U16 Alpine Team Returns from Austria
Our U16 athletes spent October 16–26 training on the Hintertux Glacier in Austria. The camp started with plenty of free skiing to get everyone comfortable back on snow, followed by drills to develop new skills and sharpen existing ones. From there, the group progressed into slalom and GS gate training, making the most of their time on snow even as conditions became more challenging toward the end of the trip.
The days were full, with mornings on snow followed by two hours of study hall, afternoon dryland, and recovery.
To wrap up the trip, the team headed to Sölden to watch the men's World Cup giant slalom. Athletes had the opportunity to watch course inspection and both runs of the race, and even meet some of their favorite World Cup racers!
It was a great way to finish ten productive days in Austria before heading home for some well-earned rest.
Fall Dryland: Getting Creative as Winter Approaches
With the end of daylight saving time and earlier sunsets, our coaches have been getting creative with dryland training. Athletes have been making use of the lodge, hallways, and whatever indoor spaces are available to keep moving, playing games, and building strength and coordination as we get closer to ski season.
Wednesday has also become game day, when our U14, U16, and FIS athletes come together for games and friendly competition. It's a great opportunity for athletes across age groups to get to know each other, build friendships, and have some fun together.
During U10 and U12 dryland, athletes have been hiking the king, working on agility, and playing games to prepare for winter. And we can't forget Bruce! Turner's new puppy has become a regular at dryland this fall and a favorite among the athletes. He's quickly become part of the team!
We recently held our preseason athlete and parent meeting for the U12, U10, and 2-Day Race Teams, bringing families together to go over plans for the upcoming season. Please reach out to your head coach if you missed this meeting.
It's great to see the athletes back together, having fun, and putting in the work before we get on snow!
Dryland Reminder: With colder temperatures and less daylight, please make sure athletes come prepared with warm layers and appropriate clothing for outdoor training after dark. We'll continue to train outside when conditions allow, so dressing for the weather is important.
Coach Spotlight: Turner Brett
Alpine Youth Director & U12 Head Coach
Turner Brett grew up in Vermont's Champlain Valley, skiing at Mad River Glen, where he held a season pass from the age of two until he left for college. Although his ski racing career ended in seventh grade, he continued skiing through Mad River Glen's freeskiing program. It was actually a freeskiing coach with a racing background who introduced him to alpine racing drills and eventually inspired him to pursue coaching.
After moving to Jackson Hole in 2018, Turner joined JHSC and has been coaching with the club ever since. This winter marks his ninth season working with U12 athletes.
As Alpine Youth Director, Turner's goal is simple: help develop lifelong skiers.
"By encouraging athletes to push themselves, fostering the incredible friendships that skiing provides, and building foundational alpine skills, we can produce confident and capable young athletes."
Turner sees the U12 years as an especially important time for athletes to begin taking ownership of their skiing. As athletes mature, coaching becomes more collaborative, and they begin developing the self-reflection and motivation needed to improve independently.
"I hope athletes leave the U12 years with the ability to take what they're hearing from coaches and apply it to all of their skiing — not just the turns they make right in front of a coach."
Looking ahead to this winter, Turner is excited to see friendships grow, teammates support one another, and the team culture continue to develop across the Alpine program.
He also wanted to give a special shoutout to parents, both his own, who helped foster his love of skiing, and the JHSC parents who do so much behind the scenes to support our athletes and programs.
JHSC Speaker Series: Upcoming Events
We have two upcoming presentations for athletes, parents, and coaches. Both are great opportunities to learn more about supporting young athletes, from nutrition and overall well-being to navigating the pathway toward high-level ski racing.
Fueling the Whole Athlete — November 12
Proper nutrition plays an important role in helping young athletes grow, perform, and recover. Join us for an evening focused on nutrition for growth, performance, and well-being in youth sports.
The discussion will feature local professionals Eden Morris, Drew Ramsey, and Stephanie Voytek, who will share their expertise on fueling young athletes and supporting their physical and mental well-being.
Thursday, November 12 | 6:00 PM | Snow King Lodge Room
How to Raise a Pro Athlete Olympian — December 2
What does it take to support an athlete on the path to the highest levels of skiing? Join us for a conversation featuring athletes and parents who have experienced that journey firsthand.
Speakers include Crystal Wright, Maggie Gibson, Tracy and Greg Poduska, Kate Wilmot, Patti Kauf, and Patrick Todd.
Wednesday, December 2 | 6:00 PM | Snow King Lodge Room
Both events are intended for athletes and parents, and we encourage Alpine families to attend!
Looking Ahead: Big Sky Camp
Our U14, U16, and FIS athletes are getting ready for the upcoming Big Sky camp, November 13–19. This will be another opportunity for athletes to get back on snow, build on their fall training, and prepare for the upcoming race season.
We're excited to see our teams making the transition from dryland to skiing!
Mark Your Calendar
- November 7: Referee Clinic & Jury Advisor Training
- November 12: Fueling the Whole Athlete — 6:00 PM, Snow King Lodge Room
- November 13–19: U14/U16/FIS Big Sky Camp
- December 2: How to Raise a Pro Athlete — 6:00 PM, Snow King Lodge Room
- December 9: Rockchuck Racers Parent Meeting
- December 17: JHSC Winter Carnival at Snow King
- December 20–23: Sean Nurse Race at Snow King
Please check your team communications for additional training schedules, meetings, and program-specific updates.