Western’s Nordic team has become a powerhouse in recent years, collecting national titles and even some team members representing the USA internationally at the World University Games. Competing in the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Rocky Mountain Conference, the team attends between 10 and 15 races in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, primarily competing against the University of Wyoming, Colorado Mesa University, Air Force Academy, and Colorado College. Additionally, the team provides select opportunities to compete in various other events, ranging from Junior National Qualifiers to FIS races and US Nationals.
Dues: $1,500
Covers: Coaching, uniforms, travel, entry fees, food and lodging.
Doesn’t Cover: Racing licenses and equipment.
Schedule: Dryland training begins in the first week of September and on-snow practice begins mid-November.
Practice: Six days per week.
The competition season starts in November with a training camp in Canmore, Canada and concludes in mid-March with the USCSA National Championships. The team meets for six to eight training sessions per week in the winter and has access to 75km of groomed trails throughout the Gunnison Valley.
Dryland training season begins in the fall with weekly roller-ski sessions, trail running, and strength training. This eight-week block of training aims to lay the foundation for a smooth transition to on-snow training in early November. Combined with detailed goal-setting and an eye on the future, this dryland season sets the tone for a strong competition season.
| Event Date(s) | Event/Location | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 23–30 Nov. | Training Camp - Canmore, CAN | N/A |
| 7 Dec. | CB Town Series Race - Crested Butte, CO | N/A |
| 2–7 Jan. | US Nationals - Anchorage, AK | View Results |
| 13–23 Jan. | World University Games - Torino, ITA | View Results |
| 1–2 Feb. | WCU Invite - Crested Butte, CO | View Results |
| 15–16 Feb. | CSU Invite - Leadville, CO | View Results |
| 22–23 Feb. | UWYO Invite - Laramie, WY | View Results |
| 11–15 Mar. | USCSA Nationals - Bend, OR | View Results |
Head Nordic Coach
Spencer WareJoncas is the Head Coach of the Western Colorado University Nordic Ski Team. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Spencer grew up on skis and…
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation - Mountain Sports
Kevin Geisen has served as the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Mountain Sports at Western Colorado University since 2021, though his connection to the program…
| Name | Class | Hometown | Highschool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anders Hekkli | Senior | Akkerhaugen Telemark, Norway | Bo Vidargaande Skule |
| Josiah Horning | Freshman | Leadville, CO | Lake County High School |
| Sean Meeker | Junior | Washburn, WI | Washburn High School |
| Tyler Hippchen | Senior | Kenai, AK | Kenai Central High School |
| Theo Hubanks | Sophomore | Madison, WI | Madison West High School |
| Graydon Walker | Graduate Student | Winter Park, CO | Middle Park High School |
| Jackson Filmore | Freshman | Eagle, CO | Eagle Valley High School |
| Calvin Kucera | Freshman | Freedom, NH | Moultonborough Academy |
| Name | Class | Hometown | Highschool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miley Bletzer | Freshman | Hampton, NH | Stratton Mountain School |
| Susie Bullock | Freshman | Leadville, CO | Lake County High School |
| Adah Chapman | Sophomore | Moultonborough, NH | Moultonborough Academy |
| Maisy Morley | Sophomore | Jeneau, AK | AK Choice |
| Madyson Rosenberger | Junior | Eau Claire, WI | Memorial High School |
| Anne Kuhns | Sophomore | Tabernash, CO | Middle Park High School |
Registration for Mountain Sports consists of two parts:
Western Colorado University’s Mountain Sports program allows collegiate student-athletes to compete in trail running, climbing, mountain biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, freeride skiing and snowboarding, and ski mountaineering. Our professional coaches and structured training allow athletes to excel at the highest level in their respective mountain sport(s) alongside their academic pursuits. Giving to a Mountain Sports team provides enhanced opportunities for travel and offsets costs, such as team dues, that student-athletes have to afford otherwise. Donors may choose to support athlete dues and scholarships or contribute towards other causes such as team travel.
MyWestern
Academic Calendar
Bookstore
University Catalog
Athletic & Recreational Venues
MyWestern
Academic Help
Library
Health & Wellness
Campus Map
Events
