Ski Cross is an emerging and growing sport. It can be tough to figure out how to become a professional in it, as there are limited races across North America. Also, you might have a hard time figuring out how to be good enough at it for professional racing. This article should help you on your way to become the best.
Steps
Part 1
Training
1
Become a strong alpine skier. Alpine skiing is essential to ski cross well, as you must generate speed in the turns. Without a strong alpine base, it can take years to become the best.
2
Hit lots of jumps. You need to be confident in the air and learn to jump and glide smoothly.
3
Develop muscle strength to add weight and defend yourself on the course. Trampoline training is also very useful.
4
Practice pull starts. The start of a ski cross race is the most important. Practice plenty of pull starts at your local hill area or even in the summer in your backyard. Pull as many as you can before you start racing.
It can be easy to build your own start gate for practice purposes.
Part 2
Racing
1
Start in open races to get a feel for the sport. USASA has open races all across the United States and to try a race it only costs $25. Try to do as many races as possible. Canada also has an Open Ski Cross series in Western Canada. Try to enter those as well
2
Enter the FIS races. Once you're comfortable at Ski Cross, enter FIS North American Cup races. Get a feel racing very talented skiers and learn from them. After a few races you will constantly see improvements.
3
Start gathering FIS points. Once you have 125 points, you will be able to enter World Cups. This does not mean you are necessarily ready though.
4
Enter Europa Cups. This is the gap between Nor Am Cup races and World Cups. It's a bigger and more competitive field. Once you dominate Europa Cups, then you are ready for the World Cup
5
Enter the World Cup through your national governing body and race against the pros.