Park has many winter sports but downhill skiing, also known as Alpine skiing, was not previously on the list. This winter, Park is partnering with Eden Prairie highschool to bring a new Alpine ski team to school. 

According to athletic director Andrew Ewald, the start of the new sport was entirely student and parent initiated.

“There were families and students that were extremely interested and passionate about (Alpine skiing). They made the decision that they would financially take all responsibility for us to have an Alpine team, because we didn’t have the budget capacity to add it ourselves,” Ewald said.

Many students are excited to take a hobby and turn it into a school sport while meeting other people with similar interests. For sophomore Louisa Augustine, this is exactly what she is doing.

“I have been skiing my whole life and was hoping that my high school had a ski team,” Augustine said.

Partnering with another school isn’t a new concept at Park, but is still quite unusual, Ewalds explains.

“(Eden Prairie) is basically going to run the program with their coaches coaching our kids, but it’s not a co-op. It’s Park kids skiing for Saint Louis Park, but they’re practicing, being taught and coached by Eden Prairie,” Ewald said.

“Adding a new ski team will not only give Park students another afterschool vent but also affect Parks athletics.” Ewald said.

“Hopefully some kids that aren’t involved in any of our other sports get involved. Or if it’s a kid who’s already doing sports, it’s just another outlet for them to enjoy.”

Sophomore Adam Rosvald said he encourages all prospects to join.

“It’s a lot of fun, you get to meet a lot of new people, improve your skiing abilities, make new friends and be able to bond on a really fun sport outside, on the mountain or hill,” Rosvald said.

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to reach out to Andy Ewald or find more information at GoPark.org.