AST Athlete Journal: Gavin Johnson

Greetings everyone! My name is Gavin Johnson. I am from Team Panorama, and this is my first year with the Alberta Ski Team. We just got back from our first camp, where we spent four weeks in Saas Fee, Switzerland, and four days in Wittenberg, Germany, at the indoor facility. The camp was a huge success for myself and the team. We were able to build on our preexisting technical skills while pushing the pace and intensity as the camp went on. We faced an array of conditions, allowing us to work on different tactics and techniques. Personally, the indoor Slalom skiing in Wittenburg was the most beneficial. It provided an icy surface that forced me to make necessary technical improvements.

The success we experienced in this camp is largely due to the work we put in during the off-season. Nate Morris, our strength trainer, guided us through a carefully curated training program to ensure our bodies were ready for the demands of our sport. Unfortunately, due to building a new cabin in Invermere, I was not able to spend as much time as I would have liked at CSI with Nate and the team. However, I was able to follow the program through our Team Builder app at my gym in Invermere. Entering our first camp, the effects of my summer training were very evident. I have never felt so comfortable returning to the snow in all my years of ski racing. I was able to pick up where I left off in the spring of last season, which quickly allowed me to start building where I left off.

Since we have returned from Europe, we have begun our second block of strength training. We have three weeks before we begin our second camp in Hintertux, Austria. It will be vital for all of us to stay consistent with our dryland to ensure another successful camp. I try to enjoy every gym session with the motivation that it will have me ready for the next time I click into my bindings.

Aside from the time in the gym. I have been building our house in Invermere with my father and working with him as much as possible. We have been busy, and he is happy I am home to help him out. With it being my first year out of high school, it feels a bit strange not to be in a classroom. But it is nice to have a change of pace and have more time to focus on skiing. I am already re-watching my camp one videos, counting down the days until we ski again.

Thank you to our sponsors, the GMC Dealers of Alberta, InspiredGo, Silvertip Resort, Mountain Fire Foods, Genstar, Karbon and GearUp Mountain Sports. Your support helps make everything possible.

I look forward to what the season holds!
– Gavin