A new era....

JUST THE BEGINNING.

The start of a new era here at Ambition. A new season brings new faces and new ideas to the fold. We had the full contingent of athletes out in October, U21's, 18's, 16's 14's and even two U12's. We were sadly missing a few faces due to injury but this really was the start of the new era for a new team.

It is hard to create a team unity, and often something that people try to force. However with the 2013/14 team, we have the feeling that the athletes respect each other, look out for each other and actually like each other too! Right through the ages there seems to be a good feeling between the skiers and this is something to be cherished and encouraged. We are seeing more athletes embracing the opportunity to be out on snow and have their eyes open to what is around them. They seem to be creative too (the pumpkin carving contest said it all)!

This was the first Ambition camp for a few athletes and every one of them has settled in well and started to understand the work rate, ethos and expectations upon them here at Ambition. We are not perfect and we have work to do, but there were some really positive signs over the last 3 weeks, good foundations from which to build in the future. Our new U16's coach Ross Green was also out here for his first camp, putting the younger athletes through their paces, bringing an amazing depth of knowledge and professional feel to the program. Looking ahead to the season this can only be a good thing for the athletes and Ambition's other coaches to learn from. These are very exciting times indeed and we cannot wait to see how things develop over the next 6 months.

Haus Tirol is also coming along well. Monika - who is without doubt the heartbeat of the whole thing - has managed the House brilliantly over the last 24 months and has made Haus Tirol a 'home' for the athletes. The tweaks and changes that make life more comfortable for the athletes here are a result of her hard work, something which should apprecaited by all.

October itself was a mixed bag. It was warm, too warm at times and had more of a spring feel to the camp. This, however paved the way for more skiing & more outdoor fitness work, so it wasn't all bad and hey - the weather will do what it wants to do! I guess the underlying message from this camp was more about the psychology and the ability to lift ourselves when we are not feeling at our best. To work harder in the areas we suck at as well as enjoying those we excel in. It was a pleasure to have the full team out here once more - very hard work but very rewarding - and we will look forward to having everyone back in December. For now, it's packing time... Off to Norway we go!

Massive thanks to Monika, Jo, Ross & Emily, also to Gabor (chef) & to the athletes - who have no idea how awesome it is for us to have a 'team feeling' again.

Well done.