Mission: Ski Yellowstone

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Photo by Megan Aller
Part of the Nordic Ski team is posing in front of the mountain.

Family trips are always something to look forward to, but the nordic team has redefined what it is to go on a family trip.

The ski team has traveled to Yellowstone National Park and they were abundant in numbers but still all a close-knit group of athletes. Going on the trip together was nothing but fun for these skiers.

“Nordic is a tough sport, it’s cold outside, but the people in it make you happy to be there, freezing your butt off,” said senior Paige Aschenbrener.

On the trip, the squad did team building exercises as well as a lot of skiing alongside each other. The coaches stand back and really let the peers guide each other, making the group as a whole a lot more functional and self-guided.

“The trip helps us build relationships and team skills. I think it improves how we do in meets,” said Aschenbrener.

The annual trip helps captains learn how to become better leaders while making them better athletes.

“The trips help build leadership skills and its a lot of fun,” said senior Morgan McBride.

The coaches always look forward to the trip because it really helps bring the team together and make the athletes easier to understand and work with. They learn about the skiers and are better able to coach them.

“Our coaches were great on the trip, they just listened and helped, they tried not to go too hard on us and just got to know us,” said McBride.

There is a laid back feel to the trip, there is no huge competition so people do not feel pressured. The relaxed vibe helps people open up and subject themselves to improvement rather than staying bottled up and stressed.

“If we go somewhere for a competition we don’t interact nearly as much, people are just thinking about themselves and their races not bonding with the team,” said senior Emma Rettner on what she likes about the trip to Yellowstone.

With that many high schoolers in one place there are bound to be problems to overcome and pranks being played but the team is reasonable about them and supportive. Whether a teammate gets injured or a buddy wants help on pulling a prank, support is there.

“The trips are so fun because the people don’t let things get to you. They lift you up and help you out,” said Aschenbrener.

The annual trip to Yellowstone is a large benefit to the Nordic team. It helps them become better friends and teammates, making competitions more fun and the athletes a larger threat.