I recently returned from my first trip to Canmore, Alberta, and it was nothing short of amazing. Experiencing the stunning Rocky Mountains and skiing on Canmore’s world-class venue—home to nordic and biathlon World Cups—was the perfect way to kick off the 2024/25 season.

Having my dog, Tiny, along for her second trip to Canada made it even more special. Tiny has a way of brightening every moment while making friends wherever she goes. A surprise highlight of the trip was attending the Banff Film Festival, something I’ve enjoyed in Anchorage since I was a baby. Experiencing it at its home venue was surreal and unforgettable.

Canmore guarantees that skiers can get on snow by October of every year, regardless of the weather. Canmore stores snow from the previous season under banks of sawdust. Some melts, but most remains frozen until they can pull it out and pack the ski trails with just enough to get going again! This is called their Frozen Thunder Project!

Beyond the races, reconnecting with friends from the Arctic Winter Games and building new connections in the biathlon family was a big highlight of the trip! The final day, with snowflakes gently falling, was a magical ending to an incredible visit.

Not everything went as planned during the races, and that’s okay—every race is a chance to learn and improve. I came home with more knowledge, stronger connections, and tools to prepare for my next biathlon race in Salt Lake City in just over a month.

I want to say a special thanks to Luke, Jacqueline, and the coaching crew at the Rocky Mountain Race club for coaching me during my stay!

This season is full of opportunities, but it also comes with challenges like travel expenses , equipment, and coaching expenses. If my journey inspires you, I’d love your support—whether through donations, sponsorships, or sharing my story!

Thank you for following along and believing in me. Here’s to more adventures ahead!