David Morken- Aspen GS- CU Invitational/ David Mondragon
NCAA Division I alpine ski racing is returning to Reno/Tahoe for the first time in more than a decade as the University of Nevada hosts the Nevada Invitational — fittingly dubbed “The Biggest Little Ski Race.”
The alpine-only collegiate event will take place at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe from Saturday, January 31 through Tuesday, February 3, marking the first NCAA Division I ski races in the Reno/Tahoe region since 2011.
Hosted on Mt. Rose’s Slide Side (Winter’s Creek) on the Silver Dollar trail, the event brings together top collegiate programs, international-level athletes, and a fired-up home team ready to race on familiar snow.
A Strong Field Heads to Mt. Rose
Competing schools include:
Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Denver, Montana State, Alaska Anchorage, Colorado Mountain College, Westminster, along with a dozen local and regional ski programs.
With NCAA points, FIS rankings, and invitational honors on the line, the Nevada Invitational promises deep competition across both disciplines.
Home Snow Advantage for the Wolf Pack
The Nevada Wolf Pack will be racing on home soil — a rare opportunity for the program — and plans to make the most of it. Competing in front of a home crowd, the team will look to showcase its strength and continue building momentum through the heart of the season.
Fans can follow the Wolf Pack’s season results and athlete performances through the team’s official channels.
What’s at Stake
Athletes will be competing for:
• Team points toward the invitational title
• Individual qualification for NCAA Championships
• Improved FIS points on the international ranking list
Each school qualifies three men and three women in alpine, and three men and three women in nordic for NCAA Championships.
The first slalom and first giant slalom will serve as NCAA qualifying races. The school earning the most points from the second race in both disciplines will be crowned the University of Nevada Invitational Champion.
Race Schedule
January 31 & February 1 – Slalom
February 2 & February 3 – Giant Slalom
Race Format
Two-run format.
Top 30 athletes are seeded; second run is a flip-30 from first run.
Spectator Experience
Spectators can easily access the venue with a short walk from the parking lot. Fans are asked to remain within the designated walking lanes and spectator corrals.
The Nevada Ski Team Boosters will be on site selling merchandise, while the Pride of the Sierra marching band adds to the festive atmosphere.
Welcome Party: Saturday, January 31
The Nevada Ski Team Boosters, in partnership with Schussboom Brewing Co., will host a welcome party from 4:00–8:00 PM at:
12245 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 8951
Highlights include:
• Debut of Superdelic Slalom, a hazy IPA brewed specifically for the event using Superdelic hops from New Zealand with Citra and Azacca Cryo
• Draft pours and 4-packs available
• Raffle featuring a 2026–2027 Mt. Rose Season Pass and additional prizes
• Raffle tickets: $25 each or $100 for five
• Food, beer, and drinks available for purchase
• Heated deck with views of Mt. Rose
Why This Event Matters
The Nevada Invitational represents more than just another collegiate race.
For the first time since 2011, NCAA Division I ski racing returns to Reno/Tahoe, giving local athletes the rare chance to compete at home on the collegiate stage. With an international field in attendance, the event highlights Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and the greater Reno–Lake Tahoe region as a premier destination for competitive alpine skiing.
Volunteers Welcome
Community support plays a vital role in hosting a successful event. Volunteers are invited to assist both on and off the hill to support the Wolf Pack and collegiate ski racing.
Interested volunteers can sign up by completing the Volunteer Form and Waiver through the event links.
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