Young jumpers take first flights at SWSA camp

SALISBURY — Some of the area’s most adventurous children convened at the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) annual ski jump camp, which was held Dec. 27 and 28 at Satre Hill. Standing by to teach and assist the kids were SWSA President Ken Barker; jumper Julian Holland of Falls Village, who jumped and competed for many years with the program; and other SWSA members.

The two-day camp was attended by about 26 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13, who represented all levels of experience. Some had jumped before, and some were still learning downhill ski technique.

The first day of the camp was focused on skiing down the landing slope without going off the jump. By the second day, most of the skiers were flying off the jump as if they had been doing it their entire lives.

“Many started off riding the landing hill and crashing every time. By the end of the second day, they were going off the jump,†Barker said.

The children were extremely supportive of each other and shouted encouragement to their friends. And they continually asked the coaches what they had done wrong and how they could improve.

Holland pointed out that many jumpers begin on Alpine skis and later switch to jumping skis. At first, many of them struggle with the new skis and some ask to go back to their old skis. They all, however, end up working through the difficulties.

“It’s really exciting to watch them embrace the jumping skis and progress to a more forward flight,†he said.

This year, SWSA hosts the 2011 Junior Olympics ski jumping competition between Feb. 22 and 26. Roughly two weeks prior to the Junior Olympics will be Salisbury’s own Jumpfest Weekend, Feb. 11 to 13.

Volunteers are needed to help with the competitions; and jumpers will train and compete  throughout the winter.

For more information or to register, contact Barker at 860-806-0471 or by e-mail at kennethsbarker@gmail.com. Visit the SWSA websites at jumpfest.org and teamswsa.blogspot.com.

 

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete. It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taking on Tanglewood

Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.

Provided

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.

Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
James H. Fox

SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.

Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.

Keep ReadingShow less