TEAM CAMP: Groms invade Hood at 2nd Annual Salomon Freestyle Camp

C.R. Johnson, back in black.

Salomon teamed up with Windell's Camp to host the 2nd annual Salomon Freestyle Team Camp- the one time a year the entire team skis, chills, and torments the Salomon staff together. Everyone involved in the Salomon Freestyle Program was invited to participate. Athletes included international team members Simon Dumont, Mark Abma, CR Johnson and Sammy Carlson, the Swiss contingent, our entire grom team ages 10-14, and of course the Godfather, Mike D.

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The carnage began on 6/6/6 with the Salomon Intercontinental Bowling Championship in Portland. Peter Olenick, distracted by the thought of winning the title, was pulled over and given a speeding ticket en route to the alley. Joel Hammond of Salomon and Simon Dumont threw the most strikes, beating out Sammy Carlson's team to claim the prestigious title. All players bowled 200+. Unfortunately, John Symm's bowling theorems were put on hold due to an ankle injury earlier that day on the soccer field. Fortunately, he will still be able to attend Math Camp this summer. 6/6/6 was off to a great start and promising a week of good times.

After the bowling showdown, the thirty-two Salomon athletes headed up to Windell's Camp. After the first night, CR, Abma, and Douglas made an easy decision to leave the "Adult" house in order to get some peace and quiet. Perhaps it had something to do with the broken window, the hole in the wall, and the smashed pool cues? These guys managed to show up to all the focus groups on time, unlike some other nameless athletes. RETEP, MAS, NOMIS.

The athletes skied Timberline Resort for three days: annihilating the rails, park, and pipe at Windell's. The international team coached the younger kids, helping to prime the next generation of freeskiers for world domination. On hill highlights this year included: Kaya Turski, age 18, throwing 9's and switch 7's off the 50 foot kicker, barely missing the camera man a few times. Groms, Cody Ling and Walter Wood, held it down for the little guys when they weren't busy schooling CR at basketball. CR's presence at Team Camp was appreciated and definitely influential. Everyone was beyond stoked to see him back on snow with the team.

Besides representing on the hill during Team Camp, the athletes are involved in intensive focus groups and brainstorming sessions, where their input helps to determine future Salomon products, marketing, and events. Mike Aicher, Salomon Alpine Product Manger, said "All of our athletes are really intune with the scene, and are incredibly savvy. Their input on everything from graphics to marketing is an invaluable asset. They really drive the direction of Salomon's Freestyle Program."

Salomon remains committed to its Freestyle program, helping the team gear up for another huge season. The most notable growth has been with groms and girls. Salomon is dedicated to progressing the sport and helping the up and coming kids who will be the future of freeskiing. According to Jenny Naftulin, Team Camp organizer, "It was really cool to see all the younger kids skiing with the big dogs. This is a great and rare opportunity for them. It's cool to know that the groms can go home and be so stoked that they were able to ski with Simon Dumont, Mike Douglas, Peter Olenick, CR and others. The girls held it down as well even though they were missing Jen Hudak, Meg Olenick and Whitney Wickes who were all out with knee injuries! Will there be a third Team Camp?... ask me in a couple weeks!".

Other additions to Team Camp were Senior Photographer Chris O'Connell shooting the action and documenting the team. Mike Douglas filmed the athletes and gathered footage for a few upcoming side projects, as well as industry filmer, Rod Parmenter, founder of www.kidswhorip.com.

The Salomon Freestyle Team Camp was a huge success, and we're all looking forward to next winter. Huge thanks to Travis and everyone else at Windells and Timberline Resort, for hosting the team, dealing with our antics and the general support of Salomon Freestyle.

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