Pre-Ski Season Fitness: Get Your Legs Ready for Purgatory

We've all been there. Day one of skiing feels amazing. Day two, your legs stage a revolt. Your quads are screaming, your knees are creaking, and the stairs at the lodge feel like Everest. A little pre-trip fitness goes a long way.

The Key Muscles

Skiing hammers your quads, glutes, and core. Those are your targets. You don't need to become a gym rat — just do a few exercises three times a week for four to six weeks before your trip.

The Exercises

Wall sits. Back against a wall, thighs parallel to the floor, hold. Start with 30 seconds and work up to a minute. This mimics the sustained leg burn of skiing.

Squats. Bodyweight or weighted. Three sets of 15. Good form matters more than heavy weight.

Lunges. Walking lunges or stationary. Three sets of 12 per leg. These build the single-leg stability you need for turns.

Planks. Core stability keeps you balanced on the mountain. Hold for 30-60 seconds, three times.

Single-leg balance. Stand on one foot for 30 seconds. Progress to doing it with eyes closed. This builds the proprioception that helps prevent falls.

Cardio

Anything that gets your heart rate up — running, cycling, stair climbing. You don't need marathon fitness, just enough cardiovascular base that skiing at 10,000 feet doesn't leave you gasping.

The Payoff

Four weeks of basic prep means you can ski hard for a full week instead of being sidelined by sore legs after day two.

Our townhome Timberline is right across from Purgatory — three bedrooms, a hot tub, a fireplace, and a free shuttle to the lift.

Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability at purgatory.pretzinger.com

---

Planning a trip to Purgatory? Check availability and book direct — save 10-15% vs Airbnb/VRBO.