Small But Mighty: TD Ski Team 2024/25 Season Highlights

By Marcela Miranda, Parent Volunteer

The Tahoe Donner Ski Team may be small in number, but we are mighty in spirit, skill and success! This year, our team was made up of 15 incredible athletes – 12 in the U12 and up categories and 3 in the U10 category – each demonstrating outstanding progress, perseverance and sportsmanship. Eleven of our athletes proudly competed in two racing programs, taking on major teams from across the Tahoe Basin with remarkable results.

Tahoe League Racing Series Highlights

• Edward Innes (U14) dominated the slopes, earning three medals – two for first place and one for second place. He was also
• crowned the League Champion for the second year in a row!
• Charlie Rung (U12) finished strong with two fifth-place medals and took fourth overall in the season standings for his division.
• Teo Beisel (U14) had an impressive season, earning a fifth-place medal.
• Cat Berson (U10) made tremendous strides in technique and competitiveness and showed remarkable advancement throughout the season.

USSA Far West Division Highlights

Edward Innes (U14) also competed in the USSA Far West U14 California Challenge Series, finishing 30th overall out of 97 athletes. His outstanding performance earned him an invitation to the Spring Select Training Camp at Stevens Pass, Washington – a significant recognition of his talent and hard work. He competed in the U14 Far West Divisional Championships, finishing 21st in Slalom and 17th in Big G.

Building for the Future

Looking ahead, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort is excited to launch two dedicated teams next season: one for U10 and younger athletes and another for U12 and up. This shift allows for more individualized coaching: providing focused foundational development for our youngest racers and more specialized discipline-based coaching for our more experienced skiers. We are committed to meeting each athlete’s individual needs and goals. Our goal is to instill a love for skiing that will carry throughout their life.

Heartfelt Gratitude

This season’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of our coaches, parents and support crew. We extend our deepest thanks to:

• Head Coaches: Jim Sommer, Andrew Innes and Kayla Wieczorek
• Assistant Coach: Arthur Innes
• Ski School Director: David Walker
• Downhill Ski Resort Operations and Grooming Team: Rob McClendon, Josh Geiszler and the entire crew

Congratulations to all our athletes and their families. Your commitment and passion continue to make the Tahoe Donner Ski Team a force to be reckoned with. Let’s keep the momentum going into 2025/26!

Raise a Ski Racer or Competitive Rider This Upcoming 2025/26 Season<

Is your child interested in experiencing the thrill and excitement of competitive skiing and snowboarding? Registration is now open for Tahoe Donner’s ski race team and recreational ski and snowboard teams. Tahoe Donner ski racers participate in the Tahoe League Race Series, and recreational skiers and riders enhance their skills while making friends and having fun!

Visit Downhill’s website for registration information and to learn more about all youth programs at Tahoe Donner’s Downhill Ski Resort.