The races always seem to bring the snow.  We have really been waiting and wishing and hoping the snow would come soon, and when it comes, it’s always strange timing!  Two nights before our race in Aspen it started to dump!  Free skiing on the race hill was cancelled so they could clear the snow, and with no other real skiing, since this storm just brought a nice little bit of frosting to the mountains, we were left to sit in our rooms and just look at the hill… or go explore the shops of Aspen… which I did. My goal was to buy only ONE pair of jeans and I’m proud to say that I completed that mission without getting tempted by the glitz and glamour of all high-end fashion names to distract me. Yes!

Though I must say, with all the anticipation of the next day’s race, shopping really is a great way to calm those nerves.

Once again I was given number 1! First out of the gate twice in a row has to mean something!  I seem to get the first numbers quite often.
I don’t love it though, I have to admit.  It makes me really nervous knowing that I will be the test guinea pig, but hey I have to get used to it, and I have……  I just need to go a little faster!  I have won one first run starting 1…  Not in Aspen, but 7 is also a lucky number!
I skied much better second run, it wasn’t enough, but I felt good.

It’s great to be back in the gate.  My body feels much better, and I am ready for the season!  Keep tuning in and cheering us all on!!!  Ciao from the bitter cold of Lake Louise!!!

Julia