Fresh out of a 45-day immobilization period, the Ski Cross specialist Evan Klufts announces that the intense phase of his athletic rehabilitation is beginning. His first World Cup podium, earned in Innichen last December, continues to fuel his appetite for competition, but the native of Haute-Savoie knows that getting back to full speed depends above all on a precisely calibrated physical preparation program.
Athletic rehabilitation: Evan Klufts’ checklist before returning to snow
The medical staff at the Albertville National Training Center has approved getting the left shoulder moving again. Klufts is now combining light strengthening, proprioception, and mobility tests. A routine more technical than a backside bottom turn, but just as crucial for an athlete in board sport.
Key milestones planned through the South American snow season
The goals are set for a return to skiing at the end of September, during the training camp in the Andes. Until then, each week follows an evolving protocol:
| Period | Focus | Success indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Mobility & isometric reactivation | 90% range of motion |
| Weeks 3–4 | Progressive loading & scapular stability | Pain ≤ 2/10 |
| Weeks 5–6 | Plyometrics, sprints, lateral jumps | Right/left symmetry ≥ 95% |
| Mid-August | Surgical clearance | Medical clearance |
Between each block, video reviews analyze his posture, just as they would debrief a takeoff filmed from the dune.
A getaway in the Landes: mental breathing room and active recovery
Before putting the resistance bands back on, Evan Klufts and his French national team friend Youri Duplessis Kergomard spent a week between Hossegor and Biarritz. No swell, but a program designed for recovery :
“Off” session: when the ocean replaces the snowpark
- Gentle swimming to loosen up the joint
- Road cycling on the Vélodyssée to maintain cardio fitness
- Lower-body strength training without weights
- Morning jog on firm sand
The calm Atlantic acted like an empty lineup: ideal for clearing his head and preparing his body for the training ahead.
Looking ahead to winter: podium ambitions and the Milan-Cortina Games
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a busy one for the Frenchman. After Innichen, the Val Thorens and Nakiska stops are in his sights. The goals:
- Secure a second World Cup podium before January.
- Secure definitive Olympic qualification during the North American tour.
- Improve starting explosiveness, an identified weakness in the GPS data.
With a full staff, wind tunnel testing days, and the support of a quiver of skis sharpened like Carver fins, Klufts is aiming for the overall top 5. The Chronicle he will write throughout the summer will detail every step forward, from the weight room to the first timed starts on summer ice.
Why is the shoulder so critical in Ski Cross?
At the start, pushing on the poles generates significant force. An unstable shoulder limits the push-off and increases the risk of falling in the air or when landing jumps.
What is the difference between rehabilitation and return-to-sport conditioning?
Rehabilitation aims to eliminate pain and restore range of motion. Return-to-sport conditioning, on the other hand, puts the athlete back into the demands of their sport: explosiveness, resilience, and sport-specific coordination.
Why go to South America to train?
European glaciers close early. Spots like El Colorado offer hard snow during the Southern Hemisphere winter, perfect for the first preseason head-to-head runs without the crowds at Alpine resorts.
Does surfing help a skier’s preparation?
Yes. Constant core engagement on the board and reading lines in the barrel develop proprioception, reflexes, and endurance, all useful during the very fast-paced Ski Cross heats.
How can you follow Evan Klufts’ Chronicle?
Updates will be published every two weeks in the Ski Chronicle section, with exercise videos, medical feedback, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the training camps.
