Interview with SYNC Team Athlete Solveig Moritz
For many young athletes, ski racing is a personal journey. But for Solveig Moritz, a SYNC Team athlete skiing for Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, it’s always been a family affair. Solveig grew up chasing two older sisters, twins Kjersti and Liv, both standout athletes with a long list of accomplishments on the hill. Liv has raced on the World Cup circuit and skis for the University of Denver, and Kjersti skis for Middlebury College. Both are top athletes in their Division I programs, and with that kind of legacy, the pressure is real.
We caught up with Solveig to talk about what it was like growing up ski racing with siblings, the highs and lows of comparison, and how having built-in training partners helped shape who she is today.
From Park to Gates
Before ski racing, the Moritz sisters were park skiers. “All three of us actually started with park and pipe,” Solveig said. “We were doing flips, getting pretty good. Then we switched to ski racing. That’s kind of where our journey started.”
Solveig started racing around age 8, Kjersti and Liv at 11. While they all made the transition to gates, those early days in the park set a tone for their relationship on skis: playful, supportive, and always pushing each other to try something new.
Separate Teams, Shared Inspiration
Even though they were all chasing similar goals, Solveig didn’t train with her sisters for most of her early years in ski racing. “We didn’t get to race or train together until FIS,” she said. “That was our first time ever racing each other. It was one of the highlights of my career, finally getting to compete at their level.”
Being the youngest by three years, Solveig always had her eye on her sisters’ progress. “They worked so hard, and seeing how much success and happiness they got from it made me want to chase that too.”
Comparison, Pressure, and Finding Her Own Path
With twins setting the bar high, the comparisons came early and often. “Especially in U14 and U16, I got compared to them a lot,” she said. “They didn’t have much competition, and I wasn’t at that level yet. It was hard.”
But over time, she learned to reframe it. “I realized it was more me comparing myself to them,” she shared. “Now, I try to see it as something positive. I get to learn from them. I want to be as good as they are, not because I have to be, but because I’ve seen what’s possible.”
Turning Points and Breakthroughs
Last season, Solveig beat her sisters in a race for the first time. “It was at Vail. Pretty crazy. I didn’t know how to take it, and I don’t think they did either. But it was exciting.”
Other big moments were emotional in different ways. “When Kjersti blew out her knee and Liv was crushing it in both skiing and soccer, I tried to be there for Kjersti as much as I could, even though we weren’t racing at the same level yet.”
One of Solveig’s proudest memories? Watching Liv start in her first World Cup and seeing Kjersti come back from injury to win Winter Carnival for Middlebury. “I think I cried. I was so proud of both of them.”
Lessons From a Shared Journey
Racing with siblings has given Solveig perspective beyond the sport. “I think it’s made me emotionally mature, especially being the youngest. I’ve grown up with them, and I’ve seen the dedication it takes. I know that with that comes success, in skiing or anything else.”
She’s also grateful for how her family kept things fair. “My parents never put one person above the others. And we’ve been lucky with great support from sponsors, gear, and connections. It made a huge difference, especially with all three of us racing.”
Advice for Parents With Multiple Ski Racers
When asked what advice she’d give to parents raising more than one ski racer, Solveig kept it simple: “Let them drive their journey. It doesn’t have to be all about results. It should be about fun. Making it fun for everyone in the fam is the best outcome, no matter where it ends.”
More Than Just Teammates
Now that they’re older, the Moritz sisters are closer than ever. “During COVID we got really tight,” she said. “We learned how to push each other, communicate better. Now we’re teammates, siblings, and friends. That’s the best combination.”
Of course, not every race day goes as planned. “One time at U.S. Nationals, we all DNFed our second run in slalom. Instead of being bummed, we just laughed. Something was in the air that day for the Moritz’s.”
Would She Do It Again?
Absolutely. “If I have kids someday, I’d want them to grow up in the same sport together,” Solveig said. “It builds bonds, not just with teammates but with your own family. That’s super special.”
Growing up ski racing with siblings isn’t always smooth. There are injuries, comparisons, and moments of tough love. But as Solveig’s story shows, there’s also joy, resilience, and a unique support system built on shared experience.
Sibling rivalry? Sure. But sibling strength? Even better.