I love watching ski racing – whether it’s little kids just learning or World Cup racers putting on a show, it’s all amazing and fun. Ski racing has been in my blood (my mom was an Olympic ski racer, and my dad raced and coached at a collegiate level) and a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It is because of this that when issues around safety in ski racing come up, I feel so strongly about our mission at the KBF to make sure that safety is thought about every day and that all ski racers are as safe as possible.

The recent crash by Mikaela Shiffrin at the Killington World Cup and Matilde Lorenzi’s tragically fatal accident in Italy last month remind us just how close every ski racer always is to a season, career, or life-changing injury and why our work is still so important. 

When I got hurt in 2006 safety in ski racing was not a priority. Changing the culture around the sport so that safety is a topic of conversation every day and is held as the highest priority was a fundamental founding mission of the KBF. We have made incredible strides in this and there is no doubt in my mind that every ski racer across the country, and at every level of the sport, is safer now because of the work we have done. But our work is not done. 

Our programs aim to tackle some of the most glaring safety needs in ski racing. We provide grants to clubs and mountains for safety equipment including b-net, a-net, and willy bags. We provide stop-the-bleed kits and education to ensure lacerations can be managed quickly and effectively on the hill. We provide education around the “Clean Hill Initiative” so athletes don’t slide into obstacles and equipment causing unnecessary injuries. We provide reminders of all this with the annual KBF Ski Race Safety poster sent to clubs across the country. This poster serves as a reminder to the clubs, parents, and volunteers that the Kelly Brush Foundation is an advocate and partner in ski racing safety, as well as a pledge by each club that displays that they are committed to the safety of their athletes and racers.

As we move into the heart of the winter and more kids and adults slide into the starting gate, I hope all involved in the sport remember the importance of safety, know the KBF is a partner, and find the endless joy from a sport that has given me so much. 

You can demonstrate your commitment to safer alpine ski racing by making a gift in support of our programming. When you donate, you can choose to receive your own 2024/2025 Ski Racing Safety Poster as a reminder of your commitment.

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