THE SKI CHALLENGE is a recreational alpine ski racing league based at Buck Hill, welcoming racers of all ages and abilities. From first-time participants to seasoned USSA, high school, and collegiate racers, everyone can find their place on the slopes. Adults, kids, and families are all encouraged to join.

Our unique team format and scoring system foster camaraderie, friendly competition, and lasting connections among racers. Whether you’re racing for fun, improvement, or the thrill of competition, Ski Challenge offers an inclusive and exciting atmosphere for all skill levels.

The Ski Challenge: A Legacy of Fun and Competition

The Ski Challenge began in 1985 as a Twin Cities Metro Area recreational ski racing program founded by Patricia Lecy. Inspired by her enjoyment of NASTAR racing, Patricia wanted to create a fun, team-oriented event that brought people together on the slopes. She launched the first “Media Challenge,” inviting reporters, weather personalities, and media figures to race—encouraging positive engagement with winter activities and promoting outdoor fun during Minnesota’s long, cold winters.

The Media Challenge was such a hit that Patricia expanded it to the general public, creating the Twin Cities Ski Challenge. Starting with just four teams and around 35 participants, the program soon grew. Eventually, Buck Hill, Afton Alps, Hyland Hills, Trollhaugen, and Welch Village hosted leagues, and the Challenge continued to expand.

In 1988, Patricia and her business partner split the program. Patricia kept leagues at Buck Hill and Hyland Hills, added Powder Ridge, and rebranded it as The Ski Challenge. Wild Mountain was later added as a race venue. After 12 years, the program grew to nearly 1,200 registered racers, with 12 leagues across four ski areas and 112 teams in total.

In 1997, Dave and Barb Everson purchased The Ski Challenge from Patricia and Roger Lecy, who retired to Tucson. Patricia Lecy passed away in 2006, but her legacy continues.

Buck Hill remains the largest hub for Ski Challenge leagues. Before 2000, leagues were limited to 10 teams due to facility and timing constraints. The opening of Buckstone Lodge and upgraded timing systems allowed up to 16 teams per league, accommodating as many as 160 racers per league.

Today, Ski Challenge is one of the nation’s premier team-oriented recreational race leagues, welcoming adults, kids, and families of all abilities. Consistently ranked as NASTAR’s #1 race club, it hosts nearly 4,000 racer starts each season, with close to 100 regular-season teams at Buck Hill. Its size, longevity, and dedication to members reflect the excitement, competition, and high-quality racing experience that has made Ski Challenge a cornerstone of the Twin Cities skiing community.