Before you even think about strapping on your giro ski helmet and racing down the ski piste, there are some simple preparations that will make you have a safer and more enjoyable ski trip.

Skiing is a particularly demanding sport and you need a combination of aerobic fitness and muscle control to do it well. If you go skiing without working on your body beforehand, you might be more likely to get sore muscles and be in pain or even experience injury.

The most difficult part of preconditioning your body for an excellent ski trip or season is getting started. You may have to be strict on yourself at first, but if you get into a routine with the exercise it will soon become a habit and you will easily stay on track.

To get in top shape for skiing you need to work on both your cardio fitness and your muscle strength. A balanced program will combine aerobic fitness and a muscle workout routine in the weekly schedule. Cardio activities that will boost your fitness and endurance include cycling, swimming, jogging, roller blading and jump rope. You can also use some of the machines such as the cross-trainer and ski machine if you are a member of the gym.

You should do three cardio sessions a week to build up your cardio fitness and endurance. If you are not used to doing much cardio, then start slow and gradually build up either distance covered or speed and time. Enthusiasm is great, but don't go too hard too fast or you will end up hurting yourself or burning out. A good way to measure your improvements and stay motivated is by using a black sport watch to keep track of your time, distance and so on.

To have better muscle control and balance on the ski slopes you need to build up your muscle strength. Muscle strength will reduce sore muscles and the risk of tearing muscles or other injuries that can commonly occur among skiers. Muscles that you should work on are your calves, hamstrings and thighs, shoulders and back. You can use weights or weight bearing exercises to build up these areas.

If you plan your ski preconditioning and get into a routine with it, then you will be guaranteed a fantastic winter season free of sore, tight muscles and injury.