Fall Training Is Underway

September means more of our Alpine athletes are getting back together for fall dryland. U14 begins September 1, U12 starts September 22, and U10 will get underway October 13. Our U16 and FIS athletes have been training throughout the summer, with a mix of strength and conditioning, hiking in the Tetons, and other activities outside the gym.

One of the themes we've talked about this summer is the value of developing well-rounded athletes. This week, I'll get to draw on my background teaching kayaking and paddleboarding and take our U16 and FIS athletes out on the river for a SUP day with Aaron Pruzan and Rendezvous River Sports.

Whether it's hiking, biking, paddling, strength training, or skiing, giving athletes different ways to move, challenge themselves, and spend time together is an important part of what we're trying to build.

Taryn Moe in New Zealand

Last month, we shared that JHSC FIS athlete Taryn Moe was selected to train in New Zealand with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Development Group. Taryn recently returned from the trip and shared a quick recap of the experience:

“New Zealand was a very cool experience. Getting to ski with girls from across the United States and travel to a new country was a great experience. We also got the opportunity to go bungee jumping, which was insane! The whole group was able to jump 400 feet, which was crazy. Overall, it was a very cool experience and I had a great time.”

— Taryn

Charlie Lighthart — College Cup & Belgium

JHSC U18 FIS athlete Charlie Lighthart spent part of his summer training in Europe, beginning in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, at the College Cup. The camp gives aspiring collegiate ski racers the opportunity to train directly with NCAA coaches, experience a team-based college racing environment, and learn more about the recruiting process. Charlie then traveled to Peer, Belgium, for indoor slalom training.

“During the College Cup, I had the chance to connect with many of the NCAA programs I am interested in and learn more about their teams, coaches, and overall training environments. It was a valuable experience both on and off the hill, and I appreciated the opportunity to compete alongside so many talented athletes.

In Peer, I was able to focus closely on my slalom skiing and become extremely precise with my ski setup. The controlled indoor environment allowed me to make small adjustments and really analyze how each change affected my performance. I was able to work on my technique, consistency, and confidence while gaining valuable feedback from my coaches.”

— Charlie

U16 & FIS Headed to Austria

Our U16 and FIS athletes will head to Hintertux, Austria, October 1–11 for our fall glacier training camp. Athletes will spend seven days on snow training GS, slalom, and freeskiing as they get back on snow and begin preparing for the upcoming race season.

The U16 and FIS teams will travel and stay together while following their own training plans on the glacier. The trip also includes a rest day in Innsbruck, giving athletes a chance to experience a little of the culture outside of skiing.

We're excited to get this group back on snow and kick off the next phase of their fall training.

Coach Spotlight: Ned Lazarevic

For U16 Head Coach Ned Lazarevic, the U16 years are an important transition. Competition becomes more serious and athletes become more independent, but the focus shouldn't suddenly become only about results.

“At U16, the most important thing is learning to take responsibility for your own development while keeping a long-term perspective. Athletes should build strong technical fundamentals, good daily habits, and the resilience to learn from both success and disappointment.”

For Ned, a successful U16 season isn't defined only by points, wins, or making a top team. It's about athletes improving throughout the season, becoming more confident and consistent, responding to coaching, supporting their teammates, and continuing to enjoy the sport.

A lesson from his own racing career still shapes the way he coaches today: control what you can control.

“You can't control the weather, competitors, officials, or every outcome—but you can control your preparation, effort, attitude, and response when things get hard.”

That same idea carries into what Ned sees in athletes who continue to improve:

“Talent may get someone noticed, but consistency, accountability, and the ability to adapt are what help an athlete take the next step.”

Ned is excited to see this year's U16 group turn potential into confidence—both as racers and teammates—and experience those moments when the work they've put in translates into breakthrough runs.

Meet Our New Masters Head Coach

We're excited to welcome Dani Larriu as our Masters Head Coach this winter. Dani will also be coaching with our U14 program, so many of our Alpine athletes and families will see plenty of him throughout the season. Dani grew up skiing in the Pyrenees and Alps before coming to the U.S. to race collegiately at Rocky Mountain College. He joined JHSC last season and has also coached in Big Sky and Switzerland.

Dani brings a background in both ski coaching and strength and conditioning, and he's excited to work with our Masters athletes whether their goals are improving their skiing and racing, staying active, or simply sharing time on the mountain with a great group of people.

We're also exploring the possibility of offering preseason Masters dryland training twice a week beginning in October. If there's enough interest, we'd love to put a group together to help athletes prepare for winter and stay strong and healthy throughout the season. If you're interested in Masters dryland, please reach out and let us know.

Masters registration is open, and we're looking forward to continuing to grow this group for the upcoming season.

Wes Barron Scholarship Scramble

The 4th Annual Wes Barron Scholarship Scramble is coming up Friday, September 25 at Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis. The four-person scramble is a fun afternoon on the course while raising money for the Wes Barron Scholarship Fund and helping support opportunities for JHSC athletes.

If you're interested in playing, now is a great time to put together a team and get registered.

Alpine Team Store Is Open

The JHSC Alpine Team Store through SYNC is now open, with team jackets and other JHSC gear available to order.

We expect to have jacket samples available at our Internal Gear Swap on September 17 and Manufacturers' Gear Night on September 21. Check the Alpine Team Store email sent earlier this week for ordering information and details.