August 20, 2015 (Norway) – With the first ever U.S. contingent attending the International Camp in Norway, we’ve been posting news and videos (thanks in large part to camp participant Hailey Swirbul) that give insights into this amazing experience.

The International Camp is hosted by the Norwegian Ski Federation and brings together coaches, athletes and energy from throughout the ski community. The U.S. participation was spurred by a request from the National Nordic Foundation to our skiing governing body (the USST). The NNF supported this effort with $10,000 of funding, allowing the costs to be reasonable for each camper. ($600 per athlete exclusive of airfare.)

Why the International Camp? Because it fits ideally into the mission of the NNF. Giving developing skiers a chance to train with the best juniors in the world is the type of exposure that increases results.

“Many skiers were surprised by the number of hours this camp entailed. I skied 25 hours- among my biggest weeks of the summer.” – Zak Ketterson, camp participant.

Alayna Sonnesyn, a Wayzata, Minnesota native now competing at the University of Vermont, took the win in the camp’s uphill run. U.S. teammate, Katherine Ogden was fourth.

Camp participants:

Women:
– Katharine Ogden, SMS
– Julia Kern, CSU
– Hannah Halvorsen, Sugar Bowl Academy
– Hailey Swirbul, AVSC
– Alayna Sonnesyn, SISU / UVM

Men:
– Zak Ketterson, LNR
– Max Donaldson, Fairbanks
– Lars Hannah, Steamboat
– Karsten Hokanson, Wasatch Nordic Ski Academy

Read more at the NNF website here.