Champions like Luc Alphand place great importance on warming up, mainly to prepare their muscles for physical exertion.

Even if you cannot ski at their level yet, think about doing a few simple movements before heading off down the slopes.

For about 3 minutes, exercise your joints in the hips, pelvis, shoulders, elbows, wrists and neck.

Then run on the spot for a good minute, raising your knees, and finish off with a minute of light hamstring stretching. Now you’re ready!