The 2015-16 ski season went downhill real fast (pun
intended)…
The season started with some awesome training in Zermatt,
Switzerland, but then some not-so-hot training in Tignes, France. I
over-rotated a front flip and tore my UCL in my left thumb in official training
at the first world cup in Ruka, Finland; followed by sustaining a slight
concussion on comp day. Only two weeks later, I broke 5 transverse processes from
their respective vertebrae (T11-12, L2-4). Although the bones have now healed, because
of my lingering pain and immobility from the injury; my doctor, coaches,
strength coach, physical therapist, and I decided it was best to sit out the
entirety of the season to heal and maximize recovery. I am so lucky to have
such a strong crew that helps me make these incredibly hard decisions.
This season isn’t a sob story though. I actually feel
revitalized and stoked on skiing more than ever. I haven’t skied moguls or hit
a jump in months, but I was able to return to my home mountains, Squaw Valley
and Alpine Meadows, for some epic skiing. I also finally had the time to ski
with friends and explore some totally new mountains and others I hadn’t skied
for years. Overall, I had a very successful season as a ski bum. Ski bum
lifestyle is amazing!
The 2015-16 ski season has officially wrapped. And with
that, the 2016 prep season has officially begun. This week, I’ve rejoined the
U.S. Freestyle Team for an on-snow camp and physical testing. Though I still
struggle through the pain and immobility, my jumbled, yet positively intensive
schedule of physical therapy, pilates, light workouts, and yoga has put me on
the right path to recovery. With this and my newly acquired ski bum prowess and
stoke, I am SO excited for the 2016 prep season, 2016-17 ski season and world
cup circuit, and the 2017 World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain!
I want to thank my crew (as I mentioned above), my parents,
sponsors (T2 Foundation, Bomber Skis, St. Regis Deer Valley, Zipline Poles),
other equipment suppliers, and friends for the endless support and for keeping
me smiling during the past few tough months.
April is the U.S. Team’s month off, so I’m off for some
wondrous trekking, Songkran festivities, and R&R beaching and
cocktail-sipping in Thailand.
Happy spring skiing, all!
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