Eastern Skiing 
2/6/2012
Proctor's Eastern Skiers compete at some of the highest levels of alpine racing in the country, with skiers consistently qualifying for national level championships. Recent articles have highlighted the tremendous facilities available to Proctor's skiers, however, the combination of personalized coaching, competitive race schedules, and rigorous academics creates a unique training environment for Eastern Skiers.
Proctor's Eastern Skiers compete at some of the highest levels of alpine racing in the country, with skiers consistently qualifying for national level championships. Recent articles have highlighted the tremendous facilities available to Proctor's skiers, however, the combination of personalized coaching, competitive race schedules, and rigorous academics creates a unique training environment for Eastern Skiers. To gain insights on their current season, three seniors offered their thoughts on the snowless winter and their experiences over the past four years as part of the Eastern Ski Program.
Caite Zeliff ('12/North Conway, NH) provides insights into what this season has taught the team, "This winter has been a tremendous mental test for all of us. This season has taught me a lot about how important it is to focus on what I can control and stay focused on what I need to be focused on even when overall conditions are not ideal." Alice Anastisia ('12/Waterville Valley, NH) adds, "Although the season had a slow start, we focused on conditioning and strength training which has been really noticeable in all of our skiing. By creating a great physical base, I personally have noticed an overall improvement in my skiing."
The frustrations that have accompanied all snow-sport athletes this winter have been offset by the conditions offered at the Proctor Ski Area. Stephanie Bonewald ('12/New London, NH) notes, "Our season has been manageable mainly due to the conditions we have at our facility. The blown snow and overall feel of the new trail is great. Our conditions seem a lot better than many mountains due to our new snowcat." Zeliff adds, "I do not think our team fully appreciates how lucky we are to have the Proctor Ski Area. I know I sometimes take it for granted, but when I step back and look at what other teams have for facilities, I am reminded how lucky we are to have such an unbelievable training space."
For the seven seniors on the Eastern Ski Team, the past four years have been filled with personal growth as both young adults and athletes. Bonewald notes, "The Eastern ski team has been an amazing experience. It has allowed me to travel to France and Chile to train." Anastasia adds, "Of course we all want to ski well and get results, but our focus has been enjoying the time we have together and treasuring the experiences we have shared on the mountain. I've found that my coaches have really been there to support me in any way, not only with skiing, but academics as well. At my previous ski academy I had the athletic support, but almost none academically, and I really think that has made a difference here at Proctor."
With much of the season, including qualifiers and championships, still ahead, Proctor's Eastern Skiers will continue to train hard, appreciate the conditions they have at the Proctor Ski Area, and take full advantage of the opportunities to study and ski race at Proctor Academy.