After a dominant season and standout performances at Regionals, Castleton’s ski team is preparing for the USCSA National Championship, aiming to secure a spot on the podium.  

Despite losing some athletes to injuries, the team remains determined, in part because many of the sidelined teammates are still on track for nationals. While some of the team’s members remain out, others are pushing through the pain and are confident about what’s ahead.  

“Injuries have been a challenge for both teams,” said Christopher Eder, head alpine ski coach at Castleton.  

According to Eder, Filippo Collini suffered a torn ACL and leg fracture, rendering him unable to compete for the season.  

“Emilie Stene, who is defending giant slalom national champion, is skiing through injuries right now,” said Eder. “She’s in the athlete training room every single day.”  

Other athletes, including Aksel Stroem-Hansen, Alice Pomi, and Ines Robres Peireto also suffered injuries this season, though remain committed to helping their teams succeed.   

Despite setbacks, the men’s team is staying committed to defending its back-to-back national title. Although facing roster changes, the team continues proving its strength.  

“We’re two-time defending champions, so we’d really like to retain that crown,” Nathaniel Hazen said. “Nationals is an interesting race, especially out west where snow conditions can be soft and inconsistent; so, for me it means skiing smart on the first run and putting myself in a good position to move up on the second run.”  

The women’s team is also showing confidence and excitement to be competing against others from around the country.  

“It feels really good,” Stene said. “Not many teams have the chance to go to nationals, and the fact that we are going and know that we do have a chance to succeed is an even greater feeling.”  

More than individual talent, the team’s camaraderie has been one of the key factors to its success.  

“My favorite moment (this season) was the second run at regionals when we knew that we won, and everyone was just hugging and the vibes were amazing,” said Grace Porcaro. “Everyone was so proud of each other.”  

The teams have been working to be in their best condition for the upcoming championship, using all the time to their advantage. The coaches have athletes working on different mountains to maintain variety and keep their minds sharp.  

“We’re primarily training at Killington and spending some time up at Middlebury at the Snowbowl. We’ve also gone over to West Mountain,” said Eder. “You don’t want to train on the same trails because you’re not racing on the same trails.”  

The athletes and coaches ensure that the courses are actively changing to help improve in troublesome areas.  

“I think a lot of people think we show up and everything’s set for us,” said Eder. “It’s quite a process. The athletes help set and it works out nicely because they’re the ones that are skiing the course.  

“I usually have an idea of what I want to set as far as the course, but I will ask the athletes for their opinion.”   

Outside of practice, the teams are making sure to stay rested and on their game.  

“Some people have been skiing a lot, practicing the course. Some have been in the gym a lot more, and others are taking a little time to relax,” Stene said. “We are making sure everyone is going in with a positive feeling.”  

While putting in the work, both teams are preparing to ski their hardest, with their sights on the national championship podium.  

“We want to win as a team,” said Stene. “The way to carry a good team dynamic into next year is to do it as a team.”  

“The goal is to win,” said Eder. “It’s not a failure if we don’t win but we will try to make Castleton proud.”  

Editor’s note. The Spartan goes went to press before the championships were held from March 11-15. Look for results in next issue.