Sun Peaks Resort once again provided the perfect backdrop, plenty of snow, yet great training conditions when it hosted 52 female-identifying athletes from all over B.C., who participated in the high-productive 3-day Girls Fast Forward (GFF) camp.
The skiers all put in a solid effort on hill, according to GFF Head Coach Montana “Monty” Molyneux. The first day, they were put to the test in a GS training session followed by a snowy slalom/powder day, where they inspected new courses with alongside special guest World Cup ski racers. The final on-hill session featured a slalom and panelled dual slalom.
In total, seven GFF lead coaches worked with the four World Cup Canadian ski racers, as well as two coaches from younger age groups, to manage, inspire and instruct the lucky U16 and FIS racers. The overarching goal was to create stronger bonds within the racing community for incoming U16 and FIS aged athletes.
“We worked hard on building a platform on top of the skis and found how to have an athletic position through the turn in all disciplines.”
Coach Monty
Off the hill, the athletes participated in video tech talks by Canadian World Cup ski racers Stef Fleck, Cassidy Gray and Britt Richardson. In addition, the full schedule featured a Mental Training session on empowering thoughts, goal setting and working through adversity, a “hardcore” core session & mobility, and a body scan and balance session. In the evening, they listened to an athlete panel with Canadian team athletes and BC Women’s Training group athletes as well as a coaches panel on the coaching pathway in BC with our Lead GFF coaches.
The GFF camp also had plenty of laughs and fun, including the camp wrap up Improv Skit Night and some camp take aways. “The last day was high energy with many campers and coaches in bright and retro gear!” said Coach Monty.
“Every year I look forward to the GFF camp, and from year to year it is a little different,” said Coach Monty. “This years group was so much fun to coach. They adapted to challenging environments and worked hard. Our athlete-coaches were awesome and our all-female coaching staff made the camp very special. It’s hard to pick just one memory from the camp. The video tech talk with Stef, Cass and Brit was next level. Our “hardcore Core” session was awesome and the improv coach skits were in my top activities. I’m so excited that we have been able to continue to build a community of strong female leaders and that we can have the chance to come together, connect and share.”