It seems a while ago now, but what an inspiring Summer Olympic Games. As a GB alpine athlete, the athletes’ performances and backstories show how much hard work, dedication, and mental strength goes into being the best and achieving the perfect performance.
All athletes face a long, hard road to the top, but people only see the finished athlete. They don’t always understand what it takes to achieve the level.
I often get asked how I train over the summer. As a GB athlete with no handy snow on the doorstep, my training and development schedule has to continue year-round to keep pace with my European opponents.
To stay sharp on skis and prepared for the new season, race training on snow is essential during the off-season. Wherever possible, we chase the snow in Europe for training opportunities.
In addition, I am focused on a daily programme of strength, stamina, agility, speed and mobility work in the gym, and I enjoy cross-training sports like volleyball, tennis and biking.
Valuable coaching camps in Norway, Belgium and France
In June, we drove 1,400 miles and took two ferries (phew!) to Norway for a month’s race training camp with my coaches. This camp was followed by four days at the indoor training facility at Peer in Belgium.
While in Norway, we trained on salted slopes with variable snow and amazing views. Indoor training at Peer is like being in a giant fridge, skiing on rock-hard ice.
I did have one small hiccup in Norway that wasn’t so great. I fell on a rock during a volleyball game and needed nine internal and six external stitches below my knee. It was a nasty shock, but luckily, it was just a bad cut. I had to be patient and recuperate quickly between the first two camps.
Recently, we returned from 12 days of glacier training in Europe. Our camp had to be split between Saas-Fee (Switzerland) and Stelvio (Italy). We were meant to be training in Saas-Fee, but a landslide on the road meant a last-minute change of plan. It resulted in a 7-hour drive over to Italy for four days – and then back again!
There are no ski lifts on the Stelvio glacier, so we were towed up by Cat Track. It meant setting off at dawn when we saw some amazing sunrises.
Saas-Fee has a great choice of terrain – steep pitches, long Giant Slalom runs, and ice! We trained alongside many other countries’ World Cup and Europa Cup squads, which was inspirational.
All of these camps offered something different. Our days were long, but this training builds the confidence that I can adapt when snow conditions are tough. It is an Ideal preparation for my move up to ski in Europa Cup races this season.
Thank you for supporting me
I am grateful to many people for their support. I’m delighted to be teaming up with Dynastar (Lange/Look bindings) in 2024/5, my new race ski sponsor.
I’m happy and confident with the set-up and the performance of my new skis. Thank you, Dynastar, for believing in me.
Thanks to all of my sponsors and the many generous people who support me through crowdfunding to raise money to help cover training costs.
Without financial backing, I can’t start the next competitive season until FIS races begin again in Europe. This means I can’t compete in the Southern Hemisphere or on the North American circuit. However, I am doing everything to prepare for 2024/5 and looking forward to competing in the Europa Cup.
Want to join me on my journey? I am seeking financial backing to support me on my next steps to the top. If you can help, please get in touch by emailing me@jayb.uk
Don’t forget to track my races online by following FIS and Europa Cup LIVE on YouTube. Or, join me for regular updates on Instagram @mollyskigirl and Facebook @mollymattie.
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