As the snow pours on the high mountain tops, West Linn High School Ski Team sighs in relief. After weeks of waiting for the inches to accumulate, the team is now anxious to start the season.

“This is a strong group of kids, and we will continue building on our experience to keep performing,” Nootsie McNabb, Parent Adviser said.

On Tuesdays, the team participates in dryland practices, which includes aspects of yoga, stretching, drill and running. On Thursday nights the team trains at Mount Hood Meadows to practice their skiing on the hill. The dedicated team members spend their Saturdays high above the clouds racing down the slopes, in both slalom and giant slalom events.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work outs and team bonding. We have been doing little games to get to know each other more. It’s really fun!” Grant McDonald, freshman, said.

The first race for the Ski Team is the Christine Cato Memorial race which will be held at Timberline Lodge Ski Resort on Jan 7. Cato was a Beaverton High School junior when she died in a ski accident. Skiers from Metro, Three Rivers and Mt. Hood Leagues will participate in honor of her love for the sport.

“This is a fun group of kids and I love working with them,” McNabb said. “Last year was the best year ever for West Linn (Ski Team) and we hope to keep that going.”