We are just two months away from the first weekend of skiing at Winter Park.  Even though the lifts aren't turning, there is plenty going on for Competition Center athletes in the next couple of months.  Dryland training in Winter Park is in full swing, and the first Denver session took place last Sunday.  On October 7 we return to Boulder for our annual ski fitness assessment.  The next weekend is a biggie - ski swap, program orientation, and manufacturer's day.  There's a lot to be excited for, snow or no snow.  Read on for the details and we look forward to seeing everyone.

This is the time to really dig in and improve your fitness.  Check out our conditioning webpage for some tips to get stronger.  The Competition Center has several conditioning sessions scheduled throughout the fall both in Winter Park and in Denver. Check the calendar at www.teamwinterpark.org for details.

So, how in shape are you?  Find out at our annual Ski Fitness Assessment on Sunday, October 7.  The assessment is encouraged for all racers who will be J4's or older this season.  It will take place in the Balch Fieldhouse on the CU Boulder campus.  Eight different exercises comprise the assessment, each testing an area of fitness important for ski competition.  To participate, athletes must sign up in advance using the sign-ups page on www.teamwinterpark.org.  There is no cost for the program, but athletes should have their registration paperwork for the season completed and on file at the Competition Center office.  Athletes will be evaluated against standards to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses with suggestions to best plan their conditioning for the remainder of the fall.  Following the assessment, we will head to the Gateway Fun Park in north Boulder for go-karting, mini golf, and other fun activities.

The Ski & Snowboard Swap is not only a great place to find good equipment at a good price, it is one of the Competition Center's biggest fundraising events.  Anyone can bring their quality used gear to sell at the swap (dropoff between 9am and 3pm on October 12 and pickup unsold itmes between 1 and 3pm on October 14).  We usually have a good selection of competition gear at the swap, and there is a huge inventory of equipment for all ski enthusiasts.  For full details on the swap, click here.  Please pass the word to your friends and colleagues about this event.  If you have an area to post 11x17 Ski Swap posters, let us know by emailing ccenter@skiwinterpark.com and we'll mail some down to you.

On October 13, we hold our ski manufacturers day.  Held in the Balcony House next door to the ski swap, all of the major ski equipment reps will be on hand to make competition gear available to Comp Center members at special competitor discounts.  Our coaching staff will be on hand as well to help make sure you get the right fit and the right gear.  Full-time program athletes should plan to be there between 10:00 and noon, and weekend program athletes should plan to work with the reps either at noon or after the 1:00 pm freestyle information session (see below).