Guest Speaker Profile: Resi Stiegler and Julia Ford

Alpine Camp at Saas Fee Meets with two US Ski Team Racers

By Kathryn Dawson

Julia Ford’s US Ski Team photo for 
her first year on the C team

Saas Fee, Switzerland- On October 29, Resi Stiegler and Julia Ford, racers on the US Ski Team, came to the Sonnenhof hotel to talk to junior racers from National Sports Academy and Northwood School.

            The talk was informal and the first athlete-prompted question was not about the Olympic Games or even NorAm races, but instead asked the question, “Do you have a speedsuit [for sale]?”

            Despite her impressive record, Stiegler joked that as a young racer, “I didn’t know about winning globes or going to the Olympics.” In fact, she simply figured, “you just signed up.”

            Both Stiegler and Ford stressed the importance of hard work and have intense schedules and remarkable results to support their assertion.

Resi Stiegler poses in her US Olympic Team outfit

Over the summer, Ford worked out from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah. While she said the team members tend to individualize their programs, they generally started with core and functional movements and then weight lifted, played a game, and did some cardio.
“I was always a natural talent skier,” Stiegler said, “luck can’t always get you to the top, or just natural talent.” This realization and her “fierce passion” kept her working hard.

Stiegler and Ford lamented the difficulties of constant traveling, but admitted they became acclimated to their grueling schedule.

Stiegler’s 9 years on the team have taught her to bring “a piece of home” on the road, as well as a supply of food and supplements (she prefers Greens) since she’s allergic to gluten.

Ford admitted that she still misses American food during prolonged trips to Europe, despite 4 years on the team.

However, their obvious enthusiasm and love of skiing overshadowed any complaints; they seem to relish every moment on snow.

They advised racers to individualize their training programs, always keep a focus in mind, and remembering why they love skiing. When asked about their focuses, Stiegler said she was working on keeping her body squared and not leading her inside foot and Ford said she was working on her tactics.

Stiegler and Ford’s advice was appreciated; the NSA and Northwood athletes were grateful for the chance to train at Saas Fee and surprised to get a personal meeting with two successful US Ski Team members.