By Andrew Elsdon, CSIA Member Since 1984 & 2-time Course Conductor of the Year
After four decades in ski boots, one thing I know for sure: skiing isn’t just physical. It’s deeply mental. Staying sharp on the hill starts in the mind long before you click into your bindings. In fact, some of the biggest breakthroughs I’ve experienced in my skiing didn’t happen on snow at all. They happened in my head.
In this blog, I’ll share how mental ski training—particularly visualization and focus techniques—has shaped my performance and coaching. Whether you’re an experienced skier, a fellow instructor, or someone looking to level up this season, your mindset can become your greatest edge.
The Mental Side of Skiing
Skiing is a full-body, high-speed, high-focus sport. Every turn requires timing, balance, edge control, and adaptability. But when your legs are tired, visibility is low, or terrain gets tricky, it’s your mental game that keeps you centered.
When I train instructors or athletes, I always talk about the “three pillars” of ski performance:
- Physical fitness
- Technical skill
- Mental readiness
The third one is often neglected. Yet, mental conditioning is what allows you to stay calm under pressure, adapt on the fly, and stay consistent through changing conditions.
My Early Lessons in Mental Training
Back in the 1990s, I faced a plateau in my skiing. My technique was solid. My fitness was strong. But I wasn’t progressing the way I wanted, especially in bumps and off-piste terrain. A mentor (Dave B) introduced me to visualization—a concept I’d brushed off before.
He said, “If you can ski it in your mind, you can ski it in real life.”
Skeptical but curious, I gave it a try. I began spending 10 minutes each evening quietly visualizing my skiing. I pictured myself skiing a steep pitch in perfect control, feeling each movement, adjusting to terrain, breathing with flow. I imagined every turn—from pole plant to edge release—with clarity and calm.
The next time I was on that same pitch? Everything began to feel easier with more flow.
It wasn’t magic. It was mental reps. And just like physical reps, they build consistency, confidence, and control.
What Is Ski Visualization?
Visualization is a mental rehearsal technique used by elite athletes across all sports. For skiers, it involves mentally simulating the experience of skiing:
- Imagining terrain: moguls, groomers, powder, steeps.
- Feeling movements: ankle flex, hip angulation, core engagement.
- Sensing rhythm: breath, turn timing, pole plants.
- Seeing success: flowing turns, smooth transitions, calm focus.
The brain doesn’t fully differentiate between vividly imagined action and real physical action. Visualization activates similar neural pathways to actual movement.
How I Use Visualization Today
Every Fall, before the snow flies, I begin my “mental preseason.”
I block 5–10 minutes a day to run through specific skiing scenarios in my head. I picture:
- Early-season carving drills on groomed runs.
- Teaching scenarios: how to demo a movement clearly
- Big-mountain lines I hope to ski in the spring
When I’m preparing for an instructor development course, I mentally rehearse the feedback I’ll give and how I’ll move on snow.
This practice helps me:
- Stay connected to skiing year-round
- Build confidence before trying new terrain or demos
- Refine technique without wear and tear on my body
Focus Techniques: The Other Mental Muscle
Visualization sets the mental stage. But focus is what keeps you present when you’re actually skiing.
I’ve used a few key strategies over the years to sharpen my focus:
1. Intentional Breathing
When I feel distracted or nervous (steep runs, icy conditions), I use my breathing to center myself. Two slow, deliberate breaths before a run calms my mind and primes my body. I’ve also used the 4-4-4-4 method of breathing A) Inhale for 4 seconds, B) Hold for 4 seconds, C) Exhale for 4 seconds, D) hold for 4 seconds.
2. Cue Words
I pick one or two words that guide my attention for the run. Examples:
- “Glide”
- “Flow”
- “Continuous & Deliberate Pole Plant”
- “Pressure early”
- “Quiet upper body”
These cue words act like anchors. They help me stay focused when the brain wants to wander or overthink.
3. Run Reviews
At the bottom of each run, I ask myself:
- What went well?
- What would I change?
This reflection keeps my learning loop tight and productive. It’s not judgmental—just constructive.
How to Build Your Own Mental Ski Routine
You don’t need to be a pro to use these techniques. Start small. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visualize Weekly
- Set aside 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a week.
- Close your eyes and picture a recent or dream ski day.
- Focus on the sensations, not just the scenery.
- Imagine smooth turns, strong balance, and calm control.
Step 2: Use Focus Cues On Snow
- Choose one cue word for each run.
- Use breathing to ground yourself before you drop in.
Step 3: Reflect Briefly
- After each run or session, mentally note what felt great and what you’d tweak next time.
Consistency is key. Just like physical training, the gains come from regular reps.
Mental Training for Ski Instructors
For fellow instructors, this work is even more important. We don’t just ski—we demonstrate, analyze, and explain movements. Our mental clarity and confidence shape how effectively we teach.
Before teaching a new skill, I mentally rehearse how I’ll:
- Describe a movement
- Demonstrate it clearly
- Adjust for terrain and student level
This helps me show up with purpose and presence.
Final Thoughts: Ski Smarter, Not Just Harder
As I’ve gotten older (ok, much older), I’ve learned to train smarter—and mental training is a big part of that. It doesn’t require gear, a gym, or even snow. Just a bit of time and focus.
Skiing is a performance sport, but also an art. Visualization and focus give you the mental canvas to make better, more intentional turns.
If you’ve hit a plateau, feel disconnected from the hill, or just want to ski with more joy and control—start with the mind. Your body will follow.
For a more indepth viewpoint on Visualization, check out our latest Podcast with Canadian Olympian Manny Osborne-Paradis
See you on the slopes,
Andrew Elsdon
CSIA Member Since 1984
2Time Course Conductor of the Year
SkiChatter.com