Confidence from Corbet's

In 2016 I qualified to be part of the Alpine Ski Team representing Alaska at the U14 Western Regional Championships in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I have to admit that just making the team was a significant accomplishment, although it didn’t give me much confidence.  I had struggled through a disappointing 2015/16 season as I worked to transform my slalom technique and had finished only half the slalom races I started. So when we arrived at the staging tent on our first day I couldn’t have felt more out place. Even though we were only free skiing with our teams that day, as I watched my competitors getting ready around me, I had a haunting, sinking feeling that I was completely, utterly out of my league. Unwilling to let my uneasiness show, I pushed my discomfort down and headed out with my teammates to explore the new mountain. Jackson Hole is home to Corbet's Couloir, a gully about 10 feet wide with a 50 degree slope and a hair-raising entrance.  We wanted to check it out, and our coach Clayton did one better and offered to take us down it.  I skied Christmas Chute at 4!  I can do this! So, in a surge of confidence I, along with my teammate Colin, took him up on the offer. At the top, lots of people were lined up just outside the rope that marked the boundaries of the run, but only a few dared drop the cliffy entrance. As I watched, self-doubt started taking the place once occupied by my confidence. Suddenly, I found myself alone at the top – a skinny little 13 year-old girl with a bunch of burly skiers and snowboarders.  Clayton and Colin were at the bottom waiting for me.  It was my turn. I held my breath as all eyes traced my movements; cautiously, I slipped down towards the drop. All too soon it was there, and the ground was gone from beneath my feet. Almost as fast as it’d started, the run ended.  Although it wasn’t my best performance, I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. That run reminded me that I was exactly where I belonged and renewed my belief in myself and my abilities.  The very next day, I went on to place ninth overall in super-g. Facing down this challenge reminded me how important confidence is to ski racing and that it is one of the most valuable skills you can practice and grow. Thanks Corbet's!

Dropping into Corbet's, Jackson Hole, Wyoming 2016