That was a pretty darn productive couple of days at Copper, but with that being said; we're going to return to Abasin.  The traffic and frustration that comes with it, is simply too much and it severely cuts into our training time.  Ultimately, more time on snow is always a good thing - and all of the athletes that attended this weekend got to put eyes on the venue at Copper.  Abasin simply allows us to get more runs, and keep a cooler ahead.

I'm also going to have to make a last-minute change to our schedule this week, and eliminate Academy/Early Release training tomorrow, and Wednesday.  We are on the horizon of a pretty chaotic 6 weeks ahead, and quite frankly from a coach's standpoint, we need to catch our breath before diving into competition season.

Schedule

1/31 - No training
2/1 - No training
2/3 - Abasin Academy
2/4 - Abasin 9 AM-3 PM
2/5 -Abasin 9 AM-2 PM

Comp season

It was months, then weeks, and nowadays until our first competition (for most of us) in Telluride.  Elizabeth Drummond actually made the trip up to Ski Cooper on Sunday and managed to take the win - so awesome!  Elliot Drumwright strapped on a snowboard and took a step on the podium in 3rd place. A strong start certainly.

As I mentioned in last week's email, comp season brings unique challenges from a staffing standpoint.  Competitions will always take precedence in terms of staffing, and as such some training sessions will fall victim as a result.  This is also your friendly reminder that my fellow coaches are also human.

A few notes for parents (and athletes for that matter) regarding competitions, and what they mean.

1. Freeride is a judged sport.  Please keep tempers in check, and remember that this is all in the name of fun.
2. Competitions are an opportunity to show what you've worked on and show your skills.  The best runs are fun runs, where athletes feel totally in control the whole way.
3. Junior competitions are just that: for juniors. While for some of you, it may feel like the clock is working against you, just remember there is a whole road ahead that is not defined by being younger than 18.
4. Competitions are an excellent way to expand your friendship group.  Some of my best friends to this day, I met in the junior events.  Meet new people, give them high fives, and maybe they'll have a couch for you to sleep on one day.

For those of you headed to Telluride, I'll be sending an email in the next day or two with more specifics.  Wade, Max, and I will be driving down Thursday and will be on the hill Friday.  We'll plan on a half-day afternoon ski with those around on Friday to scope the venue, and dial in any last-second items.

Thank you! I'll see some of you down in Telluride, and I hope the rest have an awesome time at Abasin.  I hear it's been skiing quite well.

Daniel McFadden
Head Big Mountain Coach
daniel@teamsummit.org