Dear Ski Racer Dad, or Mom

Every year on or before March 1, when the high emotional stakes of Championship season are upon us, I roll out the “Long Road” speech. It already started making the rounds from other sources this year, but for any who missed it and need a little perspective heading into the March Madness of Championship season, check it out. This year’s update comes in the form of a letter, inspired by the following incident along with … » read more

Once Upon a Pole Plant

“Pole plants are kind of like manners. If you don’t have them when you’re young you’ll probably never have them. And if you want to go as far as you can you’ll need them in your quiver.”

Gold Mine

This following piece  appeared in Racer Next, in Ski Racing’s Issue 8, 2014. Here is the amateur version. When people ask me about favorite memories from my ski racing career, the first thing that usually pops into my mind is the Opening Ceremonies at the Calgary Olympics. It was my first time on such a grand stage. I was wide-eyed and overwhelmed and despite the itchy wool skirt and sub-zero temperatures, thrilled beyond words. There … » read more

Let the Games Begin

Inundated with all those up close and personal stories of hardship, perseverance and, ultimately, glory, it’s hard even now not to envy the glory part—not to want a piece of it, however fleeting.