Back in the Boat

The view from the top of the slalom course at Howelsen Hill. (from Ainsley Proffit's perspective.)

 This team enjoys coming to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It's usually sunny, the snow is cold and dry, and there are good trails to ski on. And we usually get to cheer on our alpine teammates in a night slalom race at Howelsen Hill, just across the Yampa River from Steamboat's main street. The University of Colorado hosts their meet here each year. But this year, they're also hosting the NCAA Championships here in March. So we get to come back twice!

Waiting around for the awards ceremony post-race.

Results from our Nordic team this past weekend were mixed, but with so many Freshmen on our team this year, it was a good opportunity to do some reconnaissance and become familiar with the race courses here in the land of "champagne powder". 

The training conditions are excellent here. (Beth, Marlie and Pascale)

Tomorrow's our last chance to familiarize ourselves with Howelsen Hill's race trails, as we'll drive south to Minturn, Colorado on Wednesday for the University of Denver's meet this coming weekend. But it'll only be another month or so before we're back in the 'Boat for the NCAA Championships.

Skiing at the Wiik's place.

Ainsley Proffit. There's a reason her racing bib says "Leader".

Trond has been letting me get out to ride the chairlift at Mt. Werner in the afternoons whenever there's an opportunity to squeeze in a few runs between nordic workouts. It's been excellent skiing.

With our alpine teammates Carmen and Ella after the night slalom at Howelsen.