Alpine ski team: inclusive & joyful vibes

The ARHS Alpine Ski team, which practices regularly at Berkshire East Mountain, is led by senior captains Alex Cain, Thea Binzen, and Roka Gould, under the guidance of teacher-coaches Simon Leutz, Gloria Davis, and Rick Howes. 

The team’s weekly routine unfolds on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting in January and continuing until mid-February. 

These practice sessions are not mere exercises in physical prowess but rather involve a holistic approach to nurturing the potential of each team member. 

Binzen and Gould bear the responsibility of leading warm-ups, creating inspirational activities, and offering encouragement, particularly to the newer members of the skiing team. 

They also actively lead the group in stretches and work to build an environment that promotes both physical and mental care. ¨We bond, we kind of chill together when we are free, and we ski all the time,” said Gould. “We have fun going down trails that we find dangerous.”

One distinctive aspect of the team is its inclusive nature. These doors are open to all including the middle schoolers. ¨Anyone can join the team and we always need people,¨ Gould said. 

  Howes takes on the road of an instructor, imparting essential skills for safe and enjoyable skiing. He has been a coach for just two years, who worked to “learn the ins and outs of the program and all that goes into coaching.”

“This year with the addition of Coach Leutz we plan to add more drills and training on gates this season when we go to the mountain,” Binzen said.

Meanwhile, Coach Davis lends her experience to the fitness component, focusing on critical aspects like leg workouts and core strength. 

The team’s current roster boasts 45 members, including 19 middle school students. 

 As this season unfolds, the skiers are looking forward to snow and their upcoming individual competitive races. “We have seven races [where we race one event each] plus individuals in February [where we race two each],” Gould said.

Both Binzen and Gould said they love their sport and are excited for their final season.

¨I’m excited for the the snow and to see the great potential the students have this year, ¨ Howes said.  ¨I want to spend my final year just having fun and reliving some of the best moments I’ve had on the team,¨ Gould said.