Nutrition for winter sports

Dec 14, 2011Journal of sports sciences

Nutrition for winter sports athletes

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Abstract

Winter sport athletes face significant nutritional challenges due to increased energy needs and environmental extremes.

Increased energy expenditure and glycogen utilization occur during winter sports.
Fluid loss is exacerbated in cold conditions, necessitating careful hydration strategies.
Nutritional requirements vary widely among different winter sports due to diverse physiological demands.
High-intensity training periods require greater energy and nutrient intakes for optimal performance.
Cross-country skiers and athletes in weight-sensitive sports face particular challenges in maintaining carbohydrate availability.
Dietary and sport supplements may be beneficial, though safety and efficacy should be carefully evaluated.

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Winter sports are played in cold conditions on ice or snow and often at moderate to high altitude. The most important nutritional challenges for winter sport athletes exposed to environmental extremes include increased energy expenditure, accelerated muscle and liver glycogen utilization, exacerbated fluid loss, and increased iron turnover. Winter sports, however, vary greatly regarding their nutritional requirements due to variable physiological and physique characteristics, energy and substrate demands, and environmental training and competition conditions. What most winter sport athletes have in common is a relatively lean physique and high-intensity training periods, thus they require greater energy and nutrient intakes, along with adequate food and fluid before, during, and after training. Event fuelling is most challenging for cross-country skiers competing in long events, ski jumpers aiming to reduce their body weight, and those winter sport athletes incurring repeated qualification rounds and heats. These athletes need to ensure carbohydrate availability throughout competition. Finally, winter sport athletes may benefit from dietary and sport supplements; however, attention should be paid to safety and efficacy if supplementation is considered.

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Nutrition for winter sports

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