ELDORA SKI RESORT — While the 19th Winter Olympics are unfolding on the world stage, Eldora Ski Resort hosted a competition of its own on February 5: the CHSAA Giant Slalom race.

Giant Slalom demands speed and control. Racers navigate widely spaced gates, carving long, fast turns down the mountain. One missed line can cost seconds. One missed gate ends a run. In this race, the fastest competitors finished in just over 30 seconds. One coach said they reach speeds around 40 MPH.

CHSAA, the Colorado High School Activities Association, governs interscholastic sports and activities throughout the state and organizes regional and postseason competition for hundreds of schools. 

Race day followed a familiar rhythm. Teams from across Colorado arrived. Under clear skies and bright sun, racers clicked into skis and waited at the start gate. Athletes exchanged course strategies and cheered for friends from rival schools.

Alpine skiing is one of the most demanding winter sports, combining endurance, technical skill, and mental focus. And for many racers, the Giant Slalom at Eldora marked a crucial step toward advancing in the sport.

Despite its name, the Nederland team draws from across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), which serves communities including Boulder, Nederland, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, and surrounding mountain and foothills areas. 

Nederland alpine racers compete in the Giant Slalom on February 5, 2026. From left: Nederland Middle-Senior High School senior Victoria Krol; sophomores Oslo Oxman, Olivia Ambory, and Mahate Carreiro; and freshman Evelyn Petrus.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Head boys' alpine ski coach Joshua Lynch said, “Our team members always span a wide range of ability and experience, ranging from seasoned ski racers to kids who are just trying it out. We are not only impressed with the solid performances of our athletes who have qualified for States, but especially with the improvement and confidence shown by our newer athletes.”

Many racers begin skiing as young children and transition to competitive racing in middle school, spending years refining their technique before reaching the high school circuit. By the time they arrive at CHSAA events, they are accustomed to late afternoon skiing, rigorous training schedules, and the pressure of racing against the clock.

Each competitor completed an initial run down the course in the morning, with times recorded and reviewed by gate judges stationed along the track. Judges watch closely for missed gates or rule violations, which can result in penalties or disqualification. The ones with the fastest times go first in the afternoon.

Before the race began, experienced “forerunners” tested the course. Typically accomplished master racers, forerunners assess snow conditions, gate placement, and safety considerations to ensure the course meets competitive standards and provides a fair test for athletes.

A total of 134 racers competed at Eldora, including 51 girls and 83 boys from eight schools around the state. About 25 athletes represented the Nederland team, including both girls and boys competing under the BVSD alpine program.

Combined times determined final standings. Coaches gathered on what they call “Coaches Knoll,” positioned midway down the course for a clear view of technique and timing.

Lift conversations

Between runs, I asked some racers their thoughts while on the chairlift.

Ellie May of Aspen High School said she has been ski racing since age eight and joined her current team as a sophomore. Her favorite part of racing, she said, is being with teammates.

Fellow Aspen racer Caitlin Marsh, a junior who has been skiing since early childhood, said the sport creates strong bonds among athletes.

Evergreen racer Harrison Thomas kept it simple. This is his first year of ski racing after years of recreational skiing. His favorite part is “going fast.”

Individual race highlights

• Among the Nederland girls, Petra Bodam led the team with a 16th-place finish and a combined time of 1:08.74.

  

  Sophomore Petra Bodam (#878) from the Boulder Valley School District is focusing on the race.

  Photo by Mindy Leary

• Victoria Krol followed in 20th place. 

• Eva Wrobel finished 21st overall.

  

  Nederland High School junior Eva Wrobel participates in the CHSAA Giant Slalom Ski Race on February 5, 2026.

  Photo by Mindy Leary

Additional finishes included Oslo Oxman in 23rd, Meredith Coleman in 26th, and Kaitlyn Elmendorf in 27th.

• For the boys, Didier Spuhler posted the top Nederland result, placing 13th overall in 1:05.30.

• Felix Miller finished 19th. Alexander Spuhler placed 21st.

• Other strong finishes included Liam Kraus in 31st, Benjamin Stiles in 34th, and Caiden Stackpole in 37th.

  

  Nederland freshman Caiden Stackpole (#909) competes on February 5, 2026.

  Photo by Mindy Leary

Team standings

The team’s score is the total of the best three individual scores. 

In girls' team scoring, Aspen claimed first place with 171 points, narrowly edging Middle Park by two points. Evergreen finished third.

Nederland placed fourth overall with 142 points, led by scoring runs from Petra Bodam, Victoria Krol, and Eva Wrobel.

The boys' team standings saw Aspen again take first with 173 points, followed by Middle Park and Steamboat Springs.

Nederland finished fifth overall with 144 points, with Didier Spuhler, Felix Miller, and Alexander Spuhler contributing the team’s top scores.

With only one more race before state finals, teams still have a chance to have fun and hone their skills. Athletes who post qualifying times will move on to the CHSAA State Championships in Vail on February 17 and 18, 2026.