This winter sports season has been marked by many challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions. Just one month in, one sport in particular has felt the impact. Tualatin senior and ski team member Sarah Masalmeh reflects on the obstacles of their final ski season.

What challenges have you faced during this season?

“I would definitely say the biggest challenge has been being able to get races in because of the lack of snow. There’s only one run open that we are allowed to host races on. And there’s still other leagues on the mountain that race, as well. We’re not the only team that does it, so we have to share the very minimal amount of snow. It’s definitely been a very big challenge. But the highlight is seeing how everyone comes together and continues to work hard, even though there’s an obstacle like that.”

Oregon has experienced less snow this year in comparison to others. In what ways has the weather affected the outcome of this season?

“There are barely any races, unfortunately. It’s really sad, too, because the training that you have before the races is really limited because you don’t have many places to go anyway, and then of course you’re sharing the snow with other teams. I would definitely say that it’s sad that I’ve only had two races so far, and we’re a month into the season. We also usually have the biggest high school ski race in the United States where all of the leagues from Oregon get together to have a memorial race for Kelsey Hewwit, who unfortunately passed away when she was skiing. That was unfortunately cancelled, and I think that was the biggest thing that I felt I was missing out on – the lack of a hallmark race of my senior season.”

Despite the challenges faced early on in the season, Masalmeh remains hopeful about the season ahead and expressed encouragement for all athletes.

“To all the athletes at Tualatin, as much as you want to do amazing in your sport, as much as you want to put pressure on yourself, I think the most important thing is valuing your mental health and making sure that you keep that value on having fun and remembering that a sport is something you’re supposed to enjoy, and be an additional positive thing in your life.”

“It’s sad that I’ve only had two races so far, and we’re a month into the season.” – Sarah Masalmeh, senior