The Junior Race Development Squad enjoyed their first week on-snow for 2011 in early July, and weathered some challenging and extreme conditions that week with great enthusiasm and morale – much to their credit.  A new record was set in participation with 17 Junior Members enrolled and active in Giant Slalom, Snowboard and Cross Country training throughout the week.

Structured Alpine GS training with Perisher Race Department went ahead at 7:00am for four of the five sessions, due to the lack of options for race courses to train on. We did have however, the entire front valley at Perisher, a good training pitch with a fast flowing GS course set alongside the Terrain Park.
Juniors woke before dawn, had a solid breakfast, then met the specially chartered shuttle bus at Smiggins for a sunrise start at 7:00am.

Early starts meant a necessary early finish to the day, so all activities ceased by 3:30pm on those days.
Snowboard lessons progressed very well for our five new starters for 2011, Liesl, Ethan and William, joined by Robert and Louise.

All met the challenge head-on and made great advances, by 2nd lesson with Smiggins Instructors they were catching the Poma and making their own way downhill in ‘falling leaf’ style, some starting to toe-and-heel side turn. The more experienced groups had custom lessons to build on confidence and advanced skills.
Cross-Country training with K7 Adventures at Perisher Nordic Trails went ahead under cold and windy conditions each of the two afternoons, with Liesl, Ethan and William trained separately by a young Australian Rep Junior, Alex while Mike Edmondson took the huge advanced group for a run on the 2.5km loop, then back to the Nordic Shelter for the much anticipated game of ‘football’ on XC skis. A fun and friendly game was had, but the next day’s blizzard conditions saw us sheltering near the trail head training on the flat and the football called off.

By week’s end we had a group running on their last reserve of adrenalin and energy, plenty of social networking going on daily and a great supportive, inclusive spirit that was very rewarding for parents to observe. Party night Friday was exceptional, with a 50’s theme and everyone dressed to impress in 50’s glam theme – much dancing to the classics and party games followed a brilliant dinner & dessert.
Thanks to all parents for their commitment and support all week long and especially Lou and Teddy, our friendly and flexible Lodge management duo for looking after our daily changing needs so seamlessly.

Looking forward to seeing you all again in August!

Club Captain
Jonathan Mandl