Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Alpine December Newsletter
Griffin Post: What Ski Racing Taught Me

Griffin Post is a Jackson Hole legend, professional big-mountain skier, storyteller, and adventurer featured in Teton Gravity Research films. Before launching into a world of first descents, Alaska spines, and documentary filmmaking, Griffin started exactly where our JHSC athletes are now: in ski racing gates, learning fundamentals, discipline, and grit. His story is a powerful reminder that ski racing builds skills that last a lifetime, on and off the mountain.

1.You started your ski career as a racer before moving into big-mountain skiing and filmmaking. For young ski racers focused on racing right now, what’s one skill or lesson from racing that’s helped you most in your career, both on and off the mountain?
On the mountain, I’d definitely say the fundamentals I learned racing have helped me the most throughout my career…even if that sounds a bit cliche. When I get in trouble skiing something, I still default to those techniques I learned years ago from coaches ski racing. If I didn't have those baseline skills I don’t think I would have been able to make all those recoveries I’ve made over the years. Off the hill, ski racing taught me the discipline that I apply to training, work and seeing projects through. There’s an element of independence in ski racing that teaches you self-reliance, that if you want something you sorta have to go out and get it.

2.In both ski racing and big-mountain skiing, you have to inspect your line, trust your preparation, and execute it under pressure. What’s the most nervous or scared you’ve ever been before dropping in, and how did you handle it? What helps you stay calm and confident when the stakes feel high?
“There's been a few times in Alaska when I’ve looked at something from the bottom that looked good, but then I got to the top and looked down. I've had second thoughts. In these situations, counterintuitively, I actually try to think of everything that could go wrong and create a plan for it. I know that sounds weird, but if the first time you’re thinking about a contingency is while it’s happening, it’s probably too late. That said, before I drop I go back to visualizing it all going perfectly.” 

3. Skiing teaches more than just how to make fast turns, it builds confidence, patience, and courage. What’s one thing skiing has taught you that helps you in everyday life? 
“Good things take time and just because you can’t always see the gains you’re making, it doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. To outsiders it might seem like success happens over night, but in reality, when you’re living it, success happens in countless tiny steps.”

Alpine Program Updates

FIS & U16 Teams – Winter Park Camp Recap

Our FIS and U16 teams are wrapped up their final days at Winter Park. Conditions were phenomenal, great surface, cold temps, and consistent training thanks to excellent venue support. Athletes stayed focused through a tight schedule and logged high-quality volume every day. The progress of this block has been outstanding, well done, athletes!

U14 Team – Loveland, CO Camp Recap

Slalom Block
Athletes wrapped the SL block with improved footwork, stronger outside-ski pressure, and more connected movements.

Day Off
A well-earned break included Boulder exploring and GS free-skiing to dial in longer-radius skis and higher speeds.

GS Block
Strong, balanced skiing with better tempo, cleaner arcs, and more stability. Confidence is rising every day,we’re proud of this crew’s effort, teamwork, and focus.

25/26 Race Calendar – Volunteer Opportunities

• Sean Nurse Memorial: Dec 20–23, 2025
• Club Series: Dec 28, 2025
• U14 Qualifier: Jan 9–11, 2026
• Wild West FIS Race: Jan 14–17, 2026
• Wes Barron: Jan 23–26, 2026
• Rum Cup: Fridays in February 2026
• Club Series: March 8, 2026
• Jackson Hole Downhill: March 8, 2026
• IMD Champs: March 20–22, 2026
• U16 Nationals: March 28–April 1, 2026

Volunteer here: https://jhskiclub.org/events

25/26 Coach Roster
This winter’s coaching staff is truly top-notch. Thank you to every coach for bringing your passion, expertise, and commitment to the 25/26 season!

FIS
Marissa Haase
Teagan Santin
Juan Bogani
Scotty Veenis

U16
Ned Lazarevic
Chiara Maria Ferrari

U14
Jamie Stone
Morgan Ellis
Emma Austin
Dani Larriu
Hayden Dahl
Amelia Volk

U12
Turner Brett
Sengen Meyer
Gibson Scott
Zoe Simpson
Lyons Brown
Dylan Nash

U10
River Corrado
Virginia Hamilton
Katie Burton
Libby Gardner
Allison Slusar
Tom Summers
Will Struckmeyer

2-Day
Neiko Razinger
Andrea Reynolds
Liv Arneson

Rockchuck
Noah Rial
Claire Caputi
Harrison Thompson

Sub Coaches
Annie Rendall
Gwen Wattenmaker
Sam Erhard
Jen Evans
Andrew Mills
Charlotte Hadley
Liza Barnes
Rick Lauher
Caroline Daley
Wyatt Hughes
Nico McGee
Tess Wood

You Have to Read This…

“The Parent Whisperer,” by Edith Thys Morgan SKI Magazine (2015)

Why parents should read this classic:

• It explains the true role of a great ski-race parent in a relatable, funny, and honest way.
• It highlights why staying positive and steady helps kids thrive.
• It reminds us that the goal after training or racing is simple: “Did you have fun?”
• It shows how confidence grows when kids take ownership.
• It’s a powerful guide for supporting long-term athlete development.

The Finish Line Thought

“Success happens in countless tiny steps, often invisible in the moment.”
- Edith Thys Morgan

A great reminder as the season begins: trust the process, stay patient, and celebrate the small wins.