Skiing – a Calorie Burner with Fun Factor
Skiing is not only a thrilling outdoor adventure but also a highly effective full-body workout. Many wonder: How many calories does skiing really burn? The answer depends on several factors such as body weight, intensity, terrain, and technique. In this article, you’ll discover realistic numbers, influencing factors, and tips on how to burn even more calories on the slopes.
How Many Calories Do You Burn While Skiing?
Depending on your style and intensity, skiing burns between 300 and 600 kcal per hour. If you ski aggressively or on challenging terrain, it can go up to 900 kcal/h. Including lift rides and breaks, the realistic average is usually around 250–400 kcal per hour.
| Scenario | Calories Burned (kcal/h) |
|---|---|
| Relaxed skiing (blue slopes) | 250–350 |
| Moderate pace (red slopes) | 400–600 |
| Intensive skiing / steep terrain | 600–900+ |
Factors Influencing Calorie Burn
- Body weight & fitness: The higher your weight, the greater the energy expenditure.
- Technique & intensity: Dynamic carving or moguls require more muscle effort.
- Terrain & snow conditions: Deep snow and steep slopes increase the calorie burn.
- Temperature & wind: Cold weather raises the body’s metabolism to produce more heat.
- Breaks & lift rides: Every break lowers the average hourly burn rate.
Tips: How to Burn More Calories While Skiing
- Take longer runs and minimize breaks between them.
- Improve your technique – efficient movement enables higher intensity.
- Add variety: moguls, carving turns, or steep slopes.
- Combine skiing with uphill sections or ski touring for an endurance boost.
Comparison with Other Winter Sports
- Snowboarding: Similar, but typically slightly lower (approx. 300–500 kcal/h).
- Cross-country skiing: Very high calorie burn due to continuous movement (up to 700 kcal/h).
- Ski touring: Climbing and descending combine into a true calorie workout (600–900 kcal/h).
Example Calculations
70 kg person: moderate pace ≈ 450 kcal/h
90 kg person: steep terrain ≈ 700 kcal/h
Skiing as a Full-Body Workout
Skiing mainly engages the leg and core muscles, providing strength, stability, and balance. Continuous movement in the crisp mountain air not only burns fat but also strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces stress. Skiing is therefore more than a sport – it’s fitness, fun, and nature combined.
Get More Out of Your Training with a Ski Instructor
A professional ski instructor helps you refine your technique, avoid mistakes, and train more effectively. This improves your safety and maximizes your calorie burn per hour. At our Ski School See, we accompany you from your first turns to perfect carving on red or black slopes.