NEW ZEALAND 2011

This summer I endured the 24+ hour journey to New Zealand in order to train with the prestigious Treblecone Race Academy (TCRA) from July 17^th to September 5^th. This was my third season in the southern hemisphere with TCRA – the set up as always was extremely professional with highly regarded coaches, dryland trainers, a sports psychologist and physiotherapist.

I stayed in lodges 15 minutes drive outside of the beautiful town of Wanaka! The first three weeks (FIS ENL camp) consisted of both early and late starts, training GS and slalom at Treblecone and Snow Park – both exceptional venues

Below Left, Snowpark; a more gradual incline, perfect conditions for technical development and confidence building – training here was awesome as it’s a small resort allowing a quick turn around between runs and consistent focus. We were also able to watch free skiers whilst riding up the chairlift which was fun. Right, the view from the top of Treblecone; a more challenging set up down both Main Street and Big Skyte – ideal for early morning starts where the ski patrol opened up the mountain for our use only!

Skiing was followed by daily visits to the ProActive gym for spinning, yoga, circuit training and progressive muscle relaxation. Additionally much video analysis took place in the evenings, aided by Sprongo whom sponsor TCRA. The training block was followed by the Wanaka Tech Series, which was held in the first week of August. I competed in two GS races and two slalom races at Treblecone and Cardrona.

Above ‘Team E’ (short for Estrogen) at the top of Mt Iron on one of our days off.

On August 6^th after the races I celebrated my 18^th birthday followed by two days off – perfect timing! Throughout the following week we experienced many athlete departures and new arrivals for the significant beginning of the FIS Elite Camp. The remaining ‘Team E girls’ trained six intensive days of slalom at Snow Park with our coaches Nate Fisher and Jessie Neuner. I particularly enjoyed this week, as it was extremely focused and technically progressive, working through drills, stubbies, and combination courses. Additionally I was grateful to be training alongside the Austrian WC Ladies Tech Team – an unforgettable experience and great privilege.

I also met the US skier Julia Mancuso up at Treblecone

August 19^th was another significant date for me, I received my A-Level exam results – fortunately I attained the required grades and accepted a place to study Geography and Business Management at Newcastle University 2012.

A highlight of my trip was the NZ Winter Games at Coronet Peak. I was interviewed with two other British skiers Charlotte Jesse and Florence Bell – little did I know it would end up on NZ national TV!

In addition the photograph below of myself competing in the New Zealand Winter Games Giant Slalom appeared on the respected US gossip website Jezebel

Overall the summer training was a success – I scored my first sub 100 in slalom, which is a promising start to the 2011/2012 season. Towards the end of the FIS elite camp I did not compete as well as hoped in any of the races at Coronet Peak, however I feel this was due to physical tiredness and a poor mental attitude – I was ready to come home and slightly phased by the high standard of competition and injected snow conditions.  Once again I set off on the lengthy journey home having thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Zealand – A huge thank you to my coaches and especially the Head coach Guenther Birgmann.