5 Tips to Stay Ski-Ready This Off-Season

Written By Jaime McClintock

Whether you're planning a sunny escape this winter or counting down the days until you're back with us in May, off-season training is your secret weapon for a strong, injury-free start to next season.

Here are JMac’s top 5 tips to help you stay in shape, feel great, and hit the water ready to rip.

1. Maintain Body Load

Water skiing puts a unique load on your body—and if you're not training through the winter, you risk losing that tolerance. Focus on full-body strength movements that replicate the physical demand of skiing.

Try adding these exercises to your routine:

  • Front Squats

  • Deadlifts

  • Farmer Carries

  • Cleans

These movements train your body to absorb and control load—building strength in all the right places to support your skiing.

2. Build Core Strength & Stability

Your core is your anchor on the water. It connects your upper and lower body, keeps you upright in your stance, and supports balance through the wakes.

Incorporate exercises like:

  • Front, side, and reverse planks

  • Hollow rocks

  • Stability-based movements (sliders, rollouts, or balance-focused lifts)

A strong core helps you maintain posture and resist unwanted rotation, which is key for consistency and control on your ski.

3. Prioritize Hip Strength & Mobility

Your hips are the powerhouse of your skiing. Strength, mobility, and control in this area can make or break your stance and transitions.

Work on:

  • Single-leg strength movements (lunges, step-ups, single-leg RDLs)

  • Hip mobility drills like Couch stretch, hip CARs, and figure 4 wall holds

  • Glute rolling and straddle holds for better range and recovery

Keeping your hips mobile and strong will improve both your balance and power through the season.

4. Improve Shoulder Stability & Range of Motion

Shoulders take a beating in both the gym and on the water. Keeping them strong and mobile protects your joints and enhances your handle control and upper body endurance.

Include exercises like:

  • Planks, push-ups, handstands (for stability)

  • Cuban presses, scapula push-ups, prone ATYs

  • Shoulder CARs and mobility flows in your warm-up

Investing in shoulder health during the off-season means fewer injuries and more confidence when you’re back behind the boat.

5. Consider the FlowPoint Method (FPM)

If you’re looking for structure, variety, and results, the FlowPoint Method is a game-changer. Created by former pro slalom skier Marcus Brown and CrossFit athlete Jenny LaBaw, this program is designed specifically for water skiers.

FPM offers both off-season and full-year programs that are accessible, scalable, and focused on the movements that matter most to your skiing performance.

✅ Easy to follow
✅ Built for consistency
✅ Trusted by top-level skiers and weekend warriors alike

🖥️ Check out Jenny’s YouTube channel for demos of all the exercises mentioned above.

👉 Learn more about FlowPoint Method here

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be in the gym every day to stay ski-ready—you just need a smart plan and a little consistency. Train with intention this off-season and you’ll hit the water in spring stronger, more mobile, and way more confident.

Jaime McClintock
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