The Freestyle program has made a lot of progress since the last update.  For example, Coach Rob Day completed work on the mogul course at Howelson Hill on Wednesday.  As a result, the Post Grads, Ability, and Jr. Ability programs have been taking advantage of the training facility over there.  Many of the athletes that have just been granted Skier Schedule are a little frustrated about this because they have been looking forward to skiing Mt. Werner for so long, and yet they are still at Howelson!  The good news is that they are blowing snow on Voo Doo so they should be training on the mountain very soon.  This is also good news for the US Ski Team because they will be having the Olympic Mogul Trials on Voo Doo on December 21.

On Saturday, the Bumps and Jumps and Jr. Free groups went to Mt. Werner for the first time.  It was an exciting time for the athletes since it was the first time many of them have been able to ski the mountain.  It was also good for them to get some serious time in the saddle.  Due to long lines and cold temperatures at Howeleson, the groups have not been able to log a lot of vertical so far.  Coach Corey Prager is optimistic about the season and expects to see a lot of his athletes break out this year and establish themselves as contenders in the Rocky Mountain DEVO division.

A note for parents with athletes in Bumps and Jumps and Jr. Free: Please send a note with your athlete this week stating that your athlete may be released from Saturday ski practices at Mt. Werner.  This way they can meet you at a different location than the parking lot or they may continue skiing if you arrange this with your athlete.  If you prefer that you meet at the parking lot, the coaches will still be ending practices there, but at least there will be options.

Saturday and Sunday were very productive for the mogul athletes that went to Copper Mountain.  Coaches Rob Day and Nate Bird organized the camp and Jr. Free coaches Corey Prager and Travis Crooke helped out.  The team spent Saturday getting their ski legs back since many had not been in ski boots for over a month (most had been training at the water ramps).  Sunday had the groups split (post-grads and undergrads) and some serious training went down.  The groups reviewed drills and determined goals for the season.  In addiiton, some serious urban dictionary was studied in the evening.

All of the coaches for the freestyle programs are extremely excited about the new season.  We have added a few new coaches this year, so please make sure to come to the parent meeting on November 3rd to meet them.  In addition, the returning coaches want to discuss goals and changes for this season.  Please bring an appetizer to share.  The best snack wins a prize! 

With September and October behind us, the coaches are anxious to get their athletes on snow starting with a weekend camp at Copper Mountain.  As director of freestyle programs, Coach Erik Skinner notes that, “It has been a long road since last season.  We have had 12 athletes involved in a continuous training program since May 1st.  The athletes worked out 4 days a week in the gym, 4 days a week at the Water Ramps, and attended summer camps in Canada and Chile.  It will be nice to have snow at home and get into the swing of things.”

The Jr. Ability and older athletes started winter training in early September and will have their first on snow Team Camp November 6-8 in Summit county.  “I am psyched to get back on snow in Colorado after our very productive and successful camps in Whistler and Chile. It was great to see our numbers elevated in our Elite Water Ramping program, and the interest with our weights program this summer.  It should be a lot of fun watching all of their hard work pay off.  I’m also excited to work with the new Post-Grad athletes that have decided to come be a part of our program.” Says coach Rob Day

Dry land training starts for Junior Freestyle on Tuesday, November 10.  It begins for Bumps and Jumps on Wednesday, November 11.  The Farmer’s Almanac predicted a slow start to the season but lots of snow as the winter progresses.  Instead, it looks like the snow came early.  Please keep this in mind when dropping your child off at dry land training this season.  Have them dress in appropriate clothing for snowy or wet conditions (Extra layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots if the conditions warrant).  Make sure they bring something to drink and a snack if they easily get hungry.

It is already shaping up to be one of the best seasons the freestyle program has seen in awhile.  We look forward to it and hope you will share in the adventure.