The Season Begins!

In July and August I had the opportunity to visit down-under with my new ski team (Sugar Bowl Ski Academy) when we went to New Zealand’s southern island to train on the Ohau Snowfields (that’s New Zealand for “ski area”).  We trained both tech disciplines, had more than 76 hours on snow over 14 ski days, and raced our first FIS-level races.  We raced girls from teams and universities from all over the world (Germany, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ecuador, New Zealand, and Australia).  I had mixed results with 15th in the first race (9th in the 2nd run!) and 23rd in the second race; the gs was cancelled.  The whole trip was amazing, from the three course meals we ate practically every night to the scenery (it looked a bit like home) to the great grooming that was done by the same guy who plowed the roads in the morning and was the head of ski patrol all day!  This first trip helped me improve my tactics and has given me full appreciation for my team – a great group of girls who are welcoming, supportive and fun to be with.   I'd also really like to thank Dave Nihan and Nordica for all the amazing support I've already received in my short time with Sugar Bowl Academy.  Can’t wait to get back on the snow!

Sugar Bowl girls FIS team at Ohau Ski Fields, New Zealand