The Next Turn - skiing, ski racing and sport

Warren Jobbitt and Sasha Rearick are two of the most influential leaders in skiing throughout North America in the last two decades. Jobbitt as a long term member and Head Coach of the Canadian Interski team, and Rearick as the Head Coach of the Men’s US Ski team. They joined us this week and both shared their beliefs, experiences and philosophies on what good skiing and teaching means, what the best instructors and coaches have in common, as well as where the differences lie. You might just be surprised with the conversation. As always, Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Canada’s Marie-Michèle Gagnon and America’s Travis Ganong are two of the best speed skiers in North America. They are also a long-standing couple, which presents truly unique advantages and perspectives on the World Cup. They joined us on The Next Turn, where they shared their views on measuring and preparing for success, discussed how they dial in their equipment as well as the process of absorbing information during each run, and talked through what they believe they need to do to continue their pursuit of better. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

First came the Crazy Canucks, then the Canadian Cowboys--could this trio be next? Alpine Canada athletes Brodie Seger, Jeffery Read, and Jack Crawford joined us this week on The Next Turn to discuss the value of their team dynamic, how they are absorbing insight and experience with every World Cup start, and the role that their coach and former World champion Johnny Kucera plays in their development. The trio each takes a turn sharing his thoughts on the skiing of the other two, and they all enjoy more than a few laughs along the way. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Both of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Alpine Champions are based out of Panorama, BC and both are members of Canadian National team. Amelia Smart and Cassidy Gray have certainly made their mark on the NCAA circuit. Gray started strong in her freshman season this year with University of Colorado Boulder’s Buffs by taking the NCAA title in GS, while Smart finished out her senior season at University of Denver by taking the NCAA title in the slalom to go along with her GS and slalom titles from 2018. Smart and Gray joined us on the Next Turn to talk through achieving balance between the NCAA race circuit, the World Cup circuit, and academics, as well as to laud the benefits of racing with and for a team at the college level. Both discuss their techniques for remaining present and focused on race day, as well as strategies for putting together two solid runs. Hosts Martin, Jeff, and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

It is safe to say that for many of us, our love of skiing was fostered by small hills in small communities. That upbringing often results in a lifelong commitment to skiing that’s passed down to future generations. In this episode, we talk to three people who give their lives and energy to making sure these small hills survive and that our sport continues to thrive. Jason Gerry of Loch Lomond in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Scott McGrew of Rotarun in Hailey, Idaho and Katherine Seleski of Pass Powderkeg, in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta share stories and philosophies about their mission, which is to save the sport for generations to come. Hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

2020 World Cup overall champion Federica Brignone joins The Next Turn for a candid conversation, where she addresses recent retirement rumours head on. The Italian alpine powerhouse discusses her performance throughout the last season, how Covid restrictions affected her, and what adjustments she plans to make for her own happiness and to continue her career on her own terms. Hosts Martin, Jeff, and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day”.

Legendary Eurosport broadcaster, Nick Fellows brings an unmatched level of energy and enthusiasm to commentating to the World Cup that draws in both lifelong fans and new viewers alike. Fellows, a former ski racer for Great Britain, has earned both the trust and respect of the athletes, giving him first rights to inside info and insight into what makes them tick. He joined us on The Next Turn for a thoroughly entertaining talk about some of the biggest names and events in the sport, as well as his outlook on how FIS can best evolve to support the racers of today and the ever-growing fanbase of the sport. Hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

Canadian World Cup skier Erik Read’s alpine roots run deep; his brother Jeff is his teammate on the Canadian team, his mom Lynda is a former national team member, and their father is none other than the legendary “Crazy Canuck”, Ken Read. Erik shares his insights on FIS, the NCAA pathway, the difference between good skiing and fast skiing, and ponders what it will take to be a medal contender in the near future. As always, Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

US Ski Team coach Jeff Lackie talks openly about what goes into being the coach of the greatest female ski racer of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin. Lackie shares insight into the methodology of planning and executing the race and training program for Shriffrin, along with his use of data to help provide guidance for the best possible options for her success. Additionally, he gives his take on what’s important for coaches and young athletes in the sport. Hosts Martin, Jeff and Cara share their “Thoughts of the Day.”

A die-hard, lifelong skier, US Ski Team Moguls athlete Hannah Soar talks about her pursuit of World Cup success and her deep Killington, Vermont roots, where she cultivated her passion for skiing bumps, forged ties with her “Bump Gang”, and now thrives as a role model for young girls following her tracks. Hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “Thoughts of the Day”.