Each November, the Cypress Ski Club kicks off the winter by heading north to Mount Sima, Yukon — and this year’s preseason camp delivered everything that athletes hope for: crisp early-season snow, clear northern skies, and the excitement of traveling together as a team. The group settled into Whitehorse quickly, bonding on the flights, sharing meals, and stepping into the unique dry-snow conditions that Mount Sima is known for. One athlete sums it up perfectly in three simple words:
“fun, exciting, and a little bit cold.”
Training Days, Challenges, and Big Wins
On the hill, the athletes experience a wide range of snow conditions, using each one as a learning opportunity. Some mornings bring perfect grippy snow, allowing for clean GS turns and confidence-building runs. Other days offer extra challenges: sticky man-made snow, hard ice patches, or the occasional exposed rock. As one skier explains,
“Some days the snow is really good… but sometimes it’s sticky or icy. But most days it’s pretty good, and I’m glad we get better conditions than we normally would.”
Variety is a part of the education the camp is designed to give. Athletes learn which drills to use when something isn’t working, how to adjust their stance on steep terrain, and how to stay mentally focused through changing conditions.
They support one another off the snow, too — carving out 90 minutes a day for homework so no one falls behind, troubleshooting questions together, and keeping a structured routine to stay rested and ready. One athlete notes,
“Every day we have a proper bedtime and wake-up time. Having a schedule really helps.”
Personal goals take shape. Technical breakthroughs happen. New skills click into place. And for some, the focus extends beyond the week:
“My main goal this season is to make it into BC Games.”
Off-Snow Moments, Team Bonding, and the Lighter Side
Of course, training is only part of the Mount Sima experience. The trip also delivers the kind of fun moments that athletes remember long after the season ends. The group explores Whitehorse together, shops as a team, plays endless card and board games, and unwinds in the hot tub at the end of long days. One athlete shared,
“I really enjoyed shopping and walking around with the team, and just being all in the same room. It gave us time to bond.
Evenings bring their own tradition: dinner-table conversations filled with jokes, storytelling, and plenty of laughter. One skier describes these moments as their highlight:
“The dinner talks are really funny. There are a lot of jokes.”
Teammates learn from each other in meaningful ways. One athlete explains, “I learned from my teammate Alexa how to bring my hips forward, and from Lucy how to tune my skis properly.” Another adds that they even end up learning a bit about Europe from a teammate from Spain.
From the coaches and volunteers to the athletes who keep spirits high with humour (planned or unplanned), the entire group contributes to the positive atmosphere. And while no celebrity drop-ins appeared this year, the team itself provides all the entertainment anyone could ask for — complete with spontaneous jokes, accidental bloopers, and a lot of cheering from room to room.
A Strong Start to the Season
By the end of the week, the CSC team left Mount Sima with improved skills, stronger friendships, and a shared sense of accomplishment. The cold may be sharp, but the experience is warm. Supportive teammates, committed coaches, and the unique northern environment make training at Mount Sima special. The team tone is set for the season ahead: focused, resilient, and full of team spirit. And as one athlete puts it simply, the trip is all about
“fun, improving, and team.”
