Hey U16 Parents and Racers!

Welcome to the 18-19 season! Your coaches are very excited to meet and work with you to improve your skills and get faster!  Your coaches this year are:  myself, Charles Gagnon, Adam Nielsen, Alex Jacobsen and on occasion, Carl Forcheski.

We will work on fundamentals this coming Saturday with the focus on Balance & Stance while getting our ski legs back.  On Sunday we will focus on Edging/Pressure in addition to Balance/Stance.  We will also train the following weekend on December 22 & 23.  This weekend please come prepared to train in your SL skis with no armor or chin guard.

Holiday Race Camp

Race camp this year begins on Wednesday, December 26th and ends on Sunday, December 30th.  Be prepared to ski SL on Wednesday and Thursday with pole guards, shin and chin guards.  Our first race will be on Saturday, January 5th, GS @ Berkshire East (Beast).  So we will begin GS specific gate training for it Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  There will be no official training on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

Tuning & Equipment

Just a few notes for the start to the season.  First, make sure that your equipment is properly tuned and waxed.  SL skis should be tuned to a 0.5 (or 1) degree base bevel and 3 degree side bevel.  GS skis should be tuned to a 1 degree base bevel and 3 degree side bevel. This should first be done by a reputable ski shop.  In lower Westchester, I recommend Hickory & Tweed and Pedigree Ski shops.  Up at the mountain we currently recommend Mike Steven’s Black Diamond Tuning Shop and are looking to others as well.  Boots should not only fit correctly but should have the appropriate flex.  Please ask your coaches if you have any questions regarding equipment.

Looking forward to a great season with your continued support!

Coach Pat

“Ski fast…Take chances”