a holistic and integrated service combining training, S&C, performance analysis and sports nutrition support. Graeme started ski touring and ski mountaineering in the late 1980’s, is the Performance Manager for GB Skimo and is an approved provider for Alpine Guides (https://www.alpine-guides.com/ski/insider-knowledge-ski/fitness-advice/ ).

 

Performance Ski Touring & Ski Mo Racing Coaching: elite support available at £120 per month.

 

• Remote service using email, What’s App, phone contact, Zoom etc. Available world wide.

• Ongoing testing and monitoring using apps and remote tests. Treadmill based VO2 Max, Lactate Threshold & Carb: Fat oxidation testing available at extra cost.

• Video analysis of technique.

• Weekly monitoring of power and recovery data.

• Weekly updates to the training plan.

• Unlimited text and email support.

• Includes performance, injury risk  and nutritional analysis, S&C and nutritional support for the ultimate programme.