Emilie Stene has made Castleton history this ski season, shattering school records and building powerful bonds with teammates and coaches, claiming her spot as one of the most inspiring skiers on the team.

But beyond her unquestionable talent on the slopes is her passion, her humility, and her ability to inspire others.

Now more than halfway through the season, Stene has set a podium record with a time of 2:23.89 while also breaking the Castleton win streak record with 21 wins. Her impact has extended further than just school records—her presence on the team is undoubtedly uplifting and she has proven to be an exceptional teammate.

For Stene, breaking records wasn’t part of the plan.

“I didn’t even know the records existed until last year,” she said.

It wasn’t until returning home for a following race that Stene realized she had made the record books.

“After I won, my coach said that last week I broke the podium record and this week I broke the winning streak record,” said Stene. “It’s cool, but I wouldn’t have thought about it when I started.”

Despite her personal achievements, Stene has always focused on the success of the team.

“We have way harder competition this year,” she said. “I was thinking that this year we were just going to do our jobs and win as a team. I didn’t really expect to break any records.”

This season, Stene has battled a back problem that limits her training, yet she has remained a consistent force of the mountain.

“I can’t ski too many days in a row. When we have a race Saturday and Sunday, I can’t practice Mondays at school,” she said. “I do go to the gym and free ski on my own, and when I can, I will go with the team.”

Balancing, academics, work, and the commitment to student athletics has been another challenge.

“I have two jobs here on campus and I am also double majoring with a double minor, so I don’t really have a lot of time to be 100% focused on skiing,” she said.

Stene’s ability to perform under pressure comes from her unique approach to racing. While most skiers inspect and practice the course prior to racing, she embraces another practice.

“I don’t inspect the course,” she said. “It’s a bit weird and I get a lot of comments about it but, it’s what works for me. Instead of getting in my head, I just go for it.”

Looking forward into the season, Stene’s focus remains on the success of the team.

“I will do all I can to win a couple more medals, but most important is helping the team win,” she said. “In previous years, I have won at regionals, I have won at nationals, so for me the next step is making sure the team wins.”

“We don’t have any seniors; the juniors are the oldest. I want to help the younger skiers understand how to be part of the team and to not feel alone,” said Stene.

Her leadership and commitment to the team is what truly sets her apart.

“Emilie is a true leader and other athletes on the team look up to her,” said Christopher Eder, head Alpine Ski coach at Castleton. “She rises to the occasion when it is most important.”

Eder wasn’t surprised by Stene’s performance this season. He explained how she has evolved over her seasons at Castleton and how she has focused on being a supportive teammate.

“I knew Emilie would post strong results this season. She is the defending USCSA Giant Slalom National Champion. In fact, today (2/15/25) she captured her second USCSA Eastern Regional Giant Slalom title,” said Eder. “Emilie has adapted well to the team aspect of college racing and has consistently put the team’s goals ahead of her own.”

Emilie’s leadership and positive influence has reflected on that of her teammates and has shown her support for her team throughout her career.

“She is just so humble,” said Castleton alpine racer Ella Hall. “I can’t put into words how amazing she is as a person and teammate.”

Hall explained Stene’s ability to support and communicate with her teammates. She told about her impact on team morale, her uplifting demeanor, and the reciprocal effect it has had on the team.

“One of the group goals was just always being there for each other,” said Hall. “We will always have her back—I think she knows that deep down we will all love her no matter what.”

When asked to describe Stene in a word, Hall chose “passionate.”

“On the slopes, she’s passionate about skiing—her enthusiasm, her positivity—and off the slopes she’s passionate about who she’s around; especially her teammates,” she said.

Having grown up in Norway, Stene originally planned to quit skiing and enter the military, until she had the opportunity to ski and study in the U.S.

“In Europe, college and sports don’t combine. Being here has given me a lot of opportunities,” she said.

Throughout her journey, Stene has shown her appreciation for her biggest supporter: her dad.

“He has driven me every weekend for hours and hours,” said Stene. “Until I was 18, he was at every race. Now with a six-hour time different it doesn’t always work out, but he’s still watching every race live. I owe him a lot.”

Looking ahead, Stene and her team are devoted to finishing out a strong season.

“The season is not over yet and I believe she has more to give before it is all over. She, and the rest of the women, have a goal of getting on the team podium and ultimately winning at the USCSA National Championships,” said Eder.