Ski Racing - November 21, 2011

MASTERS

Despite the limited terrain, or perhaps because of it, Timm has lofty expectations for his masters racers. “This is the time of year where we lay down a solid foundation that will provide a base that will last the season,” says Timm. “We work on balance, stance, edging, and turn shape. There are no silver bullets, no shortcuts. With no races coming up in the short term, we’re not in a hurry, so the focus is on fundamentals.” Amy Lanzel, a Class 6 racer from Park City, just returned from a week of training with Timm and she’s still buzzing. “It’s so motivating; no husband — off on a hunting expedition — no kids, it’s all about me,” she says with a laugh. “It’s the thrill of getting back on snow where I really can focus on fundamentals, getting my legs back under me, and having fun. It’s wonderful.” The daily routine consists of getting on the lifts at 8: 30 a.m., freeskiing until 9: 15 and then working on drills and exercises.

The group downloads at 1: 30 for video sessions, followed by hot
tubbing, early dinners, and lights out. “This is my third time com-
ing to Copper,” says Lanzel, the Intermountain Masters chair-
person and perennial contender at the Nationals. “The snow
has always been fabulous, and with the Nationals at Park City
this year, this has given me a great jump on the season.”
Also getting a jump on the season is Class 6 racer Stacey
Weston from Dracut, Mass. She has linked up with Dave Greg-
ory and his Peak Performance Camps for a mid-November ses-
sion. Weston has been to Gregory’s camps three times in past
years, but this time is different. “I didn’t get to race at all last
season, and I want to test out my ailing hip, so I’m really looking
forward to getting going,” says Weston, a principle scientist with
Pfizer. “My brain is ready, and I’m hopeful my body will come
along after a few days out there. I guess that’s why they make
Advil.”
Much like Timm, Gregory focuses on fundamentals, which is
exactly what Weston is seeking. “Dave Gregory has helped me
so much in the past; he’s quiet and understated, but he’s so
observant,” says Weston. “At Copper Mountain I can focus on
technique under ideal conditions, which are marginal this time
of year in the East. We work on gates and exercises in the
morning and then directed freeskiing in the afternoon.”
Gregory spends the first few days of each camp working on
tactics, such as defining turn-shape, before moving on to tech-
nique. “You need a tactical understanding in order to execute
proper technique,” says Gregory, the race program director of
the Mount Washington Valley Ski Team in North Conway, N.H.
“We work on edging at the top of the arc, taking advantage of
the shape of the skis. We hope to make all of our racers faster
and better skiers by giving them tools, including conditioning,
that they can use throughout the season.”
The day before Weston leaves for Copper Mountain, she’s in
a frenzy of anticipation. “My skis are waxed, my suit is washed.
I’m just crazy-excited to go. After missing last year, there’s a lot
of pent-up energy to go on this big adventure. I can’t wait.”