One of the main differences between ski events (racing, ski cross, freestyle) many other sports is the number of volunteers it takes to successfully execute a competition.

For example, with hockey, parents grab a coffee and get a seat in the stands without much actual involvement in the running of the game. The facility, ice surface, lighting, heat, etc is generally all part of the community center. 

For ski events – racing, ski cross, freestyle –professionals with snow cats do initial surface prep but all the other facets of the race are built, primarily by volunteers, generally parents of the athletes. 

Safety systems of fencing need to be installed. Timing wire needs to be installed. Start ramps built – posts and wands installed. Gates (sometimes over a hundred) shuttled for the course setter. Snow removed from the race surface if necessary. Race surface maintained. Bibs distributed. Racers organized at the start. Gates repaired during the competition. 

Times recorded accurately. Awards organized and presented. In addition, the safety fencing, gates, timing equipment etc will all need to be taken down and put away at the end of the event. 

Ski events are one of the few sports where the venue is built specifically for the event and then taken down right after. 

Having been involved in ski event volunteering for many, many years, I often wonder how many of the athletes realise how much work it is to put on a ski event.  For sure, the athletes are focused (and should be) on their training and preparation. We are grateful that athletes at most levels (right up to Noram) assist in the tear down at the end of the event.

There are many volunteers whose children are long since retired from competitive skiing , yet these folks continue to participate to advance the sport(s) and share their knowledge. 

I always remember and appreciated former Canadian Alpine team Emily Brydon stopping at each section on the Lake Louise World Cup downhill track, looking volunteers in the eye and thanking them. Thankfully I see this quite often. It is a  good practice for any competitor where volunteers are a huge part of the event. It takes a Village of volunteers to properly execute a ski competition.

 Hats off to all the volunteers.