Information courtesy of Colorado Mountain College. Photo CMC Skigles Copper Mountain
A Program on the Brink — and a Community That Refused To Lose It
Last spring, the Colorado Mountain College Eagles Alpine Ski Team stood on the edge of a cliff no racer wants to face. After 40 years of developing college graduates and competitive ski racers in Steamboat Springs, the program—better known as the Skigles—received devastating news: State and federal budget cuts eliminated the college’s ability to cover its $250,000 annual operating cost. Without new financial support, the 2025–26 season would be its last.
The ski community pushed back immediately.
Parents, alumni, supporters, and student-athletes joined forces with the CMC Foundation and launched an aggressive fundraising campaign. They set a bold target: Raise $1.5 million by June 2027 to secure the team’s future. The first benchmark—$300,000 before November 30—looked daunting.
Then support poured in.
An anonymous donor stepped forward with a $150,000 match, and contributions surged. The campaign quickly blew past its first goal and closed in on $500,000 before the deadline.
“We are thrilled to have not only met but exceeded our initial fundraising goal,” said Kristin Heath Colon, CMC vice president for advancement and CMC Foundation CEO. “It’s gratifying to continue to hear how much the college and the ski team are respected and valued.”
The Next Push: $500,000 Needed by June 30
This early momentum sets the pace, but the race continues. To stay on track, the Skigles must raise another $500,000 by June 2026.
“These next six months of fundraising are critical for the longevity of this great program,” Colon said. “We’ve got the momentum needed, and like every race, finishing strong is the key to success.”
CMC competes against top NCAA alpine programs and gives student-athletes a rare opportunity to earn a degree while training at a level that pushes their athletic potential. Racers from across the West—and far beyond—use the program as a launching point.
Why CMC Matters to Racers
For junior Sam McDermott, the Skigles opened a door he didn’t want to close.
“I wouldn’t have come to CMC without ski racing as the catalyst,” said McDermott, who grew up in Glenwood Springs, trained with Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club, and attended Burke Mountain Academy before choosing CMC.
McDermott points to the training environment as a major advantage.
“We have slope access that no other college team has,” he said. “We get to train as much as we want on watered snow and the coaching staff is great.”
He now studies leadership and management while pursuing an associate degree in ski and snowboard business, building skis and running on-snow demos as part of his academic work. He returned to training this fall after double hip labrum surgery and feels the momentum behind the program.
“It’s cool to know there are so many people in our corner,” he said. “Having that support gives me the confidence to go hard.”
The Skigles’ Future: Athlete-Funded and Community-Driven
Next season, the 21-member roster will shift to a partially athlete-funded model. Each skier will contribute $10,000 annually, a fraction of what top post-graduate club programs charge.
“The athlete fees are still only about a third of the price of a top-tier post-graduate club program,” said head coach Scott Tanner. “The fundraising success so far has made such a difference. The team is walking with a pep in their step. We’re currently training at Copper and the team is skiing really well. This has been a huge shot of adrenaline for us.”
Why Donors See the Skigles as a Vital Pipeline
Early donor and Vail resident Kathy Borgen serves on the CMC President’s Advisory Council and brings decades of ski-racing perspective.
“CMC’s commitment to access and excellence has made it one of the most cost-effective, high-quality college and varsity ski teams in the nation,” Borgen said.
She believes the program fills a critical gap.
“The CMC Ski Team is not just a collegiate program; it’s a launchpad for local and national athletes who might otherwise be priced out of the sport,” she said. “It is a superb and important example of what’s possible when local talent is nurtured in the right environment.”
What’s Next: A Community Event and a Call to Action
CMC’s Steamboat campus hosts the next major push on February 7th with the Skigle Soirée fundraiser and Winter Carnival fireworks watch party.
Supporters can donate to the “Save the Skigles” campaign at: cmceagles.com/ski-team
With the start gate open and momentum building, the Skigles are charging toward a future they intend to secure well before the final deadline.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
