Preparing for Summer Ski Racing Camps: A Guide for Parents and Athletes

Summer Ski Racing training camp is more than just hitting the glacier and the gates. It’s a chance for young skiers and their parents to refine fitness, build mental focus, and get gear race ready. Planning well in advance sets the stage for confidence and success. If your young racers are part of a high end club or ski racing academy, much of this work and planning will be handled or at the very least, assisted by coordinators. It still doesn’t hurt to walk through how families, athletes, and coaches can work together to make the most of their camp experience.

1.) PLAN LOGISTICS EARLY

Travel and Accommodation

While many times this is handled by schools/clubs and coaches, occasionally athletes and their families will need to manage accordingly.

• Book lodging close to the training hill to cut down on daily commute.
• Choose flexible booking options in case camp dates shift.
• Confirm airport transfers or car rentals that fit your schedule and budget.

Camp Schedule and Goals

• Review the camp itinerary together. Note arrival times, on‑snow hours, and off‑snow sessions.
• Communicate with your coach to understand goals and expectations: skill drills, gate work, strength benchmarks.
• Plan rest days and recovery windows to prevent overtraining.

2.) BODY READINESS: BUILD STRENGTH AND STAMINA

Summer camps demand short bursts of high effort on snow. A well conditioned body means better technique and fewer aches.

• Strength Work - Focus on legs and core. Squats, lunges, step ups, dynamic jumping, and single leg balance drills build the muscle groups that power each turn.
• Mobility and Flexibility - Stretch hips, lower back, and shoulders daily. Foam roll the quads and IT bands to keep joints moving freely.
• Cardio and Anaerobic Training - Mix long steady rides or runs with interval sprint days. Uphill trail runs and roller skiing can help mimic on‑snow intensity.

3.) MENTAL READINESS: BUILD FOCUS AND CONFIDENCE

A racer who stays calm under pressure learns faster and skis with more flow.

• Goal Setting - Encourage your athlete to write down two or three specific targets for camp. Maybe it is smoother line choice or faster gate entry.
• Visualization and Breathing - Spend five minutes each morning imagining perfect turns. Teach steady breathing to release tension before each run.
• Adaptability - Talk through “what if” scenarios. What if visibility drops or a learning drill feels slow? Having a plan helps keep frustration in check.

4. GEAR READINESS: CHECK EVERY DETAIL

Great technique is wasted if edges are dull or boots fit poorly.

• Ski and Binding Inspection - Ensure skis have enough edge and are fully tuned and ready to rip. Confirm binding release settings match the athlete’s weight and skill level. Consider an additional pair of training skis. If you plan to get new race day skis for the next season, consider taking advantage of low summer pricing. An advantage of this is going into the season knowing exactly how your skis will perform in a race.
• Ski Boot Fit and Alignment - Test liners and shells for snug fit. Check buckles and canting wedges so the athlete stands balanced over the ski. Consider upgrading ski boots before the next season to reduce the break-in period once the season starts.
• Ski Poles - Ensure ski poles are solid, grips are not worn and deteriorated, and baskets are installed properly.
• Protective Gear - Inspect helmets, shin guards, thumb guards, and back protectors. Replace any padding or straps that show wear.
• Off‑Snow Tools - Pack balance boards, agility ladders, and resistance bands. These help maintain footwork and core strength on rest days.

5.) PARENT ROLE: SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE

Your attitude helps shape the camp experience for your student athletes.

• Nutrition and Hydration - Pack healthy snacks and water bottles. Encourage balanced meals with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
• Rest and Recovery - Enforce screen‑free wind‑down time each night. Plan gentle family walks or stretching sessions on rest days.
• Positive Reinforcement - Celebrate small gains like cleaner turns or steadier starts. Help your athlete focus on progress rather than perfection.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Summer ski camp is an investment in the season ahead. Families that plan in advance, condition the body, sharpen the mind, and fine tune gear arrive ready to learn and perform. With clear goals and strong support, young racers can build confidence and technique that pays off all season long. See you on the glacier—fit, focused, and fully prepared.