Do you know that feeling when you get to a certain time of the year or return to a place you come to periodically and you are flooded with nostalgia and memories from past times? That is how I feel whenever I go to Copper Mountain.
I’ve been coming to Copper in November for about 8 years now and it always meets me with many, many emotions. This is where I had my first National Training Camp when I was a Sophomore in High School and still primarily skied weekends at Holimont: I cried in my bedroom because I was so scared, this is where I won the time trial for Killington to qualify for my first World Cup Start ever, this is where I won my first Nor-Am, this is where I’ve had countless days, both good and bad, and this is where I’ve bonded with teammates, friends and international skiers who all congregate for the final prep here which is one of the biggest reasons I love coming to Copper.
It is easy to forget how far I’ve come when I just focus on the day to day improvements I’m trying to make. But thinking back on just how much progress I’ve made both in my skiing and as a person, has been very helpful in continuing to build confidence and believe in myself. I have come very far and I can keep going even further :)
The emotions and experiences have definitely evolved over the years, but the one thing that remains constant is an eager anticipation for the season to start.
I have already had some phenomenal training here. There is much more snow than in past years, and we have been able to ski full length speed for a week now! I’ve been granted access to the Copper Speed Venue by the US Ski Team and I hired AJ Kitt (ex American Downhiller) to help me in Copper while Stef and Thomas are up training in Nakiska. AJ has been so helpful both with skiing advice and managing the logistics of working in with the Ski Team. I have so many amazing people helping me out behind the scenes (many of which come from the Vail community which almost feels like a second home at this point) and I am so grateful for the support. I quite literally could not do it without you all!
I feel better and faster than ever and am really excited for the first races of the season!
Here are some photos from Copper so far:
I also have a 15% off code at Sync Performance Trish15 if anyone needs some new ski gear I 100% recommend their clothing (the race suits and pano jacket are my favorite :))
Great! You are going to crush some speed this year. See you at Killington?