First-year FIS ski racers are thrown into the fire, or in our case, ice. Everything gets harder: now you’re using 30-meter GS skis, traveling hours for races, starting dead last, and competing against athletes ten years older. The odds feel stacked against you. Gone are the minor-league days of racing peers a year older or younger.
Every ski racer who’s made it to the World Cup, competed in college, or transitioned into ski racing retirement has survived their first year as a FIS racer. The consensus? It’s a challenge—physically, mentally, emotionally, technically, and tactically. But you’ll survive, and with our team’s tips, you might even thrive.
Look at the Big Picture
When you enter your first year of FIS, you begin the rest of your ski racing career. Every race counts toward your future; the horizon line of your future lasts well beyond March. Even the biggest U16 races—regionals, nationals, and international competitions—are meaningless now. Whether you won every U16 race, finished last, or DNFed when it mattered most, none of it carries over. The slate is blank. You’ll start at the back of the pack in your first FIS races.
What matters now is your skiing. Every race is an opportunity to lower your points and move up the start list—think-long term. Focus on the technique, tactics, and mental game that will serve you for years to come. Results in your first year of FIS aren’t that important; what’s crucial is building the skills that will lead to success in your second or third year—and beyond.
As a FIS athlete, good skiing will bring results. Invest in becoming the skier you want to be.
Keep Your Window of Expectations Small
You can foster big hopes and dreams for each ski season as a youth ski racer. Championship events like States, Regionals, or Nationals are on the table each spring, with success measured by your ability to qualify and compete.
In FIS, the focus shifts. Instead of aiming for specific events, success is measured by lowering your FIS points. Starting at 990, you’re climbing uphill. You’ll improve your ranking by skiing your best, not by peaking for one particular race. Unlike U16s, there’s no single qualifying event that determines your success. Success directly correlates with better skiing.
It is wise to set technical and tactical development goals instead of focusing on results. For example:
- Improve understanding of line choice in GS
- Master a difficult technical drill, like variations of thousand steps
- Move ski pressure uphill in the turn
By narrowing your expectations and prioritizing growth, you’ll see progress over time–even if it’s not immediate.
Develop a Travel and Race Routine That Works for You
As a FIS athlete, every race is an opportunity to lower your points and improve your ranking. Unlike youth racing, there’s no clear distinction between qualifiers, championships, or just-for-fun races. Every FIS race counts.
For some athletes, that’s a breath of relief. For others, it adds stress. Either way, travel, pressure, and intimidation from mature competitors and new venues are part of first-year FIS.
A good travel and race routine can help you manage these challenges. While it might seem intimidating, building a routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The key is intentionality. Your routine should address three core areas:
- Mental: Enter the start gate in the mental state that serves you best
- Physical: Warm up your body with activity, drills, or core activation
- Nutrition: Plan meals, snacks, and hydration to fuel for peak performance
Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. A solid routine will ground you, especially in high-pressure situations. It’s a tool for the rest of your ski racing career.
Lean Into Your Team
When first-year FIS gets tough, as it inevitably will, lean into your team. Your coaches, teammates, parents, and friends outside of ski racing are all part of your support team. Ask for help when you need it.
Use your teammates to grow, learn, challenge, and support each other. The best ski racers come from strong teams. Push each other in training, challenge one another to improve, and celebrate each other’s successes. Strong teams create strong athletes. The daily competition within a supportive team environment will bring out your best.
Ski racing is finite, but the friendships you build along the way can last a lifetime.
What Arctica Ambassadors Have to Say
We caught up with Arctica’s ambassador team and asked them for their best skiing advice.
Lilia Stein of Park City says, “I get very nervous before races, and sometimes the nerves get the best of me. When I’m in the start gate, I smile and think about how much I love this sport. It’s important to remember that fun is the top priority in ski racing, even when you’re nervous.”
Bobby Wendt, a ski racer from Heiliger Hugel, provided a piece of sage guidance. “The best skiers come from training and the mindset.”
Your first year of FIS racing is a trial by fire, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. Stay focused on the big picture, set growth-oriented goals, establish a routine, and celebrate your team. With time, effort, and resilience, you’ll find your place in the world of FIS skiing. Good luck out there!
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