Skiing Calorie Burn Calculator
Calculate calories burned skiing or snowboarding based on your weight, duration, and skiing style using MET values.
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This calculator uses MET values (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) to estimate calorie burn during skiing and snowboarding.
How it works: Calories = MET × Body Weight (kg) × Duration (hours)
MET represents how many times more energy an activity burns compared to sitting at rest. A MET of 1.0 = resting. A MET of 8.0 = burning 8 times more energy than at rest.
MET values used in this calculator:
| Activity | MET | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Downhill skiing (recreational) | 5.3 | Casual runs, mixed terrain |
| Downhill skiing (vigorous) | 8.0 | Fast runs, challenging terrain |
| Mogul skiing | 9.0 | High-impact bump skiing |
| Cross-country skiing (slow) | 7.0 | Easy pace on groomed trails |
| Cross-country skiing (vigorous) | 12.0 | Fast pace or hilly terrain |
| Snowboarding | 4.3 | Recreational snowboarding |
MET values sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities (Ainsworth et al., 2011).
Why weight matters: A heavier person burns more calories doing the same activity because their body must move more mass. A 100 kg skier burns roughly twice as many calories per hour as a 50 kg skier at the same effort level.
Factors not captured by this formula:
- Cold air increases calorie burn slightly (body works harder to stay warm)
- Altitude reduces oxygen availability, increasing effort
- Carrying heavy ski equipment adds to energy expenditure
- Rest periods between runs reduce the effective average MET
Typical calorie ranges per hour:
- 70 kg recreational downhill skier: ~370 kcal/hr
- 70 kg vigorous downhill skier: ~560 kcal/hr
- 70 kg cross-country (vigorous): ~840 kcal/hr
- 80 kg snowboarder: ~344 kcal/hr