Kelley talks about men's camp at Mammoth

The tech team of the men’s US Ski Team recently concluded a productive training camp at Mammoth.

Coach Forest Carey, recently promoted by the team, ran the early portion of the camp and we caught up with him between planes to a surfing excursion.

“We were challenged by the weather more than any camp I can remember at Mammoth,” Carey said. “Thunderstorms, sleet, snow, rain, wind, definitely challenged, but Mammoth, as they do every year, did a phenomenal job allowing us the flexibility to do what we needed to do. They basically did whatever we asked.”

Carey said it was a small camp, basically Ted Ligety, Robby Kelley, Thomas Biesemeyer and David Chodounsky attended.

“For Ted he’s always working closely with Head to figure things out. They did a lot of boot testing. The other guys were working on fundamental things that came out (in their racing) last season and taking the opportunity to chase Ted around in GS.”

Kelley said he felt the camp was amazingly productive, and yes, chasing Ted around helped.

“You can see his line and try to duplicate it. I was on the line, but not as level as Ted. And room at the gate, too. I’m definitely trying to figure out the big things to get to the next level. I’m not that worried about speed, but studying video and Ted.”

He said the “nastiest” weather came on a scheduled day off, and said the camp was “pretty productive.”

Kelley was not off for any vacation time, but headed into Park City for dry land work.

“We set our base lines (for physical testing) right after Nationals. The next three month block is all about getting as strong as possible.”

He’s well ahead of last season when injury prevented early strength work, but said he wasn’t setting any specific goals. “I don’t set goals,” he said. “I just try to ski as fast as I possibly can and try to improve everyday.”

Photographer Ryan Siu was impressed enough to snap some shots for us and said, “his skis never chattered or left the snow. Solid and fast.”

Ryan Siu Photo