Toko Athlete Sam Morse and the “Silver Buckshot”: Why Details Matter in Ski Racing

Finally, “Clicking” at Beaver Creek

Earlier this December in Beaver Creek, Colorado, we raced a World Cup downhill and super-G under challenging, weather-plagued conditions. Results didn’t go my way, so I stuck around the following week for two NorAm super-Gs. During the second race, something finally clicked.

 I want to break down the pieces of the puzzle I put together that week and share a theory I’ve developed over the years that shapes how I live my life and how I approach ski racing.

Why the “Golden Ticket” Doesn’t Exist

Too often, athletes chase the golden ticket: the one thing that will suddenly make them great. Maybe it’s the newest ski, the latest wax, a brand-new speed suit, or an extra training block in Chile. All of those things matter, but none of them work alone.

Instead of searching for a silver bullet or golden ticket, I’ve started thinking in terms of the silver buckshot.

The Silverbuck-Shot Theory

For the hunters reading this, the difference is obvious. A slug is one solid projectile. Buckshot is made up of many smaller pieces. Success in ski racing works the same way.

When you combine the right wax call, the right edge finish, and a solid inspection plan with your coach, you give yourself a real chance to ski well. Ski racing is incredibly complex, and getting all the pieces to work together is the hardest part of the sport.

Adjusting to Soft Snow and Tough Conditions

That week in Colorado, the weather never stabilized. The snow surface softened, especially after re-grooming following the World Cup. My setup didn’t feel right, so after the first NorAm super-G, I made several changes.

I switched to a stiffer pair of skis and detuned with Toko Fibertex. I put on a newer pair of boots with fresher plastic and adjusted the canting to be slightly more aggressive for the soft snow. Most importantly, I spent more time watching video with my coach and developed a better plan for skiing the hill in that course set.

Those changes added up. The next day, I skied to a podium-level result.

Building the Right Setup, Not the Perfect Tool

As you build your tuning kit and prep your skis for your next race—or even just a day on the hill—remember this: No single tool creates the perfect setup. It’s not just about a thicker-plated iron or the newest wax. It’s about everything working together.

You need multiple quality tools—and the skills to use them—to truly make a difference on snow.

Details That Make the Difference

Ski racers often obsess over “making the right wax call,” but small details matter just as much. How you strap your skis can prevent an edge dent in the van on the way to the hill. Attention to detail when filing, stoning, and scraping all contribute to nailing the silver buckshot.

See you on the slopes.
— Moose