A good level of fitness is required before you attack the piste.

Finish each training session with a thorough stretch for ten minutes, using exercises from the warm-up section. This helps to dissipate lactic acid and hence to avoid muscle pain.

It is also essential for maintaining flexibility, which can otherwise be lost as part of the normal ageing process or as muscles develop. Repeat stretches from the the warm-up section but this time hold them for 30 seconds. Stretching should be done while the muscles are still warm, either from exercise or after a bath.