Ski Racing - December 3, 2009

MASTERS

Southern Exposure

For those not “friends” with Dana Alexandrescu, here’s an envy-inducing
recap of masters training in Chile, posted on Facebook COMPILED BY BILL MCCOLLOM

THIS SEP TEMBER, while many masters ski racers were raking the leaves, Dana Alexandrescu was racing down the slopes of Valle Nevado, Chile. A native Romanian who raced on the national FIS circuit out of Mount Snow, Vt., before heading out to Denver University, Alexandrescu once suffered a knee injury that curtailed her racing career.

Then, she discovered masters ski racing (and a convenient position as a software developer in the USSA office in Park City, Utah). Once Alexandrescu heard about the chance to train in Chile, she decided to go for it. For her friends back home, she kept a photo diary on Facebook; for the rest of us, here’s a look at what we could be doing next September.

Once you’re up, you don’t come down!

Arrival

On my way to my ski vacation…Valle Nevado, Chile! Big mountains, hero snow, killer views, gates, friends. Left Salt Lake at 3 p.m. to Dallas then Santiago arrival at 9 a.m. on Friday. Santiago airport — mountains of luggage, meeting new people. Bags in big truck, we take shuttles all the way up 70 switchbacks…so bad that once you’re up you don’t come down. The higher we get, the snow walls are taller. Getting out of the bus a bit dizzy… 10,000 feet…looking up and seeing — a paradise!!! Yes, I don’t care how tired I am…I am going skiing!!! Checking in, slow process, throwing our bags in small room, changing and getting into tight boots… sliding down to the Poma lift…I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Discovery

Our first day of freeskiing with the group. If you’re late you’re on your own, it’s a camp and there are rules! Slalom skis, hero snow, sun, and majestic mountains! What a girl wants! (OK, maybe just some girls.) Unbeliev-able…is this real? Looks

The postcard view of Valle Nevado.

like a postcard! I am sooo stocked [sic]! Pause at the summit, then ripping fast arcs on perfect snow. Where am I? Splitting into smaller groups by abilities. I’m in Nate Schwing and Scotty Veenis’s group. Awesome coaches who can talk the talk and rip 20 points [sic] turns.

Settling in

Valle Nevado has only three hotels in the middle of the mountains. Our hotel, Tres Puntas…small rooms with twin beds, but who needs more? Skiing and eating is the important part, and the food is amazing. We rotate between the three restaurants. Breakfast — cold cuts, fruit, cereals, we also make sandwiches to go for lunch. Dinner — choose any appetizer, dish and dessert (e.g. Salmon Carpaccio, Steak,

Canolli [sic]). There’s a disco in the hotel, a wireless room to hang out and the rugged mountains to look at. Sharing room with my good friend and trainer Brian Frost.

Small rooms, but a big hot tub.

On the hill

Already in a routine… 7 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. on skis, 12 a.m. lunch, 1 p.m. optional second ski session…nothing optional to me…I’m skiing as much as I can. Gates are always up and ready, thanks to our great coaches, Skinner Bros (Bob and Bill), Don Sears, Nate Schwing, Scotty Veenis, and Chad Wolk. Wow, some good eyes and minds.

The author hard at work.

Nate giving feedback, Scotty demonstrating, and Chad criticizing…“Stop squatting! Stay forward!” Is this a junior camp? Ouch! Optional dryland at 4, and stretching at 4: 30, then we all suffer abuse at 5 in a video session.