BC Women’s Training Group Report by Gregor Druzina, Head Coach
We have successfully wrapped up our first on-snow camp in Mt. Hood. Joining Head Coach Gregor Druzina and Assistant Coach Sam Liddell were athletes Sarah Freeman (Pincher Creek/Fernie Alpine Ski Team), Jocelyn Ramsden (West Vancouver/Whistler Mountain Ski Club), Sarah Elliot (Oyama/Big White Racers), Celine Rytz (Calgary/Fernie Alpine Ski Team) and Alecia Willis (Surrey/Whistler Mountain Ski Club). We tried to set a new tone for the start of the season in terms of how we train through skiing and dryland during the preparation phase. I have to say, we were really impressed with how the athletes took advantage of this new opportunity to work hard on all aspects of their training as well managing their free time and nutrition.
We did 5½ days of giant slalom and 2 days of slalom technical skiing in the corridors. We were also focusing on technical free skiing and drills. Our objectives on snow were to achieve a balanced position on the skis, proper upper body position and correct transitions through the start of the turn. The main goal was to change the bad habits of individual athletes and bring out the good ones. As well we were looking for perfection in motion while doing technical drills and as well trying to see what individual exercises actually have the best value for the athletes.
The snow conditions were good for this time of the year and the weather was just perfect for summer skiing. With two lanes at our disposal every day, we were able to ski a lot of runs and get the most out of each one. We also took advantage of some opportunities to train with the Men’s BC Team athletes.
The girls are now taking a few days off for recovery before travelling to Whistler for a 3½ week dryland camp (July 10 to August 5). At this point I would like to thanks Cindy Thompson, CSCS, CEP, our Physical Performance Manager, for all of the effort and knowledge she is putting into our team to ensure the athletes are in the best possible physical condition in time for race season!
BC Women’s Team Report from Head Coach, Gregor Druzina