Day 4 began with another cool, sunny morning, an early wake-up, and our customary 50 burpees. After a big breakfast, we tossed in another 75 “just to warm up,” bringing the morning total to 125 before tackling an ELITEAM classic: The Sandpit Slalom!
The course features 12 gates and a 100-foot vertical drop, with sand shifting beneath every high-speed step. Add a head-to-head dual format, roaring teammates, and plenty of pressure, and you have one seriously exciting challenge!
Campers completed four training runs to dial in their line, technique, and tactics before it was GO TIME: two all-out race runs filled with speed, risk, and pure commitment. Perfect runs are few and far between in the sandpit, so success is all about reacting quickly, recovering from mistakes, and charging toward the finish. By the end, shoes were overflowing with sand, athletes were gasping for air, and smiles were wider than ever. The four fastest boys and girls then battled it out in thrilling one-run finals!
After refueling, we shifted to Mental Skills and discussed distractions and how to manage them. Coach Lincoln led the session and proudly claims he has personally faced nearly every distraction imaginable and overcome most of them with at least some success!
Next came Physical Testing. Campers completed several U.S. Ski Team testing exercises and raced against the clock on the Berg und Thal and Quickfeet Slalom courses. Then we slowed everything down with a 90-minute Vision Board session filled with chatting, brainstorming, dreaming big, and some seriously creative masterpieces.
The evening exploded in neon with costumes, dinner, long-awaited dessert, and an intense Limbo competition. We wrapped up the huge day with an ELITEAM favorite, Cool Runnings.
We cannot believe tomorrow is already Friday, which means it is time to hike 2,000 vertical feet at Sunday River!
Describe the Sandpits and what is the key to going fast? Why?
- Wilson K. – The sandpits were steep and rough. The key to going fast is to have quick little steps. This was fast because you wouldn’t get caught up in the deep sand.
- Colbry A. – They were extremely fun. The SL in sand was nerve wracking at times. One key to go fast is jumping so you can cover the distance across the hill faster.
- Will W. – They were very steep and rocky so it can be difficult to go down fast. The trick is to kind of jump and slide into the wide turns to go fast.
- Teddy T. – They are a great representation of Alpine Racing. The key to going fast is giving it everything or else there is no way to rise to the top.
- Dalton G. – The sandpits were like running very fast and the key was planting your foot in the berms.
- Topher B. – The key to going fast is to not jump and swivel your hips. And if I had to describe sand pits it would be crazy!
- Nicko S. – They are big hills made up of sand and rocks. The key is to be willing to fall because you can use that to go faster next time.
- Sasha K. – They were really fun, though I fell many times. I believe the way to go fast is to find the right course then power through and a strong outside foot.
Our theme is “Every Win Counts”. What are three little wins you had this week?
- Wilson K. – The little wins I’ve had this week are getting rowdy in Burpees, going fast in the Sand Pit SL and 20 strict push ups.
- Colbry A. – Learning to be a better athlete, burpees and the Berg.
- Will W. – Trying the Berg for the first time, being good at Quick feet SL and mountain biking.
- Teddy T. – Pushing through discomfort I had due to my injured arm, even though it was hard I gave it 100% and I have been sleeping great.
- Dalton G. – Having a good time in the sand for SL, getting good sleep and mastering the Berg.
- Topher B. – Improving my Sand Pit SL, improving my burg and also Quick Feet SL.
- Nicko S. – Getting into the final in the Sand Pit SL at my first ELITEAM, improving on the SL and having fun.
- Sasha K. – One win was sit ups because I believe I did very well, coming back to a made bed every day and a win with every shower.
How has the food been at camp? What’s been your favorite meal?
- Wilson K. – The food has been pretty good. My favorite has been Taco Tuesday.
- Colbry A. – Great! Taco Tuesday was my favorite so far.
- Will W. – It has been really good compared to other camps I have done. My favorite is grilled cheese.
- Teddy T. – The food has been amazing. Definitely Taco Tuesday was my favorite.
- Dalton G. – Good!! The tacos were my favorite, they were so good.
- Topher B. – My favorite meal was Taco Tuesday. The food here is great just like at my school.
- Nicko S. – The food at camp is good, my favorite was pasta night.
- Sasha K. – The food has been amazing. I enjoyed grilled cheese and ham, tomato soup and oatmeal for breakfast.
