Paul Accola on Skiing’s Injury Crisis: Are Modern Training Methods to Blame?

"Are Skiers Training All Wrong?" Alpine skiing is at a breaking point. Four severe injuries in Bormio during New Year’s week have reignited debates about the sport’s safety, and Swiss legend Paul Accola isn’t holding back. “Many athletes train incorrectly,” he declared in an interview with Blick.ch. With seven World Cup victories and a reputation for unconventional thinking, Accola is challenging the modern approach to training and youth development, claiming it leaves skiers vulnerable to injuries and unprepared for the unpredictable demands of racing. His bold critiques, grounded in his own storied career, demand attention—and may spark the change alpine skiing desperately needs.

By | 2025-01-10T07:45:40-07:00 January 9th, 2025 | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Paul Accola on Skiing’s Injury Crisis: Are Modern Training Methods to Blame?

Honoring Ron LeMaster: Three Years of Reflection about Increased Awareness on the Hill

Today, November 30th, folks are gathering at Eldora Mountain Resort to honor Ron LeMaster, who sadly lost his life on the mountain three years ago in 2021. Richard Rokos reflects on his loss by penning an article about the lessons he's gained from the accident.

By | 2024-11-30T07:19:29-07:00 November 30th, 2024 | Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Honoring Ron LeMaster: Three Years of Reflection about Increased Awareness on the Hill

The Margin of Victory

In the sport of ski racing, the success of an athlete, especially in their developmental stages, can come down to the aspects that seem less impactful. Subtle differences in training, body development, strength, where the athlete begins on the start list, and several other factors can cause different outcomes. 

By | 2024-01-30T11:33:57-07:00 January 30th, 2024 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Margin of Victory

Black Diamond: Bravo Vail/Beaver Creek

As the Marseillaise echoed off the Birds of Prey slope, it was a fitting end to what has been one of the better World Championships.

By | 2015-02-18T12:27:39-07:00 February 18th, 2015 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Black Diamond: Bravo Vail/Beaver Creek

The State of Alpine Ski Racing – Performance and Participation

While podium performances by the United States' top athletes on the World Cup and Olympic levels is extraordinary, one doesn’t need to look far to see problems lurking.

By | 2020-11-16T12:42:36-07:00 September 23rd, 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The State of Alpine Ski Racing – Performance and Participation

Black Diamond: Generation change at FIS a great opportunity

Generational transformation should bring new impetus to the FIS to plan ahead for the future of snow sports.

By | 2014-09-28T23:24:41-06:00 July 10th, 2014 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Black Diamond: Generation change at FIS a great opportunity

OPINION: Early talent identification trade-offs

Is early "talent" identification based as much on financial means as it is on athletic ability at younger ages?

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