By Darwin Roosa, on December 3, 2009
Members are reminded that their NYSSRA Nordic membership is reciprocal with New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) membership. Thus, NYSSRA members may participate in many of NENSA sponsored events and programs. I took advantage of a tremendous opportunity to begin my Nordic ski season by signing up for NENSA’s trip led by Janice Sibilia to the annual Thanksgiving week Yellowstone Ski Festival in Montana.
Left Our Rollerskis Behind
For the six of us, it was a delight to leave our roller skis at home in the Northeast and ski the “early snows” of the famed Rendezvous Ski Trails of West Yellowstone, MT. “This is surreal? I can’t believe we are training, being coached, and racing on such perfect early snow!” was the exclamation heard everywhere
Photo (Rendezvous Trails)
Highlights included lots of skate and classic technique work coached by Janice Sibilia and constructive feedback from her video critiques. Janice is one of NENSA’s most dedicated and committed coaches for such a “total immersion” ski camp. “This is your first time back on snow and it’s at 6,800 feet elevation. Work hard and get your technique in order but go easy,” we were told. Seemed like an oxymoron. However, there were no excuses. Getting the technique right now is critical to the winter ahead. Coach Janice gave presentations on altitude skiing, physiology of training and recovery, flexibility, base prep waxing, and tips for racing.
Photo (Coach Janice waxing)
Activities Include USSA Super Tour Races
Festival activities included a Try It and Buy It Gear Demo at the trails, Indoor Ski Show, waxing presentations, and RACING — yes, USSA Super Tour races to watch or compete in! Of course we raced — Classic Sprint, Freestyle, Classic races. It was reassuring to have Coach Janice’s racing support from pre-waxing to wax adjustments, and advice before heading to the start line. During the 15K skate race, my lungs and legs were given a dose of oxygen debt that I have not experienced in a long time. The hills were tough and downhills only gave temporary recovery relief. The next day’s 10K classic race was even tougher
Photo (Training Day)
What a week! It was great to share the Rendezvous trails with so many skiers from around the U.S. and Canada. We even seized opportunities to see an IMAX movie, visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, and ski into Yellowstone National Park in search of wildlife. Thanksgiving dinner at our Three Bear Lodge residence served up a feast of prime rib and turkey with all the trimmings.
Giving Thanks
We gave thanks to the early snow and for the opportunity to train together for the 2009-10 season. We wondered why there were so few other skiers from the Northeast participating in NENSA’s trip. So, mark your 2010 calendar now for next year’s festival.
Be sure to watch NENSA’s website regularly for events and programs that will interest you. New England skiers are watching our NYSSRA Nordic website
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