When winter dawns for many Island kids, it means the start of a new sports season: ski racing. For many who are members of local ski teams, the falling snow means it’s time to strap on skis and hit the mountain. Several Mercer Island middle school and elementary school students are finding their passion on the ski hill.

Several Island skiers, who are members of Team Alpental Snoqualmie, recently had a strong showing at the Apple Invitational at Mission Ridge in Wenatchee.

Skiers ages 7 to 14 compete in the giant slalom over two days at the event, with awards given based on times and age groups. Like most other skiing competitions, placement is based on two runs a race, with combined times each day.

Islander Middle School seventh-grader Madeline Zeldes won the overall event in her age group after posting the best time in all four races.

Max Paek, a sixth-grader at IMS, finished fifth in his age group, while his younger brother, Xander, in first grade at West Mercer, finished first in his age group. Other Island students who competed in the event included: Matthew Mcburney, Hunter Peshkin and Erik Raisys.

“A lot of kids are into ski racing,” said Madeline’s dad, Darrell Zeldes. “There are one or two teams at each ski area, typically. They train and practice together.” He said basically the idea for kids who enjoy the sport is to engage them early to ensure there is another generation of ski racers in the future. For many of them, a dream is to one day earn a spot on the U.S. ski team.

Most of the kids on ski teams who race competitively train on the weekends and at least one day a week after school. Zeldes said they head to Alpental for practice after school on Wednesdays.

Because the Apple Invite was the first big race of the year, both the Paek brothers and Zeldes said they were a little nervous, but excited before the race.

“It was rocky and a little icy,” said Max Paek of Mission Ridge, who said his favorite place to ski is Whistler.

For these three, skiing is a lifelong passion despite their young ages. Zeldes started racing when she was seven, but put on her first skis when she was two. Max Paek said he started racing just four seasons ago, but has been skiing for basically his whole life.

A lot of times Max Paek said he’s surprised at how many kids at IMS are on teams in the area. Unlike other sports, played locally, ski team members can’t practice at home, meaning not as many other kids see them competing. Despite that, Zeldes said it’s still exciting.

“There are so many things,” she said of why she loves the sport. “It’s an individual sport, so it’s you against the clock. And I have great friends on the team.”

When they aren’t hitting the slopes, racing down a mountain, like most other active kids their age, they like playing outdoor sports. Zeldes said she is also a gymnast and loves being outside, whether it’s skiing or hiking or something else new to try.

“I just got into it, but I really like skateboarding,” said Max Paek, who said he and his brother play tennis in the summer, too.

Even though their season just started, all three said they are looking forward to the championship races, when the top seven boys and girls in each age group race against each other. The three-day event will be held at Stevens this year in March.

“These kids work out so hard,” said Darrell Zeldes. “You don’t always see it.”