Hello Eastern Freestyle-Freeskiing!

Just a couple of things before I start with the event updates.

I know it has been frustrating waiting for event registrations to open this year, but just so you are aware of the process - we wait to be sure that the mountain/event organizer is good to go before we release registration. Going through the refunding process is tedious to say the least. Thanks for your patience with this.

It is always great to see other teams helping out with event venue prep, by volunteering at events and with each other's athletes. Keep it up! Remember we represent EASTERN FREESTYLE-FREESKIING, not just our individual teams.

Big Weekend Coming Up ~

EQS "B's":

Central Region: Stevek's Mogul Challenge, Stratton, VT - m/m. A new event schedule was posted today - check it out.

Eastern Region: Griffin Cup, Loon, NH - m/s. Their event sheet is posted.

Western Region: Rip's Monster Mogul Mash, Hunter, NY - m/m

Greetings Freestyle Athletes, Parents, Coaches, and Fans!
Hunter Mountain is extremely excited to host our EQS –B Mogul two day event. Rips Monster Mogul Mash will be hosted on a new trail. Park Avenue will be dialed into EQS B meet specifications and we are very excited about the new location. As always, we open our doors to USSA Freestyle athlete’s to join in the fun and excitement this event draws. Hunter Mountain’s Management and Events staff are committed to making your visit a pleasant one. Our Freestyle community has a history of smooth running events. We look forward to your arrival. We hope all Coaches and Athletes will consider rallying your team to join the fun on January 21-22.

EAST FREE TOUR starts this weekend at Okemo, Vt with slopestyle events on Saturday and Sunday. These events are open to all of our skiers, but more appropriate for the older crew. That said, groms are always welcome!

ECS "A's":

Whiteface Bumps & Jumps, Lake Placid, NY - m/dm We are SUPER PUMPED about Lake Placid's appearance back onto the A schedule. PLEASE tell me you are heading over on Thursday to watch the World Cup and to train on the WC course on Friday before the event gets underway on Saturday! Thursday's World Cup event will feature the best mogul skiers in the world AND some of our very own Eastern athletes! (Honestly - too many to list here! Oh ok - Hannah Kearney, Eliza Outtrim, Brittany Loweree, Alison Digravio, Troy Murphy, David Digravio, and Jeremy Cota) On top of the mogul event on Thursday, the Aerial WC will take place on Friday and Saturday nights at the jumping complex - you know, the hill next to the water ramps, so we can head over and cheer the US Team as well (Eastern athletes on the air hill - Emily Cook, Alison Lee, Kiley McKinnon, Dylan Ferguson, Jon Lillis, Hans Gardner, Alex Bowen, Mike Rossi, Mac Bohonnon and Nevin Brown.) Should be a super fun weekend! Hope you can make it!

All of that said, Mike Kirchner at NYSEF needs some help still. I promised him that our Eastern coaches would help out with the chop each morning, but if there are any parents that would like to volunteer for the usual positions, then they will provide lift access for the day you work as well as give you a voucher for another day. Send Mike an email at Michael Kirchner <kirsh68@frontiernet.net>.

Lastly, I am PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE the addition of a GREAT TRAINING opportunity for all of our mogul, freeride and aerial athletes. Joe Davies and the Elite Aerial Program are hosting air camps at Lake Placid this winter. The venue will be set up to help athletes from all of the disciplines to advance their air skills. I have attached a flier to this notice. Please check it out! Space is limited and I know that KMS Freeskiing is already signed up...best place to get the dub flips going...onto a chopped landing!

Have a great weekend.

Be nice and courteous to all!

GO TEAM USA!

Coach Deb

PS Did I mention that Hannah Kearney is going for her 11th straight win at Lake Placid on Thursday! GO HK!