Today was the required downhill training day. The track hardened sufficiently this week to provide a safe and fast race. Add sunshine and great visibility, and this was a great day.
From a competitive standpoint, the hill leaves something to be desired. The upper 2/3 is steep enough and has variable terrain, but the final 20 seconds of the course is flat and unchallenging. There also are no jumps whatsoever. From our perspective, this hill takes away some of the advantages that normally would accrue to an experienced downhiller.
Scott was second in the training run by .15 seconds. He did, however, post the fastest speed through the traps (81 MPH). If he had finished and told me, "I had a perfect run." I'd be worried. Instead he slipped to a hip and hand on the fourth turn, taking him off-line for that section of the course. He skied great from there down. So tomorrow is a FIS downhill, followed by the National Championship downhill the following day. Scott is confident and looking forward to the race.
About Me
- Shep Snow
- I am a USSA Alpine Racing Coach, with 15 years of experience. I am the father of four, and coach my youngest son, Scott Snow. I coached alpine Ski racers in the 1980's at Black Rapids, Alaska, then stopped coaching until Scott and Bonnie came along. I've been the director of the Independence Racing Team since its creation in 1998. I’m fortunate to live in the beautiful Sandpoint, ID area with my wife, Joy; daughter Bonnie (when she's home from MSU); son, Scott and our three cats.
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