Stories from Summer Ski Camp

BY EMMY CROSTON

FIORINI SKI SCHOOL  

Sunshine, blue skies, good friends and great coaches-this is what Summer Ski Camp at Timberline is all about! Perfectly groomed, hard packed mornings turn into buttery soft afternoons while we bask in the beauty of the majestic Mount Hood.

For around 20 years now, Fiorini Ski School has rallied instructors to Mt. Hood for a fun-filled, educational weekend of skiing. Last year’s attendees included 16 in camp, with a total of 20 who came down to ski (a.k.a. party). All of whom stayed in a quaint (a.k.a. small) cabin in Govy. While it’s no secret that Fiorini’s have a flair for partying, it is equally shared with a great passion for skiing and teaching. The opportunity to unite with friends and colleagues for intense training and mayhem has forever been a part of the Fiorini culture and a major contributor to the family-like bond we share. That weekend was no exception.

On snow, the Skiing was epic and the coaches were inspiring. It’s amazing how skiing in sunshine on a Glacier, along with motivational coaching can trigger major changes in ones’ skiing. Our group was blessed with the talents of Jeff Cordell, Linda Cowan and Nelson Wingard who provided tips, tricks and entertainment as we ripped around the mountain and maneuvered the gates. And when the ruts became shoots and jumps, we were lucky to have the dynamic duo of Chris Thompson and Dave Lucas setting and resetting great courses for us to enjoy.

In town, a new shift in the wind has brought deluxe condos and gourmet groceries to town, but our favorite memories remain those of the classics. From lounging in the sun outside Charlie’s-cold beer in hand, to pizza and horseshoes at Ratskeller, to big salads and Huckleberry desserts, those scenes in Govy seem timeless. Evenings brought their own excitement, but with a fridge fully stocked with beer, a supply of brainless movies and a picnic area in our back yard, most of our fun was fairly harmless.

A new bonus to this year’s experience was the optional rafting trip out of Maupin that Kirsten Huotte expertly organized. That was a special treat and, though I may have come away from it with a concussion, I hope to get to do more exciting events like this in future years.

While words can never fully describe the intensity of all that race camp has to offer, here are a few testimonials from our group. . . . . . .

“Camp was great, Linda was awesome, and ARRRRRRRR~!” Andrea “Burns” Keenan

“My highlight was finally conquering some stance issues by creating a more stable platform underfoot by using less counter. I was ripping around on cloud nine. AAAARRRRR!” Emmy “Like the Award” Croston

“I loved seeing the concentration on the face of a Palmer Snowfield first timer, and watching a former world cup skier tearing up a course in his 60’s” Rob “Roborini” Croston

“In my day job I work with a committed passionate group of people focused on a mission to achieve potential. It’s difficult to explain to people outside the environment. I have found the same type of collective, passionate exchange at race camp which forms bonds of shared experience that cannot be explained or described. Indeed the only option is to simply invite - invite those who have not participated to come share the joy, friendship, scenery, sun, and fun that is… PSIA NW Summer Ski Camp.” Eric “Probie” Herzog (short for Probationary - as this was his first race camp :o)

“I just wanted to say that Jordan and I had a blast racing this weekend. Hanging out with you all was a blast and the skiing was fabulous! All of you at Fiorini are really great people and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Except you, Brandon. Kidding. Sort of.” Kim “too new to have a nickname” Petram

“Your instructors play hard, but they work even harder-and it was really fun watching and helping them challenge their skills and abilities.” Linda “Coach” Cowan