Lets pretend I have a 'friend'. He's not done as much exercise as he should over the summer. He realized he's left this later than he should.

What exercises do you think I ... err ... he should do to get in the best skiing shape possible in just a few weeks?

Hey Rich,

This particular routine has been a benefit to me in building muscle strength in general.

squats
push ups
ab crunchs
tricep dips
arm curls
lunges
back extensions

Do each 3 times for 45 seconds with a 15 second break in between. Combined with elliptical work, which for me is easier on the knees, I have found a difference in muscle endurance for those first few days out.

I'm sure there are experts out there who have much more sophisticated advice but this is what I do.