Why a strength program can make all the difference this snowboard season.

The mornings are getting a little chillier, the leaves are putting on a show of color, and one of the big things on my mind is that snowboard season is just around the corner! If you're looking to get stronger for this snowboard season, read on for some tips.

Why implementing a snowboard-specific strength program can change your season for the better.

Snowboarding is a unique sport in the sense that for most folks, it only happens for 3–4 months a year. The shoulder season can sometimes bring with it a decrease in activity, and then we get thrown right into the season.

Having a plan for strengthening not only our lower body, but also our core, upper body and cardiovascular system can help you feel stronger on your board from the start of the season all the way until the end. It can help decrease the chances of injury by preparing your body for the increase in load being put on it, while improving your endurance so you can spend more time on the hill.

When to start strength training specifically for snowboard season?

Ideally, you want 8–12 weeks to start implementing a strength program specific to the needs of snowboarding. If you've started early, that's great! But I see it often where folks reach out 3 weeks before the season starts looking to start training.

Anything is better than nothing, I always say, but let's get things rolling at least 8–12 weeks before opening day.

What to focus on in your training?

Strength, power, agility and cardiovascular fitness are all important components of preparing for snowboard season. Give yourself plenty of time to build these qualities rather than trying to cram everything in during the few weeks before you hit the hill.

Strength

Building strength in your legs is an obvious place to start, but snowboarding requires much more than just strong quads. Your glutes, hamstrings, calves and core all play an important role in controlling your board and absorbing the forces that come with riding.

Exercises such as squats, split squats, lunges, deadlifts and single-leg exercises can all be great options.

Power

Being strong is one thing, but being able to produce that strength quickly is another. Snowboarding requires you to react to changes in terrain, absorb landings and generate force quickly when making turns or riding through variable snow.

Once you've built a good strength base, incorporating exercises such as jumps, bounds and medicine ball throws can help develop power.

Agility and balance

Snowboarding is performed on an unstable surface and requires constant adjustments to your body position. Your ability to balance, react and control your body can make a big difference when you're riding.

Single-leg exercises, lateral movements, rotational exercises and balance challenges can all be incorporated into your training.

Cardiovascular fitness

This one is often overlooked. Snowboarding can be deceptively demanding, especially when you're riding hard, navigating steep terrain or spending a full day on the mountain.

Improving your cardiovascular fitness before the season starts can help you recover between runs and maintain your energy throughout the day. You don't necessarily need to spend hours on a treadmill either. Hiking, running, cycling, rowing and other forms of conditioning can all be useful.

Don't forget about recovery

More isn't always better. Your training should prepare you for snowboarding, not leave you exhausted before the season even starts. Give yourself time to recover between sessions and gradually increase the amount of training you're doing.

The goal is to arrive at opening day feeling strong, fit and ready to ride, not sore from trying to cram 12 weeks of training into the final two.

A little preparation now can go a long way toward having a stronger, more enjoyable snowboard season.

Ready to get stronger for snowboard season?

If you're not sure where to start or want a program built specifically around your goals, I can help. I offer individualized athletic therapy sessions where we can go over your goals and create a program designed to help you build strength, improve movement and prepare your body for the demands of snowboarding.

Don't wait until the first day on the hill to start preparing. Book an appointment at Hara Wellness

and let's get you ready for the season.