As the winter sports season is underway, both the Alpine and Nordic ski teams are mentally prepared, physically conditioned, and in the middle of the big season. BSM is not immune to the legendary feud between the two. Tensions are as high as ever as teams have started the highly anticipated ski season.

Max Melencon, a Nordic captain, is a firm believer in the positive attitude of the ski team. “I think generally everyone on our team is happy. Practice is full of smiles, and we also work really hard. I can’t say the same about Alpine. And you know, none of us are really scared of the cold, unlike Alpine,” Melencon said.

The Alpine team is on a completely different spectrum than Nordic. Senior skier, PJ McCrea, describes the advantageous culture the Alpine team creates. “My favorite part being a team is you just have people that always help you when you’re failing and you just don’t get too down on yourself. Nordic just doesn’t have that helpful culture,” McCrea said.

Kent Garads, a fellow Nordic captain, is proud of the team’s strong work ethic they demonstrate each practice. “We just work really hard and practice to better ourselves. I just really don’t think I see Alpine doing that,” Gerads said.

Stella Ordahl, yet another Nordic captain, shares the same view on the team’s work ethic. “They’re super hard workers, but the environment is really relaxed which makes it kind of a unique environment and kind of fun,” Ordahl said.

Diego Adair, fellow Alpine captain, notes the strong bond Alpine shares with each other. “I’d say I think we’re pretty close as a team we have been throughout the years. I feel so bad that Nordic doesn’t have what we have,” Adair said.

According to annual tradition, the Nordic team takes a yearly trip in which they are able to bond with each other and become closer. “We are going to Giants Ridge for a big meet. So, a lot of happens on this trip because we’re out in the middle of the woods alone. No one is around so that’s fun. We draw faces in the yearbook on the Alpine members, which is pretty cool,” an anonymous Nordic member said.

Although the teams differ in how their culture is created, the positivity and competitiveness that surrounds the teams is the type of atmosphere that can bring about a successful season. Though the rivalry between the teams will continue throughout the season, the only battles to be won will be with skis and a timer.