Madeline Williams and Nevada Kramer continue as the leaders of the Jim Barrier Gold Cup in their respective gender/age groups. Williams competes in the Jr. One age group (17-19 years) and Kramer competes as a Jr. Three (13-14 years).
Both Williams and Kramer are scoring top results in the season long series to maintian their lead in Gold Cup standings.
Jim Barrier Gold Cup The Jim Barrier Gold Cup is the Northern Division’s premier race series. This is a Continental Cup type competition using the same scoring principals designed to recognize the top racers in the Northern Division. Races
counting for Gold Cup points are the J1, J2, J3 qualifiers, all open races and the OHG race at Bridger Bowl in early April. The Gold Cup is open to all A, J1, J2, and J3 competitors.
Jim Barrier Gold Cup History Born in 1940, Jim Barrier grew up skiing for the Flathead County High School.
During the years 1956-1959, he was the #1 ranked alpine racer in Montana.
He was picked to be one of four alpine skiers to compete as a member of the US Olympic Ski Team at the first Winter Olympic Games held in the United States, 1960 Squaw Valley, California. He finished 16th in the GS, but fell in the slalom. He did not compete in the DH.
Barrier earned a four year skiing scholarship at MSU, but broke his leg in the fall of his freshman year. He joined the US Army, and skied for the Army. After discharge, he became a ski coach at Schweitzer Basin in ID. He later was hired by PNSA as their Divisional Coach. He introduced the first junior ski racing seeding system in the United States. In 1966, 1967, and 1968, he also worked with Bob Beattie and Gordon Eaton as Assistant Men’s Coach for the United States Ski Team. After the Olympics, he was hired by the Head Ski Company to develop a fiberglass ski
made by Dura Fiber, which was called the Head XR-1. Later, Jim became president of Dura Fiber Ski Company. His experience in business and manufacturing led him to a successful career in business; working for Kaiser Electro Precision and Kaiser Aerospace. Jim, always a fierce competitor lost his final battle to cancer in 2000.
The 2012 Team
2012 Whitefish Mountain Race Team
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Whitefish Skiers do well at Great Divide
Whitefish YSL competitors traveled to Great Divide Ski Area near Helena Montana for a 3 day tournament that contested Slalom, Giant Slalom and Kombi on Feb 19, 20 and 21.
The slalom, held on the Belmont Bowl course was a challenging event on a held on a cold and blustery day. The Whitefish group held well against the odds and Pixie Moore and Kristin Van Everen were 6th and 7th respectively in their age categories. Jacques Eve finished 13th giving up some ground in the first run and coming back strongly with a solid second run.
The GS, starting very near the top of the Belmont Bowl course offered much better weather conditions and Pixie Moore responded with a 6th in her age group followed closely by teammate Kristin Van Everen in 9th. Jacques Eve responded with a very near podium finish 4th place.
Monday the Kinder Kombi challenged the Whitefish bunch and they responded well to the challenge for some great results. The Kombi, a fairly new event combines the characteristics of Slalom and Giant Slalom. The one run nature of this race demands perfection combined with speed and truly rewards those who inspect the course with accuracy and execute well in that run.
Kristin Van Everen finished 6th in category, followed by Pixie Moore, 7th less than 3/10 of a second behind.
Colter Upton, from Whitefish, roasted his completion winning his age group by 5+ seconds. Upton’s time would have finished 2nd in the next age category.
The next stop on the YSL tour is a March 5, event at Discovery Mountain near Anaconda, MT. Discovery will host 2 Giant Slalom Races and their venue is considered to be one of the most interesting GS trails on the circuit.
The slalom, held on the Belmont Bowl course was a challenging event on a held on a cold and blustery day. The Whitefish group held well against the odds and Pixie Moore and Kristin Van Everen were 6th and 7th respectively in their age categories. Jacques Eve finished 13th giving up some ground in the first run and coming back strongly with a solid second run.
The GS, starting very near the top of the Belmont Bowl course offered much better weather conditions and Pixie Moore responded with a 6th in her age group followed closely by teammate Kristin Van Everen in 9th. Jacques Eve responded with a very near podium finish 4th place.
Monday the Kinder Kombi challenged the Whitefish bunch and they responded well to the challenge for some great results. The Kombi, a fairly new event combines the characteristics of Slalom and Giant Slalom. The one run nature of this race demands perfection combined with speed and truly rewards those who inspect the course with accuracy and execute well in that run.
Kristin Van Everen finished 6th in category, followed by Pixie Moore, 7th less than 3/10 of a second behind.
Colter Upton, from Whitefish, roasted his completion winning his age group by 5+ seconds. Upton’s time would have finished 2nd in the next age category.
The next stop on the YSL tour is a March 5, event at Discovery Mountain near Anaconda, MT. Discovery will host 2 Giant Slalom Races and their venue is considered to be one of the most interesting GS trails on the circuit.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Williams, Kramer lead Gold Cup Standings
Madeline Williams and Nevada Kramer were updated as the current leaders of the Jim Barrier Gold Cup in their respective gender/age groups. Williams competes in the Jr. One age group (17-19 years) and Kramer competes as a Jr. Three (13-14 years).
Jim Barrier Gold Cup The Jim Barrier Gold Cup is Northern Division’s premier race series. This is a
continental cup type competition for the top racers in Northern Division. Races
counting for Gold Cup points are the J1, J2, J3 qualifiers, all open races (not RMC
Invitational) and the OHG and are open to all A, J1, J2, and J3 competitors.
Recognition of these athletes will be at the Over the Hill Gang race.
Jim Barrier Gold Cup History Born in 1940, Jim Barrier grew up skiing for the Flathead County High School.
During the years 1956-1959, he was the #1 ranked alpine racer in Montana.
He tried out for and was picked to be one of four alpine skiers to compete as a
member of the US Olympic Ski Team at the first Winter Olympic Games held in
the United States, 1960 Squaw Valley, California. He finished 16th in the GS, but
fell in the slalom. He did not compete in the DH.
Jim Barrier earned a four year skiing scholarship at MSU, but broke his leg in the
fall of his freshman year. He joined the US Army, and skied for the Army. After
discharge, he was a ski coach at Schweitzer. He later was hired by PNSA as
the Divisional Coach. He introduced the first junior ski racing seeding system in the
United States. In 1966, 1967, and 1968, he also worked with Bob Beattie and
Gordon Eaton as Assistant Men’s Coach for the United States Ski Team. After
the Olympics, he was hired by the Head Ski Company to develop a fiberglass ski
made by Dura Fiber, which was called the Head XR-1. Later, Jim became president of Dura Fiber Ski Company. His experience in business and manufacturing led him to a successful career in business; working for Kaiser Electro Precision and Kaiser Aerospace. Jim, always a fierce competitor lost his final battle to cancer in 2000.
Jim Barrier Gold Cup The Jim Barrier Gold Cup is Northern Division’s premier race series. This is a
continental cup type competition for the top racers in Northern Division. Races
counting for Gold Cup points are the J1, J2, J3 qualifiers, all open races (not RMC
Invitational) and the OHG and are open to all A, J1, J2, and J3 competitors.
Recognition of these athletes will be at the Over the Hill Gang race.
Jim Barrier Gold Cup History Born in 1940, Jim Barrier grew up skiing for the Flathead County High School.
During the years 1956-1959, he was the #1 ranked alpine racer in Montana.
He tried out for and was picked to be one of four alpine skiers to compete as a
member of the US Olympic Ski Team at the first Winter Olympic Games held in
the United States, 1960 Squaw Valley, California. He finished 16th in the GS, but
fell in the slalom. He did not compete in the DH.
Jim Barrier earned a four year skiing scholarship at MSU, but broke his leg in the
fall of his freshman year. He joined the US Army, and skied for the Army. After
discharge, he was a ski coach at Schweitzer. He later was hired by PNSA as
the Divisional Coach. He introduced the first junior ski racing seeding system in the
United States. In 1966, 1967, and 1968, he also worked with Bob Beattie and
Gordon Eaton as Assistant Men’s Coach for the United States Ski Team. After
the Olympics, he was hired by the Head Ski Company to develop a fiberglass ski
made by Dura Fiber, which was called the Head XR-1. Later, Jim became president of Dura Fiber Ski Company. His experience in business and manufacturing led him to a successful career in business; working for Kaiser Electro Precision and Kaiser Aerospace. Jim, always a fierce competitor lost his final battle to cancer in 2000.
Whitefish attends the Bridger Qualifier
The Whitefish Resort Alpine Race Team visited Bozeman’s Bridger Bowel for a USSA sanctioned race series January 28, 29, and 30. Two Giant Slalom races and one Slalom race were contested over the three days with over 60 competitors participating in the events.
Whitefish skier’s results for the 3 days were:
January 28 GS #1
Junior Three Women category
Katherine Millette 10th place
Junior Two Women category:
Erin Tabish 1st place (1st overall)
Junior One Women category:
Michela Millette: 2nd place
Madeline Williams: 4th place
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 3rd place
Austin Oberlitner 10th place
Jacob Welch 11th place
January 29, GS #2
Junior Three Women
Katherine Millette 7th place
Junior Two Women
Erin Tabish 5th place
Junior One Women
Michela Millette 1st place
Madeline Williams 2nd place
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 2nd place
Jacob Welch 11th place
January 30, Slalom
Junior Three Women
Katherine Millette 12th place
Junior Two Women
Erin Tabish 1st place (1st overall)
Junior One Women
Madeline Williams 1st place
Michaela Millette 3rd place
January 30, Men’s Slalom
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 1st
Jacob Welch 12th
Austin Oberlitner 17th
Junior One Men
Aaron Oberlitner 2nd
The Whitefish Alpine Race Team would like to thank The Base Lodge Clinic of the North Valley Hospital, Hammer Nutrition, and Hunter & Company for their help and continued support.
Whitefish skier’s results for the 3 days were:
January 28 GS #1
Junior Three Women category
Katherine Millette 10th place
Junior Two Women category:
Erin Tabish 1st place (1st overall)
Junior One Women category:
Michela Millette: 2nd place
Madeline Williams: 4th place
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 3rd place
Austin Oberlitner 10th place
Jacob Welch 11th place
January 29, GS #2
Junior Three Women
Katherine Millette 7th place
Junior Two Women
Erin Tabish 5th place
Junior One Women
Michela Millette 1st place
Madeline Williams 2nd place
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 2nd place
Jacob Welch 11th place
January 30, Slalom
Junior Three Women
Katherine Millette 12th place
Junior Two Women
Erin Tabish 1st place (1st overall)
Junior One Women
Madeline Williams 1st place
Michaela Millette 3rd place
January 30, Men’s Slalom
Junior Three Men
Nevada Kramer 1st
Jacob Welch 12th
Austin Oberlitner 17th
Junior One Men
Aaron Oberlitner 2nd
The Whitefish Alpine Race Team would like to thank The Base Lodge Clinic of the North Valley Hospital, Hammer Nutrition, and Hunter & Company for their help and continued support.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Coaches and I have been talking about Pole Plants!
Pole Plant Fundamentals
The Pole Plant is one of the more fundamental issues relating to performance skiing.
Three things come to mind as primary factors in our performance skiing. They are: the pole plant, Balance on the front portion of the foot (ankles flexed forward to the front of the ski boot), and a transition of balance and carving very early in the arc of the turn…
I think today we will talk primarily about the pole plant….
While the feet are the most primary functional component to skiing (after-all they do control the skis directly) the pole plant is a VERY large part of the transition from one foot to the next.
Our need to teach, solidify, improve and maintain the pole plant for our skiing athletes is based on a very real need to assist in the working of the feet and in particular the transition from the dominant foot of one turn to the dominant foot of the next turn.
So…what does this pole plant do? Well, it does a bunch of things and much of it is difficult to recognize or point out; as it (especially as the athlete matures) becomes an almost artistic tool that is used in very impromptu situations to save the skier from difficulty. OK then; if this is the case, then a strong pole plant MAY just save our bacon at times…
Some of the things that we CAN count on the pole plant doing are:
1) It marks the beginning of each turn. As such; it helps us to determine rhythm and each race course, slope or bump run has its own rhythm that a skiing athlete needs to attune to.
2) It helps the athlete to move and move forward at the beginning of each turn…
3) When used properly, it helps to maintain a “stacked and square” stance that promotes a balanced position on the skis. (a double pole plant is particularly good in this order)
4) It aids in the balance change from foot to foot and in difficult transitions it helps to secure the upper body in its best balance movements from turn to turn. (AKA a bacon saver…)
What the heck does a good pole plant look like? Hmmm…Well then; it looks as though it will depend on 1) needs and 2) the pole planting ability of the skier…
1) The strongest pole plant will occur somewhere around the beginning of the turn and will only be actuated by the wrist. It will allow the hands to stay in the best “zone” for balance. The pole will angle forward and touch the snow actively (though not excessively) near the tip of the skis
2) Aggressive and accelerating turns may allow a slightly modified pole plant that touches slightly ahead of the boot, but still promotes movement and forward balance with the proper rhythm.
3) GS pole plants can diminish a bit, and they often flourish as the “double pole plant”, but again; if you need to save your bacon, I hope you own a strong forward placement pole plant!
Skiers can progress to some degree without a strong pole plant, but they will be severely limited in how far they can progress.
Though it seemingly is a small and easily learned skill, The pole plant is so varied in its use and necessity, it is best learned at an early age. With early development of the pole plant skill, athletes have much more opportunity to develop a variety of uses and strengths for that skill.
We know there will be many questions, so do not hesitate to ask…
Thanks,
The Coaches…
The Pole Plant is one of the more fundamental issues relating to performance skiing.
Three things come to mind as primary factors in our performance skiing. They are: the pole plant, Balance on the front portion of the foot (ankles flexed forward to the front of the ski boot), and a transition of balance and carving very early in the arc of the turn…
I think today we will talk primarily about the pole plant….
While the feet are the most primary functional component to skiing (after-all they do control the skis directly) the pole plant is a VERY large part of the transition from one foot to the next.
Our need to teach, solidify, improve and maintain the pole plant for our skiing athletes is based on a very real need to assist in the working of the feet and in particular the transition from the dominant foot of one turn to the dominant foot of the next turn.
So…what does this pole plant do? Well, it does a bunch of things and much of it is difficult to recognize or point out; as it (especially as the athlete matures) becomes an almost artistic tool that is used in very impromptu situations to save the skier from difficulty. OK then; if this is the case, then a strong pole plant MAY just save our bacon at times…
Some of the things that we CAN count on the pole plant doing are:
1) It marks the beginning of each turn. As such; it helps us to determine rhythm and each race course, slope or bump run has its own rhythm that a skiing athlete needs to attune to.
2) It helps the athlete to move and move forward at the beginning of each turn…
3) When used properly, it helps to maintain a “stacked and square” stance that promotes a balanced position on the skis. (a double pole plant is particularly good in this order)
4) It aids in the balance change from foot to foot and in difficult transitions it helps to secure the upper body in its best balance movements from turn to turn. (AKA a bacon saver…)
What the heck does a good pole plant look like? Hmmm…Well then; it looks as though it will depend on 1) needs and 2) the pole planting ability of the skier…
1) The strongest pole plant will occur somewhere around the beginning of the turn and will only be actuated by the wrist. It will allow the hands to stay in the best “zone” for balance. The pole will angle forward and touch the snow actively (though not excessively) near the tip of the skis
2) Aggressive and accelerating turns may allow a slightly modified pole plant that touches slightly ahead of the boot, but still promotes movement and forward balance with the proper rhythm.
3) GS pole plants can diminish a bit, and they often flourish as the “double pole plant”, but again; if you need to save your bacon, I hope you own a strong forward placement pole plant!
Skiers can progress to some degree without a strong pole plant, but they will be severely limited in how far they can progress.
Though it seemingly is a small and easily learned skill, The pole plant is so varied in its use and necessity, it is best learned at an early age. With early development of the pole plant skill, athletes have much more opportunity to develop a variety of uses and strengths for that skill.
We know there will be many questions, so do not hesitate to ask…
Thanks,
The Coaches…
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A briefing on the Showdown Ski Race
Every season there is a stop on the Northern Division YSL circuit that brings an especially broad smile to my face: The Showdown Super G. While it may be a glorified Giant Slalom by USSA course set standards there is no doubt that a J4 going 50 plus mph qualifies as a speed event. Aside from the racing at Showdown there's usually some fresh powder and sunshine mixed into the 3 day event. But the best part of the trip is (as cliche as it sounds) the journey.
Of the 16 ski resorts (I use the term "resort" extremely loosely) in Montana there are few that rival Showdown. I'm not talking about huge chute lines, awesome nightlife, or high speed trams...I'm talking real Montana skiing. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like time travel is possible. Pleasantville meets Ski School meets Deadwood. If I had to sum it up in a word? Classic.
The two towns that sit just down the canyon from Showdown are Neihart and Monarch. These old mining towns still have prospectors holding court at the local watering hole. I'm not kidding, they still prospect and even pan for gold on occasion. The ski hill itself has been in operation since the 1930's when some skiing pioneers founded the Great Falls Ski Club. I can only imagine what the drive was like back then -- it's about an hour and half now.
There aren't many pretensions at Showdown. The rental shop is in an old A-frame that looks as old as the mountain itself (see picture above). The breakfast special is called the Miner, the drink special is coffee (until noon), and everyone is on a first name basis, including the owner. George has owned and operated Showdown since God bequethed it to him on the sixth day, or so it seems anyway. Old George is a bit of a curmudgeony fellow but he runs a tight ship. He might be bellowing instructions to the staff one minute and then serving you hot coffee with a smile the next.
The skiing at Showdown is also free of pretension and the lack of posers is pretty refreshing. Porphory peak provides some solid vertical and with an elevation a little over 8,000 ft there's always a fair amount of snow. Every time I visit it's either a bluebird day or a powder day and on a few occasions it's been both. I won't spray about awesome pillow drops or perfectly spaced tree lines; I'll leave it to you check out the action yourself. Oh, and if you're in the area make sure to stop by the Cub's Den or the Lazy Doe for a frosty pint and a few stories, I gaurantee a classic moment will occur.
Of the 16 ski resorts (I use the term "resort" extremely loosely) in Montana there are few that rival Showdown. I'm not talking about huge chute lines, awesome nightlife, or high speed trams...I'm talking real Montana skiing. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like time travel is possible. Pleasantville meets Ski School meets Deadwood. If I had to sum it up in a word? Classic.
The two towns that sit just down the canyon from Showdown are Neihart and Monarch. These old mining towns still have prospectors holding court at the local watering hole. I'm not kidding, they still prospect and even pan for gold on occasion. The ski hill itself has been in operation since the 1930's when some skiing pioneers founded the Great Falls Ski Club. I can only imagine what the drive was like back then -- it's about an hour and half now.
The skiing at Showdown is also free of pretension and the lack of posers is pretty refreshing. Porphory peak provides some solid vertical and with an elevation a little over 8,000 ft there's always a fair amount of snow. Every time I visit it's either a bluebird day or a powder day and on a few occasions it's been both. I won't spray about awesome pillow drops or perfectly spaced tree lines; I'll leave it to you check out the action yourself. Oh, and if you're in the area make sure to stop by the Cub's Den or the Lazy Doe for a frosty pint and a few stories, I gaurantee a classic moment will occur.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Nevada is leading the "Gold Cup"
Congratulations to Nevada Kramer for currently leading the Gold Cup points for his age group. The Gold Cup is the season long Northern Division Series described here: The Jim Barrier Gold Cup is Northern Division’s premier race series. This is a
continental cup type competition for the top racers in Northern Division. Races
counting for Gold Cup points are the J1, J2, J3 qualifiers, all open races (not RMC
Invitational) and the OHG and are open to all A, J1, J2, and J3 competitors.
continental cup type competition for the top racers in Northern Division. Races
counting for Gold Cup points are the J1, J2, J3 qualifiers, all open races (not RMC
Invitational) and the OHG and are open to all A, J1, J2, and J3 competitors.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Red Lodge/Silver Run Qualifier
We Just Returned From Red Lodge and the Northern Division Qualifier. Our results were very good: Check them out here: http://www.northernussa.org./calendar/index.html Scroll down in the "ND USSA Column and click on the appropriate links for January 7, 8, 9 at Red Lodge (Silver Run)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Red Lodge Qualifier Jr 3 and Older
Our Jr. 3s and older athletes will be traveling to Red Lodge this weekend for a Qualifier series of GS races and 1 Slalom. See more here: http://www.northernussa.org./
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Holiday Schedule
Please remember the entire season long competition and training schedule is posted on the right column of the Blog Spot a bit down the page.
It is also posted as a paper copy on the wall of the Team Room. If there are other ways that help disseminate information please let me know and I will work towards that goal.
I will try to get any schedule changes (and there may be some due to weather or other influences) out by email and/or on the other schedules as soon as I can.
Sunday Dec 26th. RACE TEAM MEMBERS 10-1:00
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
Monday Dec 27th: All Groups (RACE TEAM and JR RACE TEAM) Meet at 9:00
RACE TEAM meets OUTSIDE; JR RACE TEAM meets INSIDE (TV Room)
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Tuesday, Dec 28th: All groups meet at 9:00 am (outside)
ALL TEAM PHOTO
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Wednesday, Dec 29th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Thursday, Dec 30th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Friday, Dec 31th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Saturday, Jan 1: No Training
Sunday, Jan 2: RACE TEAM training
USSA: SL
YSL: GS
It is also posted as a paper copy on the wall of the Team Room. If there are other ways that help disseminate information please let me know and I will work towards that goal.
I will try to get any schedule changes (and there may be some due to weather or other influences) out by email and/or on the other schedules as soon as I can.
Sunday Dec 26th. RACE TEAM MEMBERS 10-1:00
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
Monday Dec 27th: All Groups (RACE TEAM and JR RACE TEAM) Meet at 9:00
RACE TEAM meets OUTSIDE; JR RACE TEAM meets INSIDE (TV Room)
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Tuesday, Dec 28th: All groups meet at 9:00 am (outside)
ALL TEAM PHOTO
USSA: Slalom Training
YSL: Slalom Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Wednesday, Dec 29th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Thursday, Dec 30th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Friday, Dec 31th: All Groups meet at 9:00 (outside)
USSA: GS Training
YSL: GS Training
JR. TEAM: Freeskiing and drills
Lunch on own: 11:30-12:30
Saturday, Jan 1: No Training
Sunday, Jan 2: RACE TEAM training
USSA: SL
YSL: GS
Thursday, December 23, 2010
This is Basketball not skiing, but....
But; it says some really cool things; ask some really hard questions and speaks about many great athletes! Very worth sharing!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/sports/ncaabasketball/22uconn.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/sports/ncaabasketball/22uconn.html
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Lindsey Vonn Wins Again!
VAL d'ISERE, France (Dec. 19) – Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) regained the overall lead over German Maria Riesch, winning the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup super combined to sweep the weekend in Val d'Isere.
Read more here:
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3169
Read more here:
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3169
Ligety wins 3rd World Cup GS in a Row
ALTA BADIA, Italy (Dec. 19) – Two-time Audi FIS Alpine World Cup giant slalom champion Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) mastered the icy Alta Badia slope to capture his third consecutive GS victory Sunday and take the first World Cup overall lead of his career. The last time a World Cup male won three consecutive GS races was Austrian great Hermann Maier during the 2001 season.
Read more here:
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3164
Read more here:
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3164
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Lindsay Vonn Wins at VAL d'ISERE
Vonn Wins, Regains Downhill Lead
VAL d'ISERE, France (Dec. 18) – Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) captured a stunning victory Saturday to regain the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill standings lead as German Maria Riesch finished 24th. Teammate Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) was 8th with five Americans finishing inside the top 30.
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3148
VAL d'ISERE, France (Dec. 18) – Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) captured a stunning victory Saturday to regain the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill standings lead as German Maria Riesch finished 24th. Teammate Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) was 8th with five Americans finishing inside the top 30.
http://www.usskiteam.com/alpine/news?storyId=3148
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Video of World Cup Stars displaying Fundamental Skills
As we start the season working on our fundamentals, I happened on this video clip that shows some World Cup stars skiing some pretty good turns. We saw a couple of these guys at the World Cup at Lake Louise this Thanksgiving. (THAT was an exciting race!) I am always amazed at how easy these guys make it look. But then when breaking it down, it really comes to mastering some pretty easy fundamental skills and doing them VERY well. It DOES TAKE discipline and practice to polish those skills to the level that we will see in the Video clips.
To begin with, you see very little body movement in any of these skiers. Using a balanced athletic stance with good hand/arm position, ankles flexed forward and knees flexed; their turns begin at/with their feet. The turns start with a subtle (and hardly noticeable, but still very dynamic) rolling of the ankles. Then the legs become more involved and you can see the rolling of the ankles and knees as the turn develops. The feet and legs are allowed to move outside the body to promote lateral balance, but the body remains quite(and still in that balanced athletic stance), with the majority of the work done with the feet and legs. In all cases a strong pole plant is used. Didier Cuche uses a somewhat unusual style of arm movement, but it works well for his body type. The other clips show a more usual pole planting mechanism.
You will also notice the balance change from one foot to the new foot at the beginning of the new turn. This is especially seen in Thomas Grandi's second clip. In each turn the inside foot will work to mimic the movements of the outside foot, but the outside foot of the turn IS the more dominent in order to best control the turn shape and maintain balance throughout the "ARC" and be prepared to easily move into the next arc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTboYL8CjaU
To begin with, you see very little body movement in any of these skiers. Using a balanced athletic stance with good hand/arm position, ankles flexed forward and knees flexed; their turns begin at/with their feet. The turns start with a subtle (and hardly noticeable, but still very dynamic) rolling of the ankles. Then the legs become more involved and you can see the rolling of the ankles and knees as the turn develops. The feet and legs are allowed to move outside the body to promote lateral balance, but the body remains quite(and still in that balanced athletic stance), with the majority of the work done with the feet and legs. In all cases a strong pole plant is used. Didier Cuche uses a somewhat unusual style of arm movement, but it works well for his body type. The other clips show a more usual pole planting mechanism.
You will also notice the balance change from one foot to the new foot at the beginning of the new turn. This is especially seen in Thomas Grandi's second clip. In each turn the inside foot will work to mimic the movements of the outside foot, but the outside foot of the turn IS the more dominent in order to best control the turn shape and maintain balance throughout the "ARC" and be prepared to easily move into the next arc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTboYL8CjaU
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