The 2026 high school alpine ski season is underway. With a solid foundation of snow, the conditions are optimal for all skiers.
The StormHawks have 18 skiers on the roster this season, representing both Chaska and Chanhassen, ranging from eighth graders to seniors.
The StormHawks competed in their first meet of the year on Jan. 5 at Buck Hill in Burnsville, taking part in a Metro West Conference race against three other schools. A total of 120 racers participated in the event. The alpine team’s season consists of five Metro West meets against conference schools including Benilde–St. Margaret’s, Bloomington Jefferson and Orono, with most races held at Buck Hill.
In alpine competition, skiers race down a course marked by colored “gates” that indicate where turns must be made. The courses are set by coaches prior to each meet and are designed to safely challenge each skier’s skill level.
Each competitor takes two runs down the course, and the fastest time — minus any penalties, most commonly for a missed gate — determines individual placement. Teams may enter up to 10 racers per meet, and the top six times count toward the team score. Individual skier results throughout the season determine qualification for section and state postseason competition.
Alpine skiing is structured to be equitable, with girls racing on one side of the hill and boys on the other. While they are not competing head-to-head, the sides of the hill alternate from meet to meet at Buck Hill so that no group consistently races on the same side.
At the Jan. 5 meet, Ava Lappi and Sophia Adams led the StormHawks girls, each recording at least one run under 30 seconds. For the boys, Alex Bowe and Gavin Shannon were the top finishers, both posting runs under 28 seconds.
Second-year Head Coach Chris Lappi said conditions were ideal for racing.
“Any warmer and it would be slushy,” Lappi noted. “This is decent snow for racing.”
Lappi said he was pleased with the overall performance in the season opener.
“This is our first meet of the year,” he said. “We had a scrimmage back in December, and everyone has had a chance to get out and work on their skills and techniques with the snow we’ve had. Times are coming down, and everyone is working hard.”
The StormHawks’ next meet is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Buck Hill.
