Diversifying Spring Training

Spring is the time for skiers to relax, recover, and recoup before a new training season starts. Most skiers shift from a very structured training plan, to very little or no structure at all and are free to do whatever training and activities they want. This is also a time when coaches get a much needed break from their athletes. I think it is pretty important to keep the training modes pretty diverse during the spring so when the summer and fall hits you don’t get burnt out on ski specific training.

This diversification can be anything from completely different training modes to the same modes executed differently. During the race season we end with a lot of shorter and lighter training sessions that help us taper and feel fresh and snappy for races. When the season concludes and the XC skiing is still good, I like to do long 3-5 hour skis on the trails or on the crust, because it’s something we don’t do a ton of during the season. It’s also always fun to do a 100k day or some bigger backcountry tours.

Long days in the backcountry are one of my favorite activities, however, they don’t really fit into the training schedule during the season. In the first half of the spring when the snow is still abundant, I like to get as many big days in the backcountry as possible. In the spring the snow can be very good and some late season storms can make for really fun powder days.

Once the snow clears up and the trails are no longer muddy, I like to mountain bike. Mountain biking is probably my favorite mode of training. It is very fun and makes me smile more than any other activity I do. In Sun Valley, we get this period in the spring where the biking is open and good lower in the valley but there is still backcountry skiing in the mountains. This is probably my favorite part of spring. Best of both worlds!

Once the snow clears up and the trails are no longer muddy, I like to mountain bike. Mountain biking is probably my favorite mode of training. It is very fun and makes me smile more than any other activity I do. In Sun Valley, we get this period in the spring where the biking is open and good lower in the valley but there is still backcountry skiing in the mountains. This is probably my favorite part of spring. Best of both worlds!

Another great way to diversify spring training is surfing or other water sports. In college, the ocean was about 20 minutes from campus so I was able to surf a lot during the spring. A surf trip to somewhere warm probably would be more fun as the water in New Hampshire in the spring is pretty cold (around 40 degrees in march warming into the summer). Surfing is a very different mode of exercise that is a super fun way to mix up training.

During the spring I also like to work on my mobility and deal with any overuse injuries or just nagging body parts. I find with the lighter training load and more free time, it is easier to make significant changes to your body's mobility. This is a very good time to work on movement and technique in the gym as well.

Spring is a great time to mix up training and keep things fun and fresh. Everyone has their preferred ways to change up training activities in the spring, whether it’s long days in the backcountry or surf trips down south. As the spring progresses and we ramp up training, the modes become more ski specific. I try to keep it diversified as I can throughout the summer to avoid roller skiing burnout. Diversification in training is a great way to help keep motivation and spirits higher throughout the spring and summer.