The Aspen High School’s High Alpine Ski Team executed perfection to start off the new season last Friday at Aspen Highlands.

AHS coach Jennifer Morandi-Benson was ecstatic about the way both teams performed.

“The boys did awesome,” Morandi-Benson said. “We came in first as a team and it was really exciting to see that accomplishment. They killed it. We had eight Aspen High School athletes in the top 10, 11 in the top 15. They were dominant.”

Even though the team dominated the race, conditions weren’t ideal for the season opener. Several days of heavy snowfall made it difficult for the course to be set.

“It’s a fast event, so to run a race without hard snow is challenging,”  Morandi-Benson said. “AVSC was up there all day Thursday preparing the hill and Aspen SkiCo was grooming the hill. The new snow mixed with below freezing temperatures creating even more difficulties as well. When we get a lot of snow and then it gets really cold, the snow gets really really sticky. Not only was it negative digits at some points, but also the snow itself was pretty tacky.”    

Traveling teams also had a difficult time getting to the race due to the conditions.

“They were an hour plus late,” Morandi-Benson said. “We had to roll with the punches, which we did. We pulled off a great, safe, fun event for all the teams involved. All the teams made it.”

Other teams in attendance were Summit High, Battle Mountain, Steamboat, Eagle Valley, and Vail Mountain School.

Morandi-Benson also praised everyone that helped make the race happen.

“We could not have done it without the help of faculty, parents, the community, AVSC, and SkiCo,” Morandi-Benson said.