Train with Purpose

Plan your Training Session

• Have a plan for each training session that includes the specific aspect of your technique you aim to improve, rehearsing your warm-up routine, developing course inspection skills, practising visualization, skiing the optimal line, and simulating race conditions.

• Practice being in Race Mode to prepare yourself mentally and physically for race day. Maintain a positive attitude, and record your progress in your journal.

Be Creative

• Ski various types of training courses including stubbies, brushes, wide offset courses and more.

• Practice skiing and drills in various snow conditions, especially when visibility is challenging, such as flat light, shade, or falling snow.

The racer focuses on the Race Line and technique while training stubbies in this video.

Video by Rohit Shrestha

Simulate Race Conditions

• Simulate race conditions to prepare you for race day. This involves thoroughly inspecting the training course and following your warm-up routine.

• Approach your first and second runs on the training course with the same intensity and focus you would bring to an actual race.

• Wear attire that mirrors your racing gear.

Experience the routines of World Cup racers preparing for their training runs. The video is a bit long but well worth watching.

Video by Deb Armstrong and Ski Strong

Race Mode

Explore how embracing “Race Mode” will prepare you to leave the start gate with determination and focus.

Pause and Regroup

• If you’re having difficulty skiing the course, try skiing outside the gates for a run or two. This will allow you to concentrate on refining your technique and tactics.

• Have a conversation with your coach or engage in self-assessment to identify what is causing the problem using the method outlined by the Coach Yourself module.

• Practice a drill to focus your mind and body on performing the correct action.

• Once you feel ready, return to the training course to see if the problem has been resolved.

Watch Mikaela Shiffrin train slalom in this video. Note how even the very best do not complete all their training runs.

Video by Triggerboy62

Learn When to ‘Take it Easy’

• If you're training in gates on a day when you haven't had a chance to warm up properly, start with a few runs from the Learn Like Elites module to awaken both your mind and body before tackling the course.

• Take it easy skiing through the gates your first couple of runs to find your rhythm. As you progress to your third or fourth run, shift your focus towards skiing at a pace closer to race speed.

• This gradual approach will help you get the most out of your training session while minimizing the risk of injury.

Power of Positive Attitude

• Explore how having a positive attitude and applying the 80/20 Rule can both help you learn faster; tap on Be Positive .