Young, Wild and Strong

By: Ambassador Daniel Tisi

I had to take a break from the last ski season because an ongoing knee problem. I had developed something called Osteochondritis Dissecans. In english, I had a weak layer of cartilage in my knee. After years of hard use, the cartilage cracked causing it to tear apart. My patella could not glide freely through my trochlea causing it to catch and create arthritis like pains. At the end of summer, I had my knee operated on to remove all of the torn up cartilage. I took four days off after surgery then immediately returned to the gym in order to keep the rest of my body strong while I recovered. Six weeks later I found myself able to do much more than I could pre-surgery. While not completely pain-free, I was confident I was going to ski this season.

As of now, I have remained injury free for the entire winter. My knee is better than it has been in three years and I have been going bigger and faster than ever have before. This is a testament to what type of gym Wright Training is. I went from being in my lowest of lows, to the highest of highs in the matter of a year. Without the help of Crystal Wright, who has been one of my most influential mentors on and off the hill, I would not be skiing this season either. Let me also thank Coach Max, Coach Jen, Coach Brian, and Excel PT Joe for their undivided attention to getting me healthy again. My body is stronger than ever before. I have taken some heavy falls that would have seriously hurt me if I had not kept training through my recovery and also through ski season like I have been.

Whenever I am skiing hard I am taking risks. There is no way around it and that is just the way it’s going to be. Throughout my 16 year skiing career I have made a point to do everything in my power to counteract these risks. Whether it meant staying strong, seeking avalanche training, or taking first aid courses. Of all these things I have done, strength training has been the most beneficial. Though whenever I am skiing in the backcountry informed planning and decision making do take priority over everything else. The second I drop into my backcountry line all of my practice skiing comes into play. At this point, it all feels second nature to me. But there is another factor that also comes out to play and that is strength. I know I can trust my body to complete the task at hand. I know I can handle the impact of a 50 foot cliff. I know I can make a high-speed turn where it needs to be. Strength training is good for your mental stamina and strength, but also good for building trust in your body.

With the Village being closed and the recent warming, I have taken a much needed rest from skiing. With a new storm coming our way I am ready to tee-off some of the Jackson Hole classics. Those being Smart Bastard, The Cave, No Name Cliffs, and some Cody Peak lines. With the help of Wright Training I am back to pushing myself and enjoying my favorite sport on my earth.