Meet Nicole Parks. At the age of 21, Nicole Parks made her Olympic debut in Sochi in 2014, competing in the Freestyle Skiing discipline of Moguls where she reached her goal of finishing in the top-20, ending the Games in 15th place. Nicole made her World Cup debut in 2010 and won her first Australian title in 2011.
We sat down with Nicole to learn more about the sport, and also her journey to Olympic success...
Tell us about your Olympic experience
My Olympic experience was everything I thought it would be. I went into the Olympics physically and mentally strong. I had no niggling injuries, felt at my strongest, was skiing to the best of my ability, and had a good grip on the nerves that were expected. I enjoyed every moment of it from competing alongside my amazing team mates, skiing a challenging course, experiencing the village, and the Russian culture. It was definitely worth all the hard work, all the sacrifices, up and downs, and training.
My Olympic experience has made me want to achieve more, progress further, and take on 2018 Winter Olympics.
Tell us how you got into the sport
My Father, Andrew Parks, was a brilliant skier back in the day and he loved to ski moguls, so Dad and Mum did their research and enrolled me in the Winter Sports Club Program when I was 7 years old. From there I participated in a couple of disciplines through the program, but after the first season I realised my love for mogul skiing. The following year I joined the season long mogul program through Winter Sports Club, trained very hard, and followed the pathway right through to the Australian National Team.
Winter Sports Club – what are some of the best memories you’ve got?
I have so many favourite memories from Perisher Winter Sports Club. Everything from free skiing to hiking the mogul course multiple times a day, to competing with some of my best friends, skiing on one ski, trampolining at the Skitube, digesting way too many lollies, jaw breakers and cordial snow cones, and making friends who to this day are still my best mates.
But I think my favourite memory that stands out would have to be the day Mathew Graham and I stayed back after a competition and tried 720’s and10’80s. The deal was, Mathew would do a 10’80 first, then I would attempt a 720. Matt and I both stomped our first attempts. I still remember the adrenaline going through my body, and the massive smiles we both had.
What are some of the most unexpected things involved with this sport?
One of the most unexpected things involved with mogul skiing is how strong our friendships are within the team, and the international mogul teams. Mogul skiing is an individual sport, and it’s everyman for themselves, but we are all there for each other, and all want each other to do their best.
What goes through you’re in the lead up to a competition?
I have a routine I stick to in the lead up to a competition. The two official training days before a competition I make sure I use that time wisely, choosing a line quickly that works to my advantage, and save most of my energy for competition day.
The night before I’ll watch footage of my skiing from both training days, have a good meal, go to bed early, and visualise my run over and over again. The day of the competition, I have a 30 minute warm up that allows me to feel ready to get straight into it, and also gets my head into the right frame of mind. I try to keep my mind as blank as I can, and when the time comes, I buckle up my boots and that’s the moment I know its game on. I do a few visualisations, remind myself of the key things I need to do, tell myself to ski smart, put a smile on my face, then push out the gate.
What’s a major challenge or hurdle you’ve overcome in your career?
I was 17 years old and got the opportunity to compete at my first World Cup. I handled it really well, had so much fun and I ended up placing 31st. 2010 was an Olympic year and it turns out that if I had placed just one position higher, I would've been competing at the Vancouver Olympics. I never thought something like that would get to me as much as it did. It took me a while to get back into training with high motivation, but I definitely jumped over that hurdle and, in the end, it made me stronger and fuelled my fire for the Sochi Olympics Games.
What was your breakout moment when you realised you wanted to ski moguls for a living?
When I competed in my first world cup event, I loved everything about it. The course, the bibs and accreditation, the competitors.
I didn’t make finals, which meant I got to stand at the bottom and watch the best mogul athletes in the world compete. I couldn't take my eyes off the course and I remember thinking that these athletes are so amazing, and that I have a long way to go until I’m at their level. It was so spectacular, the tricks they were performing, the speed and control, even the crashes were impressive. That was definitely the moment when I realised this is what I want to do for a living.
Recovering from injury is a long process, how do you stay focused on the big goal?
I always knew that being in the sport of mogul skiing, at some point I would have to deal with a major injury such as ACL reconstruction. I think I started mentally preparing for it a long time ago without even realising. While I was competing overseas last season, I ruptured my ACL, tore my Meniscus, and fractured my Tibia and Fibula.
Rehab is a long and slow process, but I know the importance of not pushing or speeding it up. I know that if I am smart about recovery I won’t have any setbacks, and I’ll come back stronger than before. To stay focused on the big goal, I make sure I’m putting in 100% with recovery, remind myself what my goals are and that I’m capable of them, and that I’ll be back into it before I know it.
Who did you look up to when you were going through Winter Sports Club?
When I was going through Winter Sports Club I had a few people I looked up to. Manuela Berchtold is a two times winter Olympian for mogul skiing and a Jindabyne Local. I’ve always looked up to her, and still do. I also used to look up to the NSWIS crew at that time, Dave Graham, Ramone Cooper and Sam Hall, they were all such amazing skiers. When they would train on the same day as me, I would sneakily try and get on the same chair lifts with them and squeeze some advice out of them.
Who do you look up to now that you’re an Olympian?
Being an Olympian has made me realise who’s been there and supported me the whole way, so really I have so many people I look up to. Manuela Berchtold, my family, especially my Mum and Dad, all my coaches I’ve had over the years, Sarah Burke, the top skiers and athletes at the moment - Hannah Kearny, Sally Pearson, Mathew Mitcham, and all my team mates. There are so many inspiring people out there.
In the summer months, how do you maintain the focus and motivation for a winter sport?
With the sport I do, I hardly get a summer due to competition and training schedules in Australia and overseas. But when I have a month and a bit off, in between Australian and Northern seasons, I do a lot of dry land training, gym work, trampolining, water ramp camps, and fitness testing. By the time that month is over I can’t wait to get back on snow.
Leaving your family and friends to train and compete overseas, tell us what that’s like…
For the first couple of years it was really hard, I haven't had a Christmas at home with my family for over 9 years. There are lots of Skype calls, emails, and Facebook posts over the time that I'm away. Every Christmas I’ll Skype my family and watch them open presents, that’s always a fun call. Last Australia day my friend Skyped me for over four hours, she had strapped her phone to her head, so I could have the same view as her, it was a very hilarious 4 hours.
When you’re not in training, where do you love to ski with friends?
I love skiing at my home mountain Perisher. I always love going up there with my friends and finding hidden runs that no one has skied that day. I also enjoy Park City and Winter Park.
What’s a run you have to do twice?
Rock Garden under the ridge chair at Perisher. It's always so much fun, I could ski that run till my legs fall off!
It’s great seeing more and more females in this sport – where do you see Moguls as a sport headed?
More and more females are joining this sport each year. Females are starting to compete back fulls, d-spins and loops as their top and bottom airs. They’re really starting to push the degree of difficulty and the progress of the sport.
I’d really like to see Dual Moguls become an Olympic event, that would be an awesome way for the sport to develop.
Is the lifestyle of an Olympic skier what people think?
If the lifestyle of an Olympic skier is seen as training, training, gym, training, training, gym, competition, competition, a tiny bit of paid work, some interviews, a few photo shoots, airports, hotel rooms, mogul course after mogul course, and more training and competitions… Then yes it is what people think… But honestly, it’s a really fun life.
When you look back on your career, what do you want people to remember you for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who continually worked hard, trained hard, competed hard, pushed herself and consistently worked to find a new personal best. I would also like to be remembered as a great team member and a worthy representative of my family, friends, Jindabyne, and Australia.
You’ve travelled a fair bit as a result of your career, where’s your favourite location and why?
My favourite location would have to be Zermatt, Switzerland. It’s absolutely stunning, green grass, big cows, sheep and goats roaming the area, and the Toblerone mountain they call the Matterhorn. It’s the most unique mountain I’ve ever laid eyes on.
The skiing on the glacier is very interesting, over 150 people jammed in a gondola to the top of the glacier, then skiing a steep, mostly icy course at a very high altitude. It’s very good training and a very stunning place.
If you weren’t an Olympic Mogul skier, what would you be doing?
I know for sure I’d be trying to go far in some sort of sport. Potentially Karate, or even half pipe skiing. I know for sure I would definitely not be trying to pursue a swimming career, I swim like a brick! But outside of sport, I think I would resemble a lost puppy.
I’ve recently completed a Personal training course and I also work as a trampoline coach here in Jindabyne. I really enjoy working with younger athletes, and think that perhaps I would maybe have ended up working in the development of younger athletes.
What’s some advice you can give young athletes who want to be where you are now?
My advice to the young shredders out there would be:
- Train super hard, if you're always putting in 100% you'll know you’ve done everything you can to get to where you want to be.
- Take every opportunity you get, you might not get that opportunity again.
- Ask for help. You can’t achieve a huge goal on your own, so don’t be shy to ask for help.
- Find a really good group of friends that will support you the whole way. People underestimate the power of who you surround yourself with. Find a group of friends that are supportive, inspired, motivated, and have goals of their own.
- Visualise everything! Your winning run, you on the podium, you with that medal around your neck.
- Start figuring out what works and doesn’t work for you when it comes to training and competition, that way you’ll be in a good routine and be able to perform at your best early on.
What was the best advice you were given, and who was it from?
- "The key to success is self belief” from Layne Beachey
- “Believe in yourself!!” from my Coaches
- “Believe in yourself!” from my Teachers
- “Believe in yourself!” from my friends and family - It's finally starting to stick!
Meet Nate Johnstone, gold medallist at the 2011 FIS Snowboarding World Championships in Halfpipe. Nate finished ninth in the halfipe at the 2009 FIS Snowboarding World Championships and competed at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games in Halfpipe. Nate started his career at a young age riding in the Perisher Winter Sports Club under coach Ben Alexander, who is still his current coach today.
We sat down with Nate to learn a little more about his journey in the sport...
Sochi Olympic Games...
My Olympic experience was great! After missing out in 2010 getting to Russia in 2014 was just a huge achievement and one that I will never forget!
How did you get into this sport:
Through my parents. My dad has been keen on snowboarding ever since he was young, so as soon my sister and I were old enough they started to bring us down. I would have been around the age of 10 when I first strapped into a board, and from that point I haven’t really looked back.
You started your career with Perisher’s Winter Sports Club – what are some of the best memories you’ve got?
I joined Perisher's Winter Sports Club around the age of 12. My dad would do the Perisher Masters on the weekend and I would go ride with the WSC kids. I have loads of good memories riding around with everyone. That’s where everything really started for me and I learnt everything I know today! There’s too many to write down haha.
What are some of the most unexpected things people don’t know about this sport?
There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I think a lot of people think we just go snowboarding and have fun, and I mean we definitely get to do that, but there’s also a lot of training and hard work on and off the snow to stay at the top of your game!
What is it that you love about snowboarding, and competing in halfpipe?
So many things it’s hard to fit it all in a sentence. All the travel! I have been lucky enough to experience some amazing places whilst travelling the world to compete. I love getting to do a job that you actually love and enjoy doing, and getting to ride with friends everyday. I think that’s just a few of the many things that’s so awesome about snowboarding.
What was your moment when you realised you wanted to snowboard for a living?
I think just the amount of fun I used to have doing WSC and riding with friends all the time. It just clicked one day when I thought "imagine being able to get paid to do this?", and once I saw that it was possible I went after it with everything I had!
Who were your role models when you were going through Winter Sports Club?
I looked up to the coaches at the time and some of the older riders on the scene like the Allan brothers and Andrew Burton. They were just a few of the people that I looked up to and wanted to ride like.
Who are your role models now?
I look up to whole heap of different athletes. I now look across heaps of different sports and like to pull bits and pieces from different athletes. Things that I like about them and how the handle themselves in competition and in the media. I look up to a lot of the top surfers because I think our sports are pretty closely related.
What goes through your head leading up to a competition?
I like to just stay calm and in control. I try not to overthink it too much and just let myself ride without the pressure. I always find then I’m relaxed and having fun, and that’s when I do my best riding and competing.
How do you get into that competing headspace?
Just being relaxed and knowing that I have done all the hard work leading into the comp. Knowing that all the training and preparation I did will get me through the next however many runs.
What’s a major challenge or hurdle you’ve overcome in your career?
I think missing out on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was a huge setback and was a massive hurdle for me to jump over. And to come back better after that set back was a huge challenge, but those things in your career can turn out to be a blessing.
Recovering from injury is a long process, how do you stay focused on the big goal?
I think it’s just something you learn along the way and learn how to do deal with. The highs and the lows and learning to manage your own expectations. But doing the sport that we do, you have to expect injury’s from time to time and that’s just part of snowboarding so you can either get back on the horse or let it defeat you. When I’m out due to injury, I like to think about high points in my career and not let the negativity get the better of me.
In the summer months, how do you maintain the focus and motivation for a winter sport?
I think having some down time in summer is just as important. Having the time off away from the snow gives you time to reflect on your winter, what you would like to do better or change. And it puts the fires back in the belly that you might have lost a little through a long season away overseas. I like to do a lot of surfing and just enjoy time at home with friends and family before having to jet set off again.
There’s more to halfpipe than just being good at snowboarding, what’s your on and off snow training like?
Off snow we do a lot in the gym to stay strong and fit, so that when it comes to on-snow training your capable to throw those big tricks and take a few crashes with out breaking in half. Depending on where we are with our winter training usually determines what training schedule we are on.
If we were are coming up to a big competition we might be taking it a little easier to make sure we are in fit and fighting form, if there’s a bit of time in between events we will be doing more on-snow training like learning new tricks or grabs, and if we do take a few hard slams there’s plenty of time to heal up before the next event.
You like to surf in the summer months, is this part of your off-season training or just something to zone out?
Sure is. I think surfing in the off-season is great training. It keeps us fit and strong but also keeps us in tune being a board sport, so come time to get back on our snowboard we don’t feel all unco.
Leaving your family and friends to train and compete overseas, tell us what that’s like
That’s probably one of the hardest things to deal with in our sport. The amount of time we have to spend away from our friends and family is tough. But you learn to deal with it best you can, some days are harder than others but you've just got to remember that you're living the dream and make the most of it because it won't last forever.
Juggling your time in winter must be hard, how do you manage it all?
It can be tough sometimes but I just try to plan everything best I can. I make sure everything goes down in my calendar so I don’t forgot anything that’s coming up. And having good help and support around me makes it a lot easier.
When you’re not training or competing, where do you love to board with mates?
At home in Perisher is still one of my all time favorite places to ride, because that’s where everything started for me. I know the place like the back of my hand and it just feels like home every time I’m there. And it's always good catching up with old friends.
What’s a run you just have to do twice?
Besides riding Front Valley park, which is easily the best park in Australia, I love the runs over in Guthega! Riding down and looking up at the main range in the background on sunny day just doesn’t get any better.
Where do you see halfpipe headed in the future?
It’s hard to say at the moment where it will go, there’s so many awesome young riders coming through pushing the sport everyday. I guess the progression is limitless; it all depends on how far the next generation of kids want to push it!
When you look back on your career, what do you want people to remember you for?
Just someone who was respected in the sport and gave back to the sport as I took. Someone that kids can look up to as a role model; and set a good example and pathway for the next generation of youth.
What’s your best advice to young athletes who want to be where you are now…
Just enjoy what you're doing and don’t take it for granted because we are extremely lucky to be doing what we are doing. Make sure you give it a crack!
What was the best advice you were given, and who was it from?
Pretty much what I said above. Don’t take what you do for granted because there’s a hell of a lot of people that would kill to be in your shoes!
Meet Sami Kennedy-Sim. After two podium finishes on the Ski Cross Europa Cup circuit, Sami made her debut on the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cups in Deer Valley Resort, USA in 2008. Sami finished her 2012 season being ranked 12th in the world and then went on to compete for Australia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in the ski cross events.
Perisher: The Sochi Olympic Games...
Sami: Sochi felt like a long time coming. I had a personal best result going into the Olympics and was feeling like I could pull a great result out on the day. That however, did not happen. I posted fast training times and proceeded to crash in my seeding run. I re-grouped, and felt strong in the finals. I was in the lead before getting caught up with a competitor and crashing for a second time that day. I have learned a lot since then about pressure and expectations. I have been working on my mental game to put me in line for a podium performance in Korea.
Perisher: Tell us how you got into the sport
Sami: I first did a Skier Cross event at 18 years old. I was instantly hooked on the adrenaline rush of racing head to head and transferred from Alpine racing over to Ski Cross.
Perisher: You started out in Perisher Winter Sports Club. What are some of the best memories growing up in this program?
Sami: I am proud to say that I am still really close with the friends I had as a 12 year old doing Winter Sports Club. Some of my best memories were getting fresh powder on powder days together, racing to the Skitube platform and travelling across Australia and the World with my team mates.
Perisher: Who did you look up to when you were going through Winter Sports Club?
Sami: Jono Brauer and Luke Dean were quite a big influence to me as a young athlete (not that they probably knew then!). Having exposure to National Team athletes at Perisher had a big impact on my skiing, and my decision to pursue skiing professionally.
Perisher: What are some of the most unexpected things you've found in this sport?
Sami: When you have four people racing against each other, you quickly reaslise that anything can happen. You may think that you are a ways in front but all of a sudden you can be overtaken. You have to learn to ski aggressively and defensively to protect your position. Each track and each day presents different conditions and you learn to be very versatile.
Perisher: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
Sami: In April 2013, nine months before the Sochi Olympic Winter Games, I had a minor stroke. It was a scary time for me and my family, and it postponed my preparations for Sochi, but never deterred them. I worked hard in my rehabilitation and was able to be on snow training in Perisher late August. Since then I have become an Ambassador for the National Stroke Foundation and help to raise awareness of strokes in young people.
Perisher: Recovering from injury is a long process, how do you stay focused on the big picture?
Sami: Injury tests you in many ways - and the mental tests are the toughest. You are faced with this injury and make the decision to come back from it stronger and better than before, or not at all. It can make or break you. My advice is to just keep your eyes on the prize and make the most of the journey. No one ever won a gold medal over night, it is the story that captivates you.
Perisher: Who do you look up to now?
Sami: I keep a very close eye on my competition! We have a great sense of community within our World Cup tour and I want to learn from the best! I also follow the Moguls and Alpine World Cup tour closely and love the variety of training that they do.
Perisher: What was your breakout moment when you realised you could ski for a living?
Sami: I had a conversation with my (now) coach, who was a Winter Sports Club coach, who showed a lot of interest in my development and ability, as well as the sport of Ski Cross. We made a plan, pitched it to my stakeholders and had a shot at the big time. I am very fortunate that I learned how to operate independently from a young age and budget!
Perisher: In the summer months, how do you maintain the focus and motivation for a winter sport?
Sami: Summer? What’s that!! I guess my seasons in Perisher are my summer. Summer is spent training and preparing my body and equipment for the competition season. I am so lucky to have TWO winters and having Perisher as my base gives me an edge over the competition!
Perisher: Leaving your family and friends to train overseas, tell us what that’s like
Sami: Communication is critical. I spend about 2.5 months sleeping in my own bed because I am either competing on the World Cup tour, or training at Perisher, while my husband works out of Sydney. We make sure that we have planned periods of family time and make sure that Ben (my husband) comes to at least one competition overseas!
Perisher: When you’re not training, where do you love to ski with friends?
Sami: I love skiing from Mt P to Guthega and back to Perisher, and just exploring the amazing terrain that all four resort areas have. I am always finding new sneaky pow stashes and tree lines.
Perisher: What’s a run you have to do twice?
Sami: Zali’s!
Perisher: It’s great seeing more and more females in this sport – where do you see the sport headed?
Sami: Australian Winter Sports are so female dominant! It is great that we continue to produce strong athletes and are keeping females engaged in sport from a young age. We have more and more girls joining Winter Sports Club each year and there is power in numbers! More talent = more competition = better results!
Perisher: Is the lifestyle of an Olympic skier what people think?
Sami: Depends... This is how I would sum it up: Snow, Gym, Sweat, Tears, Laughter, Airports, and German Phrase books.
Perisher: Obviously to have the level of success you have obtained, you need to dedicate your entire life to skiing. What are your off-snow goals?
Sami: I started a company called Alpine Athletic. I work with young aspiring winter sports athletes and help them with goal setting, strength and conditioning, and act as a mentor to them. I strive to keep children active and encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Perisher: When you look back on your career, what do you want people to remember you for?
Sami: I would love to be remembered for my contributions to the winter sports community. If I can inspire one athlete to work hard and to follow in my footsteps, I will be satisfied.
Perisher: What is your best advice to young athletes who want to be where you are now…
Sami: Set goals for where you want to be, participate in as many sports as you can (and that you enjoy), and strive to be a little better every day.
Perisher: What was the best advice you were given when you were young, and who was it from?
Sami: Passion + Persistence = Performance.
My first Winter Sports Club Coach told me that quote from the great Herman Maier when I was 12 years old. He said if I was passionate about what I was doing, and Persistent with my effort, I would perform!
Skier Cross
Meet Sami Kennedy-Sim, Australian Skier Cross athlete.
Jess Rich
Snowboard Slopestyle Meet Jess Rich, Australian Snowboard Slopestyle athlete. Nicole Parks
Moguls
Meet Nicole Parks, Australian Moguls athlete Taylah O'Neill
Moguls Meet Taylah O'Neill, Australian Moguls athlete.
Matt Graham
Moguls Meet Matt Graham, Australian Moguls athlete.
Russ Henshaw
Slopestyle Meet Russ Henshaw, Australian Slopestyle athlete.
Nate Johnstone
Snowboarder Meet Nate Johnstone, Australian Snowboard Halfpipe athlete.
Ski and board year-round in Perisher, and nine world-class mountain resorts in the U.S.
Guests will have unlimited access to Perisher in Australia in winter 2016 – with no Blackout Dates.
Enjoy unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, California in winter 2016/2017. Plus a total of 10 days at Vail and/or Beaver Creek, combined. All U.S. Resort access is subject to certain holiday restrictions.
The Epic Australia Pass includes the following holiday restrictions for the 2016/17 season.
- 25 November 2016 – 26 November 2016;
- 26 December 2016 – 31 December 2016;
- 14 January 2017;
- 18 February 2017 – 19 February 2017.
The good news is, if you want to ski or board on any of these days you can purchase a lift ticket on a restricted date at any of our U.S. resorts for 50% off the daily rate.
With a friendly, easy-going Midwest U.S. vibe, Colorado is best known for its dry, light and plentiful powder snow. As if out of a text book, our Colorado resorts average annual snowfall of around 9 metres while also boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. When does it snow then, you might ask? At night, when you're resting up for your next epic day.
Vail, Beaver Creek, Breck, Keystone and A-Basin are all within a 10-50 minute drive of one another, making a multi-resort experience on the one pass a very easy and fun option. From old Victorian mining towns to the pinnacle of luxury, our Colorado resorts have it all.
Resorts are accessible via Denver International Airport (DEN) and Vail/Eagle Airport (EGE), with door-to-door transfers via Colorado Mountain Express.
Like Colorado, Utah is world-renowned for its dry, light and plentiful snowfall of 9 metres average per year. Best of all, they are nestled by the historic town of Park City, famous for its celebrity studded annual Sundance Film Festival and Hollywood residents and visitors including Robert Redford.
Who said that they don't drink in Utah?! The town is a foodies delight, offering over 100 bars and restaurants, including a ski-in whiskey distillery.
The really big news is the linking of Park City and Canyons, transforming the two resorts into one and completing a number of critical upgrades to the infrastructure. The $50 million project is one of the most ambitious and impactful capital programs in U.S. ski industry history and will create the largest ski resort in the United States with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.
Park City Mountain Resort is a quick and easy 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, with All Resort transfers.
Bordering the states of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is one of the largest and most picturesque high alpine lakes in the world. Aside from providing a spectacular backdrop for lunch views and photos, the "lake effect" contributes to the regions truly epic snowfall, ranging from 9 – 15 metre averages in natural snowfall at our Tahoe resorts.
An easy and stunning 1 hour drive around the lake links Heavenly and Northstar, with Kirkwood positioned a convenient 40-minute drive from Heavenly. All three resorts are accessible via Reno International Airport or San Francisco International Airport, with transfers available through South Tahoe Express and North Lake Tahoe Express. You may even consider a road-trip via the Napa Valley wine country.