With the winter season already in full swing comes the high-speed excitement of the LHS skiing team. Led by captains such as senior Charlie Rose, the team initiates a strong start, blending rigorous training with their passion for the slopes.

“We train either inside or outside on the fields, and we do leg exercises, cardio, stuff to really strengthen our core and our legs to get as prepared for the season, and after break, the mountain opens,” Rose said. “We have six races a season. There’s two events, Giant and Slalom. They’re pretty similar, just Slalom’s a little tighter.”

Beyond physical preparation, the team’s training routine also requires strong organization and leadership, particularly on days when athletes are released early to travel and practice.

“We get released early and a lot of us aren’t able to have lunch, so we coordinate how we get food. We make sure everyone’s there, and then once we’re up on the mountain, we have to make sure everyone’s helping the coaches, do[ing] the drills, look[ing after] kids who are new,” said Rose. 

This close-knit communication and interaction amongst the team fosters bonding amongst the skiers. 

“I just have a lot of good memories being with the team, because you spend so much time with them practicing. We leave at four, and we don’t go back until nine,” Rose said.

The long hours of practice and travel have led to steady progress, which Rose recognized when reflecting on the team’s recent results.

“We had one race last week. We went pretty well. We’re not the best team in the league, but we’re not the worst…unfortunately, both girls and boys lost, but we had some really high scores. I think [it was] freshman Annie Porters’first race. She finished eighth for the girls, so that gives our team a lot of hope for the future. We have a junior racer who did really well,” Rose said.

Ultimately, there is still a long way left in the season for the LHS skiing teams. Aspirations are high as skiers gear up for the competition and the rigor that lies ahead. 

“I hope one of our teams, either boys or girls, will win the league, but that’s gonna be really tough. But I’d hope we would get a couple of stage qualifiers, either boys or girls, who can represent us at the highest level. We usually send a lot of girls to states, so hopefully we continue that this year just to show representation. Even though I’m a senior, I know the team will get better,” Rose concluded.