The village of Lake Placid, N.Y. is synonymous with winter sports. In 1932, the world focused it's attention on the picturesque village when it staged North America's first Winter Olympics. In 1980, the tradition continued as Lake Placid hosted the Games once again. Olympic history was made as the U.S. hockey team stunned the world by defeating the powerful Russian team and continued on to win gold. Today, the challenging slopes of Whiteface Mountain, ice skating, cross country skiing and quaint shops continue to draw thrill-seekers and tourists alike during the winter months.
The Olympic Sports Complex, site of the luge track, served up many great moments in USA Luge history, including gold medal performances from Mark Grimmette/Brian Martin at the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games and Erin Hamlin's gold medal at the 2009 World Championships, the first-ever for a U.S. woman. The USA Luge Fantasy camp will give a few lucky participants an opportunity to slide down the same run where the world's best come to compete.
Fantasy Camp sliders will experience the sport firsthand as they negotiate their way down the world's most exciting course at the Olympic Sports Complex. Coach Gordy Sheer (1998 Olympic silver medalist, 1997 world cup champion, 1995 and 1996 world championship silver medalist) will teach the athletes the basics of sled control and safety. Each session will be captured on videotape and reviewed to further sharpen the skills of the participant.
Athletes will be housed at the United States Olympic Training Center, primary training site for many top U.S. Olympians for sports ranging from archery to judo; to men's and women's ice hockey (and luge, of course!) The complex includes an impressive weight room facility, a spacious gymnasium, living quarters for athletes, sports medicine facilities, and an elaborate dining area. Elite athletes also have access to an extensive sports science department to help optimize their training techniques.
Athletes will also have the chance to learn the basics of the luge start on the indoor, refrigerated start ramps at USA Luge's headquarters. The building contains three refrigerated luge training ramps and is the most technically advanced of its kind in the world. Athletes will use tools such as computerized timing analysis, slow-motion video and force vector meters to improve their start techniques.
The weekend culminates with a race and a farewell banquet with USA Luge National Team members.
A fee of $2,500 (a portion of which is tax deductible) is required to attend the camp. Call 1(800) USA - LUGE for more information.
