Alpine Skiers are incredibly brave athletes who push the limits of what is physically possible. Anyone watching a skier fly down the mountain at 86 miles/h (138 km/h) is going to be impressed. Not everyone is going to be able to do that in their lifetime. However, with the help of social media we can live through them. Instagram is an amazing tool for athletes to tell their story and engage with their audience. Done properly athletes can get a large following that will help them with their sponsorship.
It is without a doubt that social media has change the game of sponsorship for many sports. Nearly all companies that sponsors athletes (MAKEACHAMP included) look at the social media following that athletes have before sponsoring them. Magazine and news appearances also play a large role but social media is an added channel that with enough hard work, every athlete, regardless of athletic performance, can take advantage of.
Getting started with a social media channel such as Instagram can be challenging sometimes because athletes don't know what to post. To help with that, we've compiled a list of Instagrams for your skiing inspiration.
1. The International Ski Federation ( @fisalpine)
As a ski racing fan, this one is a must-follow on Instagram : the FIS does a great job at giving exposure for its athletes. It is a great way to stay on top of the ski world without having to follow all the athletes.
2. Ski Racing Magazine (@skiracingcom)
Ski Racing Magazine is a great website that shares the new s of the ski world. Following them on Instagram is worth-while for some awesome pictures and staying on top of the ski racing world news.
3. Alpine Canada (@alpinecanada)
We might be a bit biased here, but Alpine Canada is a great Instagram for all Canadian ski racing (the best racing of course haha!). Not only do they give some extra exposure for their athletes but they also do push-ups at the office, great bunch, give them a follow!
For more Canadian ski racing goodness we have some of #MAKEACHAMP friends to thank.
4. Marie-Pier Prefontaine (@ mariepierprefontaine)
We don't know what kind of camera she is using, but we love it. Catch some awesome shots of skiing, art and landscape.
5. Mikaela Tommy (@mikaelatommy)
Don't forget about her teammate, Mikaela Tommy. Skiing, fashion, but most importantly a lot of fun in one Instagram account!
6. Dustin Cook (@dustincook)
The Canadian boys are not too bad themselves, Dustin Cook introduces us to some great gadgets and some breathtaking views.
7. Manny Osborne-Paradis (@manny_ski)
And together with Manny Osborne-Paradis we have some awesome view into the male Canadian alpine skiing life.
8. US Alpine Ski team (@usskiteam)
Just south of the border is the US Alpine Ski team and their Instagram is Epic. Tons of brilliant picture that will make you want to put your skis on and get shred it on the slopes, check them out:
9. Mikaela Shiffrin (@mikaelashiffrin)
Keeping up with the Americans on Instagram is always a good time with
Mikaela Shiffrin, this reigning Olympic and world champion has some serious Instagram game to go along with her serious skiing.
10. Julia Mancuso (@juliamancuso)
and Julia Mancuso - get a deeper look into the life of the lady that holds the most Olympic medals for an American female skier.
11. Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn)
and of course let's not forget the comeback queen, Lindsey Vonn!
12. Miller Bode (@millerbode)
If these American skiing gals are not enough, the male skiers definitely have some Instagram game. Get up close and personal with one of the most talented skiers, ever - Miller Bode.
13. Ted Ligety (@ted_ligety)
or check out some of Ted Ligety (@ted_ligety) training, competing and life:
14. Slovenian Women's Ski team
Going across the pond and over to Europe we have some incredible Instagram accounts for you.
To start we have with the Slovenian Women's Ski team. Although they all have separate Instagram accounts , you can follow their MAKEACHAMP page for all the updates.
Or you can also follow their Individual accounts :
Instagram: https://instagram.com/katarinalavtar/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/vanjabrodnik/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/anabucik/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/marusaferk/
15. Lara Gut (@lalalaragut)
Next we have an absolute gift of an Instagram account from a Swiss Alpine Skier, Lara Gut :
16. Marcel Hirscher (@marcel__hircher)
Austria is filled with massive ski racers, here are our fave two : Marcel Hirscher
17. Anna Fenninger (@annafenninger)
Anna Fenninger took gold at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games in the Super-G. Nonetheless, her Instagram is on point, give her a follow!
Did we miss anyone? Leave us a comment below with a ski racer with an awesome Instagram account and we'll gladly add them to the list!