Ski Mobility Strength Routine

A single-session mobility strength routine that builds joint resilience and deep-flexion strength for skiing. 8 exercises targeting knees, ankles, and hips through full range of motion — strength training, not passive stretching.

📅 1 weeks
💪 1x per week
📊 beginner

Who this is for: Skiers wanting to build joint strength, flexibility, and resilience in knees, ankles, and hips before a ski trip or as ongoing maintenance

Equipment needed:
yoga-matslant-board (optional)

Training Schedule

Week 1: Ski Mobility Strength

1 workouts

Build joint resilience and full range-of-motion strength in the knees, ankles, and hips

Day 1: Mobility Strength Session

38 minutes
8 exercises
Tibialis Raise
strength
3 sets × 25 reps • Rest: 45s
Bulletproof the front of the shin — the most neglected muscle for skiers. Stand on heels, raise toes as high as possible, lower with control. Use a wall for balance if needed.
ATG Split Squat
strength
3 sets × 8 per leg reps • Rest: 60s
Back knee to ground, front knee tracks well over toes. Build deep knee strength and hip flexor length simultaneously. Hold a light dumbbell for progression.
Patrick Step
strength
3 sets × 15 per leg reps • Rest: 45s
Step down from a small step (5–10cm), heel touches the ground with control, then drive back up. Builds VMO and knee stability. Use a slant board if available.
Reverse Nordic Curl
strength
3 sets × 8 reps • Rest: 75s
Kneel on mat, lean back slowly as far as you can control, then return upright. Builds quad strength through a long range of motion. Directly protects knees from ski forces.
Cossack Squat
mobility
3 sets × 8 per side reps • Rest: 60s
Deep lateral lunge with straight trailing leg, foot flat on the ground. Builds the lateral hip and adductor mobility that skiing demands. Hold a light weight at chest for balance.
Deep Squat Hold
mobility
3 sets × 30 seconds reps • Rest: 45s
Full depth squat hold, heels down, chest up. Builds ankle dorsiflexion and hip mobility under load. Hold onto a doorframe if needed to keep heels down at first.
Single Leg Calf Raise
strength
3 sets × 15 per leg reps • Rest: 45s
Full range of motion — rise all the way up, lower all the way down with a slow 3-second negative. Ankle strength and Achilles resilience for long days in ski boots.
Jefferson Curl
mobility
3 sets × 8 reps • Rest: 60s
Standing on a step, slowly round down vertebra by vertebra with a light weight (2–5kg). Go only as far as you can control. Builds spine and hamstring resilience through full range.

Progression Strategy

  • Start bodyweight only for all exercises. Add a light dumbbell (5–10kg) to ATG split squats and Jefferson curls once the movement feels comfortable.
  • Deepen your range of motion gradually — a few millimetres per session is progress. Never force depth.
  • For reverse Nordic curls, use a wall or band for assistance at first. Reduce assistance as you get stronger.
  • Use this routine 2–3x per week in the weeks before a ski trip, or 1x per week as ongoing joint maintenance throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a slant board?
No. A slant board makes Patrick steps and tibialis raises easier to load, but you can do both exercises on flat ground or a low step. A slant board is a worthwhile investment if you ski regularly.
Is this safe if I have knee issues?
These exercises are used in knee rehabilitation, but start with bodyweight only and a reduced range of motion. If you have an existing injury or persistent pain, consult a physiotherapist before starting. Pain during an exercise means stop — discomfort from a deep stretch is normal, sharp pain is not.
Can I do this alongside the 4-week ski preparation plan?
Yes — this routine complements the 4-week plan well. Use it as a warm-up on strength days, or do it on a rest day as active recovery. The mobility work will improve your squat depth and movement quality in the main plan.
How often should I do this routine?
For pre-trip preparation, 2–3 times per week for at least 3 weeks before your trip. For ongoing maintenance, once a week is enough to maintain joint health. During ski season, do it the day before or morning of a ski day as a warm-up (reduce sets to 2).

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Last updated: 2025-03-064 min read