INTRODUCTION: To achieve sporting excellence, mental skills play a crucial role; not only in optimising performance but also in developing an athlete's personality and mental health. However, there is disagreement about the definition and implementation of long-term development strategies regarding mental skills.1 The aim of this study was to explore current practices, barriers and opportunities related to mental skill development in youth snow sports athletes. METHODS: In a qualitative study, 8 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with international experts involved in mental skills development programmes, including coaches and sport psychologists. Inductive data analysis followed the principles of grounded theory.2 The transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method. Codes were organised into core categories, and the main theories emerged. RESULTS: According to the interviewees, the organisational structure, interactions and processes play important roles in the implementation of mental skills development programmes. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are considered crucial to the systematic mental development of athletes. Financial and human resources were mentioned as the most frequent barriers. In addition, the implementation process is often hindered by a lack of knowledge among decision makers about the benefits of mental skills development. When better interdisciplinary cooperation (e.g. teachers, coaches, parents, sports psychologists) is organised, better resources can be bundled, and mental health programmes can be put into practice. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: To reflect the long-term nature of a healthy career, mental skills programmes should be embedded in an organisation's policies. This will also clarify responsibilities, and (ideally top-down) actions can be derived. A central aspect of this is the systematic training of coaches to provide knowledge about healthy and successful mental development and the use of mental interventions.
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