PERFORMANCE: How to Set Ski Goals That Stick

Whether you're looking to crush a personal goal with a skill, run, or new trick, planning SMART goals is a verified way to help get you there.

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let’s talk goals. You can’t just throw your skis down the hill and hope for the best (well, you can, but it usually ends in a yard sale). The same goes for your goals — they need direction, intention, and a whole lotta heart. Here’s how to set goals that actually stick — like the first real snowstorm of the season.

Start with WHY

Whether you’re sending your first backflip, shredding that double black diamond, or making your very first turn on snow, it all starts with one thing — your WHY.

Ask yourself: Why do I want this? Picture your life when you’ve achieved it. How does it feel when you cross that finish line, drop that cliff, or finally get that face shot you’ve been chasing?

That vision, that emotion, that energy — that’s what’s going to keep you pushing when it’s cold, scary, hard, or your legs are tired. Create your personal mission statement. Align it with your values — the things that actually matter to you. Use it as your inspiration and motivation. Tell it to yourself every day.

You don't have to want to ski the steepest terrain to set a goal. Goals can be as simple as gaining confidence in loading and unloading the chairlift. Or they could be as large as skiing the gnarliest line in your own resort.

Make it S.M.A.R.T.

Now, we’re not just manifesting here — we’re making a plan. A S.M.A.R.T. goal is your roadmap from daydream to domination.

S – Specific: What exactly do you want? Be crystal clear. For example, “I want to ski better” won’t cut it. Try, “I want to ski consistent parallel turns on blue runs with confidence and ease.”

M – Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved it? Track your wins — numbers, reps, runs — whatever keeps score.

A – Achievable: Does it stretch you without breaking you? Challenge yourself, but don’t set yourself up for an avalanche of disappointment.

R – Realistic/Relevant: Does it align with your current priorities and energy? Make sure it fits your vibe and season of life.

T – Time-Bound: Deadlines make things real. Otherwise, it’s just a dream. For example: “I’ll ski down KT-22’s Chute 75 by the end of the season without stopping, by training weekly and working with a coach.”

Know Your Goal Type

Not all goals are created equal. Let’s break it down — because balance is key, and your goal game should have layers like your favorite snow outfit.

1. Outcome Goals – The Big Dream

   
   

These are long-term — the end result. They may be out of your control since they’re influenced by outside factors such as others' performance or changing conditions.

Examples: winning a gold medal, qualifying for a comp, or riding a specific run. 

Outcome goals may take a whole season or many seasons to accomplish, but they’re what get you out of bed on those cold, dark, early winter mornings and light your fire. Always know where they are — like your North Star.

2. Performance Goals – The Mid-Season Grind

   
   

These are your personal benchmarks — the progress checkpoints that prove you’re leveling up. 

Maybe it’s entering a race, improving your comp score, or landing a new trick. Performance goals are totally in your control and can shift as you grow. Revisit them often — progress looks good on you.

3. Process Goals – The Daily Shred

   
   

Here’s where the magic happens. These are the habits, drills, and micro-wins that stack up to your dream goal. Examples: train legs twice a week, visualize my line every night, and practice mindful breathing before every drop.

These are the habits that make champions.

"Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." Lao Tzu Photo Credit: Allie Ace

Say It, Share It, Send It

Once your goals are dialed, make them real by:

• Writing them down

• Saying them out loud (or screaming them from a mountaintop)

• Sharing them with a shred buddy who’ll keep you honest — and cheer you on

  
  

Track your progress, celebrate your milestones, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Growth isn’t a straight line — it’s more like your first jump attempt. You’ll fall, laugh, get back up, and eventually stick it.

So go ahead — dream big, plan smart, and shred hard. You’ve got this. 

SHRED Plans- Your Personal Curated Plan

Ready to turn those goals into reality? Pick a SHRED Plan — your all-access pass to becoming stronger, faster, and more confident on snow.

Each SHRED Plan is custom-built for you and includes:

• Professional Snow Fitness Training — tailored strength and mobility programs designed to boost endurance, agility, and injury prevention. Build the power to charge longer and recover faster.

• Custom Gear Advice — from boots to boards, we’ll help you find, tune, and tweak the right gear for your goals, body mechanics, and riding style — so every turn feels smooth and dialed.

• Expert Coaching & Instruction — train with seasoned pros who blend technical mastery with a holistic approach to progression. We’ll break down your movement patterns, refine your technique, and help you overcome plateaus with precision and confidence.

Ready to build your plan for the season? Learn More Here: https://www.she-shredz.com/shredplansabout

Whether you’re chasing podiums, fresh pow, or personal breakthroughs, your SHRED Plan is your next-level guide to performance and evolution — both on and off the mountain.

Because goals don’t shred themselves. You do.

Do you have a season goal this season? Share it below.