As the snow begins to fall, the ski hills open and the ski season begins. Though skiers may not go down the hill together, team chemistry is just as important as in any other sport.

There are many traditions amongst the skiers to keep up the team chemistry.

“Since skiing is such an individual sport, team bonding is super important so we all stay supportive for our teammates,” Annika Lampen ‘21 said. “Usually after lifting we all carpool as a team to get slushies or ice cream. We usually get to know each other best in the car because where we train and race is so far away so it’s easier to carpool.”

The traditions span much farther than carpooling, though. One of the team’s favorite traditions is their trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado.

“We got super close as a team and made so many improvements skiing wise. It is also super fun to spend thanksgiving with your teammates and friends,” said Lampen. “It’s also a great way to get to know both the new freshman and to reconnect with other teammates that I haven’t talked to in a while.”

However, the Copper trip is not only for team chemistry. It is also gives the skiers the chance to become better at the sport and get back into the groove of things before the hills open in Michigan.

“We will go to Copper Mountain for eight days and get coaching from some of the best coaches around,” said Patrick Smith ‘19. “It is a great way to get premium training and a head start on the high school season.”

Quality training and team chemistry will be key this year with the lack of upperclassmen on the girls team.

“The girls team is only underclassmen and we lost three great seniors. It’s been tough to lose so much senior leadership and talent but I think that the whole team is willing to work hard to get better,” said Lampen. “These next few years will be crucial for the girls ski team because of all the young talent coming in.”

There are high expectations for this season since both the boys and girls teams made it to states last year. With all the hard work they have put in, as well as the team chemistry between the teammates, there is a lot for the teams to look forward to this season.