Super G Magazine Article:
As with most typical training camps, the group of athletes arrived full of enthusiasm in most cases, some doing their best to wake up from too little sleep. Discussion revolved around the days training to come, equipment preparation, who had discovered the latest “advantage” in preparing for the day and all of the other chatter challenging each other as they readied to leave the lodge at Nakiska to head up the mountain.
The group were keen on helping carry gates up to the course for setting, and riddled both coaches with constant questions about the type of training, the latest rule changes in slalom, the event in question for the days training, levels of ability and their plans for the upcoming year of competition or training. As the course was being set, the athletes, although encouraged to go and prepare with a series of warm up runs, were adamant that they would stay and help with the course set. The questions of the nature of the set, the goals of the camp continued to come. A very inquisitive group to say the least.
Athletes, now warmed up and ready for active training, charged through the course one by one, all testing the limits of their own abilities. As they returned from their first run, a multitude of comments flew about as they challenged not only themselves, but each other in a friendly rivalry. The most noticeable aspect was that of constant chatter and laughter. This camp was simply put “really fun”!!!!!
Now, this may sound like a typical training camp for a group of K1, K2 or FIS J1 athletes, but these were in a class of their own being the “Masters” athletes. They are not yet a large group in proportion to their younger peers, but they made up for this with enthusiasm, effort and hard work that left me believing that I had found twenty of Alberta’s most fun loving ski racers.
The highlight was that running a two day camp proved to be a hit with this older group simply because the opportunity was presented to them. It is this excitement and love of the sport that must continue to be provided to our athletes who are either making the decision to move on from the sport into other aspects of life, be they academic pursuits or work related endeavors, or who feel that they no longer have a fit in the existing program framework presently offered within the provincial ski racing system.
Opportunities such as the masters camp just described, relationships with adult race leagues at various ski areas throughout the province, an “older athlete” competitive stream and recreational race stream. These are all opportunities to build a very prominent component of ski racing in Alberta. And remember that when I am describing the scenario above and I am talking about “older athletes” who ranged from the 19 year old looking for the pure enjoyment of continued training in their sport of choice, through to the 20, 30, 40 and 50 year olds and even the odd more “seasoned” racing enthusiast.
As I listened to them all, I found that I was hearing the voices of the most vocal promoters of alpine ski racing in Alberta. This is a group that we simply can’t afford to ignore, but rather encourage them to grow in numbers. I am pleased to see that Alpine Canada Alpin has also made masters athletes far more of a priority, and together with our national sport organization, the Alberta Alpine Ski Association can encourage many more athletes to remain active in the competitive stream of alpine skiing.
I look forward to seeing the fire in their eyes as they prepare to race this season, and for those who simply want to have fun training throughout the season, I will see you all at the Masters Speed Camp in February!
TELUS Alpine Update Items
K1 Devonian Camp:
This past weekend of January 7 and 8 saw the gathering of 50 enthusiastic second year K1 athletes from across the province at Banff’s Mt. Norquay. With the help of nine K1 coaches, also assembled from around the province, the young charges were exposed to not only a series of technical and tactical scenarios, but were also engaged in skiing with their peers from other clubs, as well as under the direction of coaches other then their own club coaches. The athletes displayed excellent skills and allowed the coaches to assess the level of performance of the K1 age group in the province.
The athletes’ enthusiasm over both days was exceptional. Hats off to the coaches as well, as their contributions and willingness to work as a team provided both a very enjoyable weekend for the athletes, but also an excellent progression of skiing drills, head to head training and Giant Slalom technical preparation as the athletes head into their race season in two weeks time.
Thanks to Devonian Properties for providing support of our younger athletes in their developing stages, and also to Mt Norquay for their support in hosting the event.
Alberta Alpine Masters Camp:
The holiday spirit was in full swing as twenty keen Alberta Masters athletes attended the first “Masters” camp of the year. Held at Nakiska December 30 and 31, the Masters racers trained their way towards 2006 with two days of slalom training. The enthusiastic group were a pleasure to work with and certainly ensured that ski racing would exit 2005 with a bang, and lots of sore bodies! Although put through their paces, the group left the camp with excitement in looking forward to a 2006 filled with masters opportunities.
Thanks to Claudio Berto, the Masters Head Coach his efforts in assisting to ensure a successful camp.