OPA Cup sprint race semi-final Cred: Russell Kennedy

To say I've been spoiled with the weather and conditions in Davos the past couple of weeks would be an understatement. What started as a weak winter year in Switzerland, with rain and warm temperatures in December and January, has transformed into a winter wonderland within the past couple of weeks. The Swiss team has been incredibly hospitable and I joined them for this past weekend of racing in Campra, Ticino. I had a good hangout with a stomach infection for a week leading into the OPA Cup weekend so I only competed in the Skate sprint instead of all three races as part of the mini-tour. The bowels are back on track and I'm happy with my performance overall last week.

Davos is celebrating 150 years since the first winter guests came to take in the views. Local kids taking part in a decorated schlitten tour on the promenade.

Hitsch Flury and his family were incredibly hospitable. Thank you! Little one demonstrating his new trick!

Stiffler's mom does have it going on. MT Stiffler and I Cred: Taz

Tatjana Stiffler and I. Meine Schweizer Schwester

When you're born and raised in Davos and have skied Dischma more times than I dare to count - it's safe to say you'd do a better job waxing my skis than I could. Thanks Beat.

The racing in Campra for the OPA Cup this past weekend was incredibly fun! The course had a couple of fast and technical downhill sections and then a long uphill finish. It was well suited for my style of sprinting and although the qualifier wasn't great (thankfully avoided bailing on one of the descents) I felt like my body got better throughout the day and I was happy to finish in 4th amongst a good field of Germans, Italians, Swiss, French and Slovenians. The Swiss team did an incredible job with my skis and organization. They even put up with my attempts at speaking Swiss German...!

Representing my family's restaurant, Ticino in Ticino. It's awesome to meet so many people abroad who have enjoyed the delicious food and prima hospitality in Banff!

Duking it out with them Deutschlanders Cred: Russell Kennedy

Start line of the semi-final Cred: Annie Pokorny https://anniespokorner.wordpress.com/

I am heading to Rogla, Slovenia tomorrow to race a skate sprint on Saturday and classic distance on Sunday. I have a World Cup start in Lahti, Finland the following weekend and am incredibly excited for the next couple of weeks. If you had asked me a month ago if I thought this was possible, well, I probably would've laughed at you. Joke's on me!

Until next time - sun's out udder's out - peace out.

This is why Davos' cheese tastes so good. Chilled out cows, soaking in the rays.

A big 'thank you' to Buff Canada, Banff Airporter and Tower Cleaners for providing some patches for my jacket. No really - thanks for your incredible support! Bad Ragaz

It was bright. Sertig

I think my wood stack at home could use some Swiss organizing.

Leaving Davos is never easy. Bis bald zu sehen! xoox