Photo: Aurora Photos/Alamy www.cntraveler.com Ski for Life

Ski for Life

Ski for life is the final stage in the ACA LTAD 3.0 framework. Remaining active in sport and physical activity for life is one of the critical outcomes of the ACA LTAD 3.0. Psychological well-being is a key component of healthy ageing and one of the eight dimensions of wellness

In this stage, skiers enjoy lifelong involvement in a variety of competitive and recreational settings. Recreational skiers typically incorporate principles of physical literacy learned through ski racing, and other sports played. Ski for life can be entered at any age stage of development and can evolve to become a competitive ski racer for life or a skier for life who skis to maintaining fitness. Skiers also adopt mental fitness principles and skills that have been developed throughout their sport experience. 

With varying levels of prior ski racing and sport experience, competitiveness, and motives for participation, the mental fitness activities for this stage will vary. Skiers can refer back to the recommendations provided in the previous stages depending on their needs. 

Ski for Life Mental Fitness Principles:

Skiers should reflect on their goals for participating in skiing. 

Goals and Perspective: 
  • Healthy lifestyle.
  • Social activity.
  • Provision of a new challenge.
  • An outlet for competitive needs.

Caution!

Engaging in recreational activities can morph into critical evaluation about competence. Maintaining a healthy perspective about sport and physical activity can help promote performance execution, fun and enjoyment. 

Sportsmanship:

In recreational sport activities, participants should be mindful of the importance of sportsmanship. Typically, there are varying motives for participating, so it's important to respect individual differences, and not to impose personal agendas on the group. 

REFERENCES:

Grove, J. Sport for Life Durable by Design Sport for Life, January 2016. ISBN: 978-1-927921-22-7

Sport for Life Mental Fitness for LTAD Resource Paper. Canadian Sport Institute-Pacific 2014. ISBN: 978-1-927921-03-6