Alpine Update: Three U16s Qualify for Nationals!

March was a busy month of championship events for our U16 alpine crew! The month kicked off with USSA Open Super G races at Whiteface in front of a home crowd where Northwood School's Cara D. and Julianne B. placed first and second respectively. On the men ' s side, Winter Term's Henry P brought home a bronze medal, with teammates Mikey M and Paul F racing into sixth and tenth.

Next, the team shifted focus to NYSSRA U16 State Championships - also at Whiteface - where NYSEF athletes took home gold in every event Cara D swept all three ladies' races, with teammate Denny S. taking the men ' s super G and slalom wins. First-year Mikey M. won the men ' s giant slalom on the final day of the competition. NYSEF's Julianne B., Henry P., Cole VE., Paul F , Sydney K , and Aston F all found themselves on the podium as well over the weekend At the conclusion of state championships, thirteen NYSEF athletes were named to the Eastern Regionals team, and eight were named to the Eastern Finals team.

Eastern Regional Championships took place the following week in Sugarloaf, ME, where Cara D once again found herself on the podium, securing second in the women ' s slalom. Cara along with Julianne B. and Denny S. performed well enough to earn themselves a trip to US Ski and Snowboard National Championships from April 3-7 in Mission Ridge, WA

The following weekend was Eastern Finals in Attitash, NH, Taylor D. from Gore laid down some amazing runs to place eighth in women ' s slalom and sixth in super G, with Winter Term's Lucas D winning silver in the men ' s slalom! Athletes returned home to finish out the season with races at Cochran's, and Sugarbush in Vermont, as well as the Whiteface Alumni Open GS races at home. At Whiteface, Cara D once again swept the U16 podiums, with Denny S. taking the win in GS#1 and Henry P. coming out on top in GS#2.

As the season wraps up, athletes will continue to train at home and enjoy the spring skiing, before sending their three teammates off to Nationals. As the snow melts, U16 athletes will move into off-season strength and conditioning, and planning for some summer ski camps!