While the rest of us are upset that the sun has gone away and the cold winter weather has begun, the LOHS ski team is praying for even colder temperatures so they can start their season. After a win at state last year from the boys team and an impressive season from the girls, the ski team is already off to a great start. 

Considering the underwhelming amount of snow on Mount Hood so far this year, the ski team is stuck doing dryland training for the time being. This means that instead of practicing on the slopes, they will focus on their leg and body strength so they are ready to crush the competition at their upcoming races. 

The first race, though, will not be for competition, but rather a race to remember a former skier who has passed; they call it Kelsey’s race, and it is an annual celebration of Kelsey’s life and her love for skiing. “We remember her by racing in costumes and having fun. Its more of a memorial than a race. It’s a really good way to start the season,” said junior skier Chloe Crawford. “It’s always really fun, and there’s cookies at the end which is the best part,” said junior Connor Ramsey. 

Kelsey’s race will be the first of many races for the ski team, the last of which will be around March or April. While races are often held at the Mount Hood Meadows ski resort, there are also annual races at other ski resorts such as Hoodoo in Sisters and the annual race in McCall,Idaho. “The Idaho trip is my favorite part of the season. We train a lot every single day back to back all day, and it’s super fun. We get to bond as a team, stay in a fun place and Idaho has some really good skiing,” said Ramsey. “I’m really excited for the trip to Sisters, Oregon because that trip is always really fun,” said senior skier Audrey Laborie. 

All these team bonding trips make for a great community of skiers at LOHS. “A lot of us have known each other for a while now, so there’s a level of comfortability within the team. Our leaders have done a great job creating a space where we can all have fun,” said Ramey. “The ski team has one of the best communities I’ve ever been in, it’s such a tight knit team.” 

“My goal for the ski team this year is to win state again,” said Ramsey; a goal that seems highly possible for this team, considering the amount of time and effort each of the members puts into the team. Watch out for the ski team this year, as they have the potential to achieve some great things this season.