After recovering from a serious crash, Mikaela Shiffrin returned to skiing with a heightened awareness of the risks involved in training. The injuries she sustained in a World Cup giant slalom event reminded her of the potential dangers of practice sessions. Shiffrin emphasized the need to assess the level of risk in training scenarios and determine whether they are justifiable.

Alexis Pinturault, the 2021 men’s overall World Cup champion from France, shared similar sentiments about the safety concerns in Alpine skiing. Tragic incidents, like the recent death of World Cup racer Matteo Franzoso during preseason training in Chile, have sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols in the sport.

Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic champion, highlighted the importance of recognizing and mitigating life-threatening risks in ski racing. She discussed the challenges of balancing the inherent dangers of the sport with ensuring adequate safety measures during training sessions.

The lack of consistent safety standards on training courses compared to race courses has raised concerns among athletes like Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic downhill champion. Goggia emphasized the need for improved safety measures, such as increased safety netting and enhanced medical support, to minimize risks during training.

Following the tragic incidents, calls have been made for dedicated training courses with enhanced safety features, similar to those used in World Cup races. Efforts are underway to enhance safety standards on training courses, including better coordination among national federations and increased investments in safety infrastructure.

While discussions about improving safety in Alpine skiing continue, questions remain about the responsibilities and financial commitments required to implement necessary safety upgrades. FIS President Johan Eliasch highlighted the importance of collaboration among federations to enhance safety measures and reduce the risks associated with training courses.

Athletes and coaches are advocating for a unified approach to improve safety standards in training environments, emphasizing the need for ongoing investments and coordinated efforts to ensure the well-being of skiers. The debate surrounding safer training courses underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders in Alpine skiing to prioritize athlete safety.