By Shannon Lukens. (File photo of CMC Ski Team members from 2024 Winter Carnival.)
The D1 ski racing program at Colorado Mountain College will likely be discontinued after the 2025-26 season. CMC sends word that the student athletes have been notified.
A press release from the college says, “The announcement follows an extensive review of the program’s financial sustainability and overall feasibility during the past five years.”
The alpine ski team at CMC has been on the Steamboat Springs campus for more than two decades as part of the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association.
The CMC website shows 14 athletes registered on the team on the 2023-24 roster, under head coach Scott Tanner who joined the team as head coach in 2018.
Feedback from team members and their families will be presented to the CMC Board of Trustees at their meetings on Dec. 11 and Jan. 14, with a final decision coming after that.
A team picture of the CMC Eagles Ski Team was not provided.
Press Release from CMC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 2, 2024
Colorado Mountain College ski racing program likely to be discontinued following the 2025-26 season
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Colorado Mountain College has informed student-athletes of the strong likelihood that the alpine ski racing program at the CMC Steamboat Springs campus will be discontinued after the 2025-26 season. The announcement follows an extensive review of the program’s financial sustainability and overall feasibility during the past five years.
“Operating a ski team has become increasingly challenging, especially as costs rise at a pace that outstrips inflation,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. “This is not a decision we will make lightly. Nevertheless, given recent changes in state and local funding, we must allocate resources to mindfully support the long-term health of the college and the growing needs of enrolled students.”
The program, which has been a part of CMC’s Steamboat Springs campus for more than two decades, has provided an opportunity for student-athletes to compete at a high level while pursuing their education. Despite recent successes under head coach Scott Tanner and the dedication of the athletes, it appears that the program’s financial demands have become unsustainable.
“This is by no means a reflection on the hard work and passion of our coaches and student-athletes,” said JC Norling, vice president and campus dean of CMC Steamboat Springs. “We deeply appreciate their commitment and the proud legacy they have built over the years. They inspire us all with their accomplishments on and off the slopes.”
The college intends to support the ski team through the 2025-26 race season to provide current student-athletes the opportunity to complete their studies or transition to other programs. During this time, CMC leadership will work closely with affected students, coaches and community partners, including the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, to navigate this transition.
“We understand the impact this decision will have on our athletes, their families and our community,” said Dr. Gianneschi. “We are committed to working with those affected and ensuring they have the support needed for a successful path forward.”
The college will present feedback from team members and their families to the CMC Board of Trustees during their Dec. 11 and Jan. 14 meetings with a final decision to follow.
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The parents of one athlete have shared the email their son received. This was provided from Billy Barnwell.
December 2, 2024
Dear members of the CMC Eagles Ski Team,
We are reaching out with difficult news. For several years, we have considered the long-term feasibility of the CMC Ski Team. While no final decision has been made, we want to inform you that one will be reached in the coming months. This decision is not taken lightly, as we recognize the profound impact it could have on each of you as athletes and individuals who have dedicated yourselves to both your sport and studies.
Your commitment, perseverance, and passion have inspired your coaches, teammates, and all of us. This situation does not reflect your performance, character, or the immense value you bring to CMC and Steamboat.
For nearly five years, the college has shielded the ski team from budget reductions affecting the Steamboat campus. However, as we prepare for future budgets, we can no longer sustain this practice. Operating the ski team has become increasingly costly, with expenses rising faster than inflation.
To give ski team members time to complete their studies or transition to other programs, the current plan is to support the team through this season and next year’s 2025-26 season. After that, the program would be discontinued.
In the meantime, we welcome input from team members and families. You may share comments at https://colomtn.me/skiteamcomments. Ski team athletes and coaches are also encouraged to attend a meeting with both of us on Friday, December 6, at a location to be announced shortly. Feedback will be presented to the CMC Board of Trustees during their meetings on December 11, 2024, and January 14, 2025, with a final decision to follow.
We understand this news is difficult. Please know we remain committed to helping you excel throughout this season and next and support you as you explore options for continuing your academic future here at CMC or your ski racing journey elsewhere.
Thank you for being part of the CMC Eagles Ski Team and for all you’ve contributed to its proud legacy. We are grateful for your dedication and the unforgettable memories you’ve created and wish you success this racing season and school year.
J.C. Norling, Ph.D. Matt Gianneschi, Ph.D.
Vice President and Campus Dean College President