Colorado Buffaloes Ski Team Leads at Spencer James Nelson Memorial Invitational
The Colorado Buffaloes Ski Team started strong in their own Spencer James Nelson Memorial Invitational, scoring 180 points on the first day and edging out Denver, which scored 173 points. Loveland Ski Area hosted the slalom races, where the Buffs showcased their talent.
Louison Accambray led the women’s team with a podium finish, while the men performed impressively with a 2–3–4 finish, thanks to Stanley Buzek, Filip Wahlqvist, and Feb Allasina. Utah rounded out the top three teams with 147 points.
In the women’s race, Accambray earned the top bib and excelled, finishing third overall. Despite drawing bib No. 8, Cathinka Lunder faced challenges and ended in 17th after a misstep. Alexa Brownlie, starting with bib No. 10, secured ninth place, showing consistent performance.
Paige DeHart turned heads by starting in 33rd place and finishing 11th, just missing the top 10 by a hair. She mentioned, “I felt I could make up time, and I just pushed through.”
On the men’s side, the Buffs had a strong start with Buzek, Wahlqvist, and Allasina taking the podium spots. Johs Herland of Utah disrupted a Colorado sweep by winning the race. Buzek and Wahlqvist’s finishes secured essential points for their team.
Excitingly, this year marks a fierce rivalry between Colorado and Denver. After four races, only a single point separates their total scores. As the teams head to Aspen for giant slalom races, the stakes are high. Skiers often excel in one discipline, so these next races will reveal who really dominates this season.
Notable Performances:
- Louison Accambray clinched her second podium finish, building on her previous success.
- Justin Bigatel scored his tenth-place finish, marking another solid performance.
- The men’s team celebrated high scores, with Buzek and Wahlqvist standing out early in the season.
Statistics to Note:
According to the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (RMISA), these early results highlight Colorado as one of the top alpine ski teams in the nation. The RMISA noted that competitive rivalries often push teams to improve, which contributes to thrilling events throughout the season.
This season’s competition is just beginning, and all eyes will be on the Buffs as they continue to demonstrate their skills in Aspen.
