Sports Psychology

Former University of Denver racer and U.S. Ski Team alumnus Trey Seymour reflects on how letting go of expectations transformed his mindset and results. In this personal essay, he shares how shifting focus from outcomes to process helped him find freedom, confidence, and the mental edge in ski racing.

VO₂ priming helps ski racers unlock faster oxygen uptake and stronger endurance during high-intensity runs. By performing a brief, high-effort warm-up before competition, athletes enhance blood flow, improve oxygen delivery, and sustain power through longer, more demanding courses—gaining a critical performance edge when it matters most.

You don’t have to wait until winter to train your mind for ski racing. In this article, performance psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor explains how athletes can build focus, confidence, and mental toughness in the gym—rep by rep—just like they build strength and endurance.

The importance of the off-season and how it isn’t just a break but an opportunity to get better at the things that don’t show up on a start list: mindset, movement quality, and self-awareness. What can athletes and coaches do better to embrace these crucial aspects during off-season? Learn more.

Mental training is often overlooked in ski racing, despite being just as important as physical conditioning and technical work. This article breaks down six key principles—used in every successful training plan—that can transform your mental preparation into a consistent, structured, and effective part of your performance.

In a very special episode of the Skiing is Believing Podcast summer series, Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg welcomed renowned sports psychologist, Dr. Jim Taylor to express the importance of mentality and psychology across sport, and particularly ski racing. Tune in!

Olympians Doug Lewis and Shannon Bahrke created Champions Advantage, a first-of-its-kind mental skills curriculum for athletes aged U13–U19. Whether the goal is Olympic gold or making the high school varsity team, this program gives athletes the tools to train and perform at their very best. Learn more.

Dr. Luna Ugrenović studied mental health referral experiences in collegiate, elite sport. Emphasizing how early, intentional engagement can shape athletes’ willingness to seek mental health help and their overall well-being. Learn more about her research and the advice she gives to alpine skiing organizations to assist with this process for their athletes.

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s data. Instead of seeing burnout as failure, we can treat it as valuable feedback and an opportunity. Learn more.

Phil McNichol is on a mission to help clubs and academies unlock their full potential! Learn how to escape the endless cycle that hinders success and embrace strategies for growth both on and off the slopes.

With just a month left in the season, how you approach these final races can define your winter. Whether you’re riding the momentum of a breakout year, looking to turn a decent season into a great one, or trying to salvage a disappointing campaign, now is the time to push your limits. Will you play it safe or go all in? Click to find out how to finish strong and make the most of every remaining race.

Ski racing demands more than technical skills—it calls for an attitude that embraces risk and shuns regret. I have worked with racers from juniors to World Cuppers and consistently see that those who commit fully, even in the face of uncertainty, avoid the lasting sting of regret that comes from playing it safe.

Disappointment feels tough, but it’s a powerful tool for growth. Young athletes who learn to handle setbacks build resilience, motivation, and confidence. Discover why disappointment is essential for ski racers and how parents can help their children turn failure into future success.

To ski your fastest, embrace the seven Fs: Free your mind from clutter, Focus on what you can control, and trust your Feelings over overthinking. When challenges arise, Fight rather than retreat, and adopt an F&%# it! attitude to release pressure. Most importantly, rediscover the Fun that brought you to the sport—because when you do, you’ll be Fast.

Stef Fleckenstein, a SYNC Independent Athlete, has faced the toughest challenges in alpine ski racing. She remains determined to return to the World Cup circuit, and her approach to mental resilience offers valuable lessons for any athlete.

Our ski racing family mourns the loss of another family member with profound sadness, 19-year-old Matilde Lorenzi, a rising star from Italy, who sustained injuries from a training accident. This article expands on ways to come together as a community to grieve and move through difficult conversations.

Jim Taylor gives advice to parent's when their kids decide to leave the sport of ski racing. Learn more.

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.