The BC Ski Team men and women seem to have hit the jackpot in South America this year. The weather has been just perfect since they arrived and an abundance of snow has made for the best possible training opportunities, with mid-winter conditions on one side of the resort and early spring-like conditions on the other!
After eight days on snow, the athletes are progressing well – they are running a full-length Super-G right next to the US Ski Team Men. Speaking of the US guys, evidently some members of our team played volleyball and basketball with the likes of Bode Miller during their day off! The trip up to the Super-G track is an event in itself. They must ride the famed “Roco Jack”, which is a wild high speed poma lift consisting of a bar and 5 poma seats. It travels straight up what is essentially an avalanche shoot and is so steep that if you don't bail off quickly, you risk toppling backward!
The women have scheduled a total of 12 on-snow training days before returning from South America, while the men plan to put in an extra week, taking advantage of the spectacular conditions.
As always, the hospitality at the Portillo Resort is top-notch! If you're not enjoying the famous “Tea Time”, which is served following your afternoon dryland session, then you're being treated to a three-course gourmet meal in the elegant dining room. What more could a hungry athlete ask for after a full day of skiing followed by a workout in the on-site gymnasium, weight room, yoga room or swimming pool?
MEN (coached by Dale Stephens and Glenn Thomsen)
Dustin Fraser (MWSC)
Matt Holler (WMSC)
Ben Chaddock (WMSC)
Trevor Conroy (WMSC)
Ben Thomsen (WVSC)
Jonathan Hadley (WMSC)
WOMEN (coached by Nancy O'Neill)
Alison Leighton (WMSC)
Lindsay Kraft (Vernon Ski Club)
Danielle Robson (WMSC)