Seven Team Telemark Nordic athletes took part in the BC Ski Team’s glacier skiing camp at the Haig Glacier in Alberta.
Athletes left for Canmore on July 20th to take part in 3 days of roller skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre (the site of the Nordic events at the 1988 Olympics). Four of the older athletes also took part in roller ski testing on a special treadmill to help determine ski specific training zones to ensure that their training is on track for a successful season.
The athletes ran and hiked the grueling 18km up to the Beckie Scott High Performance Centre at the Haig Glacier, while their gear and skis were helicoptered up.
The athletes rose early to ski daily as the best skiing conditions happen before it warms up. The afternoons were spent hiking and exploring the nearby mountain peaks, doing core strength training, meeting with coaches, napping and, for the very brave, ice water immersion baths in the numerous glacial fed creeks.
Being able to get on snow on the glacier is a huge benefit to the athletes, allowing them to refine ski technique, build a large training volume and get the benefits of training at a high altitude.
Once back from the glacier the athletes will resume training in Kelowna with the rest of Team Telemark under the guidance of head coach Adam Elliot.
David Walker, Gareth Williams, Adam Elliot (head coach), Ian Williams, Tallon Noble, Cole Turner, Tristan Lee, Grayson McKinnon
