Coming off a chilly race at Elk, the U12s stepped into an even colder day at Montage on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This time, though, they were not alone. The U10s joined them, bringing fresh energy to a frigid hill. For many of the younger racers, it was not only their first race of the season, but the first race of their careers.
With wind in their faces and glitter in place, they were ready.
Run 1: A Race Against the Wind
As the girls readied to start, a steady headwind pushed straight uphill, softening the mid-section and forcing racers to fight for speed all the way to the final gate.
The U12 girls came out fast and clean. Gabby laid down some speed, landing in second place after Run 1 and putting pressure on the field. Ella followed with a solid opener, and she, along with Hope, Delia, Estella, and Kenzie, made the flip. Lillian and Samantha delivered strong, composed runs of their own, adding depth to an already powerful first showing from the group.
Behind them, the U10 girls matched that same confidence. Leia, Dylan, and Piper skied aggressively from the start and made the flip. For Leia and Dylan, making the flip in their very first race was a strong way to begin. River, Sarah, Mary, Alexandrea, Victoria, and Celine took on the steady push down the hill with composure, building strength and rhythm with every gate. For several, it was the first time standing alone in a start gate, and by the bottom they carried themselves like seasoned racers.
Then came the boys.
Keegan came out strong, laying down a confident first run to sit fifth. Kayus followed with intent, positioning himself well inside the top group heading into the afternoon, and Kaydin delivered a composed run to join them in the flip. James skied a strong run that kept him close, while Sammy, Owen, Erik, Everett, and Zaven turned in clean, steady runs of their own. Kenji and John came charging into the top section before getting caught high on the course. The speed was there and Run 2 would give them another chance to bring it all the way down.
For the U10 boys, veteran racer Sullivan made the flip, attacking the hill with real speed and carrying his momentum cleanly from the first gate through the finish. William, in his first-ever race, narrowly missed the flip but skied with composure well beyond the moment. Logan, Landon, Caleb, Macsen, Kyle, and Yash pushed out of the gate ready to work, taking on the hill with focus and determination. Some of the boys were caught by the mythical snow snake, but it was great to see them back to their feet, hike fast, and finish strong!
Podiums and Top Finishes
U12 Girls
🥉 4th Place: Gabby
⭐ Top 10: Ella
U10 Girls
🥉 5th Place: Piper
U12 Boys
🥉 5th Place: Kayus
⭐ Top 10: Keegan
U10 Boys
🥈 2nd Place: Sullivan
🥉 5th Place: William
Way to go, JFBB!
Team Spirit
In the end, what brought everyone together had nothing to do with times or placements. After hours of racing into a steady headwind in freezing temperatures, there was only one logical next move. Ice cream. Brain freeze meeting actual freeze. Somehow, it made perfect sense. Because if you are going to spend the day skiing in the cold, you might as well commit. And these racers commit.
Looking Ahead
The team now turns its focus to Blue Mountain for the final race of the regular season.