As the snow begins to melt and the final winter competitions wrap up, April signals a well-earned rest in the world of cross-country skiing.

It’s the month traditional and long-distance skiers—both elite and recreational—mark as time to rest and reset. But what’s the best way to take that break? That’s up to each athlete, depending on what their body and mind truly need to recover.

After months of rigorous training and racing, elite athletes often refer to this off-season downtime as the “transition phase.” It’s the window between two major macro-cycles: the race season and the upcoming base period of training. Rather than abandoning movement entirely, this regenerative break focuses on active recovery, relaxation, and doing something different—something fun.

Some athletes prefer to stay in motion, heading into the mountains for ski touring or spring crust skiing. Others swap skis for sneakers and hit the trails for some easy running. There are those who turn to warm-weather sports—gravel biking, surfing, kayaking, or even tennis. And then there are skiers who opt for total relaxation: think deck chairs by the beach, good books, and letting their bodies rest fully.

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Even world number one Johannes Høsflot Klæbo knows the value of switching off—he’s currently soaking up the sun on a Caribbean beach. If the fastest man on skis can trade snow for sand, the message is clear: true recovery starts with rest.

Whatever the approach, the goal is the same: to recharge both physically and mentally. This period is crucial for long-term performance and injury prevention. A break doesn’t mean abandoning fitness—it means doing it differently. By stepping out of structured training and trying new activities, athletes awaken different muscles, improve general conditioning, and rediscover the joy of movement without pressure.

Importantly, this is also a time for self-reflection. What went well this past season? What needs to change? This is the moment to set new goals, both short- and long-term, and start mapping out the journey to the next season.

Whether you’re sipping a Piña Colada on a beach or going back-country on the spring crust, the message is the same: rest. Move, but don’t overdo it. Reflect, plan, and come back stronger.

Read more: Annual training cycle and its planning