Freeride August Newsletter

Skateboard Camps

We have completed four full Skateboard camps and there is one more coming up August 13-14.  These camps have been fun for all participants and have been an encouraging environment for progression.  We look forward to the last camp of the year in August. Photos of the recent camps can be found on Facebook here and here

Weekly Mountain Bike Rides

The grass is tall and the trails are getting dusty, but it's still more fun than being in the gym.  Jack Kilmain (above) and Morgan Kilmain (below) enjoyed the long downhill on Black's Canyon after a pedal out the ridge.   Get linked up with the crew for a weekly rip.  

Utah Olympic Park Camp

Although we did not have enough interest to run the first camp, we are beginning to look at September 4-6 for another possible three day camp.  This could be a great window for parents to bring athletes down for some training and do some 'back to school' shopping at the outlets (FINGERS CROSSED).  Although it is more of a burden on Freeride families to manage transportation and lodging, we have lowered the price of this camp significantly, and we only need three committed athletes to make it happen.  Early registrations are encouraged and feel free to reach out with questions.   Deadline to register is Wednesday August 26.

Wild West Skateboard Contest Series

Due to safety concerns the Jackson stops of the Wild West Skateboard Contest Series were canceled in July.  Since then, not surprisingly, both the Riverton and Ketchum, ID stops were also canceled.  

Rob's Resignation

It is with a heavy heart that I will be moving on from the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Freeride Program.  I will be starting a new job as a Service & Warranty Manager with OSM Construction in mid-August.  I am eager to develop a new skill-set and I have made this decision for the long term benefit of my family.

In the 11 years that I have spent working with the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club I have grown immensely and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have blended my passion into a career.  The Club has made great strides and continues to be an ever-evolving group of committed individuals who share a common love for the magic of winter and life in the mountains.  

Some of the contributions that I am proud to have spearheaded are organizational infrastructure improvements like benches, shelves, and racks at the JHSC headquarters.  Having a team room at JHMR was a goal of mine, and building and nurturing a relationship with the Alpenhof has been an integral asset to JHSC.  My experience has taught me how critical it is to keep regional competitive options accessible to our base and I’ve prioritized the creation & revival of these events.  After three successful years of hosting the Jackson Hole Regional IFSA event, we have proven our ability to uphold a longstanding partnership with JHMR and the viability of IFSA events for the foreseeable future.  The creation of the Snow King IFSA as an annual event over President’s weekend is a resourceful way to keep our athletes competitive without the burden and expense of travel.  The Wednesday Night Lights Rail Jam Series saw record breaking turnouts the past two years and continues to be the grassroots gathering of the regional freeski & snowboard families.  These events are immeasurably beneficial for the Club as mission-based fundraisers, for the marketing opportunities and exposure of our partners and sponsors, and for the community as a cost-effective means of promoting our athletes and the sport.  

I’ve had the pleasure to work with so many incredible families and witness the Core Values of the Club molding athletes into outstanding individuals.  From National and North American Championship podium finishers to the kids who were involved for only one season, I am so thankful for the opportunity to have known them all.  Having lived the life of the part-time coach, I can relate to the passion that drives us to make all the sacrifices necessary to carve out a life in the mountains when the odds are against you.  All of the coaches that I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years I consider to be my friends and I’m continually inspired by their pursuits and love for the snowsports culture.  The Program Directors, Administrative staff and Executive Team are the lifeblood of the organization and I’m honored to have worked beside you all and grown from your guidance and leadership.  Words cannot describe how meaningful these relationships and years have been to me with the JHSC, but I will simply say that it has been a dream come true.   

Our family values the work that JHSC is doing in the community and we plan to stay connected.  I am confident that the next Freeride Program Director will maintain the momentum and keep promoting the spirit of shredding in Jackson Hole.