The 2023-24 alpine race season is now underway. From St. Moritz to Copper to Edouard to many other race venues in between and beyond, it’s “go time” for racers from juniors up to the World Cup. So, now is the time to shift from training mode to race mode. This transition requires several important changes [...]
One of the first questions that I ask racers and coaches I work with is: Should you race like you train or train like you race? By far, the most frequent response is: You should race like you train. This answer seems perfectly reasonable if you think about it. When you train, you’re relaxed, feel [...]
One of the biggest lessons I've learned over my many years in our sport as a racer and as a mental coach, and one that many young racers don't seem to get, is that training really does matter. Too often, I see racers pretty much wasting their time in training; all the things that are [...]
It’s hard to believe the summer, what I consider Phase I of the ski racing prep period, is almost over. Hopefully, the summer was devoted to building the foundation for your success next winter. In all likelihood, your efforts focused on three areas. First, you engaged in an intensive physical conditioning program. The reality of [...]
It’s late September which means two things. You are in the middle of the fall training block in which you are engaged in an intensive physical conditioning program or are starting to get on snow in Europe for early-season skiing, or both. The next few months before race season will be physically and mentally challenging [...]
Mikaela Shiffrin’s results at the Beijing Olympics were not what we were all hoping for (least of all Mikaela herself!). At the same time, I have no doubt that, after some sadness and soul searching, she will be back stronger, better, and faster than ever. It’s easy in these situations to analyze, evaluate, and critique [...]
The race season is finally over for most racers (for others, a few more weeks to go). After a long and demanding winter, you’re probably tired of skiing (regardless of whether the season was a triumph or a disappointment). It’s time to hang up your skis, pack away your gear, kick back, relax, and forget [...]
Hard to believe that we’re about half way through the race season. For some, you’re having a great season and want it to continue. For others, you’re having an okay season and want to improve on it. And for still others, it has been a disappointing season so far and want to turn it around. [...]
I’ve been involved in U.S. ski racing for—Yikes!—more than 50 years. I started as a “Chipmunk” at Mad River Glen, then moved on to the Valley Junior Racing Club (at then Glen Ellen, pre-GMVS), Burke Mountain Academy, Middlebury College, the University of Colorado, and even two seasons on the old pro tour. Since then, I’ve [...]
It happens every winter. In December, January, and February, I get calls from national team athletes and parents of young racers who are struggling mentally in their ski racing and they have big races coming up. They want me to somehow fix them quickly. Though I think I’m pretty good at what I do, I’m [...]
