Some Answers to Questions About Summer or Fall Ski Camps
Many questions surround the value of non-winter ski camps. Questions like: Why is a non-winter camp important? When should I schedule a non-winter camp? How old should participants be?
Non-winter camps are valuable for a variety of reasons and the camp atmosphere provides multiple benefits. Typically camps allow athletes to focus on their skiing without other distractions. Also, the consecutive training sessions promote progressive and solid skill development from day to day. Typically this promotes skill retention.
Camps are normally scheduled outside the competition season. This most typically allows their focus to be developmental in nature and promotes a stronger learning base. There are some exceptions and we will address those later. Non-winter camps may be scheduled in the spring, summer or fall. Spring and fall are often difficult to schedule around school schedules. Even the summer season has scheduling questions. When is the best time to attend? Early summer typically offers more snow and terrain options that help set up productive training situations. Late summer is closer to the coming ski season, but snow and terrain options are far more limited.
For most athletes and families one to two camps can be considered. One camp is great, offers terrific experiences and builds fundamental skills in a cost effective manner. One camp also still allows our families plenty of summer fun for themselves while providing a strong skiing experience. If considering two camps, the first typically would be scheduled in early summer and be fundamentally oriented. The second most usually would be scheduled in the fall and build on the progression from the first camp. Fall camps are typically still fundamentals oriented, but usually contain more gate time and are considered a part of the build-up for the winter competition season. The most elite of athletes might consider 3 camps: a fundamentals camp in early summer, a gate camp late summer/early fall and a late fall gate camp as a tune-up to the early December competition season.
Camps can be productive for many age groups depending on the attitude of the particular skier. Special considerations should be made for the youngest of athletes to make their experience most productive. Camps usually ski for the first half of the day, and then do other activities, including dryland training in the afternoon. Evenings can be educational sessions or free time depending on the particular schedule. Younger athletes may choose to forgo afternoon activities with the older athletes and likely require family support for the evening. Combinations of this can be made, depending on the maturity, stamina of the athlete and the wishes of the family. Usually with younger athletes families will schedule a family trip around the ski camp to manage these needs and options.
Our plan for the coming summer and fall is to offer two camps, one the second half of June at Mt Hood, Oregon. We are investigating a second camp during Thanksgiving vacation in Canada that will give us a training opportunity and access to viewing the World Cup races scheduled at Lake Louise Nov 27-28 2010.
The 2012 Team
2012 Whitefish Mountain Race Team
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Summer Ski Camp Schedule
Hey Ski Racing Families,
I have a few things I wanted to pass along. If you won't be using your skis for summer skiing try to put the skis away for the summer with a coat of wax on them. Even if you will ski on them this summer they should have wax on them for now. Also, it is best to buckle your boots when you store them as it helps them keep their shape. Prior to summer skiing do try on the boots to be sure you have not outgrown them.
For next year do let me know if you have equipment that you will want to pass along, or if you will be looking for equipment. Remember we will likely have some access to equipment from selected companies in the fall. We will also organize our fall equipment swap at the Saddle Club and I will let you know of that date when the time nears. And do let me know what you may have, or need, so I can help facilitate any appropriate exchanges.
I also have Summer Ski Camp information. We have been notified that the Red Lodge Camp has been cancelled due to lack of snow.
We will again partner with the Mt Hood Academy and the Mt Bachelor group for camps in June that will be held on Mt. Hood. The schedule will look like this:
Camp 1: Jr. 3s and older
Arrive June 19- ski June 20-24; depart after skiing on the 24th.
5 days on snow GS and SL
Cost estimate is $955.00
Camp 2: J4/J5 –
Arrive June 26, ski June 27 –30; depart after skiing on the 30th.
4 Days on Snow GS and SL
Cost estimated is $685
These camps have been very productive and we are looking forward to them this summer. Both groups utilize the Academy House for housing and meals and the price is inclusive of that. I am sure arrangements could be made if families wanted to make other plans. Also last year we had a few athletes use the train to travel from Whitefish to White Salmon, near Hood River. I was able to pick them up at the train station there.
We are also working on a late fall camp in Canada. This camp would likely occur during the Thanksgiving Vacation and finish by watching the World Cup races. I will let you know more as this progresses.
Please let me know what your interest is so I can plan the camp season.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
2010 Alpine Race Team Picnic
When: Sunday, May 2- 3:30-6:00 PM
Where: The Saddle Club 605 Wisconson Ave
What: A social event to mix, mingle, eat, play some games and award/acknowledge our program participants.
Please join us for a picnic and enjoy some time together off the ski hill. The Foundation will provide grilled food and drinks. Please bring the following if your name begins with:
A-G: Hors d'oeuvres and 1 bag of chips
H-M: Side dish
N-Z: Dessert
You may want to bring your favorite outdoor chairs or blankets.
Our schedule:
3:30 EAT AND SOCIALIZE
4:30 GAMES AND RELAYS
5:15 RECOGITION AWARDS
Please RSVP to: mpwelch@centurytel.net Please let us know what you intend to bring so we don't end up w/40 lbs of great potatoe salad!
We will also discuss the coming Bike Raffle and a t-shirt plan for our team. Remember the Bike Raffle proceeds do directly towards lowering our event travel costs and have been very effective in the past.
See you all there!
Where: The Saddle Club 605 Wisconson Ave
What: A social event to mix, mingle, eat, play some games and award/acknowledge our program participants.
Please join us for a picnic and enjoy some time together off the ski hill. The Foundation will provide grilled food and drinks. Please bring the following if your name begins with:
A-G: Hors d'oeuvres and 1 bag of chips
H-M: Side dish
N-Z: Dessert
You may want to bring your favorite outdoor chairs or blankets.
Our schedule:
3:30 EAT AND SOCIALIZE
4:30 GAMES AND RELAYS
5:15 RECOGITION AWARDS
Please RSVP to: mpwelch@centurytel.net Please let us know what you intend to bring so we don't end up w/40 lbs of great potatoe salad!
We will also discuss the coming Bike Raffle and a t-shirt plan for our team. Remember the Bike Raffle proceeds do directly towards lowering our event travel costs and have been very effective in the past.
See you all there!
Monday, April 12, 2010
You may have seen the Team Suburban at the ski area or around town and been curious about the vehicles history.
The trusty steed has been the transportation for quite a few coaches and older athletes when traveling to a variety of race series throughout the Western US. The vehicle is owned and maintained by the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation. The FVSEF also subsidies some of the travel costs incurred when the vehicle transports athletes or coaches to events. Athletes and families share in the remaining transportation costs. In its many treks around the countryside the suburban proudly displays the badges of the many sponsors who contribute to offsetting the expenses of the suburban, and other program operational costs through the non-profit Foundation.
The 1995 Suburban was donated by Shelly and Tim Geiszler of Missoula. Shelly (Olsson) Geiszler, her children and many other Olsson children are Whitefish Race Team Alumni.
Many hands go into making the 200,000 + mile vehicle a workable transportation source for our Team. We would like to thank the Geiszlers for supplying the vehicle; Don K Chevrolet who helps to maintain the vehicle; Summit Signs for keeping the badges current; and the sponsors: North Valley Hospital and the Base Lodge Clinic, Hammer Nutrition, Joseph Eve Accounting, Karl Tyler Chevrolet, The Red Caboose Diner and Conductors Row.
If you are aware of any businesses that would benefit from the recognition of a badge on the Suburban, please let us know. We also know the current Suburban has a limited life ahead of us and would be very interested in discussing the benefits of donation of a suburban (or like vehicle) to the Foundation. Contact Richard Kramer, 406 250 9786 or Bill Kahle, 406 270 9467.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Whitefish Skiers earn Academic Awards
Five Whitefish Alpine competitors were tapped with top Academic Awards by the Northern Division of USSA. To be eligible for these awards the alpine racers must have at least a 3.65 grade point average and qualify for either the Junior Olympics (age 13-14) or the Western Region Championships (ages 15-19).
The Academic Awards were presented at the Northern Division’s Championship Series races, the OHG Series, held at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman March 2nd-4th.
Receiving the award from the Whitefish Team was: Annie Jobe, Erin Tabish, Michela Millette and Nevada Kramer. Nick Becker received an Honorable Mention award for his high level of achievement athletically and scholastically.
Whitefish coach Roy Loman added: “This is a great award to receive and the award congratulates those skiers who epitomize the mind/body connection that true sportsmanship promotes. This group really deserves this award and I am so proud of them for earning it. But, we also had other skiers in our Academy Program who just missed this award from an athletic point of view. The athletics are important as well, but they are so hard to judge, as they point to specific race results that may or may not go your way. There is always some luck involved in race results, but the academic side is tried and true earned long-term results. Scott Kahle’s grade point was way up there, but he missed on the athletic component by a whisker.”
This season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
The Academic Awards were presented at the Northern Division’s Championship Series races, the OHG Series, held at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman March 2nd-4th.
Receiving the award from the Whitefish Team was: Annie Jobe, Erin Tabish, Michela Millette and Nevada Kramer. Nick Becker received an Honorable Mention award for his high level of achievement athletically and scholastically.
Whitefish coach Roy Loman added: “This is a great award to receive and the award congratulates those skiers who epitomize the mind/body connection that true sportsmanship promotes. This group really deserves this award and I am so proud of them for earning it. But, we also had other skiers in our Academy Program who just missed this award from an athletic point of view. The athletics are important as well, but they are so hard to judge, as they point to specific race results that may or may not go your way. There is always some luck involved in race results, but the academic side is tried and true earned long-term results. Scott Kahle’s grade point was way up there, but he missed on the athletic component by a whisker.”
This season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
OHG Divisional Championships
Skiers from the Whitefish Mountain Resort Alpine Race Team competed in the Northern Division Alpine Championship event held at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman April 2nd and 3rd. The Championship events concluded a season long series that included races at the Whitefish Mountain, Snow Bowl in Missoula, Big Sky, and an earlier series at Bridger.
In Friday’s Giant Slalom the Whitefish team finished strong with podium results and other scoring finishes.
Anna Job led the group with a 2nd place finish in the 13-14 age class. Madeline Williams was 3rd in the 15-16 age group. Erin Tabish finished just off the podium of the 13-14 group in 4th place. Nevada Kramer and Nick Becker were 7th and 8th respectively in the 13-14 age group.
Saturday’s Slalom was challenging with new snow falling throughout the contest. The Bridger course crew worked extremely hard to provide a very fair and safe race despite the challenging conditions.
Anna Jobe and Madeline Williams were strong in the Slalom and each finished 2nd in their respective age groups. Erin Tabish posted the fasted first run in her age group and was 4th overall in that run which included girls from the MSU Ski Team. Kramer and Becker, skiing consistently, were 6th and 7th in the 13-14 age class. Both Kramer and Becker will ski another year in their age class.
The Northern Division Series is used to determine qualifications for the Junior Olympics and the Western Region Championship races. Whitefish Team members Anna Jobe and Erin Tabish qualified for and competed in the Junior Olympics held in Bend Oregon. Michela Millette competed in the Western Regional Championships held in Schweitzer Basin, ID.
The Whitefish Team was awarded the 3rd place team trophy for its accomplishment throughout the series.
This season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
In Friday’s Giant Slalom the Whitefish team finished strong with podium results and other scoring finishes.
Anna Job led the group with a 2nd place finish in the 13-14 age class. Madeline Williams was 3rd in the 15-16 age group. Erin Tabish finished just off the podium of the 13-14 group in 4th place. Nevada Kramer and Nick Becker were 7th and 8th respectively in the 13-14 age group.
Saturday’s Slalom was challenging with new snow falling throughout the contest. The Bridger course crew worked extremely hard to provide a very fair and safe race despite the challenging conditions.
Anna Jobe and Madeline Williams were strong in the Slalom and each finished 2nd in their respective age groups. Erin Tabish posted the fasted first run in her age group and was 4th overall in that run which included girls from the MSU Ski Team. Kramer and Becker, skiing consistently, were 6th and 7th in the 13-14 age class. Both Kramer and Becker will ski another year in their age class.
The Northern Division Series is used to determine qualifications for the Junior Olympics and the Western Region Championship races. Whitefish Team members Anna Jobe and Erin Tabish qualified for and competed in the Junior Olympics held in Bend Oregon. Michela Millette competed in the Western Regional Championships held in Schweitzer Basin, ID.
The Whitefish Team was awarded the 3rd place team trophy for its accomplishment throughout the series.
This season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Whitefish Skiers do well in Big Sky Downhill
Whitefish Resort Race Team skiers, Madeline Williams and Nick Becker competed in 3 days of Downhill racing and training at the Big Sky Ski Area March 26-28. A day of training was followed by two days of racing. Speeds over 70 mph were posted on the Big Horn course which drops nearly 1500 feet and runs well over a mile in length.
Williams, racing in the 15-16 year-old age category placed third in both races. Becker competed in the 13-14 year-old category and posted seventh and eighth respectively.
Whitefish coach, Roy Loman said: “Madeline was awesome; she left the starting gate aggressively each run and was looking for more speed where-ever she could find it… and Becker really proved his affinity for speed in his first downhill appearance. He is in the first year of his age group and he showed that he will be right there in front of the group in his next outing.”
Throughout the season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
Williams, racing in the 15-16 year-old age category placed third in both races. Becker competed in the 13-14 year-old category and posted seventh and eighth respectively.
Whitefish coach, Roy Loman said: “Madeline was awesome; she left the starting gate aggressively each run and was looking for more speed where-ever she could find it… and Becker really proved his affinity for speed in his first downhill appearance. He is in the first year of his age group and he showed that he will be right there in front of the group in his next outing.”
Throughout the season, these skiers and many others were assisted in their competitive efforts with generous support of the North Valley Hospital’s Base Lodge Clinic.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Whitefish Elite Skiers Excell
2010 Whitefish Mountain Race Team Academy and Race Team members excell!
With the recent excitement created by the U.S. Olympic Ski Team’s success in the Vancouver Olympics, we now turn our attention to our own Whitefish Mountain Resort Race Team. They too, are fun and exciting to watch and support. Among the 51 member team, are the 13 and 14 year old J3 kids. Meet Annie, Erin, Scott, Nick, Jacob, Luke and Nevada. No, they’re not Olympic level yet but boy can they ever go fast on a pair of skis.
They are all part of the Race Team Academy, a 4 day a week program for intensive ski race training and competition. It includes early dismissal from school on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, so they have to be good students to participate. In fact, one parent recently remarked, “I don’t think there is a B among them.” Head Coach Roy Loman says they are a pretty special bunch and that “they are all driven to perform but have healthy outlooks at the same time”. They are very supportive of one another.
They are great friends, on and off the mountain. Roy believes skiing is helping to shape who they are. The first day of my 7 year old’s experience on the team, one of the J3 kids openly(and without prompting) walked up to him, greeted him by name and helped him to feel comfortable. I didn’t know 13 year old boys did that sort of thing. Another time I was riding up the chair with a different one of these kids and he unselfishly told me about how good one of his teammates is. And it was genuine.
Perhaps this young Whitefish Mountain Race Team embodies one of our recent alpine Olympic stars’ words: “ It's cool to have a gold medal and to have a full set of medals from here. It's good for my team and it's going to make a cool collection. But besides
that, they are just medals. Those performances that we put down as a team
Sunday -- that's what is really going to carry on. That's what was special
to be a part of." -Bode Miller.
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation which helps to underwrite ski racing and freestyle on Big Mountain, is a non-profit entity and donations are accepted to make it easier for our athletes to compete at the highest level possible, and to achieve their goals. Corporate sponsors this year include North Valley Hospital Base Lodge Clinic, Hammer Nutrition, Joseph Eve Certified Public Accountants, and Karl Tyler Chevrolet. Please contact Bill Kahle (270-9467) or Richard Kramer (250-9786) if you would like to donate or become a sponsor.
Our J3 thru J1 athletes (13-18 year olds) compete in the Northern Division of USSA where competitors include college level racers up to age 25. Top 20 finishes this year include the following:
January 8th Whitefish Mountain Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Erin Tabish 15th, Michela Millette 17th, Madeline Williams 18th. Men: Wes Beougher 8th, Aaron Oberlitner 13th.
January 10th Whitefish Mountain Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 7th, Michela Millette 11th, Erin Tabish 13th, Maddie Williams 14th. Men: Scott Kahle 17th, Nevada Kramer 18th.
January 23rd Red Lodge Mountain Slalom Ladies: Madeline Williams 13th, Michela Millette 14th. Men: Nevada Kramer 19th.
January 24th Red Mountain Lodge Slalom Ladies: Michela Millette 17th, Madeline Williams 19th.
February 13th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 5th, Annie Jobe 8th. Men: Wes Beougher 5th.
February 14th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 3rd, Madeline Williams 14th, Michela Millette 16th.
February 15th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Madeline Williams 14th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 15th.
February 20th Big Sky Resort Super G Race 1 Ladies: Annie Jobe 2nd, Michela Millette 5th, Madeline Williams 13th, Erin Tabish 14th. Men: Nevada Kramer 15th, Nick Becker 17th, Scott Kahle 19th.
February 20th Big Sky Resort Super G Race 2 Ladies: Annie Jobe 6th, Michela Millette 7th, Madeline Williams 9th, Erin Tabish 13th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 14th.
February 21st Big Sky Resort Super G Ladies: Annie Jobe 4th, Michela Millette 5th, Madeline Williams 6th, Erin Tabish 15th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 13th.
February 27th Bridger Bowl Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Michela Millette 9th, Madeline Williams 16th. Men: Wes Beougher 9th, Aaron Oberlitner 19th.
February 28th Bridger Bowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 7th, Michela Millette 14th. Men: Nick Becker 16th, Nevada Kramer 19th.
In addition, Annie Jobe and Erin Tabish competed in the invitation-only, prestigious Topolino shootout in Park City, Utah on January 23rd-24th, where they gained valuable experience against top competitors from the U.S.
Our J1 and J2 athletes (ages 15-18) Michela Millette, Madeline Williams, Aaron Oberlitner, and Wes Beogher are all excelling on and off the race course this year. Michela Millette qualified for the Western Region Championships this year, held at Schweitzer Mountain March 6-9th. Maddie Williams was chosen as an alternate.
Three members of the Whitefish team have qualified for the upcoming J3 Junior Olympics to be held at Mount Bachelor near Bend, Oregon. Wish the best of luck to Annie Jobe, Erin Tabish, and Nevada Kramer.
With the recent excitement created by the U.S. Olympic Ski Team’s success in the Vancouver Olympics, we now turn our attention to our own Whitefish Mountain Resort Race Team. They too, are fun and exciting to watch and support. Among the 51 member team, are the 13 and 14 year old J3 kids. Meet Annie, Erin, Scott, Nick, Jacob, Luke and Nevada. No, they’re not Olympic level yet but boy can they ever go fast on a pair of skis.
They are all part of the Race Team Academy, a 4 day a week program for intensive ski race training and competition. It includes early dismissal from school on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, so they have to be good students to participate. In fact, one parent recently remarked, “I don’t think there is a B among them.” Head Coach Roy Loman says they are a pretty special bunch and that “they are all driven to perform but have healthy outlooks at the same time”. They are very supportive of one another.
They are great friends, on and off the mountain. Roy believes skiing is helping to shape who they are. The first day of my 7 year old’s experience on the team, one of the J3 kids openly(and without prompting) walked up to him, greeted him by name and helped him to feel comfortable. I didn’t know 13 year old boys did that sort of thing. Another time I was riding up the chair with a different one of these kids and he unselfishly told me about how good one of his teammates is. And it was genuine.
Perhaps this young Whitefish Mountain Race Team embodies one of our recent alpine Olympic stars’ words: “ It's cool to have a gold medal and to have a full set of medals from here. It's good for my team and it's going to make a cool collection. But besides
that, they are just medals. Those performances that we put down as a team
Sunday -- that's what is really going to carry on. That's what was special
to be a part of." -Bode Miller.
The Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation which helps to underwrite ski racing and freestyle on Big Mountain, is a non-profit entity and donations are accepted to make it easier for our athletes to compete at the highest level possible, and to achieve their goals. Corporate sponsors this year include North Valley Hospital Base Lodge Clinic, Hammer Nutrition, Joseph Eve Certified Public Accountants, and Karl Tyler Chevrolet. Please contact Bill Kahle (270-9467) or Richard Kramer (250-9786) if you would like to donate or become a sponsor.
Our J3 thru J1 athletes (13-18 year olds) compete in the Northern Division of USSA where competitors include college level racers up to age 25. Top 20 finishes this year include the following:
January 8th Whitefish Mountain Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Erin Tabish 15th, Michela Millette 17th, Madeline Williams 18th. Men: Wes Beougher 8th, Aaron Oberlitner 13th.
January 10th Whitefish Mountain Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 7th, Michela Millette 11th, Erin Tabish 13th, Maddie Williams 14th. Men: Scott Kahle 17th, Nevada Kramer 18th.
January 23rd Red Lodge Mountain Slalom Ladies: Madeline Williams 13th, Michela Millette 14th. Men: Nevada Kramer 19th.
January 24th Red Mountain Lodge Slalom Ladies: Michela Millette 17th, Madeline Williams 19th.
February 13th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 5th, Annie Jobe 8th. Men: Wes Beougher 5th.
February 14th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 3rd, Madeline Williams 14th, Michela Millette 16th.
February 15th Snowbowl Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Madeline Williams 14th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 15th.
February 20th Big Sky Resort Super G Race 1 Ladies: Annie Jobe 2nd, Michela Millette 5th, Madeline Williams 13th, Erin Tabish 14th. Men: Nevada Kramer 15th, Nick Becker 17th, Scott Kahle 19th.
February 20th Big Sky Resort Super G Race 2 Ladies: Annie Jobe 6th, Michela Millette 7th, Madeline Williams 9th, Erin Tabish 13th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 14th.
February 21st Big Sky Resort Super G Ladies: Annie Jobe 4th, Michela Millette 5th, Madeline Williams 6th, Erin Tabish 15th. Men: Aaron Oberlitner 13th.
February 27th Bridger Bowl Giant Slalom Ladies: Annie Jobe 3rd, Michela Millette 9th, Madeline Williams 16th. Men: Wes Beougher 9th, Aaron Oberlitner 19th.
February 28th Bridger Bowl Slalom Ladies: Erin Tabish 7th, Michela Millette 14th. Men: Nick Becker 16th, Nevada Kramer 19th.
In addition, Annie Jobe and Erin Tabish competed in the invitation-only, prestigious Topolino shootout in Park City, Utah on January 23rd-24th, where they gained valuable experience against top competitors from the U.S.
Our J1 and J2 athletes (ages 15-18) Michela Millette, Madeline Williams, Aaron Oberlitner, and Wes Beogher are all excelling on and off the race course this year. Michela Millette qualified for the Western Region Championships this year, held at Schweitzer Mountain March 6-9th. Maddie Williams was chosen as an alternate.
Three members of the Whitefish team have qualified for the upcoming J3 Junior Olympics to be held at Mount Bachelor near Bend, Oregon. Wish the best of luck to Annie Jobe, Erin Tabish, and Nevada Kramer.
Our new Junior Race Team is a Smashing Success...
Youth Ski Racers Find Success
With a strong contingent of young ski racers, the Whitefish Mountain Race Team has had success on and off the race course this year. The race team, which now includes a new Junior Program, consists of 40 racers age 6-18. This is by far the most racers Whitefish has sported in recent years. Head Coach Roy Loman and his superb staff of 6 coaches are thrilled and energized by this group of young kids.
The Junior Program emphasizes fun, participation and learning. Early season highlights included a 5-day Holiday Camp where skiers had tremendous results in pursuing a strong skiing foundation and had lots of fun along the way. Parent quote. The Tommy Moe Race Series, a low key season-long racing venue at Big Mountain, has enjoyed unprecedented numbers of skiers this year.
The USSA’s Northern Division Youth Ski League(YSL) offers young Montana skiers the opportunity to compete around the state and gain competitive experience, build teamwork, and make new friends. Whitefish skiers have made their mark this year at WMR, Bridger Bowl, and Showdown and will soon have opportunities at SnowBowl and Red Lodge. These kids are making remarkable progress each time they travel. Not only are they developing a lifetime love for skiing but are also learning valuable life skills.
Top YSL results this year in the Whitefish Giant Slalom on Jan. 16-17th include: Cameron Kahle (J7)1st place Sat/Sun, Grant Kahle (J6) 2nd place Sat and 1st place Sunday, Colter Upton 5th Sat and 7th Sunday.
Bridger Bowl held YSL Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom races on Jan. 30-31st with top Whitefish racers: Colter Upton (J6) 2nd place GS Sat and 1st place Slalom Sunday, Jacques Eve (J5) 2nd place GS Sat and 2nd place Slalom Sunday, Keegan Wold (J5) 5th Slalom, Piper Howeth (J4) 6th Slalom, Alexis Hughson (J4) 8th GS, Piper Howeth (J4) 9th GS, Brittain Walton (J4) 4th GS, Oliver Van Everen (J4) 5th Slalom and 9th GS, Zander Wold (J4) 9th Slalom, Jacob Welch (J3) 1st Slalom and 3rd GS, Luke Hughson (J3) 2nd GS.
With a strong contingent of young ski racers, the Whitefish Mountain Race Team has had success on and off the race course this year. The race team, which now includes a new Junior Program, consists of 40 racers age 6-18. This is by far the most racers Whitefish has sported in recent years. Head Coach Roy Loman and his superb staff of 6 coaches are thrilled and energized by this group of young kids.
The Junior Program emphasizes fun, participation and learning. Early season highlights included a 5-day Holiday Camp where skiers had tremendous results in pursuing a strong skiing foundation and had lots of fun along the way. Parent quote. The Tommy Moe Race Series, a low key season-long racing venue at Big Mountain, has enjoyed unprecedented numbers of skiers this year.
The USSA’s Northern Division Youth Ski League(YSL) offers young Montana skiers the opportunity to compete around the state and gain competitive experience, build teamwork, and make new friends. Whitefish skiers have made their mark this year at WMR, Bridger Bowl, and Showdown and will soon have opportunities at SnowBowl and Red Lodge. These kids are making remarkable progress each time they travel. Not only are they developing a lifetime love for skiing but are also learning valuable life skills.
Top YSL results this year in the Whitefish Giant Slalom on Jan. 16-17th include: Cameron Kahle (J7)1st place Sat/Sun, Grant Kahle (J6) 2nd place Sat and 1st place Sunday, Colter Upton 5th Sat and 7th Sunday.
Bridger Bowl held YSL Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom races on Jan. 30-31st with top Whitefish racers: Colter Upton (J6) 2nd place GS Sat and 1st place Slalom Sunday, Jacques Eve (J5) 2nd place GS Sat and 2nd place Slalom Sunday, Keegan Wold (J5) 5th Slalom, Piper Howeth (J4) 6th Slalom, Alexis Hughson (J4) 8th GS, Piper Howeth (J4) 9th GS, Brittain Walton (J4) 4th GS, Oliver Van Everen (J4) 5th Slalom and 9th GS, Zander Wold (J4) 9th Slalom, Jacob Welch (J3) 1st Slalom and 3rd GS, Luke Hughson (J3) 2nd GS.
Friday, January 1, 2010
What a Great Holiday Camp!
We had a great Holiday Camp. As always, when we have consecutive days to work on our progression, we really enjoy tremendous results. This week was no exception and I think it was perhaps our best Holiday Camp in recent memory. Our training conditions were awesome early in the week and the powder for our final day was the frosting on the cake and the cherry on top of a really fun and prouctive week.
I really want to thank the familys for making the commitment to getting their children here each day and I truely want to want to thank each of the athletes for their work and improvement during the week.
I also want to mention how much fun it is to have athletes from outside our program join our Holiday Camp. It is so much fun to ski, train with and enjoy our time with athletes from all over the country.
I really want to thank the familys for making the commitment to getting their children here each day and I truely want to want to thank each of the athletes for their work and improvement during the week.
I also want to mention how much fun it is to have athletes from outside our program join our Holiday Camp. It is so much fun to ski, train with and enjoy our time with athletes from all over the country.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Plans going into the Holiday period
A couple of notes going forward.
Jackets: If your jacket was a part of the first order, it should be ready for tomorrow and in the Team Room for pick-up. If you have very recently ordered a jacket, it will not be ready yet. I will get the paperwork from the embroiderer and will let you know what the costs are.
Demo Days: Parents, remember tomorrow is the Demo day for skis to be located near the Big Drift Building. Remember you will need a credit card and ID for a deposit. Demos 8:30 till 3:00.
Ed and Mully’s has been reconfigured and the Resort would like highlight its new menu and service plan. Order your food at a take- out window and receive a beeper/pager that will call you when your order is ready. You will find a comfortable arrangement of couches, chairs and table seating.
Our Junior Race Team will start Dec 27th at 9:00 am outside the Team Room Door. Look for Roy, Dorothy and David. It would be great if all who are starting in the program that day have as much skiing mileage as they can prior to the 27th. I would strongly suggest that if any are starting on new equipment, they do so prior to the 27th to have some time to adjust to the new gear.
Our plan for the first couple of days will be skiing and getting to know one-another.
Our Jr. 3 and older group will offer non-mandatory gate drill sessions on the mornings of Dec 22, 23 and 26. 9:00-11:30. Most likely these will be GS oriented according to current conditions.
Jackets: If your jacket was a part of the first order, it should be ready for tomorrow and in the Team Room for pick-up. If you have very recently ordered a jacket, it will not be ready yet. I will get the paperwork from the embroiderer and will let you know what the costs are.
Demo Days: Parents, remember tomorrow is the Demo day for skis to be located near the Big Drift Building. Remember you will need a credit card and ID for a deposit. Demos 8:30 till 3:00.
Ed and Mully’s has been reconfigured and the Resort would like highlight its new menu and service plan. Order your food at a take- out window and receive a beeper/pager that will call you when your order is ready. You will find a comfortable arrangement of couches, chairs and table seating.
Our Junior Race Team will start Dec 27th at 9:00 am outside the Team Room Door. Look for Roy, Dorothy and David. It would be great if all who are starting in the program that day have as much skiing mileage as they can prior to the 27th. I would strongly suggest that if any are starting on new equipment, they do so prior to the 27th to have some time to adjust to the new gear.
Our plan for the first couple of days will be skiing and getting to know one-another.
Our Jr. 3 and older group will offer non-mandatory gate drill sessions on the mornings of Dec 22, 23 and 26. 9:00-11:30. Most likely these will be GS oriented according to current conditions.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Opening Day
This note just in from the Resort:
Below is a brief summary of what will be open tomorrow, and soon after around the resort. Please take note and spread the word. All business open will have normal hours, so consult your Resort Guide if you don't already know.
Open Tomorrow:
• Chair 1 will run its normal schedule, 9:30AM - 4:00PM. Chair 7 and the T-bar will also be running. Chair 6 will not be running tomorrow.
• Base Lodge Cafe and Bar
• Base Lodge Traders
• Summit Gifts
• Summit House Restaurant and Bar
• Snow Ghost Outfitters
• Village Market
• Base Lodge Rentals will be open on a limited basis, but guests are encouraged to go to Village Rentals for ski and snowboard rentals and repairs.
Other:
• Glacier Gifts will open Saturday, Dec. 19
• The new Ed & Mully's (Eat|Drink|Lounge|Caffeinate) will open Friday, Dec. 11.
Parking:
• Birch and Cedar Lots: $5
• All other lots, including Dogwood: Free
• There will be an additional shuttle running between the Village, Lift Plaza, and Base Lodge for those who need to get to and from Chair 1 and the Base Lodge since Chair 6 will not be running. Please make sure everyone you run into tomorrow knows that Chair 6 is not running and knows that frequent shuttles will be available.
Our Race Team will meet at the Team Room (see the door in the attached photo) at the Hellroaring Saloon. Note that Chair 6 will not run, nor will Chair 2. That most likely means a drop off in the Village area for the Race Teamers. Come inside and we will have a short athlete meeting, take an opportunity to double check equipment then depart for chair 1…
Once up Chair one we will likely stay there for the remainder of the training day. Be prepared for lunch at the Summit House with a lunch in your backpack or money for lunch at their cafeteria. Put some extra layers in your bag as the forecast is for cold and wind. If we find it really silly to be up there for cold or conditions we MAY come back to the Team Room for indoor activities like some video training programs or ski waxing and tuning instruction.
Same for Sunday at this time...
See you tomorrow …
Below is a brief summary of what will be open tomorrow, and soon after around the resort. Please take note and spread the word. All business open will have normal hours, so consult your Resort Guide if you don't already know.
Open Tomorrow:
• Chair 1 will run its normal schedule, 9:30AM - 4:00PM. Chair 7 and the T-bar will also be running. Chair 6 will not be running tomorrow.
• Base Lodge Cafe and Bar
• Base Lodge Traders
• Summit Gifts
• Summit House Restaurant and Bar
• Snow Ghost Outfitters
• Village Market
• Base Lodge Rentals will be open on a limited basis, but guests are encouraged to go to Village Rentals for ski and snowboard rentals and repairs.
Other:
• Glacier Gifts will open Saturday, Dec. 19
• The new Ed & Mully's (Eat|Drink|Lounge|Caffeinate) will open Friday, Dec. 11.
Parking:
• Birch and Cedar Lots: $5
• All other lots, including Dogwood: Free
• There will be an additional shuttle running between the Village, Lift Plaza, and Base Lodge for those who need to get to and from Chair 1 and the Base Lodge since Chair 6 will not be running. Please make sure everyone you run into tomorrow knows that Chair 6 is not running and knows that frequent shuttles will be available.
Our Race Team will meet at the Team Room (see the door in the attached photo) at the Hellroaring Saloon. Note that Chair 6 will not run, nor will Chair 2. That most likely means a drop off in the Village area for the Race Teamers. Come inside and we will have a short athlete meeting, take an opportunity to double check equipment then depart for chair 1…
Once up Chair one we will likely stay there for the remainder of the training day. Be prepared for lunch at the Summit House with a lunch in your backpack or money for lunch at their cafeteria. Put some extra layers in your bag as the forecast is for cold and wind. If we find it really silly to be up there for cold or conditions we MAY come back to the Team Room for indoor activities like some video training programs or ski waxing and tuning instruction.
Same for Sunday at this time...
See you tomorrow …
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Warren Miller was great in his 60th film...
The Warren Miller Showing was an enjoyable event. Thanks to our sponsers and to all who came out to work and view Warren's 60th film. It was fun to be a part of it and to visit with all the folks in our ski community. It really was a nice demonstration of how our skiing lifestyle is shared by so many, and an illustration of our ability to share in all the aspects of our sport. WELL DONE ALL and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Nevada Kramer Wins Stacey Cook Scholarship
Whitefish Ski Racer Nevada Kramer has been named to receive one of 4 nationally awarded ski racing scholarships. The Scholarships are developed and awarded through the partnership of Stacey Cook of the US Ski Team and Sun Valley Ski Tools. Cook a top performer on the US Ski Team and an Olympic and World Championship participant notified Kramer this week by phone of his pending award. Cook and the iconic ski tool company, award four $1,000 scholarships to deserving 13-16 year old ski racers who compete in the United States Ski Association race series.
This year’s awards went to Kramer of Whitefish and the Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Team, Julia Bjorkman from Diamond Peak Ski Team in Nevada, Grace Dolan from the Squaw Valley Team in California, and a first time split in the 4th award to twin brothers, Colin and Peter Martens from Lake Placid, New York.
Last season, Kramer won several races in the Northern Division of USSA and was tapped to compete in the Jr. 4 Festival, a championship event for the best skiers of his age group in the Western Region of the US.
Cook, a veteran with the US Ski Team competed in the 2006 Olympics and the 2007 and 2009 World Championships. Cook placed an evening phone call to Kramer at his home in Whitefish to personally notify him of his award.
See this about Stacey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacey_Cook and this: http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/athletes/athlete?athleteId=1044
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Gate Protection
As I watched the athletes shred some steep glacial GS this morning I was reminded of one often overlooked factor in ski racing -- personal protection. As the sport has progressed, both in terms of the technology and athletic performance, the lines that can be skied have moved from "around" the gate to "through" the gate. As the line that can be (or should be) skied has tightened as well as the overall speed the need for protection has dramatically increased. Helmets are now mandatory in all events and the amount of padding that is being worn on the even the WC level is much higher than in decades past (notice how 80% of World Cup athletes are now wearing plastic forearm guards).
Padding and personal protection is perhaps even more critical for young racers. Good technique will minimize the impact of striking the gate; however, anyone who has raced without padding (especially "skin to win") will tell you it is a little painful. Fear of gate impact will negatively effect technique, slow you down, and distract from a positive learning experience when training. Therefore those young athletes that are begining to progress to aggressive "through the gate" skiing should have sufficient personal protection.
There are a lot of different options these days for helmets, shin guards, forearm guards, etc. If you are uncertain about what kind of gate protection you need, just ask one of your coaches who will be happy to set you on the right track. Our club is also able to get discounts from certain suppliers so make sure to contact Roy before you buy.
Check out the following links for some info on protection (Note to parents: young ski racers think these make great holiday gifts!)
http://www.artechski.com/gateprotection.aspx
http://www.reliableracing.com/protectivegear.cfm
http://www.skiracingdevelopment.com/departmentproductlisting.aspx?did=253
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