Three members of the Denver Pioneers women’s ski team secured podium finishes, with graduate student Sara Rask taking first place in the alpine slalom on the opening day of the 2026 Denver Invitational at Loveland Ski Area. The team finished the day leading overall after strong performances from both experienced and new athletes.
Rask achieved her 16th career victory and eighth consecutive win in slalom, tying for fourth all-time in individual wins in Denver skiing history. She was joined on the podium by senior Mia Hunt and freshman Elisabeth Creighton, who tied for third place. Colorado’s Louison Accambray placed second.
Sophomore Stella Buchheister finished sixth, marking her first career top-10 result, while senior Nicola Rountree-Williams came ninth for her ninth straight top-10 finish. Freshman Cecilia Pizzinato placed 13th in her collegiate debut, and senior Josephine Trueblood returned from injury to finish 19th.
“I thought the women were really impressive today, especially Sara, who keeps rolling, and Mia did exactly what she’s been doing all year,” said Otto Tschudi Head Alpine Skiing Coach Joonas Rasanen. “Elisabeth was definitely a big bright spot, and Stella had a great first run.
“By no means is this an overperformance. I think this is where we are, and hopefully we can keep this up throughout the season.”
The women’s team contributed 105 out of a possible 111 points to help put Denver ahead with 163 points after two events. Colorado trails by eight points with 155, while defending national champion Utah holds third with 127.5 points.
On the men’s side, Adrian Minde Hunshammer led Denver by moving up from bib No. 42 to finish eighth after posting the fastest second run overall—his best result in slalom so far. Sophomore Pietro Motterlini finished 14th and graduate student Eirik Kveno took 20th as other scorers for DU men.
“There’s a lot of improvement to do for the men, but there are some positives,” Rasanen said. “I think Pietro is building on last year, and I think Adrian built off the pre-season to record a nice career best today.”
The University of Utah saw similar success among its men’s skiers as Denver did among its women; Johs Herland won individually while Colorado’s Stanley Buzek and Feb Alasina completed the men’s podium.
The competition continues Tuesday at Loveland with more slalom events during the Colorado Invitational before moving to Aspen Highlands for giant slalom races later in the week.
