So as some of you know, I’m a ski racer. I took it up about a year ago, and this summer I was able to get my FIS License, which allows me to race in official FIS-sanctioned events, which is most “serious” ski races. Most people who get their FIS license are sixteen year olds who are serious about the sport who have been doing this for at least 6-7 years, often even longer. It took a lot of effort to get mine after just a year of racing. AM was awesome for this. Last year I would get up at 6:30am, work for an hour, walk my dog, go skiing for 4-6 hours, go home and have a nap, walk the dog, go to the gym, eat dinner and work some more before bed. Definitely not a schedule that would have worked out with a 9-5 job.

Not to mention, ski racing is EXPENSIVE. My skis are around $1000 a pair brand new, and I bought three pairs of new skis last year. I’ll be buying another one, possibly two this season. And chances are after this year I’m going to have to buy at least four more because FIS regulations change every couple years. And that’s just the skis… poles are $100 a pair, boots are $500, helmet is $200, goggles $150 and lenses $25 each (I have about 6 lenses). Not to mention the seasons pass and coaching… this is definitely a sport that requires money. AM helps with that.

Anyway, I’m digressing. The original plan had been to go do some New Zealand Master’s training and racing (Downhill – the one where you can go over 100kph with huge jumps, and Giant Slalom – the basic, technical event), then go to Australian National Championships (GS and Slalom – the one where you hit the poles) and New Zealand National Championships (same thing).

To give you an idea, this is me skiing GS this summer on the glacier in Whistler: http://youtu.be/cFMJVQy8Dh8

Unfort ...

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