We arrived early this morning to lightning and thunder storms terrorizing Mt. Hood. As we drove up to the parking lot streaks of lighting flashed. The chances of skiing were looking pretty grim as we unloaded the 25 pairs of slalom skis out of Baywatch (my bright yellow truck).
We sat in the lodge and played the ‘hurry up and wait’ game all ski racers become accustomed to. It gave the coaches some time to talk to the girls more and get to know them. We took some fun ‘hang out in the lodge’ pictures . It took an hour and a half of waiting in the lodge until we finally got the go ahead to get on the chair.

The girls had a lot of pent up energy and excitement about skiing and having to wait in the lodge for that long only bolstered their enthusiasm.

Once we got up to the top of Palmer we met up in our groups and began freeskiing and our drills. The snow ended up being perfect for us. And the mountain was empty. I haven’t seen Palmer that quiet before and we took full advantage by freeskiing our hearts out.

Memorable moment of the day on the hill: Watching coach Libby Ludlow rip amazing turns down Palmer with five girls in tow imitating her perfect form. That moment made me realize how unique the camp is. It is not often that a coach can ski like that and also be able to explain to the kids how to do it. All the coaches were doing drills with the girls that they had done throughout their World Cup and skiing careers. It’s an opportunity I wish I’d had when I was a kid. To ski with ripping ladies who are fun, enthusiastic and incredible athletes/role models.

Fun mention of the day: It was camper Sofia Yubero’s 12th birthday today! My mom made her a beautiful cake and we had a great pizza party. Thanks Angie Yubero! The Huck shakes and pizza party were a hit and memory that will stick with Sofia!

Tomorrow we will be training slalom getting into brush and hero gates continuing to work on balance and technique.

Ski ya later,

Keely

Hurry up and wait

Zoe Livran pumped to be skiing!

Water break time

We played soccer, ultimate frisbee and kickball for dryland

Happy 12th Sofia!

Goofin' off