Welcome to “17 Questions for 2017″, where we are catching up with American and Canadian national-team members before the beginning of the winter season.
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Katharine Ogden of the Stratton Mountain School kicked off last season by winning the SuperTour 10 k skate in West Yellowstone, Montana – then picked up a fourth-place finish at U.S. National Championships, two top-20’s at World Junior Championships, and finished the season off with her first World Cup starts in the Ski Tour Canada.
Ogden just turned 19 years old. The U.S. Ski Team “D” teamer placed fourth in both the sprint and 10 k classic at New Zealand Championships this summer and has spent serious time training with the women’s national team.
1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?
Biggest change in my life since the past season was graduating high school. So far I’m loving being able to just ski without having school work to worry about.
2. Biggest change in your training?
Since I’m not in school I’ve upped my training hours considerably since last year. I also started on a new strength plan.
3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?
The biggest improvement I’ve seen so far has been in my double poling. I’ve worked really hard for years now to correct my back position in that technique and it is finally starting to come along.
4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?
During the summer I’ve been training predominantly with the SMS Elite Team girls and coach Pat O’Brien.
5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?
My favorite trip this summer was definitely New Zealand in September. It was totally awesome to get on snow then and it was also an extremely productive camp for me. I also just loved everything about the place the people and the food there. Honestly might have been one of my favorite camps of all time.
6. Favorite cross-training?My favorite cross training is mountain biking.
I just got a new bike and I’m loving it so much.
7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?
My favorite non-athletic pass time this summer was eating a big yummy brunch on off days.
8. Song that was your jam this summer?
I don’t really have a favorite song. I mostly listen to audiobooks. My favorite is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
9. All time favorite race moment?
My all time favorite race memory is from my first ever Junior Nationals at Soldier Hollow in Utah. I was just barely picked as the third member of New England’s “A” relay team for U16 girls, my teammates were Zoe Snow and Julia Kern. Our team and the Alaskan team were super close the whole race and Julia was out anchor leg. My favorite moment was when the three of us found out that Julia had out lunged the Alaskans at the line to win the race!
10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?
First thing in the bag when I pack to go to Europe is oatmeal and peanut butter. You new know with the food in a new place so I always pack the essentials.
11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?
The event I’m most looking forward to this year is the SuperTour races in Silver Star BC. I’ve never been to Silver Star but it’s so many people’s favorite place so I’m really excited.
12. Who will win the World Cup title this year?
Jessie Diggins. duh.
13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?
I think choosing to pursue skiing as a career has caused me to give up some things but they really arent worth considering because this lifestyle gives back much more than it takes. I wouldn’t give up the opportunities to travel, make new friends and learn about myself for anything.
14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the sport I would make it snow more. I guess that’s not specifically about the sport but the one bummer about being a skier is when you want to ski but there isn’t enough snow.
15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?
For breakfast today I had french toast but I usually have peanut butter banana oatmeal.
16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?
Hopefully racing on the World Cup, living the dream.
17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?
Living in Vermont and I’ll hopefully have cute grandkids that I can ski around with.
