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.