The season's off to a stellar start, and your stoke may be sky-high. But how are your knees holding up?

If your summer of squats and uphill biking has paid off, you’re likely in the strong-knees category—ready to crush it on the slopes. But if you’re already feeling the strain and questioning your knee strength, listen up.


Spoiler Alert: Advil and Ibuprofen Aren’t the Answer

Contrary to popular belief, popping NSAIDs (like Advil or Ibuprofen) before or after skiing isn’t helping you—and could actually set you back.


Here’s why:

Pregame Pitfall
Using NSAIDs as a pre-ski ritual can mask pain, making you more likely to push past your limits. That “one last run” during the witching hour before patrol’s closing sweep? That’s where injuries often happen.


Plus, NSAIDs during physical activity reduce muscle gain. You know that leg-burning feeling we dread but secretly love? The love comes from knowing your quads are getting stronger by living in the burn. But with NSAIDs in your system, muscle turnover—the breakdown and build-up process that builds those quads of steel—slows down.


Post-Ski Recovery


After skiing, it’s tempting to reach for anti-inflammatories to ease soreness. But inflammation plays a vital role in healing, especially for ligaments and tendons with poor blood supply. Swelling brings blood to the injury site, carrying platelets that trigger the healing process. NSAIDs can short-circuit this response, stalling your recovery.


Long-Term Risks
NSAIDs come with side effects, like an increased risk of stomach bleeding and even heart attacks. The short-term relief just isn’t worth it.


So, if you’re skipping the anti-inflammatories, what should you do instead?


Even if you’ve built quads of steel in the off-season, skiing demands specific movements that might still feel a bit rusty. Start by warming up properly. Stretch and mobilize your legs before hitting the slopes—warm muscles are far better equipped to handle quick, reactive movements, like dodging those early-season hidden snags.


Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to joint stiffness, and your knees will thank you for keeping the fluids flowing.


When the lifts close and it’s time to unwind, make recovery a priority. One of my favourite go-to’s is the foam roller. It’s simple, effective, and easy to use while swapping stories during après-ski. Foam rolling helps release muscle tension, improve circulation, and prep your legs for the next big day on the hill.


After a day on the slopes, treat your knees to a session of contrast therapy—alternating between hot and cold treatments. We are all aware of the quintessential soak in a hot tub to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow. Remember to follow this full body warmth by a quick cold plunge or by applying an ice pack to your knees to reduce any swelling. This combination not only speeds up recovery but also keeps inflammation in check without the need for anti-inflammatories.


But what if you do overdo it and strain your knee? 


Take Action:
Download my Injury Guidebook for Skiers to learn how to protect your knees and recover smarter. 


This season, let’s prioritize building stronger, healthier knees—and smarter recovery habits.