DHBlur what about all of the current freeskiers who are on top and all of the up and comers who have a deep racing background. Jon Olsen is my first example. Hes said many times that he would never have the skills on his skis that he has today without his racing background. He was pretty much one of the top racers in Sweden and near the top in the world for his age when he made the jump to freeskiing. And what about his little 13 year old protigy Oscar Scherlin. Hes well on his way to being one of the top freeskiers in the world but he is still commited to racing for the next few years atleast.
Now im not saying that alpine ski racing isnt on the decline. Its obvious that it is even though it is still huge in Europe. As you said alot of people are hanging up their race boards and getting twin tips. But what happens when there is no more racing to get kids started in skiing. Without the skills learned from racing will they be able to continue the same level progression that we see in freeskiing today from skiers like Jon Olsen and Oscar Scherlin?
Now im not saying that alpine ski racing isnt on the decline. Its obvious that it is even though it is still huge in Europe. As you said alot of people are hanging up their race boards and getting twin tips. But what happens when there is no more racing to get kids started in skiing. Without the skills learned from racing will they be able to continue the same level progression that we see in freeskiing today from skiers like Jon Olsen and Oscar Scherlin?