Training with Whistler Mountain Ski Club

Cory was invited to join the Whistler Mountain Ski Club for some gate training last week. WMSC has been the home club for many of Canada's best racers and is coached by Rob Boyd, one of Canada's best known ski racers. Rob was born and raised at the foot of Whistler and remains as the only Canadian male to win a World Cup downhill race in Canada - and that was on the Dave Murray Downhill at Whistler. Cory was the first ever athlete with a disability to train with Whistler Mountain Ski Club.

Here Cory is waiting in line with members of WMSC for his turn at some start training. He has never trained this specific part of racing before and it is certainly something he needs to improve upon, so this was a good way to start the day.



His first try is a bit on the lazy side:




And in spite of some instruction from his coach and a reminder from me to put a bit more effort into it, not much improvement:





Some improvement in the effort here, but it's clear that Cory needs to work on this part of his racing:




Then it's time for some Giant Slalom gate training, with Rob Boyd at the start:





Continuing to show improvement in his stance, with his hands forward and feet apart, and looking more comfortable doing so:







And the final run of the day as the snow begins to fall heavily on the Dave Murray Olympic Downhill:




Cory trained again with Whistler Mountain Ski Club the following week for two days of gate training, one for Slalom and another for Giant Slalom.

A little warm-up here on some stubbies. There was a fair amount of soft snow which quickly became deep ruts as the racers practiced through the course.




Some instructions from Coach Rob:




More video from slalom training with Whistler Mountain Ski Club:



















Our sincere thanks to Rob Boyd and the Whistler Mountain Ski Club for including Cory in some of their Christmas 2010 Race Camps. We'll look forward to another opportunity to train with them.

Next up is the second Kokanee race of the season. Cory will once again aim to not finish last!