Memorial Day Mammoth Camp Wrap-Up: Skills, Smiles, and Summer Momentum

The Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) wrapped up another successful Memorial Day training camp at Mammoth Mountain, continuing a valued tradition of springtime on-snow development. Coaches Patrick Traynor and Jake Herminghaus led a group of ten younger and older athletes for a three-day training block packed with skiing fundamentals, free skiing, dryland, and laughter.

Training kicked off early Friday morning, May 23rd, with a 7:30 AM meeting at Chair 1—Broadway Express. From there, athletes tackled a wide range of terrain and lifts including Chair 11 (Discovery Chair), Chair 6 (Unbound Express), Chair 2 (Stump Alley), Chair 3 (Face Lift), Chair 10 (Gold Rush), Chair 5 (High Five Express), Chair 23 for top-of-mountain access, and both the upper and lower gondolas. With high skier volume across the mountain, SL (slalom) skis were used to ensure maneuverability and safety.

Though both slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS) skills were covered, the camp placed particular emphasis on core movement patterns central to both the U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) athlete competencies and Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) teaching principles. The goal: develop technically sound athletes through focused drills and high-mileage free skiing.

One primary focus was upper/lower body separation in the rotational plane, a key fundamental in both the USSS and PSIA frameworks. To help athletes internalize this, in addition to the traditional, tried and true drills, such as “torchlite,” or “framing,” coaches introduced a new drill, probably more aptly named “sliding scissors,” encouraging skiers to release their edges and actively twist, ensuring clear separation of the upper and lower body in this rotational plane of movement.

Movement in the sagittal plane was another priority, fundamental to absorbing terrain, maintaining pressure, and dynamic balance. Athletes practiced up/down motion to manage pressure magnitude using “rollers” created by the snow cats, mimicking terrain features like whoop-de-doos. This drill emphasized active quadriceps engagement to pull the knees up while absorbing bumps, followed by extension movements to reset balance on the descent.

Additionally, the team reinforced the skill of controlling the center of mass over the base of support, critical for pressure distribution along the ski length (PSIA). Exercises like ankle shuffles and falling leaves helped athletes experience and adjust pressure fore-aft, while lateral pressure control was honed with the airplane and outrigger drills, building strong outside ski engagement.

Outside of drills, free skiing was integrated continuously with targeted feedback, building movement patterns in a playful but purposeful environment. Terrain was varied and challenging, including moguls on Face Lift and High Five, and steeps from the Cornice Bowl accessed via Chair 23. Several impromptu snake-runs down skier and rider created terrain features added dynamic balance training—and plenty of smiles. Occasional detours through the parks allowed athletes to explore, adapt, and challenge their skills in this different environment.

This spring was slightly different in that instead of leaving the snow at 12:00 PM, athletes had more free skiing until 2PM, exploring the mountain, having fun, and testing their abilities on different terrain.

Each day wrapped up with video review and dryland training. Jake and Patrick ensured every athlete received both individual video feedback and team-based movement training. Off-snow sessions included ultimate frisbee, relay sprints with quick-change (180 degree) agility movement, and rollerblading, extending technical focus into summer sport cross-training.

Despite a detour due to a wildfire en route to Mammoth, all athletes and families arrived safely. Return travel went smoothly, capping off an invigorating and growth-filled weekend.

The coaches remarked daily on the athletes’ enthusiasm and focus. Whether carving turns or chasing frisbees, the KSEF athletes showed commitment, joy, and an eagerness to learn. Their energy made this Memorial Day camp a memorable one, and a strong springboard into summer development.

KSEF extends heartfelt thanks to the parents and families for their continued support. Your efforts make these camps possible, and the athletes are clearly reaping the rewards. We look forward to seeing their progress continue at Kirkwood next season—and we’re already counting down to the next Mammoth trip.

Written by Jake Herminghaus and Patrick Traynor of the KSEF Coaching Staff