Secret Powder Tips by Nigel Abbott - Leg Power & Core Strength

So how do you get your body to this level, I go to the gym to several times per week to increase my strength and mountain bike regularly to improve my power and endurance.

One thing that I have learned during my 35 year skiing career is that leg power and core strength will ensure you can ski with power and grace, it will also make it so much easier when you hit the slopes for your skiing holiday. This way you can enjoy your skiing from day one without suffering too much fatigue or burnout, which normally occurs from day three onwards.

Core strength is a result of strong stomach, lower back and oblique muscles and is your base from which your legs can extend and retract.

Similar to a dual suspension mountain bike which has a very strong frame (core strength), the wheels (skis) are attached to a suspension system (legs) which allows for independent action to absorb the terrain. This is no different to skiing where your upper and mid section act as the base from which your legs can operate the function of pressure control, that is the movement of extension and retraction.

This image perfectly demonstrates a strong core that has the upper body in an upright position and the legs almost fully extended to drive pressure through to the skis. The upper body is stable and quiet, thus allowing for real power to be exerted with the leg muscles and to resist the forces.
A strong mid section will give you the best chance to keep your upper body quiet for a smooth flow down the hill, which results in graceful skiing. There is no difference when you are skiing powder, you want a quiet upper body so your legs be can extend away from your body and then retracted back under you to suck up the pressure. So how do you get your body to this level, I go to the gym several times per week to increase my strength and mountain bike regularly to improve my power and endurance.