June Lake

If you weren't in June Lake for the Far West training camp July 21 to 24, let me just say, you missed out on some serious fun. Oh yeah, and some serious ski training too! Auburn Ski Club campers got met up with other athletes (21 in all) from throughout the Far West region for four jam-packed days of adventure.

Things started off in Truckee, where several skiers and two already-overwhelmed coaches (a.k.a. Ben and Kara) got in their first strenuous workout of the day loading up one van and one truck with everyone's training stuff, camping stuff, equipment stuff and "other" stuff. I'm still not really sure how it all fit, but we managed to squeeze it all in, along with a plethera of baked goods and other delicious treats courtesy of all of you kind parents out there (yes, they were much appreciated, despite not lasting long!). Then it was on to Kings Beach to pick up a few more kids, and squeeze in some more stuff. By now, our packing skills were getting pretty fine-tuned.

After a few more miscellanious stops along the way, several dozen cookies, too many Swedish fish to count, and several iPod switches, we made it, all accounted for, to our destination: the Oh Ridge campground at June Lake in the beautiful Eastern Sierras. The Mammoth crew was already there waiting for us. We then tested out or unpacking skills as we quickly unloaded the vehicles and set up camp. Then it was off for our first workout, a short run around some trails surrounding the campground. It was HOT, but the lake was pristine, blue and CHILLY, so we took advantage with a post-run dip before our first camp dinner.

Day two brought more sunshine. After breakfast, we loaded up our vehicles and headed to June Mountain for some skiwalking technique and "Moose-hoof" and bounding intervals. The athletes really put in some hard work, and despite an abundance of mosquito bites, it was a fantastic training session. After some well-deserved RNR back at camp, we loaded up again for workout number two, a long classic rollerski session emphasizing double pole and kick double pole technique. The skiers made some amazing progress during the session, capping off a successful second day of camp. After another refreshing dip in the lake it was time for dinner, some traditional camp games and then bed for a much-needed good night's rest.

Our third day of camp, Saturday, brought the biggest adventure, and the trip highlight. Campers split in to two groups to tackle two different Eastern Sierra peaks: Mt. Morgan and Mt. Star. Reaching the top of Mt. Morgan, at just under 14,000 feet, was hard work -- but totally worth it, with 360 degree views of mountains, alpine lakes and crystal blue sky. We were rewarded a bit on the way back with some glicading and/or butt-sliding down the big snow patches, which helped us avoid some of the hiking back down. It was an awesome adventure, but six hours later, I was definitely relieved to see the trailhead at the bottom. There was only one problem: Our ASC van decided it was tired as well, and didn't want to drive back to camp, so it had to hitch a ride on a tow truck to the shop. Our Mt. Morgan group met back up with our Mt. Star group, who had also had a fantastic hike, and we deciphered a plan for getting everyone back to camp and then eventually back to Truckee the next day while the van got all doctored up.

With the help of a few Mammoth parents and additional vehicles at camp, we all made it back to Oh Ridge safe and sound, and relished in another opportunity to jump in June Lake before another big, delicious camp meal courtesy of chef extraordinaire Mike McElravey. After that it was time for s'mores and campfire stories before hitting the sack for our final night. It was a crazy but amazing day!

When Sunday morning arrived, we were up early for a quick breakfast before heading out for our final workout: skate rollerskiing with a focus on V2 technique, followed by a solid strength and agility session on the fields nearby. Despite all the work over the previous three days, the skiers once again made some incredible progress while working on their technique, with visible results by the end of the session. As a coach, I was really pleased with their work. But there wasn't much time for celebration, as it was quickly back to camp to breakdown, pack up, load up and head west again for home. The Deeter's were kind enough to come down and help us out in our no-van pinch, and we loaded their truck to the brim with camp gear and training equipment. A HUGE thank you to them for helping us get everything back home!

After saying goodbye to the Mammoth crew, we headed on our way, making a quick (but necessary) stop at Mono Cone in Lee Vining. The campers were tired, but still had enough energy to blast some tunes and have a mini car-dance-party on the way home, which made for some more laughs before it was all over. All said and done, it was a fun and successful weekend. We came home with a few mosquito bites and sunburns, but many great memories, new friendships and as stronger and more knowledgeable skiers. Much was gained by all who attended. And for those who did miss it, don't worry, there is still plenty of fun and training to be had at the Bliss Camp in our own backyard in September...