We just arrived here in Beaver Creek, ready to get the show rolling for real now. After Zermatt we took a few days break and then headed to Copper, where we’ve been training for the last week or so. Copper is always one of my favorite times of the year because it feel like the first day of school all over again. The speed venue there is the only place in the world to get full-length downhill training ahead of the Birds of Prey World Cup, so every team in the world seems to descend on Copper Mountain at the same time. You see all your friends from different nations and have the standard catch-up: “Hey, how was your summer, any fun trips, how’s training, etc.” The usual. But it really does feel like high school when you come back from summer break and see all these friends who you’re with every week for most of the year, but then suddenly have a 6 month break of no contact. And for me personally, having grown up in Colorado, all of my friends who are either racing for universities like CU or Utah or are now coaching for various ski clubs are also around, so I have an extra layer of friendliness here. However this doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and rainbows.

Just like the Birds of Prey World Cup, where we have all the advantages of a home race and home fans, there are so many obligations and it feels a bit overwhelming at times. From school visits with kids in Summit County to autograph signings to media days and interviews, this week or two in Copper is the busiest of the year. Since I am partnering with Copper again this season, I’m also trying to work in media opportunities with my home sponsor in addition to all the team obligations. So it’s a whirlwind for a little bit, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. These obligations at our home training camps and home races allow us to actually contribute something to the ski community that most of the time we are missing. It’s all well and good to try and inspire people on TV during races, but getting the chance to talk to kids and answer questions in-person and hopefully inspire the next generation of American Downhillers is a rare opportunity. Professional sport often feels like a selfish pursuit, having so many people around you sacrificing their time and energy to help you succeed, so it’s really nice to feel like you are able to give something back to the community that supported you to get to this point.

Anyways, we’re back in Beaver Creek now, and as they used to shout during that famous video of Andrew Weibrecht crushing it from the back of the pack here, it’s “game day at home”. The track looks perfect as ever, and it’s shaping up to be a hell of a weekend. First training run is tomorrow, so I already have that nervous feeling in my stomach, but pressure is a privilege and I try to always frame it like that. Can’t wait to put on a show for all our friends and family that come out to this race, and hopefully we can make everyone proud this weekend. Here’s to skiing fast and taking chances.