SR Staff Report
The Erich Sailer Ski Racing Camps have been a part of U.S. ski racing for over 50 years. Consequently, they have learned a thing or two about providing a great experience. Ski Racing Media checked in with campers and staff to see how they felt about Mt Hood 2022.
Campers share their thoughts
Josh Nelson comments, “Growing up going to Erich’s camp has been a highlight of my summers for almost ten years. Every year it’s so cool working with the different coaches and pacesetters. Thank you again, Erich, for providing me with this training and experience year after year.”
Camper Jaggen Qie shares his thoughts about camp: “I enjoyed all the support from my coaches. The coaches had great insight, which helped me reach a new level of skiing. There was a friendly atmosphere at the camp that made me feel very comfortable. I would love to do it again!
Another veteran, Penny Robinson, commented on her experience: “I think of Mt. Hood as almost a second home. I get to see friends and start the next training season with repetition and adventures.”
But Resi Gaxiola might say it best: “I like making friends at camp.”
Veterans that have become staff share their thoughts
World Cup winner
Sarah Schelper is a World Cup winner and six-time Olympian who still cherishes her time at the Erich Sailer Ski Racing Camp. Before her professional ski racing career, she was a regular participant. Sarah now spends her time there as a coach. Schleper says, “Erich teaches and instills the true love for skiing. I would have never been a World Cup ski racer and Olympian if I hadn’t gone to his camps. Now this love has passed from training to coaching. We had unbelievable conditions this year and fantastic coaches. Erich knows what he is doing and how to create a fun and dynamic camp.”
Coach Nelson cherishes the Sailer Ski Racing Camp experience
Sam Nelson is the oldest brother of athlete Josh Nelson and can relate to his younger sibling’s feelings for the Erich Sailer Ski Racing Camp. At the same time, Nelson talks about his transition from camp athlete to coach. Nelson remarks, “As an athlete, I always looked forward to Erich’s Summer Ski Camp. I enjoyed every part of the day despite the 4:45am wake-up call! The best parts are the skiing, views, dryland, breakfast at Huckleberry’s, and nightly meet-ups. I always tried to take as many runs as possible to meet Erich’s philosophy of 1000 gates a day. Moreover, I grew as an athlete going to Erich’s camp yearly.
After my third year as a coach at Erich’s Summer Ski Camp, my growth as a coach has taken a giant step forward! Erich’s camp teaches both the athletes and the coaches responsibility. Mainly, you must be responsible for the equipment, the schedule, dryland activities, and nightly meetings. What we learn doesn’t finish at the end of the camp. They are life lessons! These are some reasons I love returning to Erich’s camp.
Erich Sailer has never disappointed. It is important to realize he always brings great coaches and pacesetters. I have learned so much from Erich, which is why his camp has been one of my coaching highlights. Erich taught us the basics and how to have fun with skiing. Additionally, his camps are fun, which is why athletes keep returning. Fun fact, Erich was the one who got me into coaching five years ago! Thank you, Erich, for everything you have done for my ski career!”
TBFAST: A ski team from Thunder Bay Ontario knows how to partner with Sailer Ski Racing Camp
Our TBFAST program is small. Erich Sailer has provided our athletes valuable access to Olympians, past, present, and future. The coaching staff, pace athletes and athletes all learn that this is no ordinary ski camp. In short, it’s a learning experience.
Slovenian Coach has great experience
Mia Kümer remarked, “So far, working at the Sailer camp was one of my favorite coaching experiences. I can’t stress enough how important demonstrating is for young athletes. This way, as a coach, I can connect with them on a whole different level and thus dramatically speed up the progression process. It truly was a superb experience. Erich generously shared his vast and rich experiences. Erich and his entire staff created a unique atmosphere that made the two weeks fly by. Also, the afternoon video sessions are the best; the kids are engaged and vibrant. By and large, we have a wonderful time talking shop. Alpine skiing needs more camps like this.”
Martina Sailer shares her point of view
Martina Sailer is a former USST athlete and Erich’s daughter. The only one who knows the Sailer Ski Racing Camps better than her is her dad. Ms. Sailer shares her evaluation of the recent camp. She states, “The 2022 edition of the Erich Sailer Ski Racing Camps up on Mt. Hood was stellar. Kids reported training over 1,000 gates daily, gaining skills and speed while having lots of fun doing it!”
The best lane space, pacesetter coaches demonstrating the latest, fastest way of skiing and a lot of gate training for the athletes distinguishes the Sailer camps. The coaches are a mix of professional, full-time coaches and current college and U.S. Pro Tour racers. This year’s crew was next level—high-energy, full of inspiration, well-organized, and athlete-focused. Camp mornings are spent training and afternoons doing video analysis, fun drylands like hikes and soccer, and some social activities.
