Featured Image: Johs Bråthen Herland of the University of Utah at the MSU Invite. Credit: MSU/Colter Peterson
The RMISA alpine ski racing resumed for their second invitational of the season at Bridger Bowl, Montana. Montana State University was the host of the giant slalom and slalom, where both the men and women battled for the leaderboard.
The Denver Invitational was about a month ago (January 6th-8th), but now the RMISA athletes are jammin’ with nine races over the next 3 weeks.
Several winners reigned victoriously in the giant slalom and slalom. Athletes Johs Bråthen Herland and Kaila Lafreniere from the University of Utah won on the shortened GS day. University of Denver’s Sara Rask and University of Colorado’s Filip Wahlqvist added to their handful of victories in the slalom.
Day One- Giant Slalom
On the first day of the invitational, the athletes geared up for giant slalom. Unfortunately, the athletes were met with challenging conditions.
The men completed both runs, but officials cancelled the women’s second run after the first 22 racers skied. They deemed it too dangerous to continue due to a deteriorating course.
The Women’s Race
Kaila Lafreniere from the University of Utah recorded the fastest time of 43.93 in the first run, finishing just 0.04 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. Justine Lamontagne from Montana State University followed closely behind, while Louison Accambray of the University of Colorado secured the third fastest time with a run of 44.07.
According to RMISA regulations, officials consider the results from the first run final due to the abbreviated second run, meaning that the standings remain unchanged with the top three athletes as the official results for the race.
“It is tough [to get cut short] because a race is two runs, and we all know that anything can happen in the second run. I was disappointed to not race, but it was the right decision for safety since the conditions weren’t ideal. There are more races ahead this week, so we’ll see what we can do,” Accambray stated.
The Men’s Race
The men managed to score two runs successfully because the course was situated in a different location along the trail, which created safer conditions.
Sindre Myklebust of the University of Utah was second out of the gate and took advantage of the clean track. With a stellar run, he managed to hold onto the fastest first run time (40.68). His teammate, Johs Bråthen Herland, wearing bib-16, was the athlete to come through the first run with the closest time, +0.24 behind the lead. Herland knew he would have some fighting to do in the second run to achieve victory.
Herland ended up putting down a solid second run that moved him up to the top of the podium, concluding the day just -0.09 ahead of his teammate, Myklebust. It was a tight battle for the Utes!
This was Herland’s first victory of his college career and Myklebust’s second time on the podium.
Herland stated, “The giant slalom came with some tough conditions, but that just made the win even more special. It felt incredible to win my first college race, and having Utah go one and two made it even better.”
“Competing and winning for the Utah Ski Team is a new and exciting experience, and I really enjoy it,” he continued.
Benjamin “Benni” Angerer, racing bib 36, from Westminster University, secured a spot on the podium with an impressive second run. After finishing the first run in 21st place, the sophomore, trailing the leader by +1.59, was determined to improve. He delivered a remarkable performance in the second run, achieving the fastest time, which propelled him to 3rd place.
This was Angerer’s first podium finish of his college career. He stated, “Heading into the weekend, I already had a good feeling after a solid month of training. I knew I just needed to focus on keeping it clean and executing the key things I’ve been working on. The conditions were tough, but I was aware that a strong second run could make a big difference—I just didn’t expect to climb that high!”
Day Two- Slalom
The weather improved for the slalom event, with the sun making an appearance while the chilly temperatures continued, helping to firm up the surface.
The Women’s Race
Carmen Sofie Nielsson of the University of Alaska Anchorage was first out of the gate, setting the pace at 50.77. However, her lead did not remain for long, with University of Denver athlete Sara Rask coming through the finish, -0.80 ahead.
The athlete to come closest to Rask on the first run, setting herself up for a top performance, was Tea Kiesel of Montana State University (+0.33).
However, after Rask threw down a respectable second run, she was able to hold onto the win by a mere -0.08. This marked Rask’s 10th win on the collegiate circuit.
Prior to the MSU Invitational, Rask was competing in the NorAm in Alberta, Canada, where she secured a 5th place and a 3rd-place result. After the NorAm event, she stated, “I’m very happy with the races. They will be a good momentum for the upcoming college races in Montana and Utah.”
She used her confidence built in the NorAms to secure a victory at Bridger Bowl. Looking ahead, she is striving for a strong appearance at the NCAA Championships: “My number one goal this season is NCAA [Championships], and we have a really strong team this year.”
Nielssen concluded the day in 2nd place, achieving her first podium of her collegiate career.
“Achieving my first podium on the collegiate circuit was an amazing feeling. It’s something I’ve been working towards since I started at UAA, and to finally make it happen is really rewarding. It’s a great confidence boost and a reminder that the hard work is paying off,” Nielssen explained.
She is optimistic about sustaining this current level: “I’m focusing on maintaining this level of performance, staying strong throughout the rest of the season, and continuing to trust myself and my skiing.”
CU Buffaloe, Louison Accambray, rounded out the slalom podium, which marked her second top-3 on the collegiate circuit. She stated, “I am really happy with my second podium. It wasn’t an easy race, and my skiing wasn’t perfect, but I fought through it.”
The Men’s Race
University of Colorado reigning NCAA slalom champion, Filip Wahlqvist, was the first to dance through the course. He started the day on fire, winning the first run by -0.73 ahead of his teammate Etienne Mazellier.
Wahlqvist lost some speed on the second run but still achieved the top of the podium. This marked the sophomore’s sixth win of his collegiate career. “Winning never gets old! Every race feels like a fresh challenge, so crossing the line first is pure excitement. I can’t complain about that feeling,” he explained.
The buff further explained, “Last season was amazing, but I go into every race with the same mindset. Send it and go for the win, with no overthinking, just fast skiing.”
Thomas Hoffman of the University of Denver succeeded in two solid runs, which earned him a 2nd-place result. This marked Hoffman’s fourth collegiate podium finish.
Benjamin Angerer went back-to-back on 3rd place finishes. After maintaining a strong first and second run, the Westminster athlete was able to secure another podium finish.
Angerer stated, “Securing my first podium finishes on the collegiate circuit felt incredible—especially after a really tough season last year. Those two days were extra special because they showed me that I can compete at the top level. It’s a huge confidence boost and a great feeling to see all the hard work paying off.”
“My main goal for the rest of the season is to stay consistent and keep performing at a high level. I want to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Dartmouth and do everything I can to represent the Westminster Ski Team in the best way possible,” he continued.
After the MSU Invitational, the University of Utah currently leads the team standings with 713 points, Colorado is in second with 617 points, and Denver stands in third with 606 points.
The excitement continues this weekend in Park City, Utah, at the final RMISA qualifier and the two days of the University of Utah Invitational.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
