We will now spotlight senior Lily Boulanger of Mtn. Valley. She was the 2026 Class B giant slalom state champion and the slalom state
champion. We asked her about her season and her start gate thoughts.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
During training I started to focus on finding speed in the course instead of technique like I had been for most of the season, and keeping myself positive under less ideal circumstances.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
The pressure was the most difficult to deal with because unlike most sports, your season comes to a point where all that stands out is a 50 second course, so I really focused on keeping a healthy mindset throughout the meet.
3) What was going through your mind at the start?
The start gate is usually where I pull myself together and go through my routines, so I mostly just tried to keep my confidence up and focused on skiing consistently and aggressively.
4) What do you contribute your success to?
I contribute much of my success to both of my parents, who have always made it possible for me to race at my highest potential by always tuning my skis, paying for races, and making themselves available to my racing schedule. Another part which helped me succeed was my consistency in the gym which had started long before dryland season, and was mainly fueled by my goal to win another state championship before I graduated.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
My plans for next year are to attend Saint Joseph's College of Maine and ski race at a collegiate level there. I'm unsure of my goals now, but am excited to see where I stand in those races!
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
I surprised myself by placing consistently because going into the first race of the year, I was super nervous about whether I would have a good season or not. Placing well there helped reassure all the effort I had been putting in already, giving me the confidence I needed to be successful.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
We only have two girls on our ski team, but always cheering for each other during our runs stood out to me!
8) What do you like most about Alpine Skiing?
I love the friendships and opportunities ski racing has given me!
