Sports Ed

Behind every elite athlete is a strong support team and physiotherapists are key. Martina Plunger Beech, who now works for Red Bull, shares insight on preparation and in-season tips for an Olympic Year.

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.

Video can transform athletic performance—but only when used correctly. In this article, Ron Kipp explains how the brain processes video, why watching the wrong movements reinforces bad habits, and how coaches can leverage neuroscience to create lasting improvement.

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.

Go inside two days of open, honest conversation between U.S. Ski Team staff, Rocky Mountain Division coaches, and top American athletes. From tactical GS insights to personal reflections on career challenges, the May 18–19 forum delivered rare and valuable perspectives on athlete development, coaching, and community. Watch the full sessions now, including athlete roundtables starting at 2:12:40 (Saturday) and 2:20:50 (Sunday).

A great ski run seamlessly combines the nine FWDI Key Concepts into three essential elements: Stance, Transition, and Turn.

The Young Skier’s Guide: Fundamentals of Ski Racing ninth and final key concept covers “Balance Against the Outside Ski."

The concept covered in this article is “Edge Angle,” the eighth in the The Young Skier’s Guide: Fundamentals of Ski Racing series.

i Racing Media is pleased to publish nine articles highlighting the book’s key concepts. The concept covered in this article is “Pressure in the Fall-Line,” the seventh in the series.

The Far West Development Initiative (FWDI), supported by Melissa and Martin Huml, created The Young Skier's Guide: Fundamentals of Ski Racing to support the development of U14 racers, but fortunately, it benefits all ages. Ron LeMaster's stunning photos and videos lead the teaching, with Ron Kipp's text offering valuable support. Ski Racing Media is pleased to publish nine articles highlighting the book's key concepts. The concept covered in this article is "Long Leg/ Short Leg," the sixth in the series.

Phil McNichol has devoted his career to alpine ski racing, achieving remarkable milestones along the way. He is now taking his wealth of experience and expanding his influence as an independent advisor and consultant in winter sports.

Mikaela Shiffrin Photo: GEPA pictures The Far West Development Initiative (FWDI), supported by Melissa and

The Far West Development Initiative (FWDI), supported by Melissa and Martin Huml, created The Young

This linking of turns needs to be efficient. The center of mass is centered laterally between both skis and longitudinally over the ski boots, allowing the skier options for the upcoming turn.

The amazing Ron LeMaster photomontages aim to immerse athletes in the images of ski racers, helping them internalize the technique through their neuromuscular system. Athletes then replicate the "technique" their coaches teach, aligned with these concepts. This edition features ankle flexion