Freeride Program Update: September 2024
1) August Recap
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Skate Camps
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JH Downhill Race 2
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Freeride Andes Week - Chile!
2) 24/25 Registration Information & Training Updates
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Important Programming Changes
3) Fall Training Schedule
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Drylands
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Axis
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Woodward Park City
4) IFSA/USASA Competition Memberships
5) Upcoming Events
Introduction
Last night (8/25) brought with it the first dusting of snow for the peaks surrounding Jackson Hole. After a pleasant summer, things are ramping up here with JHSC Freeride. Our summer programming and camps are near finished, with fall activities coming up just around the corner. Early winter registration was strong this year! We’re very excited to see so many returning faces, as well as new families joining our team. Thanks for signing up, we’re glad to have you!
We’ve still got limited availability for all programs, if you know anybody interested in signing up, please send them our way.
This newsletter contains a recap of what happened with Freeride this August, as well as what’s coming up during the month of September.
August Recap
Skate Camps
Our last several skate camps of the season happened during the month of August (7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29). This summer we offered more skate camps than ever before! With 48 participants, we’re happy to be expanding and making skate camps bigger and better. Be on the lookout for a survey coming soon for those who participated in Skate Camps this year. We’re hoping to keep this momentum going and bring them back even better for next summer!
JH Downhill Championships (Stop 2, Dirty Harry):
On August 18th, JHMR hosted the second of its 3 Downhill MTB races for the summer. The race was held on Dirty Harry, JHMR’s most technical downhill trail. JHSC athlete Lucien Wiesman came in an impressive second place. It was a deep field of riders from all over Wyoming, Idaho and Utah. He is currently sitting first in the series points and is excited for the final races of the season.
For those interested in racing the last event of the series, there is still 1 race remaining, hosted on Sept. 9th. The series is an entry level downhill race and is fun for riders of all abilities!
More information can be found HERE.
Andes Freeride Week:
This August 4-11, El Colorado Centro de Esqui and Freeride SudAmerica hosted the first annual Andes Freeride week. This has been a highly anticipated event, with lots of excitement in the Freeride community. I had to see what the hype was all about, so while most Jackson folks were out enjoying the river and riding bikes, I packed up my ski gear in 90 degree heat and headed down to Chile for a SudAmerican winter experience.
Farellones, Chile, with alpenglow on 18,000’ peaks.
What I found was an established and rapidly growing Freeride community. The SudAmerican Freeriders are strong skiers, and have a passion for the sport unmatched at any event I’ve attended in North America. The terrain at El Colorado is world class with an incredible Jr. competition venue called “Chanchito”. Chanchito is due south facing (aspects are flipped!) and offers plenty of options for varied line choices and long comp runs. The opportunity to compete internationally in a 2* and 3* with points included in the North American series is unmatched, and eases travel stress during the busy Northern Hemisphere season.
Chanchito on comp day!
The people, places and language make this an incredible cultural experience. I’m very excited to offer this opportunity to Freeride athletes ages 14 and up for Summer 2025. Mark your calendars for the first two weeks of August 2025! If you don’t speak any Spanish, it's time to start putting in work!
Coach Syd and athlete Brooke from AltaBird Freeride had fun!
New FreePine athlete Vadin Singh was in attendance with U-Thrive camps, here is what he had to say about the experience.
Q: Why did you like Chile?
A: “It was my first time in South America so I was already really excited to go. The mountains in Chile are amazing. There was so much snow and I felt like I was on top of the world in the middle of nowhere even though I was only an hour away from Santiago. It felt strange at first having powder days in August but it was super fun and I am very grateful to have had the chance to compete there. I'm also happy my friends and coaches were there to cheer me on and help me win. I would definitely go back if I had the chance!” - Vadin Singh, U12 FreePine
Yes, it really was THAT deep.
Congratulations to Vadin on his awesome results in both events!
Jr. 2*: 6th Place
Jr. 3*: 1st Place
Training/Registration Updates:
A couple of updates for training next season:
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Competition team will train during the bypass blackouts at JHMR.
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Competition team will have a new and improved fall strength training program.
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Competition and Progression +: Competition is Mandatory
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Competition and Progression +: Team jackets will be included in tuition ($275)
Our website is updated, please take a look HERE for more information.
Registration Information:
Registration is now open for all teams! We’ve got lots of folks already signed up, and very limited availability for several of our team options.
If you’ve got questions about Freeride, please feel free to contact myself (collin@jhskiclub) or Head coaches Matt (mnewton@jhskiclub.org) and Stefan (smerriam@jhskiclub.org).
Fall Training Schedule
2024/25 Drylands Schedule (Progression & Progression +):
Dates: Sept. 30 - November 22
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 4:15-5:45 @ Fields next to SkatePark
2024/25 Drylands Schedule (Competition Team):
Dates: Sept. 30 - November 22
Monday: 4:15-5:45 @ Snow King (Cardio Day)
Tuesday: 4:30-6:00 OR 6:00 - 7:30 (Staggered start 10 athletes at a time)
Friday: 4:30-6:00 OR 6:00 - 7:30 (Staggered start 10 athletes at a time)
Axis Schedule:
Oct 1 - November 21
Tuesday: Grades 5-8, 6:30-800
Wednesday: Grades 9-12, 6:30-800
Thursday: Grades 5-8, 6:30-800
Thursday: Grades 9-12, 1:00-2:30
Woodward Park City Training Trips:
New for this season, we’re excited to offer fall training trips to Woodward Park City!
Who:
Open to all athletes aged 12+ (younger athletes are welcome to join but are ineligible for team travel.)
What:
Fall training trips to Woodward Park City’s world class training facility. The later dates will serve as slopestyle training trips in preparation for our home USASA event. This facility is best in class and gives our athletes the best possible pre-season training opportunities.
Including:
14’ Supertramp
Flybeds
Foam Pits
Skate Park
MTB Park
Skate Ramp to foam pit (Personal pair of inline skates HIGHLY recommended)
On snow terrain park (Nov. and Dec. *conditions depending*)
DATES
October 12-13
November 2-3
November 22-24 (On Snow!)
December 13-15 (Flex friday) (On Snow!)
Cost Est. $300-400 per trip. Sign Up with a $200 deposit available HERE.
IFSA/USASA (Competition) Memberships
For those interested in competing this season:
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USASA memberships go live Mid-September.
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IFSA memberships are now available for purchase!
Membership FAQs:
Q: Who needs an athlete membership?
A: Any athlete interested in competing this season in the respective disciplines of USASA/IFSA.
Q: Are one time memberships available?
A: Yes! This is the best option if you only plan to compete in 1 event. (Some USASA events have multiple events in 1 weekend).
Q: Do I need to purchase the IFSA Northern Region membership?
A: Yes, these are mandatory for all athletes based in the region.
Q: When can I register for competitions?
A: Not yet! We’ll let you know as soon as we know.
USASA memberships can be purchased HERE. (Opens Sept.1)
IFSA memberships can be purchased HERE. (Click ‘Join Today’)
Upcoming Events:
September is full of fun events with JHSC Freeride! Below is a list of events we’ll be hosting/attending, we hope to see you there!
Rendezvous Enduro: @ JHMR 8/31
Our home Enduro is coming up this weekend @ JHMR. Coach Matt Newton will be there to represent our Bike Team!
Old Bill’s Fun-Run: @ Jackson Elementary 9/7
Come out and run in support of JHSC with Old Bill’s Fun-Run.
More information HERE.
JHMR DH Series Final: @JHMR 9/7
Come check out a custom race-track for the season finale of JHMR’s DH series. Fun for riders of all ages and abilities!
More information HERE.
Wild West Skate Comp Finals: @ Jackson Skatepark 9/8
The season finale of the Wild West Skate series is coming up at our home park!
More information HERE.
TGR Premiere: @JHMR 9/14
Our friends at Teton Gravity Research will be hosting the world premiere of their new Ski Film “Beyond the Fantasy”. JHSC Freeride will be in attendance with a booth and ski raffle to benefit Freeride.
Look for the option to purchase a raffle ticket at checkout when purchasing tickets for the event! All sales will directly benefit JHSC Freeride.
Event page HERE.
Tuning Night: @ JHSC Tuning Room (JHSC Offices at Snow King) 9/16
5-6pm
Join us to go over basic ski care principles, including, waxing, sharpening edges, and when to use PTEX.
Please RSVP HERE.
So you want to be sponsored?: @ JHSC Tuning Room (JHSC Offices at Snow King) 9/17
5-6pm
Back for a second season, this event is open to all registered Progression + and Progression team members. Head Coach, Matt Newton, will be leading this event focused on how to build a personal brand and attract sponsors to help athletes on their ski journey.
Please RSVP HERE.
Alpine/Freeride Ski Swap: @ SK Lodgeroom 9/19
We’re excited to be joining the Alpine team for another joint ski swap. This is a great place to find used gear for a great price!
Rep Night:@ SK Lodgeroom 9/23
Industry reps from leading companies will be in attendance offering the best possible pricing on new ski gear for ski club families and athletes. This is the best time during the season to order new gear!
First Day of Dryland: @ JH Indoor or Athletic Fields next to Skatepark 9/30
Our First day of Dryland Training!
Pizza with a Purpose: @ Handfire Pizza 10/1
10%of all pizzas (carry out included!) benefit ski club!
Thanks all for tuning in! We’ll see you next month. - Collin
Quote of the Month: “This place is unreal, I can’t wait to come back!!!” - Coach Morgan on Chile, while still in Chile.
