The benefits of training at altitude are well known: Athletes see improved endurance and recovery after sessions.
These benefits are why many endurance athletes have come to Park City to train. New American marathon record holder Conner Mantz went on many runs in town before setting that pace in this month’s Chicago Marathon. From Oct. 6-20, the U.S. cross country ski team held their annual training camp in Park City.
While many might assume the best time for such a camp is right before their World Cup season starts in late November, the U.S. team goes another route. They’ve found that their skiers benefit best from pushing their bodies here in early October, then going back home to stack strenuous training on top of that. The team has been holding the camp in Park City in October for at least the last 20 years, head coach Matt Whitcomb said.
“We choose Park City for a number of reasons,” Whitcomb said. “It’s a very efficient once-a-year stop for us.”
The team ticks items off their to-do list like getting their uniforms prepared for the season, meeting with the marketing team and organization executives and training. Whitcomb said team building during the two weeks is almost as important as the training. They hope it pays dividends in team events and through all the travel an Olympic season will demand.
“It’s an optimal time of year to get a physiological boost from living at altitude for at least two weeks,” Whitcomb said. “Then, athletes go home for four weeks prior to the winter, generally to lower elevation, and can really sharpen up because of the altitude boost.”
The U.S. team invited non-affiliated professionals, usually of younger ages, out to train with them. Whitcomb said he was proud of how well his skiers welcomed others and showed them the ropes by example.
Skiers spent lots of time at Soldier Hollow on roller skis and at the Center of Excellence. They competed in the Schutzenski Festival over the weekend. They went on a run with local kids and held a Q and A event at the center last Thursday.
“Hearing five of our athletes on the panel always makes me really proud because I am so quickly reminded of how thoughtful everyone is,” Whitcomb said.
He feels many on the team are primed for big seasons, he said, adding that he’d like to see some personal bests and podium finishes.
Critical for the team will be that they don’t overdue their training immediately after leaving Park City. Whitcomb said that can undue the benefits earned over the past few weeks.
“Camp was good,” said Parkite and two-time Olympian Rosie Brennan. “I was able to join some team training sessions and also get some help from the medical team here.”
Brennan has been managing a mysterious illness dating back to last season. Thirty-six years old and one of the best skiers in the world pre-illness, she’s looking to work her way back into form this season for what could be one of if not her final Games.
“It’s never fun to not be able to join in on everything with your teammates and not be able to do the really hard sessions where teammates help so much,” Brennan said. “I definitely missed that, but it was great to have my club team and coach here as well and be able to connect in person with much of the support staff.”
Brennan is optimistic things will take a turn for the better soon with her health. She relishes returning to town to train and spend some time mentoring younger skiers. Brennan is a Park City High alumni whose mom lives in town.
“It was great!” said Beijing 2022 skier Gus Schumacher. “It’s become a really fun tradition. It’s my eighth season on the team, with at least that many camps here.”
Schumacher saidh e feels good about his lead up to the season. He enjoyed getting to compete and mentor some younger skiers in Park City.
“My summer has been smooth, and I had a good, healthy altitude block here, which is icing on the cake,” Schumacher said. “I really want to be fit and healthy in February. Getting a medal, especially in a team event, would be amazing.”
Schumacher said the Center of Excellence’s sauna and Pink Elephant Coffee were staples of his visit. He also enjoyed looking at the stars in the darker Park City nights and a trip to Peoa with a friend.
“I’m very proud to represent U.S. Ski and Snowboard,” Whitcomb said. “It’s a powerful organization, led by wonderful people, and the future is bright. … We’ve only begun to see what we can do.”