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 hosts US Ski & Snowboard’s Alpine Director, Patrick Riml. This conversation offers a deep dive into the inner-workings of the US ski team. Riml speaks to the current American team culture, and how standout athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin integrate with the rest of the group. He touches on the support and funding for athletes, and shares his opinions on the rules and roadblocks that FIS has put in place regarding athletes sponsorship. Riml’s Austrian background also brings with it a unique perspective on coaching pathways and continuing education. 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”.