Why on earth are there posts now, in August, about skiing, when the Northern Hemisphere snow has largely melted? This particular post previews a few more elaborate posts to come, all centered on alpine ski racing and race photography. Why, and why now? There are two main reasons. First, some of us are passionate year-round about ski racing. Second, race photography can generate strong images worth viewing any time of the year. The best depict not just athletic skill, but elemental graphic forms of general photographic interest. And they occasionally reveal something of racers' emotional investment in participating in this difficult sport. 

Here are some preview images:

First, a skilled U12 negotiates a stubby course; a wider cropped version of the same frame shows both something of the on-course isolation of even a young racer as well as pretty sophisticated technique: equally edged skis, inside knee rolled further inside, and disconnect between the alignment of torso and hips (to the outside of the turn) and the alignment of the knees and feet (already inside and arcing closer to the line needed to clear the next gate).

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Second, a very high level collegiate racer (showing similar technique) displays the concentration constantly required on a fast giant slalom course.

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Third, a very skilled collegiate skier shows what happens if there is even a momentary lapse, causing her to exit the previous gate very late, and in turn requiring a high-energy (and very skilled) recovery before the next gate.  The third image is a wider-cropped version of the second. She made the next gate, but barely, and also exited that gate low and late, costing valuable time. Her skills and conditioning allowed her to stay on course and salvage the run.

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Here is what can happen if things go wrong exiting a gate:

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Finally, although the Division 1 college ranks are filled with skiers who have competed at a very high level, often on their national or regional teams, they don't take college racing lightly.  This racer, still driving in the second-to-last gate, shows the effort and determination needed to finish, much less win, a collegiate slalom against a strong field. 0M0A1392

Fans of alpine racing are passionate about their sport, partly because it is difficult technically and athletically and mentally. Race photographs help capture their skill and emotional effort.