The 20-year-old chose to locate himself in Europe this off-season rather than the United States, where he was for the 2011-12 season. Barwood, of Queenstown, has been setting personal bests with the New Zealand team in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
He managed 32.78 points in the slalom race in Slovenia despite heavy fog and tough race conditions. Barwood moved on to Hinterstoder, Austria, where he made the podium in a university race late last month and finished second in the slalom. Speaking from his home base in Leogang for training after the Super G races in Brigels, Barwood spoke of his success.
''This season I have a new coach, Nils Coberger, and a new environment in Europe ... I am always working on all areas of my sport.''
He said for skiers to make it to a top level, they needed fitness, agility, experience, ability, the right mental approach and equipment.
''I would like to think that I am improving in all areas.''
Barwood wants to improve his world ranking through 2013 and will be taking part in the New Zealand Winter Games Before then, he will compete at the World Ski Championships in Schladming, which he says will be the biggest event of his career to date.
Barwood returns to his home in Queenstown on April 3. ''Training in Europe has been great. Nils is an excellent coach and I enjoy training with other members of the national team. There is always good healthy competition between team-mates, even though it is an individual sport at the end of the day.''
Barwood focuses on his favoured slalom and giant slalom races, but has been spending more time on racing in the super G.
Ski Cross racer Jamie Prebble had also posted solid results at a Europa Cup race held in Lenk, Switzerland. Prebble placed 11th overall among a strong field representing 16 nations.
