Ski Racing Is Expensive.
Let’s take a closer look into the financial realities of the sport and how to get creative to lighten the load.
We asked athletes how they effectively reduce costs in ski racing while still maintaining their training and race schedules.
Here’s what they had to say:
“Learn how to woo the baggage agents.”
“A job and reaching out to brands to promote them and get discounted equipment.”
“I’ve had to sacrifice things like vacations to put more money toward skiing.”
“I drive everywhere.”
“Become a camps coach for my club program.”
“Local training, going to less camps, and traveling less.”
“Don’t always buy gear when it might not be absolutely necessary.”
For Parents & Athletes
Training Closer to Home: Many athletes are opting for local training options rather than traveling to expensive destinations. Regions like Mount Hood and Colorado provide excellent training facilities and snow conditions without the added costs of distant travel. Local programs often offer competitive training camps that cater to various skill levels, allowing athletes to hone their skills without breaking the bank.
SYNC Independent Athlete, Jimmy Krupka, says, "If you want to be good, you need time on snow. Take advantage of training that is close to you because that's the cheapest/easiest option. A lot of places out West (Colorado and Mt. Hood) have snow early fall/late spring, so if you live in one of those places, you should be skiing. All day."
Investing in Durable Equipment: Instead of purchasing new gear every season, many athletes focus on high-quality equipment designed to last multiple years. Opting for brands known for durability can save money in the long run. Athletes are also exploring second-hand markets, like Sideline Swap, where they can find lightly used gear that meets their needs at a fraction of the cost.
Networking with Elite Athletes: Aspiring ski racers often reach out to elite athletes who are selling their gear at the end of the season. This not only provides access to high-quality equipment but also helps build relationships within the skiing community. Athletes can receive advice and mentorship in addition to great deals on gently used gear.
Driving Instead of Flying: Travel expenses can be one of the largest costs in ski racing. Choosing to drive to regional races instead of flying can save money on airfare and baggage fees. Organizing carpooling with teammates can further reduce costs, making it a fun team-building experience while also sharing travel expenses.
Utilizing Local Resources: Many communities have local ski clubs that offer reduced rates for training, coaching, and equipment rentals. Joining these clubs can provide access to resources and support systems that help offset some of the costs associated with ski racing.
DIY Gear Maintenance: Learning to perform basic equipment maintenance can save significant money. Athletes and parents can take workshops or watch tutorials on tuning skis and maintaining gear, allowing them to handle the upkeep themselves rather than relying on costly professional services. Check out this Ski Tips with Daron Rahlves video for helpful how-tos on tuning and waxing.
Equipment Rental Programs: For families uncertain about committing to expensive gear purchases, renting equipment can be a more affordable short-term solution. Many local ski shops offer seasonal rental programs that allow athletes to use high-quality gear all season without the steep initial investment.
For Athletes
Leveraging Sponsorships: As athletes advance and increase visibility, they can attract sponsorships from local businesses or larger brands. Sponsorships often come with financial support or discounts on gear in exchange for promoting the brand. Athletes should actively network and create a strong personal brand to increase their appeal to potential sponsors.
Seeking Out Scholarships and Grants: Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships or grants for young athletes in ski racing. Researching these opportunities and applying can help ease financial burdens and support an athlete's journey.
SYNC Athlete Fund
Pacific Northwest Ski Association Grants and Scholarships
Far West Ski Association Athletic Scholarships
World Cup Dreams Foundation
Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation
Vermont Alpine Racing Association
Killington World Cup Foundation
Ski Canada Foundation
Side Jobs: Many young athletes take on part-time work to help cover their ski racing expenses. Common jobs include coaching younger skiers, working at local ski shops, or even seasonal work in hospitality during off-season. These roles not only provide income but also valuable experience that can be beneficial in their future careers.
SYNC NCAA Team Athlete, Gray Flanagan, coached a SYNC Performance Camp. He said, "The Sync Performance camp was a great summer skiing opportunity that I’m really proud to have been a part of. For me as a mentor at the camp I had a lot of fun being a part the younger athletes skiing. Checking in with them throughout training sessions and watching their progress though the camp was an impressive and rewarding experience."
Crowdfunding: Many athletes have turned to crowdfunding platforms to raise money for their training and race expenses. Sharing their stories, goals, and progress on social media can help engage friends, family, and the wider community, allowing supporters to contribute directly to their journey. SYNC Independent Athlete, Stefanie Fleckenstein, created a Go-Fund-Me to help support her Olympic Dream. Check it out here.
Team Sponsorships: Ski clubs or teams may pursue sponsorship deals with brands collectively, allowing them to secure funding for uniforms, travel, and race fees. This shared approach can often attract larger sponsorships than individual efforts.
Social Media and Personal Branding: Athletes can leverage social media to showcase their training, race results, and personal accomplishments. By building a personal brand, they can attract attention from sponsors and supporters, creating opportunities for financial backing through merchandise sales or partnerships.
SYNC Independent Athlete, Stefanie Fleckenstein, shares, "The best thing I’ve done for my ski racing career is self-promoting. I put a lot of energy into building a community around my ski racing journey and it’s opened a lot of doors for sponsorship and partnerships. Social media has allowed me to share my story and my personality, while also connecting me with like-minded individuals who share the same passions."
While the financial challenges of ski racing can be significant, the creative solutions and resourcefulness demonstrated by athletes and their families prove that passion and perseverance can overcome financial barriers. By leveraging local resources, making informed purchasing decisions, and seeking out alternative funding sources, aspiring ski racers can continue to pursue their dreams without breaking the bank. As the ski racing community continues to grow and adapt, it’s clear that a collective spirit of innovation and support can make all the difference.
sync wants to help
SYNC Performance has set out on a mission to help athletes push limits, challenge the status quo, and strive for that which is beyond the horizon. As a core value, we believe in giving back and paying it forward. We allocate a portion of our profits along with contributions from our investors to support clubs, non-profits, youth race series', and independent race teams. The SYNC Athlete Fund is another step we are taking toward inspiring, empowering and supporting the next generation of ski racing.
Since 2019, The SYNC Athlete Fund annually awards $50,000 worth of individual grants to athletes who demonstrate dedication to their sport of ski racing and had a funding gap in their journey.
SYNC Athlete Fund applications have closed for the 2025 season and recipients will be announced on October 1, 2024. Sign up for email to receive updates on future SYNC Athlete Fund opportunities.