Pre-Season Prep & Goal-Setting

Making It Your Best Season Yet

We did what we could in the off-season! We committed to air bagging, water ramping, trampoline training, and we took some well-deserved rest. Now, as the air gets colder we’re in that in-between stage: waiting for the snow to come. It might feel like the most tedious time of year, summer training is done, and the skis are still in the garage, but this moment matters more than you think.

October is when we set the stage for everything that follows. The work we do now determines how ready, confident, and focused we’ll be when the season begins. No matter where you are in your skiing journey, preparation is key. You don’t have to do everything… you just have to do the right things.

Gear Check: Set Yourself Up for Comfort and Confidence

Before you think about performance, think about comfort and safety. Proper gear doesn’t just help you look the part, it shapes how you move, how you train, and how you feel on snow.

Here’s what to check before your first day back:

• Skis: Make sure bindings and edges are in good shape, and give them a wax if needed. Check that your skis still match your ability and event focus.

• Boots: Try them on early. Feet grow and liners pack out. Nothing ruins a training day faster than sore feet. Wear them around the house (with permission!) or outside to get used to the fit again.

• Outerwear: Warm, waterproof gear is essential. Layer well — base layers, mid-layers, and breathable outer shells will keep you comfortable in all conditions.

• Mitts & Gloves: Always have a backup pair. Cold hands can end a good day fast.

• Helmet & Goggles: Check that your helmet hasn’t expired and your goggles are clear and ready for varying light conditions.

• Backpack or Boot Bag: Pack extra layers, dry socks, mitts, water, snacks, and sunscreen. A little preparation goes a long way.

• Safety Equipment: If you have past injuries, consider braces or a mouthguard for prevention. Also consider getting a back brace for those doing riskier maneuvers.

And one final reminder, give your gear a good wash every now and then. Your teammates (and lunch buddies) will thank you. Getting your equipment ready now removes one more layer of stress later — and it sets the tone for showing up like a professional.

Goal-Setting: What Do You Want Out of This Season?

Goal-setting isn’t just about writing a wish list of what you want to achieve — it’s about creating direction and purpose. Without clear goals, the season can fly by before you realize what you were aiming for. 

When setting goals, use the SMART approach: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of “I want to get better at skiing,” try:

“I want to improve my mogul turns by skiing three focused training sessions a week and filming two runs for review before the end of December.”

SMART goals give you a roadmap, turning dreams into actionable steps that you can track, adjust, and celebrate along the way.

There are three different types of goals to consider. It’s important that you set goals in each area:

• Outcome Goals: What do you want to achieve? Example: Land my backflip by the end of the season, qualify for Junior Nationals, or ski a clean mogul line.

• Process Goals: What daily habits will get you there? Example: Stay consistent with jump drills, review one run per session, or focus on breathing before competitions.

• Personal Growth Goals: Who do you want to become through this process? Example: Be more confident, trust my training, and support my teammates.

The best athletes don’t set goals once and forget them — they revisit them often. Reflect monthly, adjust as needed, and take time to celebrate small wins along the way.

Plan Your Season: Build Intention Into Your Year

It’s easy to say “I want to get better,” but what does better really mean for you this season? 

Now’s the time to look ahead and plan your year intentionally.

• Which competitions do you want to do? Mark them on your calendar.

• Which events matter most? Some are for learning; others are for testing your limits.

• How will your training lead into those key weeks? Work backward from your most important events.

Ask yourself:

What do I want to be ready for — and what do I need to start doing now to get there?

Maybe that means joining trampoline sessions to build jumping foundations, hitting the airbag to refine trick confidence, or signing up for Christmas Camp for extra on-snow time. Every decision you make now connects to the kind of skier you want to become. Even if your goal is just to have fun, and there isn’t anything related to competition and competitive success, that is a good goal to set. 

One of the most important aspects of goal setting is to share them. Once you have landed on the goals you want to achieve this season, share them with your parents and your coaches. These are the people that are going to help you get to where you want to go. 

Mindset Shift: From Hope to Intention

Pre-season is the time to move from hoping things will go well to intending to make them happen. That means taking ownership: organize your schedule, communicate with your coaches, get your gear ready, show up for training, and set goals that keep you focused.

Ask yourself:

• What am I most excited to learn this year?

• What fears or challenges do I want to work through?

• What will success look like for me at the end of this season?

Write your answers down somewhere you’ll see them, in a notebook, a whiteboard, voice recording, or even your phone notes. Keeping your intentions visible helps you stay motivated throughout the season, and it’s easier to stay focused and adapt when necessary.

Final Thoughts: Start Before You’re Ready

You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. You just have to start.

The preparation you do now sets you up to start the season off right. When the first training day arrives, you’ll know you’ve already done the work to show up prepared, confident, and ready to grow.

Let’s get ready to make this your best season yet.

— Coach Lauren