Ski racing is about more than just technique and skill—it's about becoming a well-rounded athlete both physically and mentally. Coaches emphasize the importance of consistent effort, mindset, and overall life balance. Follow along for 8 actionable tips from coaches to help you excel on and off the hill.
1. develop mental toughness
Coaches Tip: Ski racing demands mental resilience. Before each race, visualize yourself executing the perfect run. When faced with setbacks, remember that failure is part of the process. Focus on learning from every experience, and always stay present in your next run instead of thinking about past mistakes. A calm, confident mind is key to handling pressure during races.
2. build functional strength
Coaches Tip: Skiing requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and endurance. Don't just focus on building leg and core strength—make sure to incorporate flexibility training and agility drills into your routine. Cardiovascular conditioning is crucial for maintaining energy at training and races. Make sure to include rest and recovery in your plan, as proper recovery is necessary to perform consistently throughout the season and avoid injury.
3. COMMIT TO CONSISTENCY
Coaches Tip: Consistency is the cornerstone of improvement. No matter how tired or discouraged you feel, show up for every training session with the same commitment. Focus on making small, incremental improvements every day, rather than expecting perfection. Over time, these consistent efforts will pay off, building your confidence, skill, and mental toughness, both on the hill and in your everyday life.
4. MAXIMIZE EVERY TRAINING SESSION
Coaches Tip: During a typical competitive ski season, athletes can spend anywhere from 100 to 200 hours or more training in gates, depending on the level of competition, the athlete's goals, and their training program. Training isn’t just about going through the motions. Be mindful while training and focus on areas where you need improvement. Whether it's refining your technique in the gates, improving your starts, or strengthening your mental game, approach each day of training with a clear goal. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and always take time to reflect on your progress. Your effort during training directly translates into race day success.
5. FUEL YOUR PASSION
Coaches Tip: Ski racing is tough, and there will be times when progress feels slow. To push through these moments, remember why you started the sport. Tap into your passion for the sport and it will keep you motivated when the going gets tough. On difficult days, reflect on your long-term goals and use your love for skiing to reignite your drive. Passion is the energy that will carry you through the lows and help you perform at your best when it matters most.
Also, GO FREESKIING! It's good for the soul.
6. Focus on Precision
Coaches Tip: Ski racing is all about making precise, calculated movements. Pay close attention to the details of your technique: the angles of your body, the timing of your turns, and your positioning in the gates. Break down each part of your run during training, focusing on one aspect at a time. The more you practice precision, the more natural it will feel in races, where small mistakes can make a big difference. Mastering this level of focus will separate you from the competition.
7. Embrace a Growth Mindset
Coaches Tip: View challenges as opportunities to grow, not obstacles. Each setback or mistake is a chance to learn something new. Celebrate every bit of progress, even if it feels small at the time and those small improvements will lead to significant growth over time. If you’re not progressing in one area, shift your focus and work on something else. Trust that growth happens incrementally, and be patient with the process.
8. Find Balance
Coaches Tip: Ski racing requires a tremendous amount of physical and mental energy, but maintaining balance is essential to avoid burnout. Make sure to prioritize rest, proper nutrition, and mental downtime outside of the sport. Stay connected with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and take time to relax. A well-rounded life will keep you mentally fresh and ensure you’re performing at your best, not just during races, but in all areas of life.