Blue skies, deep powder, old friends, new friends, success, improvement, determination, and strength are only some of the words we could use to describe this trip. We saw everything from athletes first win’s, to first back flips and front flips, continuation of podium streaks, 720’s, first time back flips in competitions runs and even some sweet 20 foot cliff drops. The compliments on the athletes’ skiing were endless. The parents and coaches thanked us for bringing our athletes with their exciting runs and enthusiasm for the sport to the Far West Division. Everyone in the Far West Division was more than accommodating and we would like to thank them for their hospitality.
The accomplishments of the athletes cannot be explained by only looking at results and point calculations. We saw first back flips on snow from Domenic Imbarrato and front flips from Nick Marino. We watched athletes who did their back flips for the first time in competition such as Lizzy Smith, Rebecca Goldstein, Darius Baradaran, and Domenic Imbarrato. Tim Chamberlain and Sterling Crescimanno had blistering fast runs with clean tight skiing and huge double flip runs throughout the trip. Tyler Wadhams got back on the back flip horse after a few rough crashes in Whistler this summer (and a few more ramp camps after Whistler) and was also skiing clean consistent runs with two spins. Taylor Doxsee was throwing big 360’s and skiing top to bottom runs on the course. Mickey Donnelly was throwing amazing 720’s which the coaches went absolutely crazy for every time he did one. Kait Yakaitis trained and competed consistent top to bottom runs with some big ‘ole double twisters on the bottom airs. Victoria Smith was going bigger on her back flips and skied consistent top to bottoms in competition. Alta Curtis spun some huge 3’s and started to conquer her back flip issues. Grania VanHerwarde skied more and more aggressively by the day, taking the jumps bigger and not giving up. Alden English, Jeremy Gravell, and Ryan Brewster skied consistent top to bottom runs with some big floated spins. Brian Smith worked very hard on training top to bottom runs and skiing through any hick up. Colby Vavolotis was throwing some nice spins mixing them up with straight ones, crosses, and grabs.
The trip was a complete success. The athletes learned a lot on the hill and accomplished many of their season goals while having a great time in the process. Many of them dialed in consistent top to bottom competition runs that they will bring to the month of February in The East. Ultimately preparing themselves for the big events at the end of the season. Not to mention the student athletes also kept up with their academics (thanks to the KMS teachers and coaches' help).

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    - Submitted: Wednesday, January 30th by Deb Newson