There's a reason many people return from a skiing holiday with aching legs, sore backs and a collection of bruises they can't quite explain.
Skiing and snowboarding are fantastic fun, but they place huge demands on the body.
The challenge is that most people only spend one or two weeks a year on the slopes, expecting their body to suddenly cope with six or seven hours of demanding physical activity every day.
It's a bit like deciding to run a marathon after only jogging around the block a few times.
Your body usually has something to say about it.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a huge difference.
Strength, balance, mobility and endurance all play important roles in helping you stay comfortable, confident and injury-free during your trip. Stronger legs help absorb the forces generated through skiing and snowboarding. Better balance improves control and confidence, particularly on uneven terrain. Good mobility allows you to move efficiently and react more quickly when conditions change.
Just as importantly, being physically prepared means you spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time recovering in the chalet wondering why your thighs feel like they've been set on fire.
One of the most common mistakes people make is focusing purely on cardiovascular fitness. Whilst being fit is undoubtedly helpful, skiing is also about strength, coordination and movement control. The ability to hold good positions, absorb forces and react quickly often matters more than how fast you can run around the block.
This is particularly true for people returning from injury or carrying existing aches and pains. The repetitive loading through the knees, hips, back and ankles can quickly expose weaknesses or movement limitations that may go unnoticed during everyday life.
Preparing properly before your trip doesn't need to be complicated. A combination of strength training, balance work, mobility exercises and general fitness can dramatically improve both performance and enjoyment on the slopes.
Most importantly, it can reduce the risk of injury.
Whether you're planning your first ski holiday, heading back to your favourite resort or hoping to keep up with children who seem to have endless energy, a little preparation can go a long way.
The goal isn't to become an elite skier before you leave.
The goal is to arrive feeling strong, capable and ready to enjoy every minute of your time in the mountains.
The après ski, however, is entirely your responsibility.
That's the bear truth.