Every winter, I’d arrive at the slopes full of excitement… and leave each day with legs like concrete. Tight calves, aching quads, and a stiff lower back seemed inevitable. I thought it was just part of skiing — until sports massage proved me wrong.
Pre-Trip Prep
The season everything changed, I decided to prepare differently. For four weeks before my ski trip, I booked weekly sports massage sessions targeting my quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. The therapist focused on deep tissue techniques to release tension, improve flexibility, and boost circulation.
I noticed the difference even before I hit the mountains. My squat felt deeper, my hips moved more freely, and I could stretch further without that “pulling” sensation.
On the Slopes
From the first run, I felt a new kind of freedom. My turns were sharper, my knees more stable, and I could absorb bumps without the usual jarring impact. Normally by day three I’d avoid steep or mogul-heavy runs to save my legs. This time, I was chasing the most challenging slopes all week.
Sports massage didn’t just make me stronger — it made me recover faster. Each evening, instead of dragging myself to dinner, I felt energised and ready for the next day. My muscles didn’t seize up overnight, and the usual post-ski limp was replaced by a comfortable stride.
Why It Works
Skiing demands a lot from your lower body — especially the quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes — as well as your core and lower back for stability. Sports massage addresses this by:
- Releasing tightness that restricts movement and limits performance.
- Improving circulation so muscles get the oxygen and nutrients they need.
- Reducing muscle fatigue so you can ski longer without burning out.
- Enhancing flexibility for smoother turns and quicker reactions.
The Bonus Benefit
Perhaps the most surprising benefit was the mental side. Knowing I’d prepared my body made me feel confident to push harder, try new runs, and fully enjoy the trip without the nagging worry of injury.
My Takeaway
Now, sports massage is as much a part of my ski prep as waxing my skis. It’s the reason I can ski harder, recover faster, and get more out of every run. If you love skiing but hate the post-slope aches, I can’t recommend it enough — your legs (and your ski buddies) will thank you.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
