**Learn to Ski
Hi skiers! Coach Monkey here =)
Learn to ski is crushing it!  A lot of us made it to fast Tammy in our last session!
And a lot of us crushed our stopping skis too. We also have groups working on big turns and little turns .
Keep on practicing!!!

PLEASE MAKE SURE WE USE the BATHROOM before class . A lot of bathroom breaks this 😊
Excited to continue skiing together on Saturday!
**SKI LEVEL DEVELOPMENT (SLD)

This past week we focused on maintaining proper weight on the downhill ski.

Most groups also reviewed the majority of the Skier Responsibility Code, which we will continue to review for next week’s quiz with Ski Patrol.

Please REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR SKIER USE THE BATHROOM PRIOR TO CLASS. It is a significant hold up and distraction to all the skiers in groups.

This week, we will be introducing side slips and hockey stops.

Looking ahead to next week, we’re excited for a fun ski-around-the-mountain day, an obstacle course, and a special treat on Wednesday to wrap up Ski Level Development for the season!!

We are having so much fun with this group!!

**RACE CLINICS

Last week we reviewed important race rules, including what to do if you lose a ski, miss a gate, or need to hike. We also discussed that hiking is not allowed in GS.

Most groups had the opportunity to take several runs on courses set on Pete, one of the steepest hills at Hickory.

We spent time reviewing proper technique in the start gate, as well as how to execute an effective tuck, including when and where it is appropriate in GS.

Athletes were reminded that we never tuck in slalom.

This week, we will be introducing some basic sport psychology techniques to help athletes prepare mentally for training and racing.

We are also hopeful to do some timing at practice soon which will be fun!

Let’s have a great week and please reach out with questions!
**USSS/FIS (All Teams)
Wow! February came in with a bang!
We are in the thick of our season now for many of our USSS and FIS racers chasing Championship races!
Racing:
Team Michigan:
This past weekend our racers took on Boyne Mountain. On Saturday, our U18 & older racers competed against the top talent in the State to qualify as one of the top 10 athletes to represent Michigan out east in March. The Team Michigan qualifying race is a fierce battle for these top spots, and qualifiers make the Team based on USSS points and their placement in this race. We are proud of all our GTSC racers who participated, and pumped for the 7 GTSC racers who made the team!  That means 35% of the Team Michigan qualifiers are GTSC racers! We wish them well out in New Hampshire this March!
USSS Race:
Our USSS racers competed at Boyne Mtn Sunday in a small but fierce field while some competed at Nordica Cup. Congrats to all for persevering – we are proud of you!
The coming week we do not have a USSS race, so we encourage racers to take care of themselves with some good sleep, hydration and maybe even catch up on school =)
Bob Hosking Memorial – Central Division Championship Race:
TIME TO GET EXCITED PEOPLE!!!
Championship Race Season is upon us and we are FIRED UP to cheer our amazing U14 and U16 athletes on at the Bob Hosking Memorial Race!!!  This race is the Rocky/Central U16 & U14 Junior Championships.  This is a qualifying race to determine which athletes earn the opportunity to go race out in Colorado this March!  Our GTSC athletes have worked hard and are READY to show up and perform really well!
These races are chuck full of great competition, and it’s an INSANE honor to earn a spot to race on behalf of our GTSC team, and the Central Region!! Please talk to your racer and consider this!
The race series is by age by day, please see details on the CR3 site:
U14’s race Fri-Sat-Sun (Feb 20-22) – SL & GS only
U16’s race Thur-Fri-Sat (Feb 19-21) – note Super G discipline – reach out if you need help with skis!! We got you!
Both U14’s and U16’s will have optional training the day prior to their race starts, helps get skiers comfortable with the hill.
Please mark Availability!
U16 Rocky/Central Jr. Championships
Approximately 25 of the top U16 finishers (this number will vary slightly, by gender) will qualify.
U16 race is March 4 thru March 8 in Steamboat, Colorado!!
Let me tell you… STEAMBOAT IS AMAZING TO THESE ATHLETES!!! You don’t want to miss this!!!
U14 Rocky/Central Jr. Championships 
Approximately 45-50 of the top U14 finishers (this number will vary slightly, by gender) will qualify.
U14 race is March 9 thru 13 in Vail, Colorado!!!
This is a really fun race with great vibes for the skiers!!
Middle School Race:
This week, we resume our racing with a Middle School Race at Mt. Holiday on Wednesday, so no Crystal Mtn training this week.
Please see the attached Fact Sheet and remember it’s PARENT TRANSPORT with NO BUSSING.
Training:
All USSS/FIS:
For the week ahead, please watch for Schedule updates in TeamSnap and mark your Availability accordingly.
For Valentine’s Day weekend, we will train at Hickory Hills on Saturday and Sunday! Please check it out and let us know if you will join us!
It is very important for planning purposes coaches know who’s coming, thanks for your help!
Thanks all, let’s have a great week!!
**MSRT

Last week we completed a great training block with lots of fun mixed in! Thank you for reinforcing good behavior and communication with coaches to your skiers.
At the middle school age and maturity level, coaches are happy to give them some freedom during training, but only if they are being communicated with.
This week, we resume our racing with a Middle School Race at Mt. Holiday on Wednesday, so no Crystal Mtn training this week.
Please see the attached Fact Sheet and remember it’s PARENT TRANSPORT with NO BUSSING.
Reminder to mark your skiers Availability for the week please!
Thanks all, let’s have a great week!!
**Sunday Races
Congrats to our Nordica Winter Rally racers who competed at Nubs Nob on Sunday! We are so proud of everyone for putting themselves out there and giving it their all!
GTSC is thrilled to have the trophy come home with us again, and celebrates with fabulous sportsmanship by all =)
This week: we resume our Sunday Races at Hickory Hills! More details to come as we get closer – watch emails.
Please watch the TeamSnap Schedule and help with volunteer spots! We are here to help train anyone needing some guidance and appreciate you!
Posted in Club Updates

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