SVSEF, Sawtooth Mountain Guides Offer Avalanche 1 Certification
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is offering the first installment of its Mountain Adventure Curriculum in conjunction with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. The two organizations are teaming up to provide an Avalanche 1 Certification for youth athletes.
The educational opportunity consists of a backcountry skiing up to Williams Peak Yurt in the Sawtooth Mountains and spending three days learning backcountry safety and survival skills. Participants will leave early on December 19, head up to the yurt and spend the remainder of that day through Dec. 21, going through all the aspects of how to safely navigate avalanche terrain. The trip returns to the Engl Training Center around dinnertime on the 21.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand key decision making concepts and how these affect our risk
- Develop a trip plan and choose appropriate terrain before heading into the backcountry
- Learn to make and record appropriate field observations
- Work as a team to make good decisions and terrain choices
- Practice safe travel techniques in avalanche terrain
- Demonstrate effective companion rescue during realistic scenarios
This course is open to all SVSEF athletes ages 15 and up, and participants will be required to have alpine touring skis, and a medium sized backpack for each day. Food while at the yurt is included and avalanche rescue gear is available to use while on the trip. Estimated cost of the trip is $650. To register, go to "My Account" on SVSEF homepage and click on "Projects."
Additional details and a full equipment list will be provided closer to the trip.
Attached is Sawtooth Mountains Guide’s description of their typical AIARE Level 1 Hut Trip.
http://sawtoothguides.com/trips/aiare-level-1-avalanche-course/
Photos courtesy of Sawtooth Mountain Guides
Second Set of USSA Super Tour Races in the Books
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation welcomed a high-caliber field of nearly 200 competitors for USSA Super Tour races Saturday and Sunday at Lake Creek.
Classic was the discipline for sprint and distance racing on the Lake Creek Trail System, which was made possible by Mother Nature and the hard work of volunteers. SVSEF Assistant Program Director Kelley Sinnott remarked, “Visiting coaches and officials at the event were complimentary of the recently revamped 2.2k and 1.3k courses and were impressed that with the help of many volunteers and shovels SVSEF was able to provide such a high-quality course so early in the snow season.”
As expected, one of the nation’s leading sprinters, Dakota Blackhorse-Von Jess of Bend Endurance Academy won the men’s sprint final over Reese Hanneman of Alaska-Pacific University. SVSEF Gold Team member Miles Havlick claimed the B Final, finishing seventh overall. Former SVSEF post-grad Kevin Bolger (University of Utah) was runner-up to Havlick. Gold racers Ben Lustgarten, Cole Morgan and Matt Gelso bowed out in the quarterfinals.
APU’s Becca Rorabaugh led the women’s sprints over Craftsbury Racing Project skiers Kaitlynn Miller and Caitlin Patterson. SVSEF Gold Team racer Deedra Irwin was seventh overall and the winner of the B Final. SVSEF alum Sloan Storey (University of Utah) and Annie Pokorny (Statton Mountain School) both cracked the top 20.
In the Junior Women’s sprint, SVSEF’s Annika Landis landed on the podium in third place – the same day she learned of her acceptance at Middlebury College. Lily Brunelle, a second-year U16, was sixth overall. Teammate Ella Wolter was 12th.
APU swept the top spots on the podium Sunday with former SVSEF Gold Team racer Chelsea Holmes winning the women’s10k in 31:29. She crossed the finish line .09.7 ahead of teammate Rorabaugh. Patterson was third. Once again, Irwin had a great day finishing 14th in 34:25. Storey was 11th in 34:05 and Pokorny 16th in 34:29.
Scott Patterson was a half-minute ahead of the field, winning the men’s 15k in 40:35. Colorado University’s Mads Stroem was second in 41:07 and Eric Packer (APU) third in 41:09. A trio of SVSEF racers cracked the top ten Havlick eighth in 41:54, Lustgarten ninth in 42:02 and Gelso tenth in 42:17. Rogan Brown was 12th in 42:36.
“Racers were greeted by another beautiful Sun Valley blue sky day and despite low snow conditions were able to compete on a well groomed but difficult hilly course,” Sinnott said.
Older junior racers competed over the same distance as seniors. Lukash Platil (33rd overall) stepped up on the podium in third place with a time of 45:48. Thomas O’Harra of APU won the race in 43:58. Max Polito was sixth in 47:26, Leo Lukens ninth in 48:06, Danny Graves 10th in 48:14, Eli Jensen 11th in 48:48, Carter Ros 13th in 49:36, Keene Morawitz 17th in 50:43, Henry Raff 18th in 50:45, Luke Brecheen 22nd in 52:58, River Vorse 24th in 53:35, Landon Nurge 28th in 54:45. Max Tanous did not finish.
Stratton Mountain’s Katharine Ogden won the junior class 10k in 32:37. Landis (28th overall) clocked in at 37-minutes flat to place seventh. Ellie Polk was 18th in 42:07, Loni Unser 20th in 43:10 and Emily Siegel returned from last year’s knee injury with a 21st in 43:13.
U16 racers competed over a 4.4-kilometer distance. Johnny Hagenbuch was second in 15:05. Joe Hall placed sixth in 16:04 and Aidan Burchmore seventh in 20:40. Lily Brunelle’s time of 17:30 vaulted her in to third place. Teammates Sophia Mazzoni (18:01), Ella Wolter (18:10) and Jenna Nurge (18:22) went 4-5-6.
SVSEF girls and boys swept the U14 2.2 kilometer race. With a time of 9:07, Anja Jensen led teammates Logan Smith (9:11), Luci Ludwig (10:16) and Elle Mann (11:14) placing first through fourth. SVSEF boys repeated the feat with Cash Dart (8:20) first, followed by Sebi Radl-Jones (9:53), Jake Gorham (10:12) and Alex Shafer (10:46).
“All in all it was a great weekend of skiing and competition at Lake Creek,” Sinnott said.
Complete results may be found at www.svsupertour2015.com.
SVSEF to Host USSA Super Tour Races at Lake Creek
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is extremely pleased to welcome an estimated 200 skiers to USSA Super Tour races this weekend at Lake Creek.
SVSEF Cross Country Program Director and race organizer Rick Kapala remarked, “Basically everyone who is not in Europe is going to be here, which is a pretty solid group. From the U.S. Team we have Patrick Caldwell, Ben Saxton, Julia Kern and Katharine Ogden. Our Gold Team will also go against the top skiers from Alaska-Pacific University and the Craftsbury Senior Team. Dakota Blackhorse, the top sprinter in the country is here.”
An Olympic & Paralympic Training Site, the Lake Creek Trail System where the SVSEF Cross Country Team is based, features 15 kilometers of USSA/FIS homologated ski trails suitable for the highest standard of Nordic competition.
“We are very fortunate to have international standard courses right here in town,” Kapala said. “It allows us to train our skiers to the hardest course standards and racing on those same courses can be a big advantage. That said, even with home course advantage, we still have to go out there and race.”
Kapala said a total of 64 women and 84 men will compete in classic sprint races on Saturday, December 5. With the addition of SVSEF junior racers, the fields for classic mass start distance races will grow exponentially on Sunday, December 6.
U14 boys and girls will compete over a 3k distance, U16 5k, and U18 girls will race 10k. U18 boys and seniors will vie for supremacy on a 15k track. Awards will follow the men’s 15k race on Sunday. Racing begins at 10 a.m. on both days.
Despite a light early-season snowpack, Kapala termed the track at Lake Creek "solid."
"Of course, conditions could be better but we have had a lot of help shoveling up snow on the race loop and the courses will be an excellent early season test,” Kapala said.
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come out and cheer. No skiing is allowed on course while racing is taking place. Shuttle service is available from the Hulen Meadows parking lot. There is no parking on Highway 75.
"We are really psyched to have Super Tour here to start the season. It helps both our juniors and Gold Team members to get a chance to race on our home trails early in the season,” Kapala said. “This year in particular we are shooting to have our juniors ready for World Junior Selections in early January, so going head-to-head with top level competition is key. For our Gold teamers, we are not chasing races around the West, which really puts a load on our skiers.”
For race details, please visit http://www.svsupertour2015.com/
SVSEF Gold Team racer Matt Gelso will be in the mix this weekend.
SVSEF, Athletes Ready To Take Their Turns At Annual Thanksgiving Camp
Thanks to the support and assistance of Sun Valley Company, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Thanksgiving Camp promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Now in its fifth year, the preseason camp has unprecedented access to terrain as Sun Valley Company will open Upper College, Lower College, 42nd Street and Lower River Run to alpine racers skiers from clubs across the region. There will be more than 150 visiting athletes from across the Western United States representing college and club teams from Park City and Ogden, Utah, Billings, Montana, Hood River, Oregon, Reno, Nevada, Boise and McCall. In addition to visiting athletes, 125 local athletes will also be training to prepare for the coming winter season.
“This provides our club with an excellent opportunity for world-class skill development and training in the early part of the season,” said Scott McGrew, SVSEF’s Alpine director. “We travel all over the world looking for opportunities to find training and conditions like this. We are thrilled to be able to have it right here in our backyard.”
The camp, open to alpine and freestyle skiers, will run from Saturday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 25. Training sessions will be broken down by age group and team. The training is ongoing from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
In addition to the training taking place on the slopes, there will be off-snow activities and opportunities for the athletes. On Monday, November 23 there is a (sold out) showing of Warren Miller Entertainment and Red Bull Media House’s film Streif: One Hell of a Ride. This documentary vividly captures the famed Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria, as well as the intense athletic preparation required for athletes. “We are beyond excited to have such a captive audience and energy going into the season, there is no better way for us to get our community together and celebrate the sport we love. The show will take place at the iconic Opera House in the Sun Valley resort and will supercharge the camp.”
SVSEF has also partnered with Oregon Health and Sciences University’s Knight Cardiovascular Institute to facilitate an ongoing research study on young athletes and cardiovascular health. The research team will be utilizing Electrocardiogram (EKG) technology to profile athletes’ hearts and conduct a long term study to help identify abnormalities and identify preventative measures.
“The research team is excited to come to Sun Valley and work with our local and visiting athletes,” McGrew said. “The opportunity to capture this demographic is a great way to advance ongoing research on health and wellness. We are thrilled to be a part of the study, and look forward to more opportunities to work with OHSU researchers.” The team will set up at River Run Lodge throughout the duration of the camp screening athletes.
For additional information or details, please contact SVSEF Alpine Program Director Scott McGrew, (208) 720-3829.
Miles Havlick on How To Recover From Hard Training Days
When it comes to ski racing, the hard part is not reaching the twenty-hour training goal for the week or hammering out another level-4 interval on a frosty bike path in October; what’s tough is bouncing back from those workouts. Recovery is quite simple, but it is often neglected because it is so simple. By taking care of the small things, we can get more out of every workout and recover more quickly enabling us to get back out for another training session or competition.
With the endless supply of recovery gimmicks out there, it’s easy to get caught up in all the marketing Kool-aid, some of which is supported by research but most of it not. What we can rely on however, are the tried-and-true methods of recovery that athletes have been utilizing since the days of Neanderthals (almost).
While working out, our bodies are like glycogen sponges starting full and slowly being wrung out as more energy is needed. Immediately following a demanding workout, the sponge is particularly receptive and in desperate need of replenishment. Within 15-20 minutes of completing training, it is essential to consume something; preferably containing carbohydrates for glycogen replacement, protein to repair damaged muscle fibers, and fat for its caloric density. This will kick-start the recovery process and ensure that all that suffering pays off.
Another underutilized recovery tool is massage, which can do magic in transforming sore, tired legs into a brand new pair in a relatively short period of time. Massage has been proven to clear out waste products, increase circulation, and promote healing to damaged tissues. Unfortunately, most of us do not enjoy the perks of a full-time masseuse but there are some quality alternatives that can be performed on your own. Foam rolling, yoga, and good-old stretching are a great start and there is a wide array of instructional videos online to keep things from getting stagnant. Work it into the morning routine, be diligent, and feel the difference!
Most importantly in my mind and perhaps the most neglected aspect to recovery is rest. Despite what people may claim, training actually makes us weaker. Muscle fibers break down, glycogen in our muscles and liver are depleted and we eventually get tired. It is not until we eat and rest that the body is able to bounce back stronger than before. And don’t think that perusing Facebook or watching the latest Bourne movie is rest, I’m talking about sleep. Take a nap or get to bed early and let your body do what it does best so you can get back to chasing the dream.
Get out there, click into those skis, push that Garmin to its limits, but be sure to stay on top of the small things. Eat well, run through a self-massage routine, get to bed early and stroll up to that Senate Meadows start line with a little extra spring in your step!
Miles Havlick, SVSEF Gold Team Member
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Alma Mater: University of Utah
Favorite ski in the Valley: Billy’s Bridge Loop
Know Before You Go: SVSEF to offer Wilderness First Aid Course
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is offering a Wilderness First Aid course for all athletes ages 15 and older. The course is administered through Wilderness Medicine Institute and part of SVSEF's Mountain Adventure Curriculum.
"This course has been very popular and sold out the last two seasons," SVSEF Alpine Program Director Scott McGrew said. "This is knowledge all athletes and outdoor enthusiasts should have. Every activity we do has the potential to become a situation requiring medical assistance. The information in this course can help you make the right decision when necessary."
Athletes who are younger than 15 and are interested in the course need to contact McGrew before registering. The Wilderness First Aid certification is good for two years and the course can also be submitted to most colleges for one credit. For more information on WMI visit http://www.nols.edu/wmi/.
The course will be staged on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 with students meeting at SVSEF's Engl Training Center at 215 Picabo Street at Warm Springs. Classwork will take place inside and outside. Sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with registration beginning at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday. The cost is $175. Additional details and registration are available online through the SVSEF website via the following steps:
- Log in to your SVSEF account under "My Account"
- Click "Events"
- Click "Wilderness First Aid"
SVSEF and Rotarun team up to present LASAR Program for area youth
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and Rotarun Ski Area are excited to announce they will join forces this winter to present the SVSEF LASAR Program for the youth of the Wood River Valley.
“The LASAR (Learn Alpine Skiing and Racing) program was launched nearly a decade ago by SVSEF veteran alpine coaches Adele and Pat Savaria. It was designed to provide an after-school program for kids who couldn’t ski due to financial constraints or the logistical challenges of getting kids to Baldy or Dollar. LASAR has had an incredible and positive impact over the years and affected hundreds of children along the way,” said Scott McGrew, SVSEF’s alpine program director.
For the coming 2015-16 winter, the SVSEF alpine program will deliver the LASAR program, providing a professional coaching staff, support, and content in line with the SVSEF Athlete Teaching System. Instruction for 6-11 year olds will take place every Wednesday and Friday after school, 3:30-5:50 p.m. at Art Richards Mountain (Rotarun) west of Hailey. It will begin in January and run for eight weeks through the end of February, covering 16 sessions of instruction. The cost for LASAR is $150, which includes a season pass for Rotarun.
Jesse Foster, president of Rotarun BOD remarked, “With the newly-formed partnership between Rotarun and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, the LASAR program is going to be even better than ever. Kids who attend school in the south valley are going to get outstanding and consistent coaching - all with the convenience and safety of skiing at Rotarun after school. Members of the LASAR program can translate these newfound skills and confidence to the slopes of Baldy.”
McGrew concurred, “I’m really excited to be partnering with Rotarun Mountain to help deliver this program to our community. Rotarun is an incredible teaching venue that provides the ideal classroom for introducing and refining fundamental skiing skills. Having a place for kids to go after school, and to be learning from our incredible devo team staff is a great opportunity. My hope is that kids will emerge from this program with a deeper love for the outdoors and the sport of alpine skiing.”
Iconic assets to the greater Wood River Valley, SVSEF and Rotarun are dedicated to engaging kids with the great outdoors and winter sports.
“In my mind, every kid who grows up in this valley should have the opportunity to cultivate a love of skiing. It is what this community is about and this program is designed to celebrate and inspire that vision,” McGrew said.
If you would like to sign your child up for the LASAR Program, please visit www.svsef.org and click on “My Account.”
Web Redemption: Blaine County Student Season Ski Passes Available Online
Blaine County Student season ski passes for Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation athletes are now available for purchase through your family's SVSEF online account.
Sun Valley Company has set the pricing for a 2015-16 youth season ski pass for Bald and Dollar mountains at $399. While it is the same price to buy a pass from the resort, purchasing your child's pass through the SVSEF helps offset the cost for our organization's coaches passes.
All registered SVSEF alpine, snowboard, freestyle, freeskiing and cross country (if desired) athletes are eligible to order a pass. To order, go to the menu bar on our home page and click on My Account, Registration and Events.
Ski passes will be available for pick up by the general public at River Run Lodge beginning November 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days per week. SVSEF athletes are asked to obtain their passes during one of two sessions when the resort will have extra staff on hand: November 6-8 (Friday-Sunday) and November 12-15 (Thursday-Sunday). Passes must be paid in full prior to pick up.
For additional information, please contact the SVSEF office at (208) 726-4129 or info@svsef.org.
SVSEF Athletes Encouraged to Take a Bite Out of Our Big MAC Program
Seeking to constantly improve and evolve programing for our athletes, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is offering Mountain Adventure Curriculum, newly designed to complement and offer an alternative experience beyond alpine, freestyle and snowboarding competition. MAC will help athlete's expand their skill set in relation to technical skiing and riding fundamentals, with emphasis on snow safety, backcountry experience and big mountain terrain. Any SVSEF athlete age 15-over is eligible for MAC providing they are currently a member of our alpine, freestyle, freeskiing or snowboarding teams.
MAC athletes will follow the same practices in regard to conditioning, training, and skill acquisition work and the program will have a contact coach within in each discipline. The contact coach is responsible for organizing, communicating, and delivery high-quality and professional experiences in line with standards and core values of the SVSEF.
The fee for MAC is included in regular tuition, but associated curriculum comes with a separate project fee based on participation.
Goals & Objectives of MAC
- Our primary goal as a team is to provide a comprehensive athletic platform for athletes to train, learn, and experience a broad scope of mountain culture.
- We strive to foster a culture of sport and wellness for our athletes. Long beyond the days of an active competitive career, we hope to create lifestyle skills that support healthy living, fitness, and positive physical engagement. The MAC program is designed to provide an avenue for continued participation, experiences and education for athletes who are interested in a wide-ranging experience on skis, beyond competition.
- We aspire to cultivate and celebrate the core values that drive SVSEF’s mission: Passion & Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Citizenship, Teamwork, Creativity and Character.
- We strive to expose our athletes to the rigors and rewards of traveling and competing to locations both far and near. Skiing and riding is defined by community and a sense of adventure. Our goal as a team is to provide age-appropriate travel and skiing opportunities that reinforce the athletic, cultural, and experiential development of our athletes.
Activities and Curriculum
The Mountain Adventure Curriculum will be rooted in skill development with opportunities for athletes to explore the following projects:
- Wilderness First Aid
- Delivered by Wilderness Medicine Institute
- October/November
- http://www.nols.edu/wmi/
- Step One Avalanche Awareness to be coordinated through the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, and the Sun Valley Ski Patrol.
- One-day clinic targeting high-school aged athletes.
- December 5 on Baldy.
- http://www.sawtoothavalanche.com/
- Avalanche 1 Certification or Mountaineering Skills offered through Sawtooth Mountain Guides (SMG)
- December 19-21.
- This three-day avalanche certification program will base from the Williams Peak yurt in the Sawtooth Range.
- The course is limited to 11 students, with three professional guides
- http://sawtoothguides.com/
- Backcountry Experiences in mid-March
- Day trips to the Idaho backcountry with SMG guides and SVSEF coaches.
- Implement and practice associated Mountain Adventure Skills.
- These day trips will be guided professionally by SMG and will present an opportunity to create, experience and execute “real world” application of backcountry skills.
- Blanket Glacier Chalet helicopter drop and touring trip outside of Revelstoke, BC Canada
- March 31-April 4 (not including travel days)
- Group size limited to 12 students
- http://www.blanketglacierchalet.com/#blankethome
- Preference will be given to athletes who participate in the full project lineup.
- Periodic MAC sessions throughout the season designed to support the vision and objectives of the team (skin up Baldy, transceiver part practice and guided big mountain style freeskiing).
For additional details, please contact program directors Scott McGrew or Andy Ware, or call the SVSEF office at (208) 726-4129 ext. 101.
Photo courtesy of Sawtooth Mountain Guides
Rotarun Ski Area takes over annual SVSEF Ski Swap
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has handed its annual Ski Swap over to Rotarun Ski Area west of Hailey.
"We are glad to be able to pass on this great community event and support Rotarun," SVSEF Executive Director Rob Clayton remarked.
The one-day sale will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Campus in Hailey. According to the Rotarun website, public check-in and set-up begins at 8:30 a.m. Local vendors will also be on hand providing winter gear and equipment for alpine, nordic, snowboarding and telemarking/backcountry skiing and riding.
For additional details, please visit Rotarun's website by clicking here.
