From the pulse-pounding start of Sölden's World Cup opener to the quiet cracks in the foundation: this recap uncovers why top ski racers are buzzing with "Stressed" and "Not Ready" vibes before the gates fly open. Drawn from gondola whispers, glacier grind, and insider chats, it exposes the preseason pressures pushing everyone to the edge.But imagine flipping the script NFL-style: a bolder calendar, balanced races, and true preseason tune-ups that ease the anxiety without the stakes. Game-changer or wild pitch? Read on..

It is a cold, dark, and rainy day, here in Zermatt, Switzerland. The snow is starting to gather on the mountain tops. Everybody is starting to get back to work. Fall is approaching us. Was the training during the summer enough? There is no time to think about it. Because, once you click back into those bindings, your focus needs to be on that hill – 100%.

One could, actually, make the argument that skiing is one of the most misunderstood and dangerous sports in the world. I would even argue it is #1 in both. Now, of course, I am biased here, as I come from ski racing. But, if you really think about it, there could, really, be some truth to it.