The 2024-25 ski season has officially begun, and hopes are high following the abundance of early snow up on the mountain. Mt. Hood Meadows has marked the earliest opening date in 15 years, opening Nov. 15 as opposed to early December. 

This snowfall has created an opportunity for the Tualatin ski team to practice for upcoming races and allows the newcomers to prepare sooner. Lily Rule, a first-year skier for Tualatin High, shared her thoughts on joining the team.

“I have been skiing and going up to the mountain with my family and friends since I can remember,” Rule said. “Spending my weekends up at the mountain is one of my favorite activities in the winter. Skiing is such a fun way to stay in shape and have a fun time.”

For Rule, the social benefits of skiing with friends made joining the team worth it. 

“When I had a friend ask me to join, I said, why not? It sounds like a great way to ski with friends,” Rule said. “I am looking forward to becoming an even better skier and spending time with friends on the mountain.”

Tualatin High School ski coach Jeff Smoot encourages students to consider joining.

“No matter if you are a beginner or have been skiing your whole life, you will become a better skier by the end of the season,” Smoot said. “One of the best parts of a ski team is getting to meet and form bonds with kids from other schools with our combined training with both the Newberg and Tigard high school teams.” 

Smoot also shared a common misconception about the ski team, reassuring new joiners about what lies ahead.

“Skiing is a bunch of fun,” he said. “It’s not all about skiing fast down a mountain. It is about the camaraderie with teammates, pushing your fears and challenging your limits.”

So whether you enjoy competitive ski racing or casual bluebird days, Tualatin’s ski team could be a good option for you.