The final race of Visma Ski Classics Season XII, Ylläs-Levi, took place on April 9, and many Pro Tour skiers are already enjoying their deserved vacation.

At this time of the year, snow is melting, the last competitions are taking place, and the month of April is known in Nordic skiing as the month to take a break. But how do long-distance skiers face this rest time?

Pro Tour athletes and recreational skiers also need to rest their minds and bodies after a long year of training and a challenging race season. In sport, vacation is also called the transition phase, the time between two macro-cycles, that is, between the race and the base periods. Therefore, skiers must take a break, varying from a few days to a few weeks.

This regenerative rest is critical for the athlete to return physically and psychologically prepared for a new training season. The purpose of this phase is not to leave aside the practice of physical exercises. On the contrary, it adopts other physical activities different from those practiced during training and competitions, focusing on well-being, relaxation, fun, and maintaining physical conditioning.

Thus, athletes can escape from routine and often dull training, stimulating other physical abilities. For those who continue to search for snow, one can choose alpine or mountaineering skiing. Why not try kayaking, surfing, gravel cycling, or playing tennis if one wants some summer activities?

Each athlete has the freedom to choose the activity he enjoys and gives him pleasure. Thus, a skier can continue to move his body, relax his mind, and still have fun. Long-distance skiers must think about their physical and mental well-being during this phase, avoiding excesses, such as food.

Therefore, it is essential to have moderation and common sense during rest time. It’s time to slow down, rest, ponder, have fun and be with family and friends. Time to put your short-, medium- and long-term goals on paper, plan your next training season, and organize your trips to next season’s Ski Classics events.