Exciting Comeback: The University of Nevada Ski Team Resumes After 12-Year Break!

At Reno-Tahoe International Airport, travelers encounter a striking sight: a colossal 20-foot bronze skier named Giant Slalom. Created by Douglas Van Howd in 1996, this statue pays tribute to the University of Nevada’s rich ski history. Interestingly, the statue was added in 2012, two years after the university discontinued its NCAA ski program for the second time.

Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, who became university president in 2020, recognized this irony. In 2022, following the university’s merger with Sierra Nevada University, Sandoval took action to restore collegiate skiing. He announced that Nevada would continue SNU’s ski team, the Goliaths, rejoining the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA). This marked a significant step in reviving the university’s ski tradition.

“Today, we honor our past and embrace an exciting future,” said Sandoval during the announcement.

Following a change in coaching, Cameron Smith was brought in to lead the revived team. With strong local support and university backing, Nevada’s ski program is on a promising path. At the recent Ski Ball fundraiser, attended by 500 supporters, Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe set an ambitious goal of winning a national championship—something no Nevada team has achieved to date.

The Nevada ski program has roots that trace back to 1936, founded by students Wayne Poulsen and Martin Arrouge. Notably, Nevada’s team won the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate title in 1939, a significant achievement for a relatively young program. The university played a large role in the Nevada Winter Carnival, a vital hub for collegiate skiing.

Throughout the decades, Nevada has produced remarkable athletes. Dodie Post became the first Nevadan Olympian in 1948, and the university hosted the inaugural NCAA Skiing Championships in 1954, where Pat Myers won the downhill title. Despite its talent, the Nevada ski program faced challenges, struggling with resources and competition from more established schools. Many future Olympians chose programs with better support systems, leaving Nevada’s skiing legacy in jeopardy.

The late 20th century saw dramatic shifts in college skiing. Title IX brought new mandates for gender equity, causing changes in program structures. Ski jumping was removed from NCAA competitions in 1980, and many programs—including Nevada—were cut due to financial strains. Yet, the skiing community rallied; donors established a nonprofit to keep the sport alive. A $50,000 donation from the Killebrew family helped reinstate the NCAA program by 1995.

Nevada’s resurgence included standout athletes and consistent national rankings from 2001 to 2009. Unfortunately, the program was again disbanded in 2010 due to the financial crisis. When Sandoval reinstated the team in 2022, former athletes and supporters mobilized quickly, raising $100,000 at the 2022 Ski Ball and rebuilding ties within the Tahoe ski community.

With full university support, the program looks to grow stronger. Rempe, who advocates for skiing’s relevance in the region, stated, “It’s part of the culture and economy here.” The program’s proximity to top ski areas, combined with NCAA alumni successfully transitioning to professional racing, positions Nevada for future success. Local Olympian Bill Hudson noted an increase in youth interest since the program’s revival.

Smith plans to expand the roster, focusing on recruiting talent and establishing a Nordic team, with funding challenges ahead. A complete Alpine and Nordic program costs about $1.4 million annually, yet recent support from the Killebrew family’s endowment provides a strong foundation. Smith believes the Western Undergraduate Exchange program offers an opportunity to attract skilled athletes from other regions.

Current trends indicate that over 80% of U.S. Olympians come through college programs, showcasing the importance of college sports in athlete development. “You don’t just learn skills; you learn life lessons,” Rempe emphasized.

Amid these developments, the bronze skier at the airport stands as a lasting symbol of Nevada’s skiing heritage. With fresh energy and a committed leadership team, the Wolf Pack is not just reviving a tradition but aiming for new heights. The finish line is now within reach.

For those curious about supporting the team or learning more, visit the official Nevada Skiing website.

This article is adapted from Skiing History magazine, published by the International Skiing History Association. The author, Edith Thys Morgan, is a freelance writer and two-time Olympian from the Lake Tahoe area.

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