The Colby Nordic team, which gained varsity status in 1987, uses an individualized year-round training program that begins in May. The program has been successful, with Colby skiers greatly improving over their four years. Each skier’s program is designed around the individuals strengths and weaknesses as an athlete and is adjusted yearly.
Fall training consists of roller skiing, hill bounding, ski walking, running, specific strength, maximum strength, spenst/speed, and core strength training. Technique sessions with video are held frequently to sharpen skiers’ skills. A fall training weekend is held every year in a different New England location for high-quality, high-volume training. Over Thanksgiving break the team takes a training trip to Foret Montmorency, Quebec, Canada, for early-season skiing and racing in preparation for the collegiate racing season.
Back on campus the skiers are fortunate to experience Jan Plan, a four-week, one-class term in January, during which students take a single class, pursue independent study, or, once during their Colby careers, opt to take the term off. Jan Plan makes Colby an excellent choice for skiers interested in quality training in a highly academic environment. It also enables skiers to travel to U.S. Nationals during the early weeks of January.
The Mules have been fortunate to have plenty of groomed trails right down the road from the College and on the Colby campus. Colby does most of its skiing and holds carnivals at the Quarry Road Trails. The facility is one of the best in New England and is located less than a mile from campus. The Mules can also stay at Colby and ski on the Campbell Trails.
Colby also has other nearby venues at Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington, Black Mountain in Rumford, and Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. Carnival racing begins in January, with Eastern Cups and U.S. Nationals serving as warm-up races.
The team has been led by Head Coach Tracey Cote since 1997 while totaling 55 individual NCAA qualifications in that time. For the past five years the team has qualified at least three skiers for the NCAA Championships. Other notable achievements in the programs history include two-time All-American Zane Fields '19 and All-American Jenna DeSimone '97. Most recently in 2024, Jack Young '25 was named to the US Ski Team and competed in the World Cup circuit on top of Erin Bianco '22 representing the United States in World competition.
Updated as of July 21st, 2025
