There is nothing as exciting as spending a day on the slopes.

Whether you’re testing your speed limit, dropping off a cliff or taking a line through the trees, nothing beats that feeling of flying down the side of a mountain. Skiing will test your balance, power, and control while giving you an incredible adrenaline rush.

No matter how long you’ve been doing it though, there’s always room for improvement.  We’ve put together some tips that will help you work on your skiing skills, both on and off the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, these will help you shred any mountain.

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Gear

Ensuring you have the right gear for your needs is a simple way to improve your skiing from the outset. You need to make sure you have the right size boots and not merely so you’re more comfortable on the slopes.

A proper fit will also allow you to have good control of your skis. Choose a boot that’s not too tight on your toes, but offers a snug fit.

When it comes to renting your skis, don’t just stick to the same type each time. You want to make sure that the ones you choose are right for the conditions of the day and the kind of skiing you want to do. You should also consider your skill level and choose accordingly. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

2. Master the Basics

No matter how long you’ve been skiing, you don’t want to forget about the basics. It’s all about having the proper form, so make sure you get this down, or you will end up flat on your butt.

Don’t crouch or lean back; you should stand tall and stay forward over your skis. This technique will help you to have better control of your equipment and give you better balance.

3. Go with a Pro

While putting in practice is key, it helps to get out there with a pro and get some proper coaching in as well. A coaching session is particularly useful at the start and will help you to master fundamental techniques that you will use for the rest of your skiing life.

A good coach will match your ability, motivations and personality to ensure you get the very best out of the experience and meet your goals.

If you’re looking to progress to the next level, then coaching is an excellent way to go about it. Be sure to pay attention to any areas that were flagged up during your sessions.

You should target these during your practice time, rather than just focusing on getting from point A to point B. It’s all about working on your weaknesses, so use your practice time to challenge yourself and continue to build up those skills.

4. Pre-season Training is Key

While you don’t need to be a top athlete to ski, it helps if you are in reasonable shape. Make sure you prepare yourself physically for the season to help give you muscle stability. You will notice a huge difference in your rate of improvement if you’re aiming to move up to the next level.

To help work on the key muscle groups needed during skiing, try the following exercises:

Weighted Box Squats

Squats on a Bosu Ball

Weighted Squat Jump

Lateral Box Jumps

To compliment your skiing training, try some aerobic exercise. While skiing is often seen as an anaerobic sport, due to its explosive nature, repeated maximal contractions, and rapid movements, studies suggest that some of the energy produced in the muscles is done by the aerobic system, as during Alpine ski racing.

The aim of this training is to build and maintain your aerobic base. If you’re looking to reduce the time you spend on your feet, then try gently cycling for at least an hour, minimum three times a week. Alternatively, try incorporating slow jogging, hiking, or swimming into your training.