Coach's Column: Skogen Sprang on Reflection

As I sit here on the plane flying home to Salt Lake City after an amazing camp in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, I am grateful to reflect on some of the moments that really made this camp special, as well as the past, present, and future. Reflection has always been important to me, but why? Did someone teach me how to do this or is it a natural habit that I worked at developing over the last seven years while coaching the U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Team? I believe it’s both. 

I consider myself very lucky in that I find it natural to think about where you are in the moment, as well as where you are going. I have always strived to do this with ultimate vulnerability and a blank page to fill as I paint my way through life creating a canvas of love, passion, determination, and joy.  Consciously working to improve on this skill has been very beneficial, and will continue to be a life-long work in progress. For any high-level performer, there has to be a routine of examining performance and finding ways to improve. I have always had a similar thought process and have tried to apply this model to get better at everything in life.

Reflection is a skill that can be refined and improved with practice. Journaling is one aspect I have pushed myself to get better at and enjoy, allowing for thoughts to be noted in the moment. Just the act of writing down details of events helps etch them into my memory for further evaluation during documentation as well as accessing them when the time comes to make a split-second decision. Having a library of information to refer to is a valuable tool when searching for creative new travel plans or ways to think outside of the box when planning a season. There are always pieces that worked well and others that need improvement. Creating a recipe that includes elements from successful trips and as well as including new ingredients to test a theory and push the envelope can make for a tasteful buffet of rewards. Of course, there is no end to this progression, only continued growth, and steps forward towards an infinite value-based goal.

Sometimes all we can do is recognize pieces to the puzzle as we move through life and focus pure energy towards a goal that may seem unattainable, yet demands enough attention and drive to consume every waking moment. Passion drives my thoughts and if I’m not passionate about something, then it will fall down the list of priorities like a lead weight. Curiosity is a unique strength that should be embraced and has driven humans to some of the greatest achievements of our time. Utilizing this quality in everyday life brings a perspective that allows for mindfulness and appreciation for even the simplest tasks we do, fostering enjoyment, creativity, and a growth mindset.

There is a changing of the guard happening in freeskiing right now. The legacy of the class that dominated for the last decade has started to ink itself into another chapter of the freeskiing history books, while the next wave of young athletes blooms into their prime. With a strong vision of what the skiers before them have achieved, they are hungry and fearless moving into a territory of next-level tricks, new axis of rotations, innovative new grabs and combinations, and even new thought processes. As a veteran from the last couple of decades in freeskiing, it is fulfilling to see the torch being passed to the next generation of athletes and knowing the fire that has fueled this sport for 23+ years burns bright and will be carried into the future with pride.

The legacy of the U.S. Freeski Team includes sweeping the podium at the inaugural Sochi Olympics, multiple Olympic silver medals, X Games golds, silvers and bronzes, and countless World Cup podiums. All achieved while having a level of respect and sportsmanship that overrides results, and a work ethic which is second to none when it comes to pushing the limit of the sport both technically and creatively. This group moves forward and feeds off of each other’s infectious passion looking to carry the torch from the multitude of mentors that have graced the team in the past and present. I believe they are in a unique position to create a recipe that progresses the sport and will push them forward into new territory, leading with innovation and unsurpassed vision.

The level of hunger to progress on this trip to Saas-Fee was unparalleled. Despite strong variable winds and firm snow conditions, there were multiple 1440 and 1620 rotations learned each day. However, each was slightly different according to the pilot’s specifications for their desired style and look to the trick. With lines blurred between the pro team and the rookie team athletes, it was very impressive to watch the contagious innovation spread among athletes and their ability to seize the moment and to focus in on the task at hand. Every day we were one of the first teams on the hill and one of the last to leave. There was a lot of patience and positivity that maintained the positive energy during some of the excessively strong winds and milk-like visibility. Usually, a break in the gusts and a peek of the sun would happen later in the afternoon. Our team was able to consistently ski hard all day working on tricks and when the windows of opportunity presented themselves, they dropped hammers back to back to back. I believe the level of constraint-based elements mixed with quality snow features was a perfect storm of purposeful practice.

The off-snow team-building culture was at an all-time high as well. Between all four freeski and snowboard teams with a healthy dose of snowboardcross, there were roughly 70 athletes playing three to four different activities in close proximity to each other. The stoke, competitive spirit and mix of meeting new athletes that may never have crossed paths before were all-time. Also, the camaraderie and support to those who may have never played a sport before were encouraging to see, allowing for boundaries to be broken. These newfound passions can end up being lifelong routines for relieving stress and gaining mobility through the courage to just try something new.

Well, my three-movie maximum has been reached and we’re in the final descent of the journey. Row 13 Seat B is well worn, and my neighbor is probably sick of seeing the glow of my computer screen between movie selections. The batteries on my noise-canceling headphones are about to die, so I think it must be time to say “Adios!” until next time. Goodnight Zurich, or actually...good morning, Salt Lake City.

Follow the U.S. Freeski Team on Instagram: @usfreeskiteam