This week, as we continue our discussions with some of the sport’s top coaches, former World Champion John Kucera, now the Head Men's Speed Coach for Alpine Canada, and Assistant Coach Chris Powers, also of Alpine Canada, join us for a great conversation that delves into what defines good skiing and good coaching. The two talked with us upon their return from the Olympics, and the interview features their thoughts on the current top athletes, the up-and-comers, and details their experience in Beijing, covering everything from course conditions, to Alpine Combined results. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn is thrilled to be joined by two coaches this week who both hold pivotal roles within the sport. Kristina Revello, former FIS athlete who is now the Regional Development Coach for US Ski and Snowboard’s Rocky Central Region, and Mike Janyk, Canadian National Team member who is now the Executive Director of Whistler Mountain Ski Club. This thoughtful conversation runs the gamut, examining topics like multi-sport exposure for athletes, coach development, course setting, ski IQ, and the good, the bad and the ugly of “Live Timing”. As always, hosts Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Get ready for a fascinating discussion from two extremely high-level coaches that will undoubtedly prove invaluable to coaches, parents and athletes alike. Joining us on The Next Turn are Paul Epstein, a long-time alpine coach and former ski racer who is the founder and CEO and Head Coach of Global Racing, and Willie Booker, also a former racer with a breadth of experience at the helm of companies like Nordica and Fischer, who has been Head of Burke Mountain Academy since 2017. Epstein and Booker candidly discuss coaching tactics, the ins and outs of coach development, analyze what might be missing in athlete development as early as the U12 level, and highlight the integral role that coaches and atmosphere play in the long-term development of athletes from both a physical and mental standpoint. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

As the Olympic slalom nears, The Next Turn shares a conversation with young American slalom specialist, Luke Winters. The Oregon native gives insight on the dues he has paid breaking into the World Cup points and how he intends to find more success on the way to the podium. From the technical changes he has made, to the belief system that holds the dream together, the conversation touches on it all. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

At a time of great excitement and promise for the alpine program of Great Britain, the country’s best female racer, Charlie Guest, joins us on The Next Turn. As Guest finds her way into the top of World Cup slalom, she reflects on the brutal road of injuries, how she regained her physical well-being and how she intends to use this phase of her career. From nitty gritty technical talk to the business side of the sport —she is currently looking for a coveted helmet sponsor— the Scottish skier shares her insights, struggles and successes. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

Dexter Paine, the Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de Ski, joins The Next Turn, providing a rare opportunity for a candid conversation with a top leader of our sport’s governing body. Paine shares his long history in the sport, beginning as a youth racer in a family of volunteers, taking us through his 13-year tenure as the Chairman of United States Ski and Snowboard Association. In his current role since 2014, Paine weighs in on a variety of topics and answers tough questions on issues like broadcast rights, athlete safety, and mental health, while also explaining his vision for how FIS needs and intends to evolve into the future. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

If you have ever watched a World Cup ski race, then you have certainly heard at least one of the four legendary voices we’re lucky enough to feature in this episode. Eurosports’ Nick Fellows, Steve Porino of NBC in the United States, Canadian Broadcasting Company’s Brian Stemmle and Tina Weirather of Switzerland’s SRF give us an inside look at how they give life to World Cup races for viewers and listeners around the world. We get a chance to hear their perspective about their roles, the preparation that goes into each broadcast, the stories they love, and the skiers they root for; we even get a bold prediction or two. No topic is left unturned, including the evolution of FIS safety, as well as how their roles as broadcasters may evolve in the future. As always, Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

It is not often we get a behind the scenes look at one of the world’s largest snow sports organizations. In this episode, Therese Brisson, President and CEO of Alpine Canada, joins The Next Turn and provides that access. Brisson explains how her long, successful career as a hockey player, professor, boardroom executive and athlete advocate have prepared her for the challenges of her current role. From development pipeline and geographical issues, to funding, branding and more, Brisson gives the data and the philosophies behind her efforts to make Canada both a World Cup and an Olympic leader in the coming years. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Nina O’Brien is in the midst of solidifying her place as both one of the top seeds on the World Cup, as well as one the leaders among America’s next generation of racers. Nina joins The Next Turn to discuss the technique and tactics she is utilizing to find success at the moment, the adjustments she has made and the hard lessons she has learned along the way. In a broad and insightful conversation, O’Brien reveals the personality behind one of the most exciting young skiers on the tour. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day

American downhill veteran Steve Nyman is in the midst of returning to form after a nearly two year hiatus due to injury. The multiple World Cup winner joins The Next Turn to give details on his progress at finding top speed, his method of learning and what he now knows that he wishes he knew when he was younger. Nyman is open and honest about the challenges that lay ahead for him and how his approach to success has evolved.

As always, Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.