Top of the podium! Michael Bane (senior, Los Alamos High School) beams after claiming gold in his final race weekend. Photo by Yoko Suzuki
Precision and power! Michael Bane attacks the slalom course with explosive energy and textbook form. Photo by Michelle Mosby
By KEVIN MERTES
Los Alamos Ski Racing Club
Under bluebird skies and with the snow crisp and fast at Taos Ski Valley, Los Alamos High School senior Michael Bane closed out his alpine racing career in spectacular fashion—earning double gold at the USSA Rocky Mountain Southern Series Championship.
Held March 22–23 and hosted by the Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST), the two-day showdown drew top youth ski racers from across the region, all vying for glory in Slalom and Giant Slalom (GS). The Los Alamos Ski Racing Club (LASRC), led by Head Coach Lisa Kimura and Coach Kevin Mertes, delivered a commanding performance, bringing home 3 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze—an unforgettable weekend for the team.
Day 1 – Slalom Sparks Fly (March 22)
In Saturday’s slalom event, Bane lit up the course, slicing through gates with speed and precision to seize 1st place in the U21 men’s division.
In U18, Hiro Mertes (sophomore, LAHS) turned in a brilliant run to claim 2nd, while Micah Brown (6th grade, St. Pius X School, Albuquerque) secured 7th in U14.
Among the U14 girls, Takara Mertes (6th grade, Mountain Elementary) battled tough conditions for 20th place.
TWST’s Emma Mosby (6th grade, Barranca Elementary) skied a strong, clean race to finish 9th in U12.
Day 2 – GS Glory (March 23)
Bane was far from finished. With grit and grace, he charged to gold once again in U21 GS, solidifying his place among LASRC’s all-time greats.
In U18, Hiro Mertes stood atop the podium with a 1st-place finish, Liam Brown (junior, St. Pius X) followed with 3rd, and Elliot Gaunt (sophomore, LAHS) finished a strong 4th, just shy of medaling.
Micah Brown notched 8th in U14 GS, while Takara Mertes jumped up the ranks to finish 15th in her division.
Mitchell Honig (3rd grade, Mountain Elementary) turned heads in U10 boys, racing to 7th place.
From TWST, Oliver Mosby (8th grade, Los Alamos) skied a clutch GS run for 3rd in U14 boys, and Emma Mosby improved her standing to 8th in U12 girls.
Rounding out the day, Team Angel Fire’s Logan Swickely (freshman, LAHS) earned a bronze in U16 men’s GS with a determined performance.
A Bittersweet Goodbye: Michael Bane’s Final Run
After years of dedicated training, thrilling finishes, and mentoring younger racers, Michael Bane ended his LASRC journey with nothing short of a storybook finish.
Known for his speed, focus, and humility, Bane has long been a role model for the younger athletes on the team. His presence both on and off the course left a lasting impression, and his absence will be deeply felt by teammates and coaches alike.
This summer, Bane will trade ski boots for flight boots as he begins a new chapter at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. With his blend of discipline, drive, and sharp instincts, he’s sure to excel in the skies just as he did on the slopes.
About LASRC
The Los Alamos Ski Racing Club (LASRC) is a volunteer-run, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing young alpine athletes from Los Alamos and surrounding communities. Training out of Pajarito Mountain, LASRC emphasizes competitive excellence, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Learn more at www.losalamosskiteam.com.