International ski racing is alive and well at the Taos Ski Valley

Photo: Ryan Mooney

I have spent most of my 63 years loving traveling the globe and attending all levels of ski racing, but I have to say the World Pro Ski Tour Taos World Championships presented by New Mexico True exceeded my expectations.

There is nothing easy about the production of a pro race. The event lasts all day and keeping the spectators involved takes in-depth planning and excellent execution. If you believe ski racing should be entertaining, Taos, New Mexico, was the right place to be this past weekend. 

The venue, the announcing and the entertainment during the action breaks kept those attending engaged and excited. Many spectators participated in the final awards ceremony, if only to show appreciation to the skiing gladiators who had given us a show all weekend. It is my opinion that athletes earned every dollar of their prize money.

A great experience was available to anyone who wanted it – the entry price started at nothing.

I spent the weekend on the edge of my seat as a spectator. I witnessed two days of fantastic athletic performances by an international field of talented women and men, representing 12 nations. 

I experienced thrills and chills and some spectacular spills. The best athletes made ten runs a day down two parallel racecourses expertly set over three well-placed pro jumps that challenged their fitness and ability. 

Thanks to the courses designed and set by the WPST’s event director Barrett Stein, we witnessed multiple lead changes in almost every run, meaning constant excitement and close finishes. Due to the nature of pro racing, two racers head to head on separate parallel courses; there is no expertise needed to know who is leading or who won. 

As a veteran of ski racing, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. If it was the goal of the World Pro Ski Tour to delight ski racing fans, mission accomplished. 

I want to also thank Taos Ski Valley for hosting and their considerable contribution to a great event.

— Peter Lange