While most of us were off enjoying different cities, beaches, towns, and mountains for experiential education in the beginning of April, a few of Aspen High’s students were busy ripping up Park City, Utah, at the U16 National Ski Racing Championship and Assessment Project.

The event took place on Friday, March 28^th through Thursday, April 3^rd.  Participating in the event from Aspen was freshman Anna Patterson, sophomores Hanna Mass and Tristan Lane, and 8^th grader Dexter Edelman.

The assessment brought together 54 of the fastest, most competitive U16 boys and girls, testing the athletic ability of American ski racing in these age groups. They did this through a variety of ski racing competitions, including a slalom, GS, and dual slalom race. These results helped to determine who would qualify for the national team.

Tristan, Dexter, Anna, and Hannah did very well in the competition.

“While all of the racers deserve a round of applause, the spotlight needs to be shining on sophomore, Tristan Lane who placed first in slalom and earned 2nd in the dual slalom.  Because his results showcased his talent and potential, he has been offered a spot on the U18 US Ski Team.

“I am thrilled about the outcome of my race and am now just going to keep training so I can hopefully earn myself a spot on the US World Cup/Olympic team,” Lane said.

Dexter, only in eighth grade, is already on the right path to success.  He placed 3rd in both GS and slalom for the 1999 men’s age group.

“My goals for skiing are to be the best that I can be and make as many friends as possible.  I want to enjoy it as much as I can and if that gets me a scholarship to college or a spot on the US Ski Team I will be thrilled,” Edelman said.

Patterson, racing in the 1999 birth year group, placed 8th in slalom.

“Although this wasn’t my best placement all season, I was honored to compete in such a competitive event with such incredible athletes and hopefully you will see me on the World Cup Ski Team in my future,” Patterson said.

Mass had very positive results in the 1998 birth age group.

“I am satisfied with my placing with a top twenty finish and a top ten finish.  I am excited about my accomplishment and am looking forward to hopefully skiing in college,” Mass said.

While there were no Alpine skiers representing Aspen in this past winter Olympics, it looks as if there is a motivated, skilled, young squad of athletes preparing to travel to South Korea and dominate the 2018 Winter Olympics or whatever circuit they choose to participate in.