Prep like a pro

Good prep, both physical and mental, can make the difference between an average ski trip and one you won’t forget – and there’s a method to getting it right, says Sam Anthamatten.

Photos: Frederik Kalbermatten

Building the Base

The foundation for a successful winter starts long before the first snowfall. For me, that means hours in the gym and bouldering sessions to boost core strength and endurance. But it’s not just about physical prep. Mentally, I get myself in winter mode by reading about expeditions and watching ski films – it’s the perfect way to get motivated and get your head in the game.

Once the season kicks off in November, I focus on getting my fitness up with trail runs and ski touring. Early season conditions are rarely ideal for pushing limits – this is the time to build strength and stamina, not chase big descents. Think of it as setting the groundwork for the real challenges to come later in the season.

Peak Season

February through May is when things get more exciting for me. By this time, the snowpack is more stable, allowing for more technical, difficult skiing, where it’s possible to push my limits. The early season is great for holidays, but if you’re chasing serious goals, it’s worth waiting until mid-season. You’ll be stronger, more in tune with your skiing, and better prepared to tackle challenging terrain.

As someone who works in mountain rescue, I see a lot of stupid accidents early season. The snow levels just aren’t there yet for freeriding, but people still go off-piste and take unnecessary risks. Patience pays off and skiing off-piste is as much about timing as it is about skill. However, if you’re among the many who only get a week a year on the slopes, my advice is to aim for later in the season.

Not only will you get better snow coverage and longer daylight hours for adventures, but more of the resort will be open, giving you the best bang for your buck.

Before You Depart

Before your trip, take some time to set clear goals. Do you want to ski the whole mountain? Venture off-piste? Go ski touring? These decisions will guide your prep. Before I head out on a trip I spend a lot of time on my gear. Start with tuning and waxing skis. I always do this for myself. I know exactly how I want them and I don’t want to be distracted by some weird tuning at the top of a line. It’s also worth ensuring your boots still fit, so you can get any tweaks sorted before you travel.

Then check all your essentials, from your first aid kit to your transceiver, and finally, pack your backpack to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Snow Smarts

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to off-piste skiing. Keep an eye on forecasts and avalanche bulletins a few weeks before your trip. This will help you pack appropriately and help you decide which skis to bring. It will also guide your expectations and help you understand the snowpack.

If you’re touring, tools like the White Risk app from the Swiss Avalanche Institute offers excellent topo maps with route planning, different layers, and automatic detection of crux points on your route. There are also loads of learning modules to refresh your snow safety knowledge and it has maps for France, Austria, and Switzerland.

It’s a great alternative if you’ve been relying on Fatmap until now (since its full features aren’t up and running after the takeover by Strava). If you’re venturing into unfamiliar territory, I’d recommend hiring a local guide, even just for a day while you get the feel for the conditions. They’ll not only keep you safe but also ensure you experience the best the area has to offer.

Enjoy the Ride

It’s easy to get caught up trying to achieve a lot in a single trip and I’m always wary of trying to ‘maximise’ every moment. It’s a holiday after all. Being in the mountains is a privilege and that should be enough no matter what kind of conditions you’re dealt. Forget about chasing Instagram-worthy shots and focus on the fun.

After all, the mountains don’t care about your social media, they’re there to be enjoyed one turn at a time.

Bonus video – Check out Sams’s new Faction edit.