PNSA hosts spring camp to get athletes up to speed
The Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) hosted a successful four-day speed elements camp from May 18-22, designed for U14 and older athletes. Thirty-eight racers from several clubs in the region gathered at White Pass Ski Area to benefit from the unique training environment that many athletes aren’t exposed to at their home mountains.
The ski area allowed the camp to set two separate super-G courses, but also various terrain features including a wave track, table top, and several jumps.
“At this time of year, the mountain is closed to the public,” said Dan Henry, the director of alpine skiing for PNSA. “We have a quick lap time on the lift, so the athletes have an opportunity to get several repetitions per day on multiple features.”
The unique training opportunity was complemented by guest coach, Jacqueline Wiles, U.S. Ski Team speed skier. Wiles, who grew up skiing at White Pass, coached along side camp organizers Matt Morrell (White Pass program director) and Kevin McDevitt (White Pass head coach) among several other regional coaches. Wiles spent time coaching, providing individual feedback and giving demos to all of athletes at the camp.
Speed camps like this are crucial to PNSA athletes, according to Henry.
“Due to academic requirements, an overcrowded race calendar and weather conditions in the Northwest, athletes have limited time to work on speed elements,” said the director. “However, the adverse weather that we have to deal with in the winter usually provides snow that lasts into late spring or summer. This gives us an opportunity to provide additional time for younger athletes to develop the movement patterns associated with speed elements and time for the older athletes to improve and refine speed skills.”
Photo from Dan Henry