Ski racing might not be a team sport in the traditional sense, but a strong ski team culture will significantly impact individual performances. Even though you’re alone on the race course, the support and camaraderie of your team can play a crucial role in how you perform.
When you are training, racing, or simply spending time together during the ski season, a positive ski team culture lifts everyone up. Read on for our team of experts’ best tips on cultivating a stronger ski team culture.
Do More than Just Ski Together
When you get to know your teammates, you become so much more than just teammates. Talk with each other on the chairlift, on the way to races, while you boot up — genuinely get to know the people on your team. Friendships are formed over time and with effort. Put in the effort to make your teammates into your friends. Spending time together outside of skiing grows your relationships. Dryland training in the fall is a great way to get together while working towards your shared goals of being better ski racers. Host a movie night, go out to ice cream, or simply take some freeski runs together after training — should you all go get a hot chocolate together? The answer is yes.
Chill out with your team in the Speed Freak Hoodie, the every day jacket!
Support Each Other on Race Day
We all know the feeling — race day can be stressful. Maybe you show up confident, but suddenly, something shakes you, and you’re alone to spiral into doubts, insecurities, and negative emotions. A supportive team behind you makes a massive difference in a positive race day experience. You can start a supportive team environment by being an encouraging and helpful teammate. Simple actions—like taking teammates’ clothes down, inviting others to your warm-up, and watching your teammates race—can create a sense of belonging.
Celebrate Success as a Team
When one person on your team succeeds, the whole team benefits; look to the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team as an example. The team has found robust success in the past decade, hinging on an attitude of raising the team together. Kjetil Jansrud once said of the team culture, after coming in second in a race he wanted to win to his teammate Aksel Lund Svindal, “There are no secrets in terms of individual tactics or techniques on the team; we share everything we know.”
This ethic of openness and teamwork allows each member to rise with the collective. When teams share knowledge and support one another, everyone benefits. This ski team culture can and should include competitiveness. That competitive drive also fosters collaboration that can push the team — and each individual — to new heights. When everyone is working towards the common goal of becoming the best ski racers they can be, the whole team improves together.
Focus on improvement and effort instead of comparing results. This will help create an environment where every athlete can thrive.
Build Unity
We are more alike than we are different. Team uniforms bring a ski team together by showing our shared identity. Uniforms promote a sense of belonging for all teammates and build cohesiveness among the team. Teams can also bond over choosing team designs and styles. Arctica Team Apparel is a favorite amongst ski teams, from international competitions to home hill clubs.
Check out the Speed Demon Set that’s perfect for teams!
We can’t change a team culture alone, but we can individually take action to create a stronger team culture all the time. Share this article with your teammates and coaches, and be the teammate you want to be! At the heart of every strong team is a group of athletes who care about each other and each other’s success. Embrace the common goal of becoming better, faster, stronger ski racers, and celebrate each other’s achievements toward becoming the best ski racers you can be.
Even on the way to individual bests, the power of a strong team culture is undeniable.
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