'Would you look at that!'
Frozen Thunder sprint and distance races took place in October. I'm a little late to report on that one! Results zone4.ca Photo: Noel Rogers
Would you look at that! Since my last update, it’s been just a few hundred laps of Frozen Thunder, some long skis on Moraine Lake road, a Fast and Female summit event, the Banff Mountain Film Fest and then boom - it’s the ski season!
The Frozen Thunder races took place last month and although it wasn't my finest racing, I had a great time and it was a great way to get the reminder of what a race bib feels like. I'm glad I had a bit more training time to get my racing legs underneath me and now that we have arrived in West Yellowstone, Montana to start the race season tomorrow, I'm much more confident with my preparation. Tomorrow's race is a skate sprint on a 'quick n' dirty' course on the Rendez-Vous trails. Stay tuned for how the day plays out!
To give you an idea of what that 'Frozen Thunder' snow-in-october thing is, check out this video that Russell Kennedy made, Presented by BUFF Canada.
Ski season is here and the World Cups are just around the bend! Here is a recap of the Frozen Thunder sprints to get you pumped up for the ski season. Music: Dance Yrself Clean - LCD Soundsystem Platinum Chains - Micheal Woods Float On - Modest Mouse Buff is a proud sponsor of the Haywood NorAm Sprint series.
Before I go any further – I’d like to announce the Banff Airporter and Tower Cleaners as new sponsors! I’m incredibly excited to represent these businesses. We hear the ‘poor athlete plea’ more often than not, but it’s important to take the time to celebrate the supporters who have made my ski racing possible to date!
The Banff Airporter is locally owned and operated in the Bow Valley and operates shuttles to and from the Calgary airport as well as private shuttle and limousine services. The brains behind this business understand the patience, persistence and hard work it takes to make a dream come to realization. What began as a two driver/owner/operators/jack-of-all-trades service, shuttling guests from Banff to the Calgary day in and day out, has turned into a vital lifeline for Banff locals and tourists alike. When I say vital, I mean it! I have been a down and out, exhausted from travel, returning with too many skis in my ski bag and a beat up duffle bag more times than not. To return to your home in a luxury bus shuttle is the absolute easiest part of any travel day. Looking forward to representing such an incredible Bow Valley business!
Tower Cleaners is another incredible example of how using your own resources, a lot of brain and a heck of a lot of work ethic can grow a small business in a single location, to operating 26 locations and offering Calgary and beyond with the best in high quality garment cleaning and shirt laundry with free pick and delivery. Tower Cleaners has been in operation since 1978 and was always a kind supporter of my local ski club, Foothills Nordic. It is my privilege to represent Tower Cleaners!
The racing season starts tomorrow. Today, however, it’s thanksgiving and I'm in America. In the spirit of the American time to give thanks. I’ll keep the ball rolling.
Thank you to the continued support of the Buff Canada, Banff Lodging Co., Ticino Restaurant and Valbella Gourmet Foods. I am very fortunate to come from a community where pursuing my passion for ski racing is not only tolerated but embraced!
A big dose of gratitude to Salomon Nordic for supplying me with the fastest boards. To Rancho Vignola and Shades on Caribou. Your support is consistent and much appreciated.
I spent some time at my parent's house in Banff this month to take in some rest before the season and enjoy the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. If you have a moment to spare in Banff, be sure to check out Rocky Mountain Yoga and stop in at Wildflour Cafe for a coffee afterwards.
Here are a couple of photos of other happenings I was up to since I last was on the internet. Yeah right. I'm on the internet more than I'd like, but here's proof that I put down my phone and close my laptop too!
Fast and Female held a multisport Summit event at WinSport in Calgary. The energy, questions and interactions I'm able to have with young girls and women in sport is really important to me and keeps me grounded. I don't know what these young girls take away from this events, but if it's anything close to the inspiration I feel from them, I think we're doing a great thing.
Presenting Town of Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen with an Olympic bib. Thank you to the community of the Bow Valley for your support!
Members of the Alberta World Cup Academy on Moraine Lake Road in Lake Louise. Nothing puts a smile on my face like skiing in the company of these pretty faces and the rocky faces above. Meet the team for yourself here
This post was loaded with hyperlinks and shout outs left right and centre. I hope you've taken the time to check out the behind the scenes supporters that make my career possible. It's race season and now it's the fun part. Putting the hard work and hours of training this summer and fall to use on the race trails. Be in touch!