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luke
You likely know Ben Favret as the 2009 Big Dawg national slalom champion. But most of his life is spent nowhere near a slalom course. He’s president and CEO of Vestagen Technical Textiles, he just finished writing his second book and he is a devoted family man with four kids. So how does Favret juggle such a hectic schedule and remain a world-class skier? It’s all about planning.
Embrace Physical Limitations
Physically, I can’t ski as much as I used to. The days of skiing three sets a day, five days a week are over. Instead, I listen to my body and rest when it needs it. Knowing your physical limits makes scheduling ski time easier.
Learn From the Past
Over the years, I’ve learned what works best for me and makes me feel comfortable on the water. This gives me a baseline of movements and feelings to return to every spring, allowing me to get back on track with fewer sets.
Ski With Purpose
To make the most of my time, I establish clear objectives for every set. If my goal is building stamina, I do multiple passes without stopping. To mentally prepare for tournaments, I run through all of the line lengths in contest-style sets.
Timing Is Everything
Fitting regular ski time around your other commitments is paramount. Schedule skiing like any other important commitment, so there’s no rush and you can focus on your skiing. In skiing and life, always leave the dock with a concrete plan and stick to it.
Photo: Pat Goonan
