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At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Sports Medicine"; Physiology of Alpine Skiing; R.E. Andersen and D.L. Montgomery; October 1988
- "Sports Medicine"; Physiology of Alpine Skiing; R.E. Andersen and D.L. Montgomery; October 1988
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How Many Calories Are Burned in Downhill Skiing?
Downhill skiing, also called alpine skiing, is a vigorous winter sport that provides a good outdoor workout. The challenge of exercising in the cold and the excitement of speeding down a snow-covered mountainside appeal to many who travel to ski resorts every year to partake in downhill skiing.
Calories
A person who weighs 155 pounds burns 223 calories in half an hour of downhill skiing, according to Harvard Medical School. Someone who is 185 pounds burns 266 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing.
Fitness
Downhill skiing incorporates both aerobic and anaerobic activity, research published in the journal "Sports Medicine" explains. It not only burns lots of calories, but also improves strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and agility. However, there is a high risk of injury in downhill skiing; pregnant women or people with underlying health conditions contraindicating intense exercise, such as heart disease, should avoid it.
Alternatives
Cross-country skiing is another type of skiing that burns even more calories than downhill skiing. The calorie burn during 30 minutes of cross-country skiing is 298 calories for a 155-pound person, notes Harvard Medical School. Other winter activities that provide a high level of calorie burn include snowshoeing and ice skating.
References
- Harvard Medical School: Calories Burned in 30 Minutes for People of Three Different Weights
- "Sports Medicine"; Physiology of Alpine Skiing; R.E. Andersen and D.L. Montgomery; October 1988
- ACE Fit | Fitness Facts | Get Ready to Hit the Slopes.
- Burtscher M, Federolf PA, Nachbauer W, Kopp M. Potential Health Benefits From Downhill Skiing. Front Physiol. 2018;(9):1924. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01924
- Stöggl T, Schwarzl C, Müller EE, et al. A Comparison between Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Indoor Cycling on Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Response. J Sports Sci Med. 2016;(15)1:184-95.
- U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Muscles involved in alpine skiing. 2011-2012.
- American Council on Exercise. 6 exercise swaps that will kick up the intensity of your workout. Updated March 2015.
- American Council on Exercise. Standing Calf Raises - Wall.
- Hébert-Losier K, Holmberg H-C. What are the Exercise-Based Injury Prevention Recommendations for Recreational Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding? Sports Med. 2013;43(5):355-366. doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0032-2.
Writer Bio
Bridget Coila specializes in health, nutrition, pregnancy, pet and parenting topics. Her articles have appeared in Oxygen, American Fitness and on various websites. Coila has a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology from the University of Cincinnati and more than 10 years of medical research experience.