When it comes to NCAA skiing, there’s CU, there’s DU… and there’s everybody else.
This past weekend the Pioneers hit the slopes at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, N.H. looking to repeat as NCAA champions. The Buffaloes, who finished second to Denver last year, raced for their fourth title in seven years (CU had won every odd-numbered year since 2011).
And while neither team brought home the championship this year – that went to Utah, with the Buffs finishing second and the Pioneers third – both squads are still head and shoulders above the rest of college skiing.
Just how dominant are these two powerhouses of the alpine and Nordic events?
Together they combine for an astounding 43 team national championships and 19 runners-up since the NCAA began awarding titles in 1954. Colorado or Denver won or shared of all but four of the (men’s team only) national titles from 1954 until 1982.
Their dominance has continued into the co-ed era. The Pios and Buffs had traded titles each of the past four years, while Denver claims nine championships since 2000.
In the race to 25 team titles, Denver holds a 23-20 advantage. Where the rest of the NCAA stacks up isn’t even close.
NCAA SKIING NATIONAL CHAMIPONSHIPS
Denver: 23
Colorado: 20
Utah: 11
Vermont: 6
All other NCAA schools combined: 6
Featured Image Credit: Colorado Skiing, Twitter
