Stay Fit For Skiing - Bike and Hike

Bike riding and hiking are great ways to keep fit for skiing during the summer and fall. Both get you in the great outdoors and both are relatively inexpensive activities, although you can spend a lot of money on both if you really get into it. If you like to hike just put one foot in front of the other and head out - just be prepared if you head into wilderness areas.

Generally, bicycle riding is either road biking or mountain biking, with mountain biking being the most challenging. Mountain biking is done on mountain trails and terrain where there are no trails. Many ski areas around the country offer mountain bike access and rentals.

For general fitness purposes I ride only on roads and smooth, maintained trails. Even if you live in the flatlands and travel long distances to ski country you can keep in top ski condition by adding road biking to your exercise routine.

Does some hard biking really work for skiing? After his near career ending accident, Hermann Maier spent six to eight hours a day on a stationary bike for rehab. For now, during the summer, concentrate on riding outdoors. Here are some techniques and tips for safe and effective biking and hiking.

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