The life of a professional skier is far from easy. Lindsey Vonn, whose 2016-17 season has been interrupted after she suffered a broken arm in training, crashes at the women's super giant slalom in Val d'Isere, France. But injuries and crashes aren't the only problems skiers face ...
Crashing out —
The life of a professional skier is far from easy. Lindsey Vonn, whose 2016-17 season has been interrupted after she suffered a broken arm in training, crashes at the women's super giant slalom in Val d'Isere, France. But injuries and crashes aren't the only problems skiers face ...
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American skier Lila Lapanja (pictured) is a member of the US Alpine B Ski Team. At her level, Lapanja has to pay her own travel expenses. Considering the global nature of the tour -- which counts South Korea, Canada and Italy as some of its venues -- the costs can mount up.
Counting the cost —
American skier Lila Lapanja (pictured) is a member of the US Alpine B Ski Team. At her level, Lapanja has to pay her own travel expenses. Considering the global nature of the tour -- which counts South Korea, Canada and Italy as some of its venues -- the costs can mount up.
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Meanwhile American Resi Stiegler has faced questioning about when she will take a break from skiing to start a family. Her answer is always the same: "Whenever I want!"<br />
Gender bias —
Meanwhile American Resi Stiegler has faced questioning about when she will take a break from skiing to start a family. Her answer is always the same: "Whenever I want!"
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Male and female skiers in the French team train separately, a move implemented within the last few years to enable coaches to spend more concentrated time honing in on strategy, technical abilities, and mental preparation. This includes the likes of Tessa Worley (center), who is seen celebrating her first place finish in the giant slalom event in Killington.
Woman's world —
Male and female skiers in the French team train separately, a move implemented within the last few years to enable coaches to spend more concentrated time honing in on strategy, technical abilities, and mental preparation. This includes the likes of Tessa Worley (center), who is seen celebrating her first place finish in the giant slalom event in Killington.
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Without the stress of travel and training, race days usually offer more time for mental reflection, exploring a resort's trails, and getting in the zone. It's one of the most appealing aspect for many skiers; the adrenaline rush of events like the slalom (pictured). But then there's the ever-present press work and interviews ... <br />
Race day —
Without the stress of travel and training, race days usually offer more time for mental reflection, exploring a resort's trails, and getting in the zone. It's one of the most appealing aspect for many skiers; the adrenaline rush of events like the slalom (pictured). But then there's the ever-present press work and interviews ...
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Media attention is impossible to avoid for top-level competitors. Tina Maze -- who retired from skiing earlier this season -- would know this better than anyone else. The Slovenian competed in the Alpine Skiing World Cup for 15 seasons, winning 26 events and one overall title in 2013.
On camera —
Media attention is impossible to avoid for top-level competitors. Tina Maze -- who retired from skiing earlier this season -- would know this better than anyone else. The Slovenian competed in the Alpine Skiing World Cup for 15 seasons, winning 26 events and one overall title in 2013.
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It can be difficult for professional skiers to create their own public image behind the lycra, helmets, and goggles. But the likes of Mikaela Shiffrin (pictured) have taken to social media to try and connect with a wider audience.
Guess who? —
It can be difficult for professional skiers to create their own public image behind the lycra, helmets, and goggles. But the likes of Mikaela Shiffrin (pictured) have taken to social media to try and connect with a wider audience.
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Shiffrin has enjoyed a storming start to the season after slalom wins in Levi, Finland, and Killington, USA, topping the overall standings with 325 points. After victory in Levi, Shiffrin, like the male champion, was gifted a reindeer.
Sport's cutest prize? —
Shiffrin has enjoyed a storming start to the season after slalom wins in Levi, Finland, and Killington, USA, topping the overall standings with 325 points. After victory in Levi, Shiffrin, like the male champion, was gifted a reindeer.
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The spectacular venues the Alpine Skiing World Cup visits are a pay-off for the hard work skiers must put in behind the scenes. "It's a great life because you travel a lot and do what you love," says Tessa Worley. "You can see great things, great places." Pictured is Crans-Montana, a Swiss ski resort that will host the tour in February 2017.
Small price to pay? —
The spectacular venues the Alpine Skiing World Cup visits are a pay-off for the hard work skiers must put in behind the scenes. "It's a great life because you travel a lot and do what you love," says Tessa Worley. "You can see great things, great places." Pictured is Crans-Montana, a Swiss ski resort that will host the tour in February 2017.
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