As the first flakes started to fall, there’s an undeniable feeling of excitement of getting out on the slopes. After what feels like forever, clubs around Ontario are gearing up and getting back to snow under our skis. While the pandemic put a damper on our past season, the spirits of our athletes and coaches are at an all time high. Through perseverance, resilience and a positive mindset we are back on our skis and ready to rumble. With World Cups and NorAm racing well underway, many of the AOA member clubs are on snow or on their way to camps. We are inspired by what we are hearing from our members and clubs as they get the season started!
As the National Ski Academy heads back to snow, they are thrilled to be together again on the mountain like so many of us! The beauty of teamwork and camaraderie is celebrated as they enjoyed being together again for incredible pre-season conditions at Sun Peaks and Nakiska. Like many of us, it just felt good to have the skis in the snow again doing what they love and being surrounded by their teammates once again. While the pandemic may have been a struggle for all of us, in the spirit of perseverance NSA used the time to switch things up and plan for travel in 2022 including Saas-Fee, turning lemons into lemonade. As for right now, the feeling of being back on the snow is like no other and almost feels surreal.
Sharing in the excitement are London Ski Club and Georgian Peaks. With the season inching closer and closer both clubs are eager to get out there on the snow every chance they can get. London pivoted with the times and have been doing some socially distanced dryland training – proving their passion for skiing and getting them ready for the minute snow starts to fly. They’re pumped for the new season more than ever and eagerly awaiting what this year holds, making up for any lost time on the slopes.
Georgian Peaks have 55 OCUP racers hanging out in Sun Peaks loving every inch of snow and training they can fit in and 265 athletes aged 6-16 who are waiting with anticipation for their annual Tremblant camp – it just feels invigorating to be back out on the hills. Energized and ready for the upcoming season, the overwhelming feeling of being back and seeing familiar faces has been wonderful and everyone is grateful to be back.
Ontario, we are set for a stellar season of snow and ski! We hope that you feel as passionate and empowered to get out there and enjoy what this season has to offer. We cannot wait to see you out there!
To stay up to date on what our clubs are up to this season, stay tuned to the Division News section in our Raceline newsletter bi-weekly. Don’t forget to send us pictures and updates on how you are celebrating being back this season. Stay safe and we hope to hear from you!