March 08, 2011 (Stowe, VT) – The clock is ticking to the start of the NCAA Skiing Championships 2011, hosted by the University of Vermont, in the snow drenched resort community of Stowe. On Tuesday the alpine and Nordic athletes took their final licks on both courses against a backdrop of a massive amount of new snow and an azure sky.

The Nordic events will be held at the world-famous Trapp Family Lodge, while the alpine events will be contested at the Stowe Mountain Resort – action will take place from March 9-12.

The top collegiate ski teams in the United States will vie for the overall titles starting Wednesday with the men’s 10km and the women’s 5km free technique event at Trapp.

One big questions will be can host UVM – who has enjoyed a strong season – overtake the winner of the last three overall crowns, Denver University. As always Colorado, is expected to be strong. In total 148 athletes for the alpine and Nordic competitions are here in Stowe.

Among other favourites on hand are UNM, Utah and 2007 winner, Dartmouth College, from nearby Hanover, NH.

Host UVM Nordic coach, former US Olympian Pat Weaver, told the Stowe Reporter, “I think we’re on par with the top guys and girls (teams) out West.”

The NCAA will feature a first-time-ever live web cast of the event, hosted by this reporter, to be found HERE.