BORMIO, Italy — Nestled high on the mountain at 2,000 meters, a solitary wooden cabin serves as a refuge for athletes preparing to compete in the Winter Olympics. For many skiers, this pre-race environment offers a moment of stillness amidst the anticipation of the slopes below.

As athletes gather in this start hut, their emotions can vary dramatically. For Team USA skier Kyle Negomir, the atmosphere is akin to a somber gathering. “It feels like a funeral at the top,” he remarked, emphasizing the weight of competition looming just beyond the door. As tensions escalate, the familiar countdown timer begins — a sound that can invoke anxiety even months after the race.

The experience inside this sacred space varies from skier to skier. Some choose a peaceful warm-up routine through free skiing, while others might engage in practice runs. French skier Maxence Muzaton can be seen activating his core with side planks in the snow, while Switzerland’s Alexis Monney prepares with physical affirmations and chest thumps.

As the world’s elite skiers gear up, they wrestle with physical and mental challenges. Giovanni Franzoni, who earned a silver medal, recalled the tension that set in during warm-ups, while Negomir noted the adrenaline rush can lead heart rates skyrocketing before they even take a run. This natural response to high-stakes moments can affect balance and decision-making, making effective breathing techniques a crucial part of an athlete’s preparation, according to breathwork coach Hannah Nedas.

Some skiers listen to music or focus on their surroundings to keep themselves grounded. For Olympic newcomer Franzoni, the competition heightens the stakes, with seasoned athletes around him clocking competitive times. Despite his nerves, he embraced the pressure, stating, “It’s an honor to race with the fastest guys in the world.”

However, awareness can also bring overwhelming realizations. As Negomir recalls, “Oh no, I’m going to have to risk my life today!” The challenge is magnified for him, as he continues to recover from a severe injury that endangered his career less than a year prior.

Within the start hut, the atmosphere is unique, with just skiers, a trainer, and race officials present. Although competitors represent different nations, camaraderie forms through shared experiences on the circuit. Negomir observed that while the environment is intense, social chatter is replaced by concentrated focus. “Everyone is just leaning on their poles, staring off into space and trying to calm their nerves,” he explained.

Nedas cautions that maintaining mental clarity is vital. Breathing exercises targeting the nervous system can enhance focus and coordination. Techniques such as long, slow breaths help regulate heart rates, preparing athletes for the physical demands of their runs.

As the countdown approaches its end, each racer enters a personal zone. Sam Morse depends on motivation from his trainer as he prepares to start, aiming for a powerful launch. “As soon as five hits, I’m starting my kick,” he shared. The moment ignites a primal rush, prompting skiers to leave everything behind.

Focusing his thoughts, Negomir visualizes a calming image — a floating tennis ball — to steady his nerves. Then, just before his run, he releases that image, preparing himself for action. “You’re ready to go to war,” he reflects, capturing the gravity and intensity of the moment that every skier faces.