Slalom Killington: Duerr Stark

PETER

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Post on Dec 01, 2024

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Slalom Killington: Duerr Stark — A Weekend I'll Never Forget!

Okay, so Killington Cup, right? The Slalom Killington Cup. I'd been hyped for this for months. I'd been following the World Cup circuit, religiously checking the FIS website for start lists. My absolute favorite skier, Nina O'Brien, was racing, and I had to be there. But even more exciting, was the fact that Ryan Cochran-Siegle (RCS) was slated to compete. And honestly? I was especially looking forward to seeing Tommy Ford and his awesome skiing. I knew it was going to be epic, and it totally lived up to the hype — especially because of River Radamus.

My Killington Adventure: From Train Wreck to Triumph

First off, let me tell you – getting to Killington is not for the faint of heart. I drove, which, looking back, was probably a mistake. The traffic was insane! I almost missed the first run because I got stuck behind a snow plow – literally. It was chaos, man. I was stressed AF. I even considered just turning around.

But, I persevered. I parked a mile away, walked what felt like ten, and somehow, miraculously, made it to the finish line just as the first racers were coming down. Talk about a close call! I learned my lesson though: next time, I'm taking the shuttle or staying in Killington itself. Lesson learned. Seriously, plan your transportation well in advance.

Witnessing the Raw Power of Slalom Skiing

And then…the skiing started. The speed, the precision, the sheer athleticism – it was breathtaking. Those turns, so tight and controlled. You've gotta see it to believe it. I mean, these aren't your average bunny hill skiers; this is the World Cup, folks. The atmosphere was electric. The crowd was roaring. The energy was infectious. It was incredible.

The announcers were fantastic, providing insight into the strategy and the technical aspects of the race, but also sharing interesting facts about each racer. I really learned a lot just listening to them. They even mentioned the importance of proper ski preparation – waxing, tuning, the whole shebang – something I never really thought about before.

Duerr's Performance: A Moment of Sheer Skill

I'd heard about Steve Duerr's potential, but seeing him ski in person? Wow. His style was aggressive yet refined. The way he attacked those gates, the speed he maintained through the turns... impressive. He was definitely a standout performer, a true contender.

It wasn't just the elite racers; watching the lesser-known skiers, the up-and-comers fighting for every tenth of a second, was equally compelling. That's the beauty of skiing – everyone starts somewhere! You really get a sense of the dedication and training that goes into this sport.

Key Takeaways & Actionable Advice for Your Next Killington Trip

• Plan your transportation: Seriously. Don't be like me and risk missing the race. Shuttle or lodging in Killington is key.
• Check the FIS website: Stay updated on start lists, race schedules, and other important information.
• Dress warmly: It gets cold on the mountain, even when the sun is shining. Trust me, layers are your friend. Bring extra socks.
• Arrive early: This gives you time to find parking, get to your viewing spot, and soak in the atmosphere.
• Bring binoculars: Helps you see the details of the race, especially the athletes' expressions.
• Consider VIP tickets: For a better viewing experience and possible meet-and-greets.

My trip to the Killington Cup was an unforgettable experience. Despite the initial transportation fiasco, witnessing the world's best slalom skiers, particularly the intense performance of someone like Duerr, was more than worth it. Next year, I’m definitely going back! I’m even thinking about trying to get into some of the Killington ski racing programs. Maybe next year I'll be a little better prepared... and maybe even try skiing a bit myself. Who knows?!