Ski racing is a wild ride for both athletes and parents. There are early mornings, frozen feet, late dinners, and a lot of miles in between. Parents are the ones packing lunches, hauling gear, and cheering in the cold, and while your athlete might not always say it, they really do notice.
We asked SYNC Athletes and our Instagram followers: What do you wish your parents knew about being a ski racer? We got so many thoughtful, honest, and heartfelt responses. Here's what we heard, and what many athletes hope their parents remember through the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Trust Feels Really Good
A lot of athletes said they started to grow the most when their parents trusted them to take the lead. That might mean packing their own bag, managing a schedule, or figuring out how to bounce back from a tough race day.
They don’t want to feel alone. They just want to know you believe in them enough to let them figure things out. That kind of quiet support can be surprisingly powerful.
- “Early on my parents wanted to be more involved, but they soon realized that giving me space and independence helped me gain confidence, ski faster, and have more fun. They focused on encouragement and helping me stay organized (equipment, travel, punctuality), not advice or criticism, and that support made a big difference.”
They Don’t Always Want to Talk About the Race
Especially after a rough result, athletes usually aren’t looking for feedback. Even well-meaning advice can feel like pressure if they’re already hard on themselves, which most are.
- "If we’re feeling down about a run, just encouraging us without needing to talk about it can really help."
- "Sometimes I just need a little space after a bad result."
- "It’s hard to talk right after I crash. I usually just need time to regroup."
The most meaningful things parents say often aren’t about skiing at all. “I love watching you race” or “I’m proud of you no matter what” really does go a long way.
The Small Stuff Sticks
Coming home to a warm meal. Getting help organizing gear when they’re exhausted. Parents who learn how to tune skis or pitch in on a long night of waxing. Simply showing up to races. These are the things athletes remember, even if they don’t always say it in the moment.
- "As I got older, I appreciated when my parents came to my races. Just seeing them there and getting a hug after, no matter how I did, meant a lot. It’s hard to balance being supportive without adding pressure, but when they showed up and stayed calm, it made a huge difference."
Sometimes, feeling cared for off the hill makes all the difference on the hill.
The Car Ride Home
This came up a lot. One athlete said, “Driving home with my parents in silence after a bad result is nightmare fuel.” The ride home can be tough if things didn’t go well, but it’s also a great chance to reconnect. Put on music, grab gas station snacks, talk about literally anything other than skiing for a bit.
- "When I’ve had a bad race, sometimes I really just need cheering up and distractions that aren’t skiing related."
You can help make sure the sport stays fun, and that the time you spend together stays meaningful, even when the race doesn’t go their way. Those memories last.
They’re Carrying More Than You Think
Athletes might not always show it, but they’re managing a lot. Performance pressure, school, injuries, expectations, even fear.
- "Most days I’m either tired or sore. I know it’s part of it, but it wears on you."
- "Sometimes the pressure gets to me, even if I don’t show it."
- "I try not to think about letting anyone down, but it’s still something I worry about."
- "When I don’t race well and I know how much ski racing costs, I can feel really guilty."
Just being someone they can talk to, or someone who simply listens, can mean more than trying to fix it.
It’s Their Journey
Some athletes want to race in college or chase big goals. Some just love being on the hill with friends. Either way, this is their path to figure out. Letting them lead and knowing you’ve got their back the whole time gives them confidence and ownership.
- "It’s okay if college racing isn’t the goal. Everyone’s path looks different."
THEY LOVE YOU
There’s no perfect way to be a ski racing parent. Every athlete is different, and the support they need can shift day to day. But what came through loud and clear from the athletes we heard from? They’re not looking for perfection. They’re looking for presence. For patience. For someone who reminds them why they love the sport.
And they’re grateful for you, even when they don’t say it out loud.
- "I really hope they know how grateful I am for all the sacrifices they make."
MORE ATHLETE QUOTES
"The cost of this sport is huge, and I do notice it. I hope they know I’m thankful."
"I am so cold. All the time."
"Ski gear is heavy and we carry it a lot. Just helping with that once in a while really makes a difference."
"I love when my mom helps me figure things out, but sometimes I just need a break from talking about skiing."
"I really do need more gear sometimes."
"It’s not as easy as it looks."
"Skiing has changed my life in the best way, and that’s because of my parents' support. I’ve also grown to appreciate that they value me as a person, not for my results."