Cam is one of our young gun skimo athletes. He is not only incredible at the sport, but he has a particular knack for teaching others. He is leading a series of group and individual clinics in Crested Butte specifically targeted at prepping and training folks for the infamous Grand Traverse.
See the details HERE. To get a little more information, we also asked Cam a few additional questions to provide a bit more information for these clinics. Enjoy!
Q: In your opinion, who can benefit most from your clinics?
A: People who are highly motivated but perhaps lack the experience or knowledge specific to the GT itself. There are so many components to this event. Backcountry terrain, mountain weather, and darkness are just part of the equation that adds to the challenge. Preparation is key. Every year there are scores of folks who fail to prepare for the details, and don’t finish. While experienced racers seem to finish most every attempt without much trouble.
The group clinics are a “taste-of-everything” type of session. The private sessions are great for people who have specific areas that they want to perfect.
Q: What is one thing you want every participant to take away from your clinics?
A: Efficiency efficiency efficiency. It’s the root of all things skimo. You have to have efficient skinning, transitions, skating, skiing, nutrition, etc. The event isn’t incredibly challenging from the physical standpoint. It’s the inefficiency that ruins people.
Q: Why do you love skimo?
A: Oh my god, it’s the most fun thing in the world. I’m in love with the feeling of traveling freely through the mountains. The community of skimo nerds are also one of the most welcoming and fun loving bunches of people I know.
Q: For those new to the game, what race do you think is a good introduction to the sport?
A: The COSMIC series does a great job at putting on events all over Colorado, and a few scattered through the U.S. Rockies. There is always a competitive race and recreational course option. So people can seek out the right challenge for themselves.
There are also a lot of places that put on low-key weekday events. Folks should try out their own local scene. There are the nighthawk races at Eldora, A-Basin puts on a Tuesday morning series, Griggs Orthopedics puts on Wednesday night races in Crested Butte. Small community races like those are a great way to show people how fun racing can be. Spandex is always optional. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. But you will look a lot radder in some good tight lyrca.
Q: What makes the Grand Traverse so special?
A: There’s a mystique to the GT that I haven’t experienced any other time. Traversing through the Elks through the night is quite a trip. I also love the partner nature to it. My first GT was mostly for fun skiing with my sister, and it was amazing to complete such a challenge together. We got a lot closer that season. I love that it’s a shared experience in one of the most beautiful places I know.
