“Very Cool to be Part of this Process:” Erin Moening Checks in from the Trail to Gold

Some drama, some chaos, and some of the best results the US Ski Team has ever seen on an opening World Cup weekend – it was a little hectic in Ruka, Finland last weekend, and the US Ski Team was happy to have another hand on deck.

For Minneapolis Ski Club, Team Birkie , and Trail to Gold Coach Erin Moening though, it was just where she likes to be, “It felt like any other race day; you’re trying to help athletes ski as fast as possible across the finish. It just happened that this weekend’s finish lines had a couple of big hunks of cheese!”

Moening hopped in for all aspects of the World Cup coaching experience in a weekend where Rosie Brennan scored back-to-back podiums, was joined by Jessie Diggins in the 20 k skate, and where US skiers had an all-around auspicious start to the season.

“Jumping into an existing team of staff and athletes can be tricky at any level, let alone the World Cup – but the US Ski Team athletes, coaches, and wax techs have seamlessly integrated me into their system in a way where I can learn, collaborate, and assist. I arrived last Sunday in Ruka, and was immediately put to work helping with athlete training session video, testing race skis, and the exciting process of figuring out what non-fluoro race wax looks like on the WC this year” said Moening.

Erin continues her stint with the US Team this week as they head to Gallivare, Sweden, and will be joined by another Trail to Gold Coach, William’s College Coach Annika Martell, in helping the Americans build off their strong start.

“It’s very cool to be a part of this process – it’s given me confidence that we’re doing the right things domestically, and you can tell other countries are very interested in this new style of Coach/Tech development. This week should be another great one. I’m excited to continue to work hard to make this team proud!” – Erin Moening, Trail to Gold Coach, Minneapolis Ski Club/Team Birkie.