First, let's get the big question out of the way. Do you even need to get fit before a ski holiday? Hmm. If you plan to make the most of your ski pass and hit the slopes for 4 - 6 hrs a day, you’ll need a good base level of skiing fitness and about 12 weeks of training before your trip. But if you’re aiming for just a couple of hours on the slopes, followed by long, lazy lunches, spa treatments and plenty of apres ski fun, you won’t need such a long build-up. Anything you can squeeze in before you go will help. There are two main things you need to do...

Get set for epic days out on the mountain by building your skiing endurance. 

One of the best ways to build this stamina is with cardio. Take inspiration from pro skiers and replicate the fitness needed for skiing or snowboarding with some time on the bike. Two-wheeled exercise will get your heart rate racing, preparing you for steep verticals and long marathon days on the slopes.

Ice skating or rollerblading are also great ways to train for endurance. Yes, we're serious. They mimic the balance, coordination and lateral movement of skiing. Plus, they’re good fun too. 

Targeting key muscle groups is the best way to strengthen your body for skiing.

Your legs will work flat out when you’re out on the slopes. So get your quads, glutes and calves carve-ready with repeated knee bends, downhill squats and lunges. 

Include sit-ups and planks to strengthen your core too. Not only will you find it easier to keep your balance, maintain a strong stance and turn at speed, but you’ll also help prevent injury. 

Simple right? Go on tiger, you can do it.

Want to get ski-fit before your holiday? Here are our top tips and skiing exercises for getting your body ready before you hit the slopes. 


How to get fit for a ski holiday

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Many of us are tightening our belts, but we're still super keen for a ski holiday this season. The good news is, there are loads of ways to keep the budget down and still get your slope 'fix'.

. Of course, you can still go for seven days, but by going for five or six days instead, you can still get plenty of skiing in but save on the trip. Marcus' other major budget-saving tip is you don't have to travel on a Saturday, which is usually the most expensive day: 

As well as shortening your trip and avoiding flying at the weekends, here are Marcus' other top tips to save money on your ski holiday...

January is the skiing season's sweet spot for budget holidays. Frequent fresh dumps of snow mean it's possible to ski at a lower altitude, where you'll find cheaper resorts. And there are also fewer crowds on the slopes. Happy days! Alternatively, avoid the pricey February half-term and Easter school holiday frenzy with a ski trip in March. Soak up the sun on stunning bluebird days and make the most of peaceful slopes and warmer temperatures. Just remember to pack the sunscreen! 

Book your ski trip well in advance or last minute

If you're super organised and can plan ahead, booking early can help you spread out the cost of a skiing holiday. You'll get the first pick of accommodation, too - don't miss out on that dreamy chalet you've had your eye on; book now! On the other hand, there are usually some fantastic deals around if you're happy to book last minute. You'll have to be flexible about where and when you go, but it'll save you a mountain of cash. Ka-ching! 

Don't follow the herd; find somewhere off the beaten track for a super-budget ski holiday. Here are some of our top budget ski locations:

Book a small ski resort connected to a larger, well-known one

Ski lift passes usually eat up a lot of your budget. But you might not even need one. Many resorts don't charge for nursery slope draglifts, so newbies often get by without a ski pass – at least for the first few days. Alternatively, skip premium prices at the big ski resorts and choose a smaller one. If you're just starting out or skiing with littluns, you're less likely to need a large, expensive ski area. Some ski regions also offer mini passes with access to green and blue runs only. And some let kids ski for free! Want to know more? Give us a call at Heidi, and we'll point you in the right direction. 

Eating out in ski resorts can be expensive, depending on where you stay. From pricey mountain hut lunches and mulled wine stops to lavish dinners and beers in town, it soon adds up. Ouch! But if you're happy to keep things simple, hotel package deals with full or half-board dining can often save you money. 

The aisle of your local supermarket is the place to stock up on sunscreen and lip balm. Not the counter of a ski hire centre on the first morning of your holiday! Up in the mountains, you'll pay double the price for a quarter of the volume. 

Most people want to ski in the morning, so ski schools offer discounts on afternoon sessions. Book your ski lessons after 2pm, and you'll likely get a bargain. You'll also get to enjoy quieter nursery slopes and uncrowded pistes. Win-win! 

Save some money and do your bit for the environment by borrowing ski kit from friends and family or buy second-hand. Use apps like Preloved, Gumtree and eBay to find tip-top nearly-new gear. Some websites specialise in pre-owned kit too. Prefer to buy new? Check out discount stores like TK Maxx, Aldi, Sports Direct and Primark. 

Finding a good pair of ski boots is worth its weight in gold. Happy feet = happy days on the slopes! Look out for cut-price boots towards the end of the season. Or, if you really like a pair of hired boots, you might be able to negotiate a good deal and buy them at the end of the week. Ski boots can often be taken on planes as hand luggage, even with low-cost airlines. Whereas skis and boards usually cost extra, so it can be more cost effective to hire those in resort. 

Follow all of these tips you could potentially save hundreds off your entire ski holiday. Need more advice on where and when to go to save costs? Get in touch and the Heidi team, we'd love to help find you an amazing deal.

Skiing on a budget? Just trying to get the best value from your holiday? Follow our top tips for saving money on your ski trip...

How to save money on a ski holiday

Planning your first ski holiday? Sweet. You’re gonna have an awesome time! But if you’re a bit overwhelmed by what you need to do before you hit the slopes and what you need to pack, here are some top tips from our super team here at Heidi. Ready? Let’s go! 

Big isn’t always best! When clipping into your ski boots for the first time, you’ll only need a few gentle greens and easy-going blues to get you going. Our advice? Save a bit of cash and forgo a supersized resort for something smaller. You’ll still have heaps of fun. 

 give you access to the magnificent Three Valley ski area without the inflated price tag. They are chilled and laid back, too, so if you want all the fun of the largest ski area in the world without the hype, these resorts are ideal. 

 is also a great option for beginners, and if you're in a group with more experience skiers, they can hop on a bus to 

Get your ducks in a row and book your ski hire before you go. This will be lighter on your bank balance, and you’ll save heaps of time too. Simply rock up, collect your skis and lift pass, and make a beeline for the slopes. 

All those snow ploughs will give your legs a proper workout when learning to ski. Feel the burn! So, get ahead of the curve with some training before hitting the bunny slopes. Still trying to figure out where to start? Check out YouTube for loads of ski-specific home workouts. 

up. If you think you’ll be able to blast down the slopes like Bode Miller or Lindsey Vonn on your first ski trip, let us stop you in your tracks. Lessons are legit the best way to progress quickly. Get started with a group lesson and progress to a 1-to-1 or 1-to-2 session as you improve. Want to be top of the class? Head to a ski dome before you go. From knowing how to put your ski boots on to clipping into the skis, it’ll give you a great head start. 

It may be cold when you set out in the morning, but once the sun rises above the mountains, it can get pretty toasty! Layers are the secret to staying comfortable all day. Start with a thermal base, then a fleece or thin down jacket, and top it off with a ski jacket. Top tip - if you don’t want to fork out for an expensive ski-specific coat, a good quality waterproof jacket is often enough for your first trip.

Ready to take the plunge? We're on-hand if you need any more advice. Have fun exploring!

Never been on a ski holiday? Or booking it yourself for the first time? Here's the advice from the friendly Heidi experts...

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