Sports Ed

When we say "facing" downhill, we don't mean facing exactly down the hill. Instead, the upper body should be slightly biased downhill. This means the front of the bib should mostly be visible from below the skier.

Certification Requirements for the 2024-25 Season: By the end of the 2024-25 season, all coaches must hold a current certification or be actively progressing toward their Level 100 certification.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the different opinions regarding the validity of early sport specialization as opposed to diversification, specifically the effect these two methods have on injuries, motor development, skill acquisition, and social and psychological aspects.

Though getting the miles on snow is very important, a key focus during the prep season should be building your fitness, which is the foundation for all your other ski racing efforts. Because ski racing has evolved into a power sport in the last few decades, you’ll need the necessary strength, agility, and stamina to achieve your goals, no matter how good you are technically, tactically, or mentally.

In 2023, US Ski and Snowboard decided to revamp its coach’s education program to make it more efficient, effective and economical for its coaches. Staff discussions with US Ski and Snowboard sport committees and clubs, as well as a survey sent out to over 7,500 member coaches and club directors, revealed that there was a need to make the coach education and certification process less time-consuming, more relevant, easier to navigate, more consistent, less costly and more credible.

Now that you’ve decided to go to summer camp, how do you optimize your improvement? Start by developing a plan based on your objectives and goals. These should come from you, the athlete, not just from your parents. Meaningful progress only happens when you reach for goals you’ve set for yourself.

Photo credit: Eliteam Doug Lewis What do you think is the best strategy for training

Mikaela Shiffrin using imagery during inspection GEPA /Matic Klansek The 2023-24 alpine race season is

Featured Image: GEPA pictures/Andreas Pranter Does Technology Use Hurts Ski Racers? I have a lot

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 need help understanding, is that training does matter. Too often, racers waste their time during training; the things necessary for quality training are only there sometimes. I can't tell you how much it irritates me when I'm on the hill working with young racers and seeing them do things that prevent them from getting the most out of their training.

In my last ski racing post, I shared recommendations on being the best ski racing

USSS announced David McCann as its new Director of Sport Education. He is a celebrated sports education leader.

Photo US Ski Team It’s hard to believe Phase I of the ski racing prep

Insights from Eileen Shiffrin: Developing Skiers, Coaching Techniques, and Personal Choices Jeff, Eileen, Mikaela and

BRASS expands training across all USSS disciplines Many of us vividly remember exactly where we

Goal setting is a simple and practical mental tool to motivate you in your ski

Photo: Ron Kipp and Ron LeMaster USSS coaches’ education has always been integral to our

Ilka Stuhec: GEPA Photos Harald Steiner Ski racing is one of the most challenging sports