Summer Adventures for Skiers & Snowboarders to Stay Mountain Ready All Year
Published by Allie Hochman
Why Summer is the Secret Season for Skiers and Riders
For skiers and riders, the summer season offers the perfect opportunity to continue exploring the outdoors while building strength, endurance, balance, and confidence that naturally translate to the slopes. From hiking rigorous terrain to paddling across the local lake and skiing through the ocean’s wake, many of summer’s best adventures happen to be some of the most effective ways to prepare for the season ahead.
Build Strength and Endurance on the Trails
Even when there are no traces of snow, that doesn’t mean the mountains aren’t calling! Summer is the perfect time to trade in your ski or snowboard boots for hiking shoes or sneakers, and continue exploring your favorite landscapes from a whole new perspective. Both hiking and trail running utilize many of the same muscles required for skiing, plus it’s a great way to improve endurance, leg strength, and stability long before it’s time to hit the slopes.
Hit the Hiking Trails
Whether you’re pushing yourself to reach the top of a challenging summit or simply enjoying a leisurely walk through a nearby forest, hiking is one of the most effective ways to prepare your body for the winter season. Climbing at any level strengthens your quads, glutes, calves, and core, while conquering uneven terrain focuses on balance and coordination. Not to mention, any hike you take is an opportunity to discover new viewpoints, waterfalls, lakes, and hidden trails that may not be accessible in the winter.
Add Trail Running to Your Routine
If you’re seeking out an elevated summer adventure, it might be time to lace up your trail running shoes. One of the benefits of running on dirt is that it improves agility, quick footwork, and reaction time - all skills that become essential for navigating tough snow conditions. And we’re not saying all winter athletes should be training for a half marathon - even a few miles here and there does wonders in building up strength and confidence come next winter!
Explore Your Favorite Trails by Mountain Bike
Few summer activities get your body into shape the way mountain biking does. As you navigate winding trails, rolling terrain, and other technical features, you’ll naturally build lower body strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and quick reflexes. Biking also gets you more comfortable with reading the trail ahead and adjusting your movements in real time, which is essential for both skiing and snowboarding. Not to mention, mountain biking is a great excuse to visit your favorite ski destinations during the off-season, as numerous resorts throughout North America transform their grounds into epic bike trails all summer long
Practice Your Balance and Coordination on the Water
While shredding on snow might seem entirely unrelated to watersports, the reality is, the water makes for a great practice setting for just about any land activity. Many activities on the water help develop the same level of balance, coordination, and core strength needed for a successful day on the mountain. Plus, on a hot summer day, there’s truly nothing like staying active while keeping cool in the water.
Give Standup Paddleboarding a Try
While it may seem like just a leisurely lakefront activity, standup paddleboarding involves an immense amount of endurance, strength, and grit. Just ask Brenda Walsh, one of Kulkea's fearless and adventurous ambassadors, who conquered an incredibly rigorous journey through the Connecticut River last summer. This challenge required intense training, proving that staying upright on an ever-changing surface constantly engages your core while improving stability, body awareness, and balance - perfect preparation for the snow season. Whether you’re taking it slow across a peaceful lake or conquering some of the most intense rapids like Brendan, paddleboarding can be anything you make it!
Explore New Waters by Kayak or Canoe
Kayaking and canoeing are great for staying active, but they also give you the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience nature from a different perspective. Whether you’re solo-kayaking through a quiet lake or setting out on a group canoe trip filled with action and adventure, there’s so much to gain from facing the water head-on. Plus, the act of paddling is an incredible strength exercise, often serving as an ideal low-impact workout for recovery days. Even if you don’t have your own gear, don’t let this stop you from your next adventure! Be sure to check out rental facilities in your area, as lakefront towns tend to be flooded with options for everyone to enjoy.
Trade Snow for Water with Waterskiing or Wakeboarding
If you just can’t seem to shake the desire to put on skis and carve your way through the summer, then it’s time to hit the lake and start waterskiing or wakeboarding. Whether you prefer to be on two skis or a board, both of these watersports challenge many of the skills you rely on in the winter, including balance, lower body strength, edge control, and quick reactions. Learning to carve across the water, absorb changing conditions, and maintain control with varying speeds can go a long way when you hit the snow again. And let’s not forget, even if you take a few spills, falling on the open water is typically less scary than slipping on a packed peak, so even if it takes a few tries to get your footing, you’re in for an unforgettable summer hobby.
Build Strength and Mobility for the Season Ahead
Adventure isn't just about pushing your limits; It's also about preparing your body for the future. Incorporating activities that improve flexibility, balance, agility, and mobility throughout the summer will help you move confidently on the slopes when winter returns.
Stay Flexible with Yoga
While it may not seem as adventurous as hiking or mountain biking, yoga is one of the most valuable off-season activities for skiers and riders. Working on flexibility, mobility, and balance is imperative for a successful snow season, plus it can help make every turn feel more controlled while reducing risk of injury and fatigue. What makes yoga so special is that it can be practiced in essentially any setting, during any season. Whether you’re attending classes at a studio, running through some exercises after a day on the slopes, or taking advantage of the summer weather and finding your inner peace outdoors, the benefits are endless.
Sharpen Your Agility with Pickleball or Tennis
Whether you’re rallying with friends or diving into the friendly competition of a local pickleball league, court sports are an excellent way to stay active and on your toes between ski seasons. Constant movement, quick footwork, and rapid changes in direction help improve agility, balance, coordination, and endurance - all essential skills for navigating unpredictable terrain on the mountain. And best of all, both tennis and pickleball are fun and easy to pick up for all skill levels, making it the perfect way to stay active, enjoy time outdoors, and socialize all summer long.