- Utah parents and students are launching a new high school ski league.
- The league aims to follow Utah's High School Cycling League model for success.
- Inaugural races are set for Feb. 28 at Utah Olympic Park and March 11 at Sundance Resort.
SALT LAKE CITY — A group of Utah parents and students is working to launch the first-ever Utah High School Ski Racing League, tapping into the state's deep ski culture and the excitement surrounding the Winter Olympics.
For many young racers, the love of speed and the thrill of competition are what drive them.
"I just love racing and being competitive," skier Ashton Clark said.
"I love having time on snow and going really fast," ski racer Ceci Prudden said.
Students say the sport pushes them, inspires them and fuels big dreams.
"I like how competitive it is," Sloan Clark said.
And for some, the ambition reaches even higher.
"World Cup is always a dream, isn't it?" racer Bo Cook said.
Organizers say the goal is to follow the model used by Utah's popular High School Cycling League — starting as a club sport with a focus on access, growth and competition.
"It's just a club sport. We're going to follow the mountain biking path," organizer Becky Stone said.
Stone says Utah is the perfect place for young athletes hoping to elevate their racing skills.
"They want to go faster, and they want to be on that world stage. And Utah is a great place to have that momentum and carry it forward," she said.
Many of the students already belong to ski racing clubs, and some have even met icons like Lindsey Vonn. But they believe a high school league would attract more athletes and increase competition statewide.
"I love that I get to ski. It's my favorite sport," racer Lena Moise said.
With Utah set to host the Winter Games in 2034, some young athletes see the new league as the first step toward a much larger dream.
"I want to keep skiing until I'm out of high school, leaving college, and ski in the 2034 Olympics," skier Noah Harmon said.
The new league is launching with two inaugural race events: one on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Utah Olympic Park and another on March 11 at Sundance Resort. Families can sign up or learn more at the Utah High School Ski Racing webpage.
