Fire in the Belly: KSEF U10s Attack the Gates at Palisades
Location: Palisades Tahoe | Far West GS
Date: January 24-25, 2026
Stoke Level: #StokeLevelSolid
There’s something powerful about watching the next generation of chargers find their edge on the mountain. This past weekend, the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) U10 crew didn’t just show up at Palisades Tahoe; they brought serious fire in their bellies to a course that demands nothing less than absolute focus.
Watching these young athletes click into their sticks and stare down a firm GS course is a masterclass in determination. It’s about more than the clock; it’s about the soul of the sport and the pure grit it takes to compete at this level.
The Conditions: MotherNature’s Flex
Mother Nature served up a classic Tahoe winter welcome: windy, cold, and fast. We’re talking #MotherNaturesNatural snow firm, fast,unforgiving, and requiring precision on your skis. With temps hovering between 25-27°F at the start, the Racers course was a true test of fundamentals. These are the “Bridge Days” where athletes learn that speed is a gift, but technique is the anchor. The KSEF crew rose to the challenge with a level of courage that would make any seasoned local nod in respect.
Gratitude for the Village
Before diving into the numbers, it’s time for a tip’o-the-cap to the people who make the bull wheels turn. A massive shout-out to the Palisades Tahoe Mtn Team for the impeccable course prep that firm snow didn’t happen by accident. To the Race Department, the USSS officials, and the tireless KSEF coaches: thank you for keeping the operation tight. And to the parents braving the early morning cold with the sustenance shacks packed and ready, you are the backbone of this community.
KSEF Boys: Charging the Gates
Nolan Souers | Far West Standings: 4th (93 points)
Saturday: 2nd place (1:01.22) | Sunday: 18th place (1:01.07)
Nolan made a massive statement on Saturday, claiming a podium finish just 0.01 seconds off the top spot! Think about that the blink of an eye. His second run on Saturday was a pure clinic, the fastest of the entire field at 30.07. Even when Sunday threw some tougher variables his way, his consistency kept him in the hunt. He’s sitting 4th in the Far West for a reason. Keep charging, Nolan!
Lachlan Campbell | Far West Standings: 5th (81 points)
Saturday: 5th place (1:01.59) | Sunday: 7th place (58.53)
Lachlan was a machine this weekend. Two top-10 finishes show a racer who is dialing in his tech and staying calm under pressure. His Sunday second run (29.11) was the 7th fastest of the field. He’s building serious momentum for the rest of the #PowHuntn season.
Alden Besse
Alden gave a masterclass in growth. Shaving 4 seconds off his time between Saturday and Sunday is exactly the kind of “listening to the coaches” progress the team loves to see. He’s building a foundation that’s solid as granite.
Blake Denkler
Blake is out there getting it done, improving by 6 seconds over the weekend. At this age, the experience is the reward, and Blake’s positive energy on the course is a reminder of why we all started skiing in the first place.
KSEF Girls: Wisdom and Speed
Tennessee Kurth | Far West Standings: 10th (38 points)
Saturday: 22nd place | Sunday: 9th place (1:03.03)
Talk about a Sunday surge! Tennessee rocketed from 22nd to 9th, dropping over 5 seconds. That aggressive, controlled style reflects her focus. She’s officially cracked the Top 10 in Far West standings, one to watch as the season progresses.
Shaked Spiegelman | Far West Standings: 20th (27 points)
Saturday: 24th place | Sunday: 13th place (1:04.27)
Shaked made major moves, jumping 11 spots on Sunday. To drop 5 seconds on a course this firm shows elite, mountain-ready focus. Great work claiming those 20 points on Sunday.
Elise Abrahamovich
Elise cut 4 seconds off her time and climbed 5 places on day two. She’s applying the lessons in real-time—a smooth, consistent approach that is going to pay off big as she continues to develop.
Adi Spiegelman
At just 7 years old (born 2019!), Adi is one of the youngest chargers in the field. To see her improve by 3 seconds and move up 6 places against older, more experienced racers is inspiring. She’s got heart, and her future on the mountain is incredibly bright.
Blue Sitton
Blue brought the energy, jumping 6 positions and dropping 2.5 seconds. That commitment to getting better with every single run is the mindset that leads to long-term success. Way to go, Blue!
Sienna Drew
Sienna put down solid tracks on Saturday, finishing 42nd in a massive field of over 70 racers. Her technical foundation is coming along beautifully.
Olivia Hodgkins
Olivia joined the hunt on Sunday and completed both runs with grit. Getting through a full GS course in these conditions is an accomplishment, and Olivia showed the kind of perseverance that defines a KSEF athlete.
Sena Fair
Sena was attacking. Her 39.23 first run on Saturday showed raw potential. Sometimes the mountain teaches a lesson through a DQ, but those are the moments that build a racer. Dust it off, Sena; the speed is there.
Looking Over the Horizon: The Far West season is just getting started, and Kirkwood is making its presence known. With Nolan in 4th, Lachlan in 5th, Tennessee in 10th, and Shaked in 20th, the #StokeLevelRising for the next event is off the charts.
To every athlete: be proud of the grit shown. Every gate passed, and every firm turn held is building a love for this sport that will last a lifetime.
See you at the next race. Go KSEF!
Stay’nThirsty for POW
Coop
