Read what some of our alumni have to say about their Togg Racing experiences.

“Being a ski racer in high school differentiated me from most typical students. While my friends went to the movies on the weekends, I would be preparing myself to race down a mountain at 60 mph in the horrid winters of CNY. Skiing involves a lot of mental and physical preparation, and the social aspects and relationships made on the Toggenburg Ski Team made racing a most memorable experience.

I trained three days a week, and was not only learning to become a better skier but a better teammate and person as well. My ski coaches emphasized the importance of this and having a positive attitude that’s still applicable in my life today.

During my senior year in high school, I had the opportunity to become a coach of aspiring ski racers who filled the same ski boots I once did, and coach with my dad—my role model and coach throughout my years of ski racing. It was important to me to influence these young racers in the same way the Toggenburg Ski Team positively influenced me during my racing career.”
– Kaitlyn Button

“Ski racing was a huge part of my life early on. I made friends. It made the winter fun. It taught me a lot about competing—in skiing and in life.”
– Olivia Bowser

“The Toggenburg Jr Race program has been an enormous part of my life for almost 10 years. I started as a Gatebuster, and continued on through JV, JIV, JIII and then on to the JI-II program. Even as I enter college next year, and hopefully continue to ski race, I hope to always be affiliated with The Toggenburg Jr Race program. 

As an athlete, I have learned some very important lessons that will stay with me forever. I got to participate as an individual and as a member of a team.  I learned how to contain my excitement on a day I skied well, while a teammate did not. At the same time, I learned to pull myself out of disappointment and celebrate the accomplishments of my teammates. Nothing can compare to a car ride home with a group of people that all had a great day.

My time management skills could never be what they are now without skiing. My school work, practicing my musical instrument and managing other obligations, had to take precedence over ski practice and traveling to races. Being able to plan and schedule my free time after school and in the evening efficiently, allowed me to be successful in school and on the hill. This applies not only to skiing, but to everything I do now.

The most important part of being a member of the Toggenburg Jr Race program was that it was something that our whole family could participate in. Unlike some of my other sports, skiing is something that we can all do and will continue to do as a family. Whether skiing together, or traveling to a resort, my whole family was able to participate. The Toggenburg Jr Race program has been a great experience for me—and my entire family.”
– Jacob Andrews

“Ski racing was a great experience. Skiing is something I can do for a lifetime! It made my winters fun and I made the best friends!”
– Sidney Stehle