Why Is Skiing So Tiring? & How to Recover

After an exhilarating day on the slopes, most skiers want nothing more than to kick back and enjoy the hot tub, followed by a good night’s sleep. Most skiers are familiar with the pain that comes with changing out of ski gear: from sore quads and calves to a general feeling of tightness throughout the body, there’s no doubt that skiing is a rough head-to-toe workout.

Here, we’ll take a look at why skiing makes you so tired, the best ways to recover after snow skiing, and simple tips you can implement to help you feel fresh on the mountains every morning that you get to spend skiing.

Why Does Skiing Make You Tired?

Skiing is exciting, and it can be easy for your brain to focus more on the gorgeous sights and speed you’re picking up instead of all the hard work your body is doing as you fly down your favorite black diamond.

The adrenaline rush that comes with the fun and danger of flying down a mountain can help mask the fatigue that your body feels during a day on the slopes, but eventually, the painful soreness resulting from a day of hard work will hit you hard.

Related: Recovering From Post Hike Fatigue

Best Ways to Recover After Skiing

To fully enjoy your time on the slopes, it’s important to understand how to recover after skiing. The best way to recover after snow skiing differs from person to person, so you may want to try a few different post ski recovery methods to see what options work best for your body.

1. Do yoga. Taking some time to hit the yoga mat after you’ve spent the day putting your muscles through the rigors of skiing can help you restore a sense of balance and stretch out any soreness.
2. Hit the sauna (or take a bath). Heat can help your muscles relax the soreness away. Be sure to drink plenty of water after spending time in the sauna.
3. Don’t forget to hydrate. When you’re skiing, you’re often sweating—but it can be tough to notice in the cold. Be sure to hydrate to give your muscles everything they need to recover.
4. Try a CBD salve. A CBD salve can feel great on tired, sore muscles. Slather some salve on before hitting the sheets to wake up feeling refreshed.

Skiing Fatigue FAQs

Is Calf Pain After Skiing Normal?

It’s normal to feel soreness in your hips, quads, and calves after skiing. If you’re getting used to a new pair of skis or boots, trying out a new level of difficulty, or you haven’t skied in a while, you’re more likely to experience a high level of soreness. If your whole body is sore after skiing, that is relatively normal. While muscle fatigue and soreness are normal, pain is a sign that something is wrong. If you’re feeling pinching or severe pain that reaches beyond standard soreness, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional.

How to Avoid Quad Burn When Skiing?

Quad burn is fairly common when it comes to skiing, in large part because they are some of the most important muscles for maintaining balance and strength while on the moutain. If you want to avoid quad burn, your best chance is to get stronger and work those muscles to be able to feel less burn while skiing.

Why Do My Legs Hurt When I Ski?

Skiing constantly requires tiny adjustments. Each time you hit a small bump, an icy patch, or turn your body to adjust your speed, your muscles are hard at work to help you maintain your balance and form.

Final Thoughts on Post Ski Recovery & How to Relieve Sore Muscles After Skiing

Skiing is a demanding and tiring sport where the soreness is a part of the recovery process. Like we said earlier, it is even common to have your whole body sore after skiing. Focus on stretching, staying hydrated and getting good sleep. Then if you want to take it a step further, apply some of our CBD salves to your achy muscles and joints for added relief.