Lactic acid levels were evaluated during the training of 5 female members of the U.S. Ski Team. Fingerstick lactate samples and heart rates (HR) were obtained before and after three consecutive downhill ski runs. Post-ski measurements were taken within 1 min after each run. The lactate analysis demonstrated the high intensity of these 2-min downhill efforts (post-ski La M = 6.0 mM ± 1.7). Statistical analysis of the serial lactates (1–3) revealed that skiing significantly increased blood lactate levels (p=0.01). In addition, the pre and post-ski blood lactate levels measured on the first run were significantly lower than the corresponding lactate levels on Runs 2 and 3. Maximal HR recorded at the end of the final ski run was significantly lower than in the two preceding runs (p=0.016). These data suggest that significant lactate accumulates in training; subsequent runs occur without complete lactate removal and inadequate recovery. Light exercise between each run may aid this process, delay fatigue, and enhance the quality of performance.