While some may associate falling snow and dropping temperatures with a cozy fire and cup of cocoa, the nordic ski team has already started waxing and practicing in anticipation of hitting the trails.

This year the boys’ varsity team is ranked fourth in the state for the pre-season and head coach Doug Peterson said he thinks the team will maintain that status until the end of the season.

“I want to leave the conference like I went into it, on top,”  Peterson said.

The boys’  varsity team was able to competed in its first meet this season at the TCNSC west skate/classic race on Dec. 10. The team had eight skiers place in the top 15 and Peterson believes the success is due to their hard work.

“When I came back three years ago I saw a lot of potential with the team,” Peterson said. “Now they are doing really well and exercising in the weight rooms before school.”

According to Peterson, the boys’ varsity skiers are not the only ones who are valuable to the team. There are more than 80 students in high school and junior high who participate in the sport.

“We have three training programs for the different types of kids,” he said. “We always put a lot of focus on technique and form.”

Senior Patrick Halloran is new to skiing this year but said he thinks the coaching and leadership is really helping his development.

“I feel like I’m learning a lot of great things from nordic this year,” Halloran said. “There’s a lot of bonding through all the practices together.”