With the countdown to the 2026 and 2027 ski season underway, skiers across North America are already shifting their focus toward winter. We recently asked readers a simple question on Facebook about how they are preparing for the upcoming ski season. The responses ranged from serious training plans to humorous takes, but together they paint a picture of a community eager to get back on snow.
Fitness Leads The Way
Physical preparation was by far the most common response. About 30% of commenters said fitness is their primary focus before winter arrives. People described spending the summer mountain biking, hiking, cycling, rowing, swimming, golfing, and participating in high intensity interval training. Others said they are emphasizing ski specific workouts through squats, leg strength exercises, Pilates, and balance training.
Several responders noted that they gradually transition from summer sports into ski focused conditioning as opening day gets closer. This seems to follow an increasing trend in focusing on injury prevention and arriving at the first chair in peak condition rather than just trying to ski into shape.
Gear And Passes Are Already Being Purchased
Around 20% of commenters said they are preparing by investing in equipment or making financial plans for the season ahead. Many have already purchased season passes, upgraded skis, replaced boot liners, or scheduled professional boot fittings. Others admitted they are working overtime or setting aside extra money to cover the rising costs of lift tickets, travel, and new gear. For many skiers, preseason preparation begins as much with budgeting as it does with training.
Recovery Is Part Of The Process
Not every skier is preparing through exercise alone. Roughly 15%of respondents said they are recovering from injuries or medical procedures before returning to the slopes. Comments mentioned broken ribs, collarbone injuries, knee replacements, hip replacements, cataract surgery, and other health challenges. Despite those setbacks nearly every response carried the same goal of getting back on snow this winter.
Hope For A Better Winter
Another common theme was optimism about snowfall. Around 10% of readers said their biggest form of preparation is simply hoping for a stronger snow season after recent winters. Some joked about making sacrifices to Ullr or praying to the snow gods, while others expressed concern about wildfire impacts near ski areas.
Meanwhile nearly a quarter of all responses leaned into less-than-serious comments about beer, shot skis, sleeping until November, and other lighthearted traditions that have long Nonetheless, whether it’s building strength, recovering from injuries, planning trips, saving money, or simply hoping for deep powder, the anticipation of winter has already begun for many skiers.