Access, Adventure, Achievement
Celebrating the expansion of the Westminster University Mountain Sports program
In Fall 2024, Westminster launched a freeski team as part of the expansion of the Mountain Sports program. This new team builds on the already successful National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) D2 Alpine Ski team and United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) Snowboard team. Soon, more varsity mountain sports will join the program, with climbing and mountain biking teams launching in Fall 2025.
The impact of Westminster University Mountain Sports extends far beyond the mountains themselves. Along with training at facilities and locations along the Wasatch Front, students can access scholarships, sports-psychology sessions, and academic support. The program instills important values such as teamwork, perseverance, and environmental stewardship. The lessons learned on the trails and cliffs translate into valuable skills that have served students well in their careers and personal endeavors.
Honors student and freeskier Bram Hikmate (’26) has eagerly awaited the expansion of the Mountain Sports program. We talked to Bram to learn more about what the expansion means for students.
What does Westminster's new freeski program mean to you as a student?
For a lot of young freeski athletes like myself, there comes a certain point where we realize that if we want to “go pro” in skiing or compete at the international level, college has to take a back seat. Unfortunately, that is just the way our sport is set up. In racing there’s NCAA-level skiing and a path beyond college, but for freeskiers, that isn’t something that has ever been an option. Simply put, you have to give up your pro dreams and attend college or put a tremendous amount of work and money into continuing your ski career and hoping to make it to that next level. In my family, there was never a question as to which of these options would be taken. College is the path we work towards, and I wasn’t upset about moving out to Salt Lake City and continuing my skiing. I was only disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to participate in an organized team environment anymore. In my second year at Westminster University, several amazing people came forward and recognized both the wants and needs of many students on campus to participate in organized freeskiing, and it was through the work of those amazing individuals that the Westminster freeski program was born. When I realized that this was actually happening, that my friends and I were going to be able to train, travel, and experience success together, I was overjoyed to say the least. Skiing in college has always been one of my dreams, and I couldn’t really believe that I would finally be able to experience what many of my friends in alpine racing were able to experience at their universities. To me, Westminster starting a freeski team shows me that I attend a university that not only cares about my classmates and myself but is willing to take the time to listen and make opportunities like this happen for its students. I am beyond excited to be able to represent my university on the national collegiate stage and hopefully make those individuals who worked so hard to make this happen proud of their students (even though I know they are always proud to call us Westminster students).
Why did you choose Westminster University?
I chose Westminster because of the unique academic offerings it provides me with, like the small class sizes, the personal connections with professors, and the Honors College. Now, I would absolutely be lying if I didn’t admit that I also came to Westminster because of its proximity to world-class ski resorts and outdoor opportunities. But I am also someone who has struggled with my learning in the past, so Westminster fit my academic needs far better than other options in the Salt Lake Valley. Another reason is because of Westminster’s history with the U.S. ski team and its commitment to student-athletes. Although when I applied there was no freeski team, I could still see how the school supported those who competed under the name of Westminster, and I hoped that I would be able to participate at some point.
What do you enjoy about the academic experience and student experience?
The thing I enjoy most around my academic experience at Westminster is the connections I have created with faculty members. I know I would never have been able to make the type of connections I have made at Westminster at a larger university, and it is crucial to my learning to know that if I am struggling with anything, most professors will get back to me in a quick and personal manner. At any point of the day or night, my professors are available to help me in any way they can. As for the student experience, being in a space with so many people who want to do the things I want to do made settling in so much easier. I’m from New Hampshire, pretty far away from Salt Lake City all things considered, but at Westminster, we have students from all over the country who want to experience the outdoors, gain a valuable education, and enjoy themselves.
About the Westminster Review
The Westminster Review is Westminster University’s bi-annual alumni magazine that is distributed to alumni and community members. Each issue aims to keep alumni updated on campus current events and highlights the accomplishments of current students, professors, and Westminster alum.
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