Ready When It Rolls In
February 2026
Current Conditions:
Two weeks into February and it should feel like deep winter, but this year feels a little different. Normally, I would be going to the gym less to make sure I have high energy for the mountain. Currently, I’m keeping my workouts consistent to maintain strength while I’m skiing less. I am prioritizing mobility and plyometrics so when I do get on skis, I don’t feel stiff and can keep up with the unpredictable snow and terrain. Because I built up my strength in the fall and early winter, it’s not necessary to keep increasing weight now. I need to sustain my strength and practice using it in multi-directional ways.
Taking notes:
Aches and pains can feel alarming, but not every alert means structural damage. Pain is more like your body’s alarm system. Sometimes it’s warning you about real tissue stress, and sometimes it’s just saying, “Hey, we weren’t ready for that.” Long days at a desk, a sudden jump in activity, or moving in ways your body hasn’t practiced lately can all set it off. The sensation is real, but the solution isn’t always complete rest. Often it’s gradual exposure, better movement options, and building capacity. Learning how to listen to your built-in warning system is the best way to decrease the chances of true damage in the future. I recommend this podcast if you want to learn more about pain science.
Outlook:
The main thing to focus on in the coming months is perfecting your snow dance. Maybe the snow gods will bless us with bountiful spring skiing. In the meantime, keep up with mobility, plyometrics, and sustaining strength so you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. You can do this by keeping 2–3 mobility moves and 1–2 plyometric drills in your weekly routine so you’re ready when storms roll in.
