Joonas Rasanen is in his second season as the alpine head coach of the University of Denver ski team and looks to continue to build on the Pioneers' success from his first campaign at the helm in winter 2022.
 
Hired in June 2021 along with Nordic head coach Rogan Brown, Rasanen helped four student-athletes to All-American honors and Katie Hensien win the individual national championship in women's slalom last season.
 
Along with associate alpine head coach MR Hostetter, Rasanen is set to guide 13 alpine student-athletes this winter, including returning All-Americans Simon Fournier and Galena Wardle. Denver added six skiers this year with Jack Bowers, Thomas Hoffman, Adrian Hunshammer, Mia Hunt, Sara Rask and Josephine Trueblood making up its freshmen class.
 
DU placed third as a team at the NCAA Championships in 2022 and looks to keep climbing the podium this winter as it goes for the program's 25th national title.
 
Rasanen recently spoke to DenverPioneers.com to preview DU's alpine season.
 
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
 
"I am looking forward to seeing the program that we're building take the next step forward. We have a great group of student-athletes, and they're eager to compete for the national championship."
  
What stands out to you about your six-member freshmen class?
 
"We are very excited about our freshmen class, as it's the first big class that we've brought in since starting at DU. It's been fun to see the development of our younger student-athletes paired up with our more experienced one. Each person brings something different and unique to the table, which has created a very positive and competitive team culture."
 
What were some things that you learned during your first year as the Alpine Head Coach?
 
"I learned a lot, and a big thing was that not every day is going to be perfect. There are going to be hard days for some and great days for others, but at the end of the day, we're pretty lucky to be able to do what we love."
 
How has the culture of the alpine and ski team as a whole changed since you and Nordic Head Coach Rogan Brown took over?
 
"The ski team has always been like family, but we as a coaching staff are trying to bring them even closer to the entire Pioneer family and surrounding community. We want DU skiing to be remembered far and wide across the world. We don't only want to be known for winning, but we want to be known for our character and how we are as people."
 
How does adding a World Cup-experienced skier in Sara Rask help elevate the entire alpine squad?
 
"Her experience elevates the entire alpine squad daily on and off the slopes. She brings a new style and intensity to training, but most of all she's having fun & enjoying the process. Her positive mental state is seen throughout the team and circuit, which has inspired others to have fun and enjoy the process as well. The more enjoy it, the better you'll do."
 
What are some benefits that Denver has skiing in Colorado versus other teams in the west and east?
 
"We have a very long season on snow from Oct. 23 through June 10. The quarter system allows us to have a longer training block at the end of November and early December to prepare for the season ahead. We also have access to many different ski resorts in Colorado and a stellar training venue at Loveland Ski Area."
 
How big is it for the team to have Simon Fournier back for a fifth season and what can we expect from him this year?
 
"Simon brings a lot of leadership to this team and has truly seen it all from a ski racing perspective. It's been fun to cheer him on from afar. We're hoping he'll be able to bring this experience and compete for an individual national championship at NCAA Championships in March."
 
How do you use a variety of dry land training late in the summer and fall to prepare the skiers when they get back on snow again?
 
"We never stop dry land training. We try to maintain our strength throughout the season, but we like to mix it up with ice hockey, hiking, biking, floor ball, weightlifting, and we recently added an in-house Zumba instructor, which keeps our rhythm going."
 
What can we expect with the Denver Invitational at Loveland Ski Area on Feb. 11-12? 
 
"We want all of the cowbells and cheers up at Loveland for the Feb. 11-12 races. Our student-athletes know the hill like the back of their hand, and I'm sure that they'll put on a show for the Pioneer faithful."

 
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