Integrating Ski Tuning into the Athlete Development Model
A GUIDE FOR COACHES, CLUBS AND PARENTS, J6 THROUGH COLLEGE : PART 1 BY DAVE PESZEK
Whether you are a new family to the sport of ski racing or a seasoned
veteran, the subject of ski tuning requires nonstop effort and learning — no
different than the sport itself.
Yes, ski racing is certainly a more equipment intensive sport than most.
But not all — think for a moment of Formula 1 auto racing, Red Bull Air
Racing, or equestrian pursuits and consider yourself lucky to be a ski racing family.
That said, equipment and ski tuning are an integral part of the ski racing
pyramid, whether racers are building a foundation or reaching toward the
top. (See the illustration.) Part one of this guide aims to help you grasp this
big picture perspective as well as to identify age and class-specific needs
for ski tuning and define an age-specific tuning program for any club setting. Part two, found in the next issue, will help you define clear and successful outcomes for all regarding a club’s ski tuning model.
The Big Picture Perspective
The graphic illustrates that equipment and tuning are certainly part of the
pyramid of success for athletes from J6 level through World Cup level. But
the reader should also take note of the importance of equipment and tuning
in relation to other core components such as physiological, psychological,
and tactical/technological.
In other words, yes it matters, and yes you do need to get it right, but keep
it simple, please.
Age-Specific Equipment and Tuning Needs
Junior 6/5
Young juniors are the future of the sport, in every sense of the word. A few
may go on to glory in later life, but all will, hopefully, become avid lifelong
skiers. At this age, athletes are learning as much as about the sport itself
— how to navigate in a mountain environment, social interaction and being away from parents/siblings — as they are about skiing. Motor skills
