Tune Up Before You Strap In: Why Skiers & Snowboarders Need Bodywork This Season

Wash Park Chiro
5 days ago
3 min read

Dr. Lisa Goodman

Winter in Colorado means one thing: mountain days are back. Before you grab your skis or snowboard and head for the hills, there’s one thing you might be forgetting: your body.

Just like you would tune up your car or check your tires before a storm, your body deserves the same pre-season attention. Winter sports are fun, exhilarating, and a great workout, but they are also tough on muscles, joints, and connective tissue. A little early-season bodywork can make a huge difference in performance and injury prevention.

Let’s break it down.

The Fun Is Real, and So Is the Wear and Tear

Winter sports do amazing things for your physical and mental health, but they are also repetitive and high impact. From slow scenic runs to high speed moguls or terrain park sessions, your body is constantly absorbing force.

Even if you are careful, things happen. Ice patches, rocks under powder, sudden drops, or unpredictable beginner skiers can all throw you off. These quick or awkward movements can lead to small misalignments that eventually turn into bigger issues if you ignore them.

This is not about being afraid of getting hurt. It is about keeping your body strong so you can enjoy the full season without setbacks.

Your Knees Are Doing a Lot More Than You Think

Your spine, hips, knees, and core work together every single second while you are skiing or riding. If one of those areas is even slightly off, your body starts compensating. That might work for a day, but after hours of carving and repetitive motion, those tiny imbalances add up.

Think of it like a ripple in a pond. One small shift spreads in every direction.

This is exactly why pre-season care matters. Ideally, you should get checked out a couple of weeks before your first trip. If you are already stiff or dealing with lingering issues, you may need a few sessions to get everything functioning the way it should.

A quick tip. Avoid deep bodywork the day before or the morning of a big ski day. It can leave you sore or temporarily over relaxed, which is not ideal for performance.

If you head to the mountains most weekends, consistency is especially important. Maintaining alignment and mobility throughout the season helps keep you performing at your best.

When Falls Happen (Because They Will)

Everyone falls. Everyone catches an edge or gets surprised by something on the mountain. Even minor spills can affect your posture or gait without you noticing. Over time, that can turn into chronic soreness or recurring pain.

Getting evaluated early is the easiest way to prevent a small injury from becoming something that sticks around all season.