Ski Racing this Week

Lindsey Vonn, the GOAT Jun 18, 2020

While I am stepping away from the podcast to focus on my own ski racing career for the foreseeable future, I leave off with a phone call with Lindsey Vonn, the greatest female racer of all time (2:49). It is an insightful, multifaceted conversation. We talk about how retirement has been and what she’s up to now; how she came back from horrific injuries and advice she would give other racers; her favorite spot to race; how she adjusts her ski set-up; dating hockey star PK Subban; and being a celebrity and representative of the sport—all that and more. As always, we read the mail, at the end.

(Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or @jimmy_who_ on Instagram)

Bonus Episode: How the Sport Started Jun 18, 2020

We’ve got a double-header for you! On this bonus episode we are joined by John Allen, a historian at the New England Ski Museum, and we talk about the very beginnings of ski racing. From the first skiing cultures, to the first competitions, and finally to the formation of Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) and something resembling the sport today. It’s an essential, fascinating story.

Follow-up info: http://newenglandskimuseum.org/

(Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or @jimmy_who_ on Instagram)

Important Conversations with former U.S. Ski Teamer Andre Horton and Jamaican Olympic-hopeful Benjamin Alexander Jun 11, 2020

In light of current events, we decided to do our part in having difficult conversations regarding the lack of diversity, or “whiteness,” in ski racing. First, we talk to Andre Horton, former speed-skier on the U.S. Ski Team, and a pioneer for black Americans in the sport (4:45). He speaks eloquently and candidly about his often-poignant story, and gives us valuable insights from his perspective. Then we meet Benjamin Alexander, a Jamaican citizen with an unbelievable story, who fell in love with skiing later in life (44:12). He speaks about his pursuit of 2022 Winter Olympic qualification, and offers ideas about skiing’s diversity problem. (Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_)

Andre kindly offered for anyone to reach out to him, at Horton.Andre@gmail.com

You can follow Benjamin’s story on Instagram @benji.ski

Slalom Tokyo Drift, with Ian Macomber Jun 04, 2020

A staple of modern ski racing culture, Slalom Tokyo Drift, featuring the “best of the worst of ski racing,” was founded by Ian Macomber just over a decade ago. We talk with Ian about his blogging-beginnings, what it’s like to have a following of 156,000, his decision to go non-profit, his favorite World Cup athletes, and more (6:10). As always, the interview is preceded by important ski racing world headlines (2:07), and this time, a short comment on current events. (Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_).

Ted Ligety, Mr. GS May 28, 2020

The arc-carving, hip-dragging giant slalom legend Ted Ligety hops on the show to talk about—well, everything that we can possibly get to in the time allotted. We talk about his underdog beginnings, his surprise victory in the 2006 Olympic Combined, his entrepreneurial side, his record-breaking 2012-13 season, juggling family life, and retirement plans… All that and more, in this milestone episode for our quickly-growing podcast. (Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_)

The History of American Slalom with Tom Kelly (and Meet the Next Generation) May 21, 2020

We return to our comprehensive conversation with unparalleled ski racing historian Tom Kelly on the entire history of American slalom, from Gretchen Fraser through the Mahre brothers, Kristina Koznick, Bode, and Mikaela (2:58). It’s a history-channel-classic, and it re-airs with new rapid-fire interviews with six Americans on the World Cup slalom squad this upcoming season (1:01:57): Ben Ritchie, Jett Seymour, Paula Moltzan, Luke Winters, Nina O’Brien, and Lila Lapanja, respectively. We top the whole slalom celebration off with two-time Olympian and World Cup podiumer Nolan Kasper (1:24:50). (Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_)

The Deal with High-Fluoro: All the Wax Facts with Todd Carroll May 14, 2020

We take another deep dive, this time into the world of waxes, and namely, the upcoming ban on high fluoro waxes next season. Todd Carroll, North American product manager at Wintersteiger and general ski technician aficionado, joins the show to explain the details, give us the facts, and provide perspective on the whole matter (3:54). We also ask about the merits of liquid wax (35:49), grinding skis (40:32), and what makes a fast speed ski (45:31). As always, we take a caller at the end—this one is from Maine (1:00:14). (Questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_)

Olympic Medalist Victor Muffat-Jeandet May 07, 2020

After providing you with skiing jokes for your next awkward chairlift ride, we visit with Victor Muffat-Jeandet over the phone (3:48). He is, of course, the French multi-discipline sensation and Olympic medalist. We talk about who he’s gaming with during quarantine, what it’s like to race against a drone—and what it’s like to race World Cups, for that matter. We also ask him about the Matthieu Faivre Olympic Team scandal and learn a lot (19:06). Then we take another out-of-hand caller, and as always, we read the mail (43:06). (Any and all questions, suggestions, and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_).

Defending World Champ Ilka Štuhec and Workout Tips (+ Storytime) from Mike Bing Apr 30, 2020

After quickly covering the whole “Health of Sport” deal and reading the mail (3:02), we have a great wide-ranging conversation—everything from race-day mentality, to picking up poop—with Slovenian speed skier Ilka Štuhec, defending back-to-back downhill World Champion (6:40). Then U.S. Ski Team Athletic Development Coordinator Michael Bingaman gives us tips on how we should be working out right now (39:46) and tells an awesome story about his first ski camp (49:43). We round out the week by placing a call to Kristoffer Henrikson (56:10). (Comments, questions, or grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or @jimmy_who_ on Instagram).

The Ski Racers of World War II with Chris Anthony Apr 23, 2020

We visit ski racing history once again with rich tales of the first ski race post-World War Two, from Chris Anthony, former ski racer and Warren Miller extreme skier, who is now working on a documentary about the 10th Mountain Division (5:05). Helmut Wärer finally gives us a call back, too (41:34) and this Mail Reading is the best one yet (1:10). (skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_)

Norwegian Star Lucas Braathen and a Guide to Ski Racer Back Pains Apr 16, 2020

We get Lucas Braathen, the young Norwegian meteor, on the phone to talk all things—including his relationship with incumbent Norwegian star Henrik Kristoffersen. We also discuss how he climbed the World Cup ranks so quickly and what he’s doing in quarantine (2:17). Then we air a pre-quarantine in-studio interview with U.S. Ski Team physical therapist contractor Sarah Miller, who illuminates us on the causes of, and fixes for, the widespread ski racer condition called “GS Back” (22:58).

All Things College Racing with Edie Morgan, and Para Profile: Connor Hogan Apr 09, 2020

We bring you another all-encompassing story this week: this time it is a comprehensive look at college ski racing with trusted source, author, and former World Cup speed skier Edie Thys Morgan (3:50). Then we meet World Cup Paralympic skier Connor Hogan, who has an inspiring story (41:00). Finally, we wrap things up as usual but get a surprise call from a now-recurring guest from Long Island (52:21). (Comments, questions, or grievances welcome! DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_ or email skiracingthisweek@gmail.com).

Being Injured During a Lockdown and Cindy Berlack on Master's Racing and BRASS Foundation Apr 02, 2020

We are firmly in home-quarantine but the show goes on! First, we talk to Cindy Berlack, a Master’s National Champion and co-founder of the BRASS Foundation to talk about all of the above (3:02). Then, we look at the impact of COVID-19 on injured athletes, as UNH skiers Logan Slattery and Jordan Phillips tell us about their lives under lockdown (20:08). As we near the end of show, we hear from a caller from Boston about the Hirscher v. Stenmark GOAT debate (29:44), and Helmut Wärer gives us a home workout (31:09). We end the show with a short tribute to the World Cup skiers that have recently retired (32:29). (For questions, comments, and greivances, email skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_).

Alex Vinatzer on Situation in Italy and the ENTIRE American Slalom History with Tom Kelly Mar 26, 2020

We give young Italian slalom star Alex Vinatzer a call to his home in Italy to hear about the situation in the country worst hit by the coronavirus (3:40). Then, we put something together that’s never been done before: Tom Kelly, the unofficial official authority on ski racing history, gives us the entire story of American slalom skiing, from beginning to end (13:20). (For suggestions, comments, or grievances, DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_ or email skiracingthisweek@gmail.com)

Anything But COVID-19 (After We Talk to Tiger Shaw About It) Mar 19, 2020

We catch Tiger Shaw, President of U.S. Ski and Snowboard, to discuss dealing with the coronavirus and check in on general affairs with the Team (3:01). Then we try to forget about COVID-19: my grandfather, a native of central Europe, helps with European name pronunciations (23:05). Thomas Walsh, Paralympian and cancer survivor, meets me in-studio to teach us more about Para and tell stories (31:07). We give U.S. Ski Teamer George Steffey a call but are interrupted by a surprising guest (49:39), and Helmut Wärer is back, with tips on social distancing (53:15). [DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_ or email skiracingthisweek@gmail.com]

Coronavirus Cancelations and Daron Rahlves on Kvitfjell and his Career Mar 12, 2020

COVID-19 global pandemic has led to the cancellation of ski racing. We give 2020 NCAA GS champion Storm Klomhaus a call to learn more (9:14). Daron Rahlves joins the show to talk about Kvitfjell downhill (the last World Cup this season), his secrets to success, and an awesome story (15:37). Our meteorologist gives you the weather for the week, and Helmut Wärer calls in from Austria (7:18). We do a mail reading at the end of the show—remember: DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_ or email skiracingthisweek@gmail.com

World Cup Review with Steve Porino and Storytime with River Radamus Mar 05, 2020

It’s next week already! Steve Porino joins the show (1:59) to review Hinterstoder and La Thuile World Cups and teach Jimmy how to be a journalist. River Radamus (39:33) calls in a for a great conversation about World Juniors, expectations, and more. We have a surprise new contributor join the ranks, and of course, Kristoffer Henrikson and Helmut Wärer are back (58:45). Finally, at the end, we read the mail! Send questions, comments and grievances to skiracingthisweek@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @jimmy_who_

We're Back and Live! Feb 26, 2020

Ski Racing Media's official podcast is back! Now hosted by podcaster/athlete Jimmy Krupka and called "Ski Racing this Week," everything is same same but different. First, Jimmy reviews the events in Japan and Crans Montana over the weekend. Then NBC Sports analyst and two-time Olympian Doug Lewis joins the show to help sort through the World Cup season so far (9:25) and look ahead to Hinterstoder and La Thuile this weekend (33:55). Plus, a couple of surprise guests join to talk ski technique, Henrik Kristoffersen's mindset, and more (45:40).

Fireworks in Lienz and Bormio Jan 01, 2020

Welcome to 2020! On today’s show Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran will be breaking down last weekend’s exciting World Cup action in Lienz, Austria, and Bormio, Italy, as well as taking a brief look ahead to this weekend’s racing with both the men and women kicking off 2020 with the now classic Snow Queen Trophy slalom in Zagreb, Croatia.

Alta Badia Mess and Bormio Preview With Doug Lewis Dec 26, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran will be breaking down the recent World Cup action — or, lack of World Cup action, in some cases — in Val d’Isere, Va Gardena, and Alta Badia, as well as taking a brief look ahead to this weekend’s racing with the women in Lienz, Austria, and the men in Bormio, Italy. We’ll also spend some time getting everyone updated on some of the controversies surrounding the racing in Alta Badia and a few notable injuries that occurred over the weekend, too.

After the discussion, Doug Lewis is back on the show once again to talk with Sean all about Bormio. Doug made a name for himself in Bormio back at the 1985 World Championships, winning bronze in the downhill and he brings a unique first-hand perspective to the venue ahead of the racing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Stick around, you won’t want to miss it.

To go directly to the Doug Lewis segment, skip to the 26:30 mark.

Val Gardena Preview With Doug Lewis Dec 18, 2019

On this week's Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran will be breaking down the recent World Cup action in Courchevel, Val d’Isere, and St. Moritz, as well as taking a brief look ahead to this weekend’s racing with the women taking on Val d’Isere this week and the men in Val Gardena, Italy.

After the discussion, Doug Lewis is back on the show this week to talk all things Val Gardena. Val Gardena is one of the most exciting stops on the men’s Tour and one that has quite a bit of history for the American Downhillers as well. It’s a really great talk so you’ll definitely want to stick around for it.

To go directly to the discussion with Doug Lewis, skip to the 33:35 mark.

Lake Louise and Beaver Creek Recap Dec 11, 2019

After two long weekends in Beaver Creek and Lake Louise for both the men and the women of the World Cup, Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran had a lot to analyze. Both writers were on the ground at last week's races, experiencing the action up close and personal.

The men's side of the tour saw a couple of shake-ups in terms of podiums this week, with career-best finishes by 22-year-old Marco Odermatt in the super-G and Tommy Ford in the giant slalom. The women's side of the tour also had a couple of "unexpected" results, as Ester Ledecka won the first day of the downhill (another career-best finish) and a couple of women had break-through results in both the super-G and the downhill.

All-in-all, who do we think will make a play for top spots in the disciplines contested this weekend? Well, it's up for debate.

As always, listening is free and in addition to SkiRacing.com, you can also find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Beaver Creek and Lake Louise Preview With Doug Lewis Dec 04, 2019

U.S. Ski Team great Doug Lewis returns to Tips and Tales for the second week in a row and we talk all about this weekend’s World Cup racing with the men in Beaver Creek and the women opening their speed season in Lake Louise. Both Doug and the Ski Racing Media team are here in Beaver Creek for the legendary Birds of Prey races and things are shaping up to be pretty spectacular with favorable forecasts for the weekend and a near-perfect racing surface looking to deliver three days of epic racing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

We mentioned in last week’s show that Doug will be joining us on Tips and Tales periodically throughout the winter to talk about some of the most iconic stops on the World Cup tour. From Bormio, to Kitzbuehel, to Cortina, Doug has either raced these races himself or seen them enough times throughout his career as an athlete and broadcaster to give us some real insight on just what it takes to come out on top.

To go directly to the discussion with Doug Lewis, skip to the 3:40 mark.

Killington and Lake Louise Preview With Doug Lewis Nov 27, 2019

On this week’s show Mackenzie Moran and Sean Higgins will be looking back on last weekend’s action up in Levi, Finland, as well as looking ahead to this weekend’s World Cups in Killington, Vermont.

Later in the show, Sean also sits down with U.S. Ski Team legend Doug Lewis to talk about the weekend’s men’s speed opener in Lake Louise. If you aren’t familiar with Doug already we think it’s a safe bet you’ll be familiar with his voice. He’s been a regular alongside Steve Porino on NBC’s skiing broadcasts in the past and has MC’d the finish area at domestic World Cups for years in places like Beaver Creek and Killington. We are also very excited to announce that Doug will be joining us on the show periodically throughout the winter to talk with us about some of the most iconic stops on the World Cup tour. Bormio, Wengen, Kitzbuehel, Cortina, and more, Doug has either raced these races himself or seen them enough times throughout his career to give us some real insight on just what it takes to come out on top.

To go directly to the discussion with Doug Lewis, skip to the 33:00 mark.

Levi Preview With NBC Sports' Steve Porino Nov 20, 2019

On today’s show, Sean Higgins sits down with NBC Sports’ Steve Porino to talk all about this weekend’s World Cup slalom opener in Levi, Finland, and discuss the outlook for the rest of the season in slalom. Can anyone beat Mikaela Shiffrin? Who will step up in a crowded men’s field with the retirement of Marcel Hirscher? We cover all of that and more in this week’s episode.

Steve and the Ski Racing Media team were fortunate enough to spend last week in Copper Mountain, Colorado, and were able to observe some pre-season training from the likes of the U.S. Ski Team’s Shiffrin and many other national teams who come to Copper to train before the rest of the World Cup season gets underway. It’s a very unique opportunity for those of us in the media and we took full advantage of it.

To go directly to the discussion with Steve Porino, skip to the 3:28 mark.

Catching up With Ryan Cochran-Siegle Nov 13, 2019

On this week's Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins sits down with U.S. Ski Team star Ryan Cochran-Siegle. Ryan has been steadily climbing the ranks of the World Cup in recent years and kicked his season off last month in Soelden with an 11th place finish, which was also his best opening racer ever on the World Cup. Ryan also made his first career appearance at World Cup Finals last spring in super-G and is currently the only skier on the men’s team that bridges the gap between speed and tech on the World Cup, regularly competing and scoring points in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and combined.

Ryan is as good of a guy as there is in ski racing and it was great to catch up with him about Soelden, his outlook on the season, and how he has evolved as a skier and person over the years before he headed off to Colorado to prepare for the rest of the World Cup season.

To go directly to Ryan's interview, skip to the 4:30 mark.

Soelden Recap and the U.S. Ski Team's Nina O'Brien Oct 30, 2019

On this week’s show, Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran will be recapping all the action from last weekend’s World Cup opener in Soelden, Austria. Sean and Mackenzie talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly from the weekend and discuss the bizarre equipment saga of one of Austria's top women's skiers, Katharina Liensberger.

A little later in the show, Mackenzie got the chance to interview rising U.S. Ski Team technical star and multiple time U.S. National Champion, Nina O’Brien. Nina started her World Cup season off on the right foot on Saturday, scoring some valuable points with a 21st place finish and the two discuss her weekend, the vibe of the women's technical team, and her outlook for the rest of her season on the World Cup.

To go directly to the Nina O'Brien interview, skip to the 19:50 mark.

Soelden World Cup Preview and Coaches' Education with Gareth Trayner Oct 23, 2019

World Cup racing is back! On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran dive head-first back into the World Cup and take a look at what to expect from the upcoming season opener in Soelden, Austria, the things we’re looking to see out of the first few races, and the storylines we will be following all winter long. A little later in the show, Sean sits down for an interview with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Sport Education, Gareth Trayner, where they talk all things coaches' education and some exciting new developments in that realm over at the national governing body.

To go directly to the Gareth Trayner interview, skip ahead to the 22:10 mark.

Team X's Coley Oliver Oct 09, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, we talk with Team X’s Head of Strength and Conditioning and Assistant Coach, Coley Oliver.

Last summer, the all-female Team X was formed in Park City with the goal of supporting elite-level female skiers and their post-graduate ski racing ambitions. It just so happened they were looking for another coach too. It was an opportunity Oliver simply couldn’t pass up so he packed up his truck and made the move back home to Utah.

With strong results across the board from Team X’s athletes last season and Dartmouth grad Forest Peterson even making a World Cup start in Killington, the team showed that they were for real. Unfortunately, the team suffered a few injuries too but that’s where Oliver’s expertise as a trainer comes in.

Oliver and host Sean Higgins talk about his coaching philosophy, integrating his athletes for training and racing with the national team, and the challenges of helping elite-level athletes return from injury without the support system of a national program.

Jaqueline Wiles and Her Return to the World Cup Sep 25, 2019

The U.S. Ski Team's Jacqueline Wiles has been on quite the journey over the past year and a half. At 27-years-old, Wiles has been a rising star on the powerhouse U.S. women’s World Cup speed team for a number of years now and has earned her way to two third-place downhill finishes on the World Cup, one coming in 2017 in Altenmark-Zauchensee, Austria, and the other coming almost exactly one year later in Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy, site of the 2021 World Championships.

Unofortunately, that momentum came to a screeching halt just days after her second World Cup podium in the final race series before the 2018 PyeongChang games where she suffered a traumatic knee injury after a hard fall in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Now returned to snow and looking towards her first World Cup start in almost two years, Wiles talks about everything from her relationship with the great Lindsey Vonn, the unique dynamics of the World Cup speed tea, her plans for the coming season, and her post-ski racing career in aviation. You won't be disappointed.

World Championship Medalist Dustin Cook Sep 11, 2019

On this week's Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins has a conversation with Canadian Olympian, World Cup winner, and World Championship silver medalist Dustin Cook.

Dustin made his World Cup debut way back in 2010 and enjoyed a slow and steady progression on tour, scoring points in giant slalom, super-G, and combined before his breakthrough silver medal performance in the 2015 World Championship super-G in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Not only did he shock the field — and himself — that day, but the Ottawa native backed up that performance a few weeks later, landing on the podium a second time in Kvitfjell, Norway, and closed out the season with his first World Cup win, taking the final super-G of the season in Meribel, France.

Unfortunately for Dustin, the high of a career-best season came to a screeching halt that fall after he suffered a traumatic knee injury just days before the World Cup opener in Soelden, Austria, forcing him to watch from the couch for the entirety of the 2016 season.

Dustin returned to the World Cup a year later and has been a solid performer since, even making his Olympic debut at PyeongChang in 2018, finishing ninth in the super-G. But, as you’ll hear him explain, he’s nowhere near satisfied yet and is busy grinding away to step back on a World Cup podium.

Multisport Phenom Robby Kelley Aug 28, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, host Sean Higgins chats with World Cup skier Robby Kelley about his newest athletic challenge, becoming a college football player.

Kelley is an immensely talented athlete and was an all-state soccer player and state champion in baseball as a high schooler in addition to making two World Championship teams in ski racing in 2013 and 2017. Kelley and Higgins talk about everything from his decision to return to school to his recent struggles with injury and his future in ski racing. Good news for ski racing fans? He doesn't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

The Return of Paula Moltzan Aug 14, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins talks with rising American World Cup slalom star Paula Moltzan. Moltzan was a member of the national team for many years and even won a gold medal at the 2015 World Junior Championships before getting dropped from the team a year later. After three successful seasons racing NCAA for the University of Vermont, she clawed her way back to the World Cup and thanks to some impressive performances earned a spot back on the national team for this coming season. Don't plan on seeing her away from the top ranks of the World Cup anytime soon.

Canada's Simon Fournier and Sam Mulligan Jul 31, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales we head back up the the Great White North as Canadian podcast intern, Patrick Carry, sits down and talks with a pair of rising young Canadian Ski Team talents, Simon Fournier and Sam Mulligan. Fournier and Mulligan had some pretty breakthrough seasons last year with Simon breaking through first on the NorAm circuit before making his first World Championship team last February in Are, Sweden, and Sam becoming more and more comfortable on the World Cup Speed circuit, earning starts in Lake Louise, Beaver Creek, and Kvitfjell.

American Downhiller Steven Nyman Jul 03, 2019

On today’s show, we have a very special guest, the leader of the American Downhillers and genuinely one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, the U.S. Ski Team’s Steven Nyman. Sean Higgins was able to sit down with Steven at his home in Park City in-between his workouts and his dad-time with his two-year-old daughter, Nell, and the two talked about everything from his humble beginnings at the small Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, his plans for the coming season, to how he approaches his role as the veteran of the team and mentor for the up-and-coming racers climbing the ladder of the U.S. Ski Team. And at 37-years-old, they also talk a little bit about that big “R-word” —retirement — We think you’ll really enjoy the conversation.

Catching up With Canadian Olympian Broderick Thompson Jun 19, 2019

On this week's show, new podcast contributor and Montana State University student-athlete, Partick Carry, sits down for a conversation with Canadian national team member and 2018 Olympian, Broderick Thompson. Thompson had a breakout year on the World Cup two season ago and he talks about what he and his teammates on the Canadian team are up to this summer, rebounding from a season-ending injury that took him out for all of last season, and although he made his World Cup breakthrough in the speed disciplines, he actually considers himself a bit of a slalom skier.

All Things Masters Racing With Lauren Beckos Jun 05, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins talks with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Masters Manager, Lauren Beckos, to learn all about this unique racing community. Masters racing is diverse with ex-national team skiers at times skiing the same courses as middle-aged newbies to the sport. If you're over 18 and are looking to experience the sport at a higher level than a casual run or two down a NASTAR course or are a former racer looking to get your competitive juices flowing again, masters racing might be just what you are looking for.

The State of the U.S. Ski Team With Jesse Hunt May 22, 2019

On this week's Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins sits down for an in-depth interview with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Director, Jesse Hunt. The pair talks all about the first year of Hunt's second tenure as Alpine Director and where he sees the future of the U.S. Ski Team going in the next several years. Everything from junior development, team culture, athlete funding, to just what is going on with men’s World Cup slalom are all topics discussed on this week's show.

Don't Panic, but Your FIS Points Are Going Up May 08, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins sits down with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Competition services, Jeff Weinman, to talk all about the new FIS point changes that are going into effect for this coming season and how it effects you. Spoiler alert: your points are going up but you shouldn’t bee too worried about that.

Sitting Down With Canada's Trevor Philp Apr 17, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Sean Higgins sat down with Canadian rising star Trevor Philp to talk about the impressive end to his season and his ski racing journey from his childhood at Mt. Norquay to his first appearance at World Cup Finals this spring.

Also, as we enter the off season, Tips and Tales will be publishing on an every-other Wednesday basis until World Cup racing rolls around again in October.

NASTAR Extravaganza with Laurenne Ross Apr 10, 2019

NASTAR National Championships took place last week at Squaw Valley, California, and team Ski Racing Media was on-site to catch all the action. This week, Mackenzie Moran sits down with Ski Racing Media Publisher and NASTAR National Pacesetter Claire Brown to talk all things NASTAR. Mackenzie also sat down with U.S. Ski Team athlete Laurenne Ross to talk about her most recent setback with injury and her plans for the future.

How We Cover the World Cup Apr 03, 2019

Have you ever wondered how the staff at Ski Racing Media covers the World Cup each season? Sean Higgins and Mackenzie Moran break down just how they get it done during the winter and share a few stories from their adventures on the road. Ski Racing intern and Dartmouth student-athlete Jimmy Krupka is also back with an interview with former NCAA champion and current World Cup skier Brian McLaughlin.

World Cup Wrap-Up with NBC's Steve Porino Mar 27, 2019

On this week's episode of Tips and Tales, Ski Racing Media is joined by the voice of ski racing in the United States, NBC's Steve Porino. Steve has been covering the sport for over two decades and joins Sean Higgins for a discussion about this past season, the greatness of Mikaela Shiffrin and Marcel Hirscher, as well as a few other stories that grabbed our attention this winter.

March 20th Update Mar 20, 2019

Due to travel and race schedules, we will not be recording a Tips and Tales show for this week but fret not because we will be back next Wednesday with another episode, recapping the whole World Cup season and talking about everything else going on in the world of ski racing. Thank you for your understanding and we’ll talk to you all next week.

World Cup Finals and NCAA Wrap-Up with JJ Johnson Mar 13, 2019

The regular Word Cup season wrapped up last weekend in the Czech Republic and Slovenia, what should you watch for at this week's World Cup Finals in Soldeu, Andorra? NCAA's also finished up last week and Ski Racing Media intern and Dartmouth College Student-Athlete, Jimmy Krupka, sat down with the head alpine coach of the 2019 NCAA champion Utah Utes, JJ Johnson, to get his thoughts on the week of racing in Vermont.

Ski Racing's March Madness and Chip Knight on World Juniors Mar 06, 2019

World Cups in Kvitfjell, Russian cancellations, NCAA Talk, and an interview with U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Chip Knight.

Swiss Timing in Trouble and the Future of Parallel Feb 27, 2019

Crans Montana timing fiasco, Bansko World Cups, World Juniors, and more parallel talk.

Are Worlds and Stop the Bleed Feb 20, 2019

2019 World Championships, Stockholm city event, and POC's Zach Clayton.

February 20, 2019.

Tips and Tales Ep. 005 Feb 13, 2019

Dr. Sonnery-Cottet.

Originally published Jan. 23, 2018

Tips and Tales Ep. 004 Feb 13, 2019

Brandon Dyksterhouse and Urban Planisek.