Values Curriculum Roll Out
Part of the JHSC Vision is to “build champions in sport and in life”. The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club focuses on five core values that define the culture of the JHSC, and the character development fostered in the athletes. These values are not just words; rather, they drive decisions and actions in both sport and life at every level. From the leadership of the Club, to the coaches, to the parents, to the athletes, to how the Club is represented in the community.
The five values of the Club are fun, commitment, teamwork, sportsmanship, and competition. This season, each month will have a value-based theme. November’s Value of the Month is Fun. Fun is what sustains all our efforts. Research clearly states that fun is what is most important in youth sport (and too often overlooked). This is also what top World Cup athletes point to as the primary factor in sustaining their success. This value is expressed in many forms including pure joy and mutual passion for the sport. Fun also provides the motivation to recover from injury and commit to the more grueling aspects of pursuing our goals. Fun is about enjoying the entire community of the Club and being with others that share all the excitement of skiing and snowboarding.
How is each program having FUN this month?
Alpine
The Alpine Program recently had three FIS athletes in Italy, training with the Western Regional team. The FIS and U16 teams have been playing hockey throughout October. Many athletes from the U14 program and older will be traveling to Colorado this month to get on snow for the first time this season. Student-athletes are setting goals and getting stronger from their hard work in dryland. Below, U14 athletes take a "polar plunge" after training at Loveland.
Nordic
The Nordic program has been working hard all summer and fall to prepare for the winter season. In October, Comp and Prep athletes started Early Release from school to maximize daylight hours while training. Student-athletes are setting goals and getting ready for a camp in West Yellowstone at the end of the month. Last week, the Nordic team hosted an open practice for Middle School-aged students to come see what being a Nordic athlete is all about.
Freeride
The Freeride program is progressing through an eight-week dryland progression and setting goals with coaches in preparation for their upcoming season. This fall, Freeride athletes helped raise money for the program by selling raffle tickets at the TGR Premier, and some participated in the Wild West Skateboard Contest. Athletes will head to Teton Village to stack wood together at the Alpenhof as a thank you to the Lodge for sharing their space with the Program.
Alumni Spotlight: Cam FitzPatrick on FUN
Photography: Tim Zimmerman/ Red Bull Media House
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What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a JHSC Athlete?
Being around all the people who inspire me, like coaches, and traveling every weekend, going to new spots. Specifically, having Jeff Moran as a coach. Also, creating relationships with other athletes through competing.
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This month’s value of the month is fun. Can you talk about some fun memories you have from being an athlete at JHSC?
Being an athlete was my life. Being able to get out of school early to snowboard, and having the support of the community to pursue my career. Being around friends and pushing myself. Being on a team. Joking around and being in the mountains, that’s when I ride the best.
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How has being an athlete at JHSC influenced your trajectory in life?
I wouldn’t be a pro without the Club and support of parents. It allowed me to train and compete at a high level. On the business side, learning from Jeff and other coaches about how to manage [my career]. Jeff was a life coach and taught me mental strength. Coaches can’t always teach the specifics of how to do every trick, but they helped with [teaching me] mental toughness, being organized, and being ready. This all translates to my life now.
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What is a challenge you encountered during your career as an athlete, and how did you overcome it?
Definitely injuries. I had a bad head injury two years ago. The Club and Jeff helped me get through it, and now I’m riding smarter. I benefited from being a JHSC athlete because I learned to stay straight on my goals and stay focused.
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What’s one piece of advice you have for up and coming JHSC athletes?
Don’t worry about hype and sponsors. It’s great to have support, but you’ve got to do it for yourself. Don’t worry about media. Have fun with it! There have been times in my career when I’ve forgotten why I do this. I lose the grasp on why I started snowboarding. My advice is to just have fun, and that’s what’s gotten me to where I am now.
Photography: Blenders Eyewear
Bio
I'm a professional snowboarder born and raised in the town of Jackson, WY. I started skiing at the age of 2 with the support of my dad who is still on the JHMR ski patrol for 30 years and counting. I switched over to snowboarding (a.k.a “The Dark Side”, as my dad would call it) at the age of 6.
it became clear to me that I wanted to work as hard as I possibly could to achieve the dream of being a professional snowboarder. I competed at a young age and as I got older I started to get more interested in the filming side of the sport. I grew up watching snowboarding videos with idols I looked up to my whole life.
In the last 5 years I’ve worked on the new Red Bull Media House movie called, The Fourth Phase, Arbor Snowboards movie, Cosa Nostra, Absinthe Films movie called, STAY TUNED and recently the 70th film of Warren Miller called, Timeless. I’m so grateful to be doing what I do for a living and wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my sponsors and amazing family. I’m currently working on new film projects and hope to live this dream, for many more years to come.
