Alpine November Update
SkillsQuest Fitness Test Results
The SBSEF Alpine and Freeride teams came together on November 7th to complete the US Ski and Snowboard SkillsQuest Fitness test. The physical demands of skiing require amazing strength, power, agility, endurance, and balance. An athlete’s fitness level will directly contribute to on-hill success as it facilitates an athlete’s ability to tolerate high volumes of skiing as well as injury prevention. Congratulations to all athletes as this is an extremely taxing assessment and Snowbird athletes excelled.
Individual athlete performance reports will be sent out soon. Below are the updated record boards for the team.
November Alpine Update
Most of the Western region has experienced unusually warm weather, leading to a slow start to the ski season. The warm temps have required our SBSEF Alpine groups to make necessary scheduling adjustments and pivots. While we are all eager to get on snow, we encourage our athletes to maximize the
benefits of this extended fall season. Ski season will be here soon.
Over the past two seasons, improving physical fitness has been a major focus for the SBSEF Alpine group, and we are seeing positive results. Usage of the SBSEF gym continues to grow, and attendance at fall activities, including hikes, biking, and field days, has been strong.
Our athletes arrived well-prepared for this year’s SkillsQuest fitness test, and we observed overall improvement during the conditioning period. Congratulations to a new class of record holders. A strong correlation persists between consistent dryland attendance in the fall and performance on the SkillsQuest fitness test. An athlete’s fitness level directly impacts their performance throughout the competitive season.
While our official fall conditioning block is concluding and most groups will wrap up dryland training in the next couple of weeks, maintaining fitness is crucial. We highly recommend all athletes focus on maintaining a strong core and getting regular exercise throughout the winter months.
On-Snow Camp Adjustments and Equipment Checklist
Unfortunately, due to delayed winter conditions:
- The U14 and U12 groups have canceled their planned fall camp in Aspen.
- The U16 and FIS groups will proceed with their camps in Colorado and Jackson Hole, but on a later timeline.
For those athletes heading to camps or planning to ski when the Cottonwood Canyons open, please complete the following essential equipment checklist before your first day on snow:
- Boots: Ensure your boots are ready. Address any hot spots or fit issues immediately.
- Bindings (DINs): Ensure your new boots are properly adjusted to your skis and that your bindings’ DIN settings are set appropriately by a professional.
Early-season skiing is a critical training block that sets the tone for the rest of the year. Starting strong and confident with properly prepared equipment significantly contributes to early-season improvements.
Alpine Director