THE FUTURE OF SKI RACING
This week we heard from hundreds of ski racers across the community.
They shared why they love the sport.
What it means to them.
And what they’ll remember most about ski racing.
Their answers were thoughtful, passionate, and deeply personal.
But they all pointed to the same thing:
The future of ski racing is in good hands.
Because the next generation of athletes isn’t just fast.
They’re committed.
They love the process of getting better.
They support their community.
This year, more than 200 young athletes showed us exactly what that future looks like when they applied for the SYNC Junior Scholarship.
MEET THE 2026 SYNC Junior Scholarship Winner
This year’s SYNC Junior Scholarship winner is Bode Metzler, a U12 athlete skiing for Crystal Mountain Alpine Club (CMAC) in Washington State.
The SYNC Junior Scholarship launched this year to support young athletes U14 and under who demonstrate dedication, passion, and heart for the sport. It’s not about rankings or results. It’s about helping athletes grow, continue doing what they love, and lift up their community along the way.
Bode’s application captured that spirit perfectly.
"Ski racing means everything to me. It makes me feel alive and proud of who I am.”
For Bode, ski racing isn’t just about the race itself.
“When I’m at the mountain, it feels like nothing else matters. It’s just me, my skis, the snow, and my friends.”
Like many young athletes, he dreams big. Bode hopes to become one of the top junior athletes in the country, compete in FIS races, and someday represent the United States at the Olympics.
But what stood out most wasn’t just ambition.
It was the mindset behind it.
"I want people to hear the name “Bode” and think of me too someday. My goal is to keep loving the sport, keep getting better, and to never stop trying my best."
Bode also reflected on the sacrifices that make the sport possible. His family works hard to support his passion so Bode can continue pursuing the sport he loves.
Stories like this are exactly why we launched the Junior Scholarship: to support young athletes who bring heart, effort, and positivity to their teams and the broader ski racing community.
We’re stoked to watch Bode and all the ambitious junior athletes who applied chase their dreams.
WHAT SKI RACERS HOPE TO REMEMBER
Earlier this week we asked the community a simple question:
What do you hope to remember from ski racing?
Together, these answers paint a clear picture of why ski racing is more than a sport.
It’s a community.
It’s growth.
It’s resilience.
It’s joy.
And it’s moments like these that will carry every athlete far beyond the finish line.
COMMUNITY & FRIENDSHIP
“I want to remember the high-fives at the bottom. Whether I won or crashed into a gate, my friends were always there.”
“I hope to remember the friends I’ve made and how far I can go when I really commit to something.”
“I hope to remember the chairlift rides with my friends, sharing hand warmers and pocket snacks.”
“I hope to remember the good times spent together at camps and races. The people I shared them with make it unforgettable.”
EXPERIENCES & PASSION
“I hope to remember the feeling of freedom when I’m making turns and the adrenaline running through my body during a race.”
“I hope to remember the time spent in between races. Traveling the world with my best friends. Driving too many hours in a packed van. Laughing and crying with my teammates.”
“I hope to remember all the highs and amazing experiences that come with skiing, from traveling to new places to long days on the hill.”
LESSONS & MINDSET
“If there’s only one thing I hope to remember from ski racing, I hope it is grit and determination. All ski racers give 110% even on bad days.”
“Ski racing is full of numbers. Times, results, points. But I’ll always remember the joy and the connections more than the numbers. Taking time to appreciate the things in the sport that can't be measured.”
“I hope to remember the mindset ski racing taught me. To stay focused under pressure, keep improving, and never give up.”
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
Ski racing has always been built on community.
Teammates pushing each other to improve.
Coaches who believe in their athletes.
Families who make sacrifices so their kids can chase big dreams.
And if this year’s Community Week and Athlete Applications showed us anything, it’s this:
The passion for ski racing is stronger than ever.
Young athletes from all over the world are showing up every day with the same determination, curiosity, and excitement that has defined this sport for generations.
They are building friendships.
Learning resilience.
Developing the mindset that will carry them far beyond ski racing.
They are keeping the legacy of this sport alive.
The future of ski racing doesn’t belong to brands or companies.
It belongs to the athletes standing in the start gate. The athletes pushing themselves to be better, supporting the teammates beside them, and chasing pure joy.
After reading their stories this year, we’ve never been more confident about what comes next.
The future of ski racing isn’t just bright. It’s already carving its next turns.
This week has been all about celebrating everyone who makes ski racing what it is: athletes, families, coaches, fans, and teammates. We’ve loved sharing stories, highlighting the next generation, and hearing from the community that keeps this sport moving forward.
Win Prizes: We posted three blogs during SYNC Community Week, each with a ski racing community question to answer. Here’s your final chance to join in:
→ Answer one question and you could win SYNC swag.
→ Answer two questions and you could win a $50 SYNC gift card.
→ Answer all three questions and you’ll be entered to win a full-price SYNC jacket.
TODAY'S COMMUNITY QUESTION: What has ski racing taught you?
Ask Us Questions: Submit your ski racing questions through the form below and connect with the SYNC team for advice on anything ski racing related. We’re psyched to hear from you!
Community Week may be ending, but we hope you'll continue to share your passion, celebrate your progress, and stay connected with this special community.
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION
At SYNC, we believe athletes are the heart of this sport.
That’s why we’re committed to supporting ski racers at every stage of their journey through programs like the SYNC Junior Scholarship, SYNC Team, SYNC Athlete Ambassador Team, and the SYNC Athlete Fund.
Each program exists to help athletes continue chasing their goals, whether that means providing gear, financial support, or a platform to share their journey.
We’ll be opening more athlete applications in the coming months, and we’d love to see even more athletes apply.
Subscribe to our email list to stay updated when applications open and to follow the stories of athletes shaping the future of ski racing.
Because the next great ski racing story might just be yours.