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Boost Your Cardio for Downhill Skiing Most of us don\'t think of downhill skiing as something that we need to build great cardiovascular endurance for. It\'s a gravity sport, right? Well, yes, but if you\'re serious about advancing your skiing ability to the next level, you\'ll find a boost in cardio to be one of the key components. Determine your methods. Most skiers can\'t spend enough time on the slopes to build cardio by skiing alone. You have to cross train. Since downhill skiing works all the major muscle groups, you\'ll benefit from a variety of cross training activities, such as running, Nordic skiing, swimming, and rowing. Measure your starting point. The simplest way to do this is to see how much distance you can cover in 12 minutes in whatever cross-training activity you\'ve chosen. If you\'ve given it your all in that 12 minutes, this will give you a pretty good indication of your aerobic capacity. Build a routine. Cardio workouts should be done a minimum of 3 days a week, 30 minutes per session. Using your 12-minute test from Step 2, begin working at 70 percent of that pace, starting with 30-minute workouts and building from there. Increase intensity. To improve your downhill skiing, you will want some of your cardio training to be carried out at a higher intensity for shorter periods of time. Use the same pace as for your 12-minute test, but only go for 3 minutes at a time, with a 3-minute rest of lighter exercise in between intervals. Do only one interval workout per week, gradually increasing the number of repetitions. Enjoy your progress. You should notice a marked improvement in your skiing ability after only a month or two of cardio training. You\'ll know you\'re making progress when you\'re able to ski at the top of your ability level without having to stop for a breather every few minutes. Re-measure your cardio level using the same test you did at first, and adjust your workouts accordingly. Tips Many skiers don\'t realize that they\'re only skiing 30 seconds to a minute at a time before stopping to catch their breath. To turn your skiing into a cardio workout, try slowing down a little and taking more controlled turns. Build up to skiing the entire run without stopping. Your ride back up the lift will give you your rest interval. Resources http://w3.bcbsga.com/services/quizzes/fitness/wellsource_fitness/aerobicmile.htm
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Snoqualmie ski resort expanding (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) SNOQUALMIE PASS -- The Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort says it has won Forest Service approval for an expansion. Read more... Snoqualmie ski resort expanding (The Columbian) The Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort says it has won Forest Service approval for an expansion. The resort plans to build six new chairlifts and three surface lifts. It also plans night... Read more... Snoqualmie Ski Resort Expanding (KIRO 7 Seattle-Tacoma) SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. -- The Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort says it has won Forest Service approval for an expansion. The resort plans to build six new chairlifts and three surface lifts. It also plans night lighting on snow trails. Read more... Snoqualmie ski resort expanding (KPAX Missoula) Associated Press - November 21, 2008 1:45 PM ET SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. (AP) - The Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort says it has won Forest Service approval for an expansion. Read more... Ski-in, Ski-out Crystal Peak Lodge Becomes Luxurious Cornerstone of Breckenridge Resort's New Peak 7 Base Village (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance) One of the most popular ski and snowboard resorts in North America, Breckenridge Resort, Colo., is unveiling a new base village area this winter that features luxurious ski-in, ski-out accommodations and skier services. Read more...

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