I recently had the privilege to spend a day following some talented skiers/coaches/teachers as they put their game to the test in the first selection round for the PSIA-Rocky Mountain Alpine Team. This was made possible by the Jerry Berg Fund. Jerry "Bergie" Berg was always up for a challenge especially those that would make him raise the bar on performance and being a better person for the planet. Many of the candidates knew Bergie before he left us entirely too early. The others know of him and realize the impact he's had and is still making on the ski teaching/coaching profession and the ski industry as a whole. RESPECT is the word that comes to mind when his name is mentioned. That word also depicts the 2 day process held at Aspen Highlands on the 26th and 27th of January.

On a perfect crystal clear day the group was addressed by Weems Westfeldt and Mike Porter, past PSIA National team members, they both spoke to the importance of doing your best, skiing relaxed and having FUN in order to demonstrate adaptability. The candidates would be rated on how well they performed the 4 selected tasks. They performed these tasks on a perfectly groomed piste then they had a freeski run down Sodbuster, a very long, steep, bump run. After a long day on the hill they had a 10 minute indoor presentation. Without a doubt the candidates and selectors had a jam packed day witnessing athletes doing their best on the white canvas. The level of camaraderie, passion, talent, professionalism, and organization shared by all helped make this day one to remember and certainly a reason to be a Proud Member of the Rocky Mountain Division.

The following is a photo essay of yet another memorable day at Aspen Highlands.