Olympian Lindsey Dehlin holds clinic in Traverse City

Mon, Oct  27, 2008 - By Bryce Dreeszen

The North American Vasa sponsored “We Ski”, a pre-season cross-country ski training clinic on Friday and Saturday October 24-25 at the Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort in Traverse City. Olympic cross-country skier, Lindsey Weier Dehlin, kicked off the event on Friday night with a presentation about how she got started skiing, her experiences as an Olympian, and the challenges and rewards of being a top-level skier.

On Saturday, Lindsey and her husband, Dan (2007 Vasa 50K Champion), coached a roller-ski clinic at the Grand Traverse Resort. They started with roller-ski fundamentals, and progressed to teaching how to transfer roller-ski technique from the street to the snow. All participants were videotaped and critiqued.

Concurrently on Saturday, a dry land training clinic was held at Timber Ridge. Local ski instructor, Matt Joppich, taught the training techniques for V-1, V-2 and V-2 alternate skate skiing. Next, a panel of local Vasa skiers, Debbie Westphal, Judy Vajda, Aaron Swanker, and Cliff Onthank discussed their training methods, and racing techniques and tips for the Vasa. Finally, personal trainer, Helayne Marchand, owner of Centre Ice Fitness, taught the group how to stretch and strengthen specific muscle groups in preparation for the ski season.

See more pictures from the clinic.

All profits from the clinics will be contributed to the Traverse Junior Nordic Ski Team.