The Next Turn - skiing, ski racing and sport

This week features a coaches roundtable with two of the most successful coaches in North America. Jeff Lackie of Green Mountain Valley School returns to The Next Turn, along with Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s Johno McBride. Both currently serve as Alpine Program Directors, and both have worked at the highest level of our sport, bringing a breadth of experience and knowledge to the table. The two discuss the approach that worked best with World Cup athletes, breaking down the nuances and highlighting similarities in their respective pathways to success. Additionally they highlight what, in their experience, works best in the developmental phases with athletes. This insightful, humorous and in-depth conversation is a must-listen. As always, we share our “Swix Thoughts of the Day.”

Austrian World Cup racer Marco Schwarz joins The Next Turn this week as he recovers from a crash in January. Prior to the injury, Schwarz had reached the podium in four out of the first eight World Cup races this year and was leading in the Overall at the time. He is now three months post op, and he remains focused on the future, using his time to prepare for the next season, both physically and mentally. As a four event skier, he discusses the differences in cues between disciplines and the adjustments he made this season in order to add speed events to his already packed schedule. Schwarz, who joined the Austrian team when he was just 18, talks about the mentors who guided him along the way and speaks to the importance of having confidence, managing pressure, and "finding the flow”. As always, we share our “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

We are expanding our horizons this week at the Next Turn by talking with Jessie Diggins, the American cross country standout, just days after clinching her second overall globe. Diggins talks candidly about how much she put on the line this season, how she defines success and the costs of it, in terms of both personal and team sacrifice. Always forthcoming and straightforward, Diggins opens up about her eating disorder and the impact that it’s had on her life on and off snow. She talks about her race energy management and what she hopes for the legacy she leaves behind. As the conversation flows, the parallels between the nordic and alpine worlds become more and more evident. And as always, we share our “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn is excited to be joined this week by Canadian speed skier, Cameron Alexander. Cam, a World Championship Bronze medalist, is in the midst of his best season to date as he heads into the World Cup Finals next week in Saalbach, Austria. In this episode he shares his thoughts on what has led to his success and shares what he has done to earn the right to not be surprised when the good results come. Alexander discusses his technical focuses in detail, and elaborates on where the improvements lie, as well as the benefits of having both long-term teammates and coaches to push his development. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day

Back to back Kitzbühel winner Cyprien Sarrazin joins The Next Turn this week for a fascinating conversation. Sarrazin, who is coming back from a crash while training in Kvitfjell in February, opens up to us about his injury, his recovery, and his upcoming return to racing in Saalbach Austria. He talks us through his World Cup ascent and gives a glimpse into the mental exercises he employs on and off the hill. Sarrazin is incredibly honest and forthcoming. He even takes us inside the epic celebration at the Londoner pub following the Kitzbühel races, offering a slice of the ski racing culture that fans seldom see. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn welcomes two veterans who bring close to a century of combined coaching wisdom to our coaches round table: Jeff Pickering, long time National team coach and current Western Region Development Director in the United States, and Joey Lavigne, Canadian Ski Hall of Famer and Director of National Capital Outaouais region in Ontario. Pickering shares insights from his journey, while across the border, Lavigne offers the Canadian perspective. Together, they speak to the passion that drives them, touching on the profound influence of sport values and the often unavoidable politics that accompany competitive skiing. They discuss the qualities that catch the eye of coaches, from raw athleticism to the often under-appreciated mental toughness that distinguishes the good from the great. Their discussion offers quite an honest glimpse into the realities of coaching at every level. They explore athlete retention, the critical athlete-coach relationship, and the development journey as a whole. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

This week The Next Turn is joined by Loïc Meillard, the Swiss athlete who has spent nine years on the World Cup circuit and has stood on the podium in three separate disciplines. In this episode Meillard talks about his training regimen, discussing the balance between pushing his limits and knowing when to rest, his ability to pivot between disciplines, and the lessons he’s learned from years of competition. Additionally, he looks forward to the remainder of the season, sharing his objectives and tactical adjustments for second runs, giving insight into what the Swiss coaches might be doing that other nationalities might not be. Meillard explains the importance of both family and coaches to his success as an athlete, and overall, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of high-level individual competition. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

This week The Next Turn is joined by the multi-talented Macuga family. The three Macuga sisters are all on the U.S. National Team: Sam is a ski jumper, Lauren is an alpine speed skier and Alli is a mogul skier. Their younger brother Daniel is also an alpine skier, with his eyes set firmly on the World Cup. Each of the four siblings have found their individual calling, and in this episode they open up about their admiration for one another and talk through the strengths and unique abilities that set each apart in their respective sports, as well as their goals and aspirations. They also touch on the business side of skiing, from their teams to sponsorships, to managing the pressures of competitive sport. The siblings discuss the invaluable support of their parents Amy and Dan, as well. It’s a fascinating look into a remarkable family. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn has missed watching Wendy Holdener on the circuit and was thrilled to catch up with her to get an update on how her rehab and return to snow is progressing. In this episode she talks through the progress she’s made in her recovery, sharing what it’s been like to watch the season unfold from the sidelines. Holdener talks through her technical cues as well, illuminating the preparation and self-awareness it takes to perform at her best. Looking forward, she explains that she’s been working with her ski manufacturer to produce a boot that will accommodate her reconstructed ankle, and she gives us some intel on her return to racing—it might just be sooner than any of us would have thought. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Canadian downhillers Jack Crawford and Brodie Seger join us once again on The Next Turn, continuing their candid conversation with us this season, offering an honest look at the realities of being World Cup athletes. They discuss the importance of taking time off, recharging mentally and physically, and the subsequent journey back to a competition mindset. They have been with the same coach for years and talk about the evolution of that relationship. This episode doesn’t only offer a window into the world of elite skiing, but it also highlights the value of self-care for all athletes, offering a reminder that even those at the highest level face hurdles and insecurities. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn is thrilled to be joined by Canadian superstar Valérie Grenier. In this conversation, Grenier takes us through her season to date, which has been consistently strong. She opens up about struggles on difficult terrain, and shares why Kranjska Gora is a special venue for her, as is competing in a World Cup at home in Quebec. Grenier also explores the topic of communication and trust with coaches, as well as the mental aspects of racing. She explains the camaraderie and culture within the Canadian ski team, and reveals whether or not she is able to make a living as a North American ski racer. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

This week’s episode features two U.S. Ski Team standouts: Paula Moltzan and AJ Hurt. The duo caught up with us to share some laughs, some candid moments, and some insight into their careers. At 29, Moltzan is an experienced World Cup contender who can act as a mentor, and understands the art of building confidence as well as the journey back from injury. The pair talk about tactics, skiing well in training, life on the road, and how they maintain focus. Fresh off her first World Cup podium, Hurt opens up about the impact of this achievement. Her reflections provide a window into the mindset of an elite athlete who is truly on the rise.The two share a clear bond which is evident in this conversation. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

This week we are beyond thrilled to be joined by two incredible downhill legends, Lindsey Vonn and Picabo Street. Revisiting the highs and lows of their careers, Vonn and Street speak to the importance of mental fortitude, self-confidence, and how they looked for and found the elusive fall-line. They also discuss work ethic, goal setting, brand partnerships, and the transition to life after competitive racing. After experiencing horrific injuries and the highs and lows of being in the public spotlight, what you’ll hear is that both still find great fulfillment in giving back and celebrating the sport of alpine ski racing. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

This week The Next Turn welcomes American World Cup athletes Bryce Bennett and Jared Goldberg. Bennett, fresh off his downhill win in Val Gardena, is the current downhill leader. The two give us insight into their season so far— from lack of snow to too much snow, to canceled races and life on the road. What you’ll hear later in the episode is a techie’s dream—they discuss boot fitting, ski testing, video review, and they even get into which technology they use to analyze their performance. Looking ahead to Bormio next week, Bennett and Goldberg share their thoughts on the track, the course set, and the venue. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Norwegian standout Ragnhild Mowinckel joins The Next Turn this week as she is in the midst of her self-proclaimed, toughest start to a season. “Ragmow” opens up to us about how she’s in the rebuilding phase of her skiing and her plan to regain her confidence. She talks about the Norwegian ski team culture, and the qualities that she believes make a good coach. She is honest and raw, and while she admits to struggling with a few things at the moment, you’ll hear that her positivity, patience and resilience are the biggest keys to regaining top form. As always, Martin, Cara and Jacques, share their “Swix Thoughts of The Day.”

Canadian slalom skiers Ali Nullmeyer, Laurence St-Germain, Ameila Smart all have unique backgrounds but share a similar path that has taken them through the NCAA to the World Cup circuit. The three join The Next Turn to talk through expectations going into this season, what they admire in each other's skiing, and how they push each other. They also speak to the loneliness they experienced on the Canadian pathway and the financial challenges they have faced and continue to face. As they discuss the sacrifices they’ve made and the lack of support they’ve had at times, what’s clear is that what these women do have is a special bond and camaraderie. They are clearly in it for the right reasons their performances to date reflect their role as contenders on the world stage. As always hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

In our first Coaches Roundtable of season 4, The Next Turn welcomes three former elite athletes turned coaches for a great conversation. Mike Janyk, Julien Cousineau and Will Brandenburg reflect on their respective World Cup eras, discuss the selflessness of coaching and the unique challenges that they faced in making the transition from ski racer to coach. The conversation explores success, growth mindset, athlete wellness, multi-sport training, cost-effective training, and they address the burning question: do kids really need to train in the summer months? As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

We are doubly lucky here at The Next Turn and that means our listeners are too, because we were able to chat with American ski legend Ted Ligety not once but twice! In this interview Martin goes one-on-one with Ted, who reflects on his career, sharing his experiences with discovering speed, the influence of freeskiing on his development, and delves into the motivations behind his business, Shred. He sheds light on how his equipment has changed since retiring, and as a father of three children, he speaks about his role as a parent and the importance of raising lifelong skiers. Ligety also gives his two cents on the current World Cup athletes, and tells us who he’s betting on. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

Swiss Alpine skier Daniel Yule joins The Next Turn this week for a conversation you won’t want to miss. Yule talks about his talent as a big event skier and about how he feeds off the energy of fans. He also reflects on his favorite venues, shares thoughts on World Cup sets, and discusses what he's focusing on technically in his own skiing, and in his equipment. As a member of the Swiss ski team during an era of dominance in every discipline, Daniel sheds a little light on his teammates, as well. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn is thrilled to sit with the most successful French skier in World Cup history, Alexis Pinturault. His wife, Romane, joined the conversation, offering a unique behind the scenes look at the life of a World Cup athlete. Alexis shares insight into his somewhat shocking announcement that he will no longer be starting World Cup slalom races, instead shifting focus to GS and speed events, and he speaks to the learning curve involved in making that switch. He sheds light on the pressing issue of climate change and the role played by FIS in scheduling races. During our conversation, the couple also shares some happy news, possibly inadvertently revealing the gender of their upcoming addition to the Pinturault family. Don’t miss this amazing conversation. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and this week’s guest host, Tom Kelly share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

What better way to kick off our fourth season than to host two of the greats. Ted Ligety and Bode Miller join us at The Next Turn, speaking to their respective journeys and how they pushed the limits, address and reflect on the stark contrast between themselves, and discuss how their techniques and approaches defy categorization. They talk through the grueling reality of life on the World Cup circuit, and the mental and physical toll it takes on athletes. Moving into their post-competitive lives, both open up about being parents and reveal their thoughts on whether their own kids will grow up ski racing. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

Joining the Next Turn this week is sixteen year World Cup veteran Ilka Štuhec. A three-time Junior World Champion (in three different disciplines) and two-time Downhill World Champion from Slovenia, Štuhec has battled multiple injuries and has managed to claw her way back to fighting shape, time after time. She’s stood on the top step of the podium twice this season, a full four years since her last win. In this honest conversation, Štuhec talks about what she needed to change both in herself and in her team as she’s evolved and also speaks to equipment and sponsor changes as well. Her most recent victory was at the final downhill of the season in Andorra, showing she has found her top form, yet again. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Greek-American alpine athlete AJ Ginnis joins The Next Turn this week along with his coaches (and former athletes themselves) Sandy Vietze and Gaby Coulet. Ginnis, who skied for the US for seven years before making the decision to move to the Greek team, discusses the impetus for the switch and the resulting impact on sponsorship, funding, and his coaching team. Ginnis discusses his confidence, along with what is working for him and what he feels like he needs to work on. The trio cover their tactics, AJ’s first World Cup podium, his World Championships medal and yes, they also address “the straddle”. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn is lucky enough to be joined by Italian powerhouse Federica Brignone this week, along with her brother and coach, Davide. We had the opportunity to speak with Fede early in the season, before she’d found her groove, and part of this conversation revolves around what’s changed for her since then, as she’s clearly hit her stride and has been having an incredibly successful season. In this interview Brignone talks about patience in finding what she describes as “the feeling” again. Davide is a former ski racer himself, and as a supporting member of Fede’s coaching staff, he has valuable insight into what it takes to keep her performing at her best. Together, they talk about Fede’s ups and downs, her season to date, and the elements that lead to her performing at the highest possible level. As always, Fede is an open book and gives us a clear look into her process; we are so blessed to get to sit down with her again. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

We are joined this week by Kathy Okoniewski and Pierre Ruel, two coaching professionals who have spent the majority of their careers working with high-level athletes, as well as coaching coaches. In this conversation they talk about the characteristics of a good coach, as well as the changing job description that many ski coaches are experiencing. They talk about adaptability, interacting with parents, and moonlighting as sports psychologists. They also delve into the importance of evolving and continuing to hone one’s coaching skills. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

In part two of our athlete parents series, we are joined this week by three fathers of established World Cup athletes, Angus Crawford (Jack and Candace Crawford), Hugh Merryweather (Alice Merryweather) and Mark Moltzan (Paula Moltzan). These three experienced “World Cup Dads” share valuable insight, including how they handle the highs and the lows of ski racing, the often prohibitive cost of the sport, the critical importance of training groups, the nuances of parental involvement, the ins and outs of qualifying criteria, and overall athlete mental health. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

America’s Brian McLaughlin and Belgium’s Sam Maes have taken two different paths to the World Cup, but both were facilitated by Global Racing, an organization based in Austria that helps support and develop world-class ski racers. In this conversation we speak with Global Racing Coach Paul Epstein, as well as McLaughlin and Maes –both of whom scored multiple World Cup points this season– and learn about advantages and disadvantages of being part of an independent team. With eight different nations represented on the Global Racing Team, Epstein explains the logistics of communicating with each federation in terms of qualification and entry to races. The trio also address the development gap and how Global Racing has created a much-needed platform for talented, motivated athletes who have fallen through the cracks. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

It’s always a pleasure to talk to Switzerland’s Michelle Gisin, and we were thrilled to have her back on The Next Turn. Gisin, a rare four-event skier, won back-to-back gold medals in the Alpine Combined event at the last two Olympics, a Bronze medal in Super G at the Beijing Olympics, has won medals at the World Championships, and she has World Cup podiums in every discipline. However this season, Gisin hasn’t yet produced the results we’re used to seeing from her, and she’s very open about her struggles, shedding light on her long and arduous recovery from mononucleosis, her efforts to find motivation, and the impact of negative press. Gisin is thoughtful and honest in this interview which covers a wide range of topics. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn is shifting gears somewhat this week, giving the microphone to three insightful women, all of whom are mothers to World Cup athletes. Joanne Gray (mom of Canada’s Cassidy Gray), Barbara Ann Cochran (mom of America’s Ryan Cochran-Siegle), and Karen Monsén (mom of Sweden’s Felix Monsén) speak to us about the role of the parent vs. the role of a coach and illuminate the life lessons that can be learned through ski racing. They discuss how important it is for an athlete to identify as more than just a ski racer, as well as the anxiety that comes along with being the parent of a child involved in a sport with inherent risks and inevitable injuries. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

In the two years since we first spoke with him, American World Cup athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegle has added a few accolades to his resume— namely a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. We connected with him and learned about the ups and downs of his recent equipment change, as well as his return to racing after a minor spine fracture sustained in Kitzbuhel. RCS talks through his current focus in training when it comes to technique and fundamentals and he also speaks of the impact of confidence on performance. He looks ahead to the races still to come this season, giving deep insight into his strategies and tactics for both the Wengen and Kitzbuhel courses. His good nature, openness and balanced outlook once again remind us of why it’s so easy to cheer for Ryan on and off the hill. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

No stranger to injury and to the comeback, American World Cup athlete Breezy Johnson joins The Next Turn to talk through her ski racing journey to date. In this interview Johnson talks about the difference between skiing with confidence and without it, as well as the harsh reality that hard work doesn’t always guarantee results. Johnson is very candid about her high expectations and frustration with falling short. And while Breezy is a familiar visitor to the podium, she’s still chasing a World Cup win—don’t bet against her. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Two of the world’s best slalom skiers hail from the small ski nation of Croatia: 25 year old Leona Popović, who now is coming into her peak, and reigning World Junior Champion, 18 year old Zrinka Ljutić. The new teammates join The Next Turn to discuss their paths to the World Cup. While these two women are quite different from one another, they work and train together, motivating one another in the process. In this conversation they talk about everything from sharing course reports, to what they admire in each other’s skiing, as well as their hopes for the future. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

If you haven’t heard of Lara Colturi, you haven’t been paying attention to alpine racing. Colturi is the young, Italian-born prodigy who has grown up being coached by her parents, former Olympic champion Daniela Ceccarelli and ski coach Alessandro Colturi. Colturi, who skis under the flag of Albania rather than her birthplace of Italy, made her World Cup debut at just 15 years of age and is already scoring World Cup points. In their first in-depth, English interview, Colturi and her mother Daniela join The Next Turn to give insight into Lara’s unique pathway, sharing their thought processes as well as plans for the future. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn is thrilled to host Brandon Dyksterhouse, who is Green Mountain Valley School’s High Performance Consultant, and Patrick Biggs, who serves as Executive Director of Alpine Ontario, for an insightful conversation. Lifetime athletes, turned coaches and leaders, Biggs and Dyksterhouse discuss the state of the sport, from entry level through the World Cup, providing enlightening commentary and analysis. They also discuss the impact of data and technology on our work with athletes, in addition to addressing key performance indicators as they see them. You won’t want to miss this fascinating interview with these two talented professionals. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Bulgaria’s Albert Popov joins The Next Turn for a conversation about his career thus far along with his intentions and plans for the next phase as a World Cup contender. A strong junior racer, Popov won Topolino in 2013, transitioning onto the World Cup in 2015. At 5’5” tall, he is one of the shorter athletes on the tour, and he speaks about the advantages and disadvantages of his height as well as the adaptations he’s made to his technique to find success competing against people of much larger stature. Like many racers, Popov has had to overcome his share of challenges, including a very serious car accident at just 18 years old that led to the tragic passing of his coach. He was able to come back from that experience and find success, and he speaks of what he now needs to do to go from top 10 results, to podiums. As always, hosts Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Tommy Ford joins The Next Turn for an interview that covers the range of highs and lows he’s encountered in his career to date. Ford talks very candidly about the injuries he’s faced and what he’s learned each time he’s pushed through a comeback to racing. He discusses the value of proper mental health, highlighting how he has spent time and effort into understanding how he works and learns best. Ford looks ahead to this season, sharing that he’s feeling good and it shows in his results; he had a strong first race of the season in Söelden with a sixth-place finish and is eagerly looking ahead to racing at home in Beaver Creek. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Austria’s Katharina Liensberger joins The Next Turn for a conversation about her career to date and her aspirations for the current season. At the age of 25, Liensberger has earned 14 podiums, three wins, Olympic gold, Olympic silver, and a Slalom Crystal Globe. A tech specialist at a time where the talent and depth of the field is unimaginably deep, Liensberger is working with a completely new support team — from coaches to servicemen — so they are still getting to know each other as the season progresses, which brings both unique challenges and opportunities as well. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

French alpine athlete Clément Noël joins The Next Turn for a candid interview about his career to date, covering topics such as risk taking as well as internal and external pressures and expectations. In addition to winning Olympic Gold, Noël has reached the podium 17 times, with nine wins over six seasons on the World Cup tour. An incredibly self-aware and thoughtful athlete, Noël shares his intentions for this year’s World Championships, which will be a home event for him this February in Courchevel. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Swix Thoughts of the Day”.

France’s Tessa Worley, who won her second Giant Slalom World Cup title in front of a home crowd last season, joins The Next Turn for a great conversation about where she’s been and where she’s headed. In 17 seasons on the tour, Worley has had 16 wins and 36 podiums. In this interview she talks about putting in the hard work and gaining confidence, discusses the team she surrounds herself with, and talks through how she’s employed a few new tactics recently, including quality of training over quantity. Looking ahead to 2023, the World Championships are in France and Worley speaks to expectations, stress and the excitement of performing in front of a home crowd. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

Croatia is a small skiing nation, but it has an oversized history of success in skiing, and Filip Zubčić has risen to the occasion to carry the torch. Born in Zagreb, Zubčić has competed for Croatia in three Winter Olympics and six World Championships. The three-time World Cup winner was third in the giant slalom season standings in 2020 and 2021. Zubčić joins the Next Turn to discuss his upbringing and how strength and conditioning are and were paramount. 2022 was a tough year for Filip, and he speaks to what was missing from his skiing last season, saying he knows exactly what he needs to do going forward. Zubčić talks through his equipment set up, how and when he reviews video, and even how he warms up in the morning. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Swix Thoughts of the Day”.

Allison Forsyth is a legendary Canadian skier and now, fourteen years after retiring from skiing, she is a legendary advocate who speaks out against abuse on behalf of athletes of all ages and across all sports. She joins us on The Next Turn to talk through her experiences and to shed light on the world of Safe Sport.

In addition to bravely sharing pieces of her own story, Forsyth also illuminates the commonalities that exist among so many of these cases in the interest of helping to raise awareness among parents, coaches, volunteers and athletes and ultimately, to pave the way for a better and safer sport culture. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn is back with another thought-provoking episode this week featuring Erik Guay. This former World Champion and current Alpine Canada Board Member is also a parent and coach of young athletes. Guay speaks about his path from competitor to coach and about how to best
help kids acquire the technical and tactical skills he sees as vital in the development of the next generation of skiers in Canada. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

As he reaches the end of a breakthrough season, Spanish slalom sensation Joaquim Salarich joins The Next Turn for an enlightening conversation. Salarich has had multiple top ten finishes this season, along with a recent top five in Méribel at World Cup Finals. He shares what key changes he’s made that have resulted in a dramatic improvement to his slalom results, and talks through the impact of this success on both him and his career. As always, Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Gold medal winners from last week’s Team Event at the World Junior Championships, Cassidy Gray, Justine Lamontange, Etienne Mazellier, and Raphaël Lessard, join us on The Next Turn for a lively and engaging dialogue. The conversation recaps their recent win, sheds light on the careers and paths of each athlete, and takes a look at both the strengths and weaknesses of each as skiers. The four top juniors also share their unique and timely perspectives concerning the ongoing discussion about the development system for alpine athletes. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff their “Thoughts of the Day.”

Get ready for some incredible insight from two of the sport’s most talented coaches this week. Olympic gold medalist and Burke Mountain Academy’s Junior Program Director, Diann Roffe, and long-time Quebec team coach, Francis Royal, join us for a riveting conversation that examines the development of good, early fundamentals, looks at what makes good coaching, explores how to manage parent expectations, and works through how to best support athlete wellness. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

This week, as we continue our discussions with some of the sport’s top coaches, former World Champion John Kucera, now the Head Men's Speed Coach for Alpine Canada, and Assistant Coach Chris Powers, also of Alpine Canada, join us for a great conversation that delves into what defines good skiing and good coaching. The two talked with us upon their return from the Olympics, and the interview features their thoughts on the current top athletes, the up-and-comers, and details their experience in Beijing, covering everything from course conditions, to Alpine Combined results. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.