Strategies to sharpen skills and rediscover the joy of skiing.
By Michael & Carolynne Chandler
If you’ve spent any time in ski towns, you know the type. The Weekend Warrior buys their season pass early, keeps their gear sharp, and hits the slopes at every chance. They love skiing, crave it, and dream about powder days while stuck at work. But by New Year’s, frustration sets in. No matter how many weekend runs they squeeze in, they can’t seem to get better.
They’re stuck.
It’s not for lack of passion — it’s lack of time. Skiing, like anything else, requires focused practice. And when you only get a few precious days on snow each month, it’s tempting to skip drills and just chase fun laps. For the Weekend Warrior who longs to ski smoother, faster, or more confidently, it’s easy to feel like you’re always striving but never progressing. The good news? A few small adjustments — before, during, and after ski days — can help you break through that plateau.
Preseason Warm-Up: Move Before You Groove
Whether you’re a local hoping this is the year you finally conquer Al’s Run or a visitor preparing for your first New Mexican ski trip, the best preparation happens off the mountain.
Start by getting active. Most resorts in Northern New Mexico sit above 8,000 feet, so your lungs and legs will thank you if you arrive with a little fitness. You don’t need a marathon training plan — brisk dog walks, spin classes, or pickup basketball a few times a week build solid endurance.
Mobility and balance are just as important. Air squats (20 a day, working toward 50 or more) wake up the ankles, knees, and hips. A balance board mimics the constant micro-adjustments your feet make on snow.
Gear Check: The Right Tools for the Job
Here’s a pro tip: those skis from the ’90s in your garage? Keep them as retro wall art. Modern ski technology has advanced tremendously, and outdated gear only slows progress.
If you ski occasionally, renting is the best option. Rent from a mountain shop so you can swap gear if the fit isn’t right or conditions change. Intermediates may want to spring for demo skis — the upgrade fee is worth the added performance.
Better boots = better skiing.
Most importantly, dial in your boots. A snug, supportive fit is the foundation of control and comfort. When renting, tell the shop about your feet. If you own boots, consider custom footbeds or aftermarket liners.
First Day Intentions: Warm Up Wisely
Day one is often a mix of excitement and nerves. Instead of chasing your cousin Ralph down the steepest black diamond, start with a warm-up run. Use that first hour to check your balance, ease into the rhythm, and reconnect with how skiing feels.
Think of it as setting the tone for the trip. By easing in, you’ll build confidence instead of burning out.
Level Up: Lessons and Tech
If you’re serious about improving, don’t skip ski school. Even experienced skiers develop habits that hold them back, and a good instructor will spot them instantly. Locals benefit from an occasional refresher; visitors get more from a short trip by starting with a lesson.
Love data? Try “Carv” — a digital ski coach that slips into your boots and gives real-time feedback through your phone. It’s like having a coach in your pocket.
Safety First: No ‘One Last Run’
It’s ski-town wisdom for a reason: never take “one last run.” Most injuries happen late in the day when legs are tired and focus is fading. End on a strong, safe note.
Other essentials: helmets (everyone, no excuses), hydration (altitude sneaks up on you), and sunscreen (yes, even in winter — the New Mexico sun is fierce).
Skiing as Joy
At its heart, skiing isn’t just about technique or progress. It’s about joy — the thrill of sliding down a snowy mountainside, the camaraderie of sharing a chairlift with friends, the beauty of Sangre de Cristo peaks bathed in winter sun.
So if you’re feeling stuck or worried about keeping up, remember this: skiing is meant to be fun. Improvement comes with focus, but the real reward is simply being out there.
About the Authors:
Michael Chandler is a third-generation ski instructor who began his career in 1979 and brought his passion for teaching from New Hampshire to Colorado and, ultimately, to Taos Ski Valley. After more than two decades instructing at Taos, Michael now shares his insights through writing and the integration of AI into ski coaching. Together with Carolynne, his partner both on and off the slopes, he has explored ski destinations worldwide and co-authored “Skiers Manifesto.” Carolynne is also the founder of Energy Rocks™, a functional candy supplement for athletes, reflecting their shared commitment to performance and innovation.