WELCOME TO THE CLUB
For families new to ski racing, the first season can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. From gear decisions to understanding progression, there is a lot to learn, not just for kids, but for parents too. To give us an inside perspective, we sat down with Kim Salani, SYNC’s own customer service wizard and a lifelong member of the ski racing community.
Kim is raising two skiing athletes, one of whom was a SYNC Athlete and went on to join the U.S. Ski Team, and she is sharing her wisdom for families just getting started.
BACKGROUND AND FAMILY JOURNEY
“I grew up ski racing, starting in third grade and continuing through college. My mom would drive me 45 minutes each weekend to Jiminy Peak. Sometimes we went early in the morning and went back home to grab my dad so they could ski. It was a huge commitment for my parents. After I moved to Vail in 1992, I quickly became involved with SSCV and coached the Future Stars program before my boys were old enough to join.”
Today, Kim’s younger son, Boden, has transitioned from racing to big mountain skiing after fifth grade and still loves every day on snow, while her oldest, Hunter, continues to pursue his ski racing career. “Hunter graduated from VSSA in 2023, was named to the U.S. Ski Team, and skied with them for two seasons. He is still currently on the USST for a third year but has decided to go to CU Boulder and ski for them.”
“Yes, my boys’ father grew up skiing, and his sister raised all four of her children in Vail through SSCV. Skiing runs deep in our family.”
GETTING STARTED: ADVICE FOR THE FIRST SEASON
For many families, the first season can feel overwhelming: new terminology, new schedules, and an endless list of equipment. But Kim’s advice is simple:
- Teach independence early. “Teach them quick independence. Let kids take ownership of their gear and routines.”
- Don’t overspend right away. “You don’t need to buy all the top gear until you know your child wants to continue.”
- Follow your child’s lead. “Go slow. Let your child dictate and don’t force them into something they don’t want to do just because you think it’s a cool sport or because others are doing it.”
PROGRESSION IN THE SPORT
The pathway in ski racing looks different for every child, but most start with local club programs, move into age-class races, and then progress toward regional and national races if they have the drive and talent.
“I knew what the pathway of ski racing was from the beginning and the commitment for the parents. But the sport is constantly changing so doing our own research on the right races to attend and how to best support our kids in their progression was key.”
“Both boys were strong athletes from the early days. My younger son just didn’t have any huge interest in continuing with ski racing, so we never forced it on him as long as he continued to love the sport. He did some Big Mountain comps for a few seasons and really enjoyed that path and ski racing gave him a strong foundation for freeride. My older son had the passion, drive, and commitment to take his career to the next level. He just continued to move up through the programs quickly, and everything was dictated by his coaches and ability.”
“Follow the child’s ability and the coaches’ advice. Don’t push them to be something you want. Not all children are going to be at the top, and some progress later than others. Just be the best support you can be.”
Life as a Ski Racing Family
“Hunter attended VSSA, which is a snow sports school with a schedule that allowed for training in the morning. Other sports did not interfere as they were in different seasons. The transition was great, and it was important for the boys to explore other activities besides ski racing. They need time off the hill to enjoy other passions and build community.”
“In the early years, it was weekends and local travel. When my oldest entered 5th grade, he began training every morning and attending school in the afternoons. It was a rigorous schedule, early mornings and late afternoons. Races became weekend events with travel required. As he got older, team travel started, and he would be gone for days at a time while keeping up with his schoolwork.”
Gear & Logistics: What Parents Should Know
“Splurge on skis, boots, and protective gear. We opted to purchase speed suits and other outerwear gently used.”
“Thankfully my son at a very young age quickly took ownership of his gear. I think if you let them take ownership and not over manage your child, it will benefit everyone. In the early years, it was simple because he only had SL and GS skis. As he started to progress, we bought into a tuning package at SSCV. That does get expensive as you start to have multiple skis, so I highly encourage athletes to learn how to tune at a young age.”
“In terms of gear, have the proper size bag for all their gear. Make sure everything is dry from the day before. Teach them about the signs of frostbite. On super cold days, they can put KT tape on their faces to protect the skin. For logistics, the kids are nervous. Feed them, support them, make it fun.”
Community & Culture
“It has created an amazing sense of community and friendships that will last well past my son’s ski racing career.”
“Being part of a very unique culture, one that you can’t explain to those on the outside. We enjoyed everything ski racing had to offer over the years. The life lessons and independence it taught my son are invaluable.”
“There are too many to count. Maybe when I surprised Hunter at Panorama. I skied down to the lodge, and he just happened to be sitting outside. He looked up the hill and said to his friends, ‘I think that's my mom.’ He came running over and gave me a huge hug. That was a special moment.”
Tips & Tricks for First-Time Ski Families
To wrap it up, here are Kim’s top takeaways:
- Be a parent, not a coach. “Your responsibility is not coaching them nor putting added stress on them. Leave that to the coaches. You are there to feed them, clothe them, and get them to training and races.”
- Stay calm on race day. “I don’t ever think about injury nor allow my husband to even mention it.”
- Let kids explore. “If a child doesn’t want to take on the commitment, don’t push them. They will most likely rebel.”
- Celebrate progress, not podiums. “Give positive encouragement. Getting upset with them is only going to push them away from the sport.”
The Ski Racing Community Welcomes You ❤️
Ski racing is a commitment, no doubt, but for families who take it on, the rewards go far beyond the finish line. From life lessons to lifelong friendships, the journey is just as meaningful as the results.
As Kim says, “Follow your child’s lead, trust the coaches, and enjoy the ride. The ski racing community will welcome you with open arms.”