While most recreational skiers have pivoted to summer activities, the U.S. Women's Speed Ski Team is already looking toward the next competitive cycle. As reported by SnowBrains, elite athletes including Mikaela Shiffrin, Breezy Johnson, Allison Mollin, and Keely Cashman recently utilized the final days of April to conduct intensive training sessions at Mammoth Mountain, California.
Typically, the U.S. team focuses its speed training efforts at Copper Mountain, Colorado. However, an exceptionally productive spring season in the Eastern Sierra made Mammoth an ideal alternative. According to data provided by the resort, the area experienced its 12th snowiest April on record. The main lodge at Mammoth received 48 inches of fresh snow, while the summit saw a substantial 74 inches, creating a high-quality surface for the athletes to sharpen their skills.
These training sessions serve as a bridge between the conclusion of the previous competitive season and the start of formal summer training protocols. By utilizing the deep, high-elevation snowpack, the team was able to log valuable on-snow hours in conditions that mimic the demands of professional speed events.
The presence of the U.S. team at Mammoth underscores the resort's reputation as a premier late-season destination. Mammoth Mountain has confirmed that their lift operations are scheduled to continue through the Memorial Day weekend, providing a rare opportunity for both professional athletes and the public to enjoy high-alpine conditions well into the spring.
