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1. Mt. Blue Nordic: Although one of the biggest dynasties in modern Maine high school sports has suffered some graduation hits, expect the Cougars to challenge for a fifth consecutive Class A state title. Senior Elizabeth Strickland is a podium threat in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference and statewide, and won the individual Waterville Sprint Festival title Dec. 14. Junior Abby Dorr is another top skier, the No. 3 returner statewide in Class A. She competed with senior Molly Patterson in the Sprint Festival team sprint, finishing fourth as a duo. Juliette Poussier, another senior, should also rack up points.

2. Maranacook Alpine: After a promising 2025 season, the Black Bears welcome back the bulk of their skiers. Leading the pack is senior and 2025 Mountain Valley Conference Alpine Skier of the Year Phoebe Bell, the defending conference giant slalom champion and Class B slalom runner-up. Junior Emerson Dunlap isn’t far behind, ranked second among MVC returning skiers in both slalom and GS. Senior Hali Isaacson placed fourth in slalom and eighth in GS at MVCs last year, while junior Evelyn Stevenson and sophomore Lydia Stevenson should also be factors.

3. Maranacook Nordic: Maranacook is also primed for an exciting season on the Nordic track, where the Black Bears are the defending MVC champs. Junior Harper Olmstead, an All-MVC first-teamer in both freestyle and classical, is the conference’s No. 2 skier behind Orono phenom Clara White. Senior Anwen Kane is right behind Olmstead as the conference’s No. 3 returner and finished third with her at the Waterville Sprint Festival. Juniors Ella Giles, Kira Pelletier and Emily Saunders, and sophomore Ellida Martin also return.

4. Mt. Blue Alpine: Despite having no seniors, the Cougars should not be counted out. Junior Malina McKendry will be a podium threat in the KVAC and should also compete for top-10 spots in both slalom and giant slalom at states. Sophomore Scout Simpson is another potent skier for Mt. Blue, finishing 13th in the GS and 14th in slalom last year. Junior Izzy Hanson could be in the mix for top-15 KVAC finishes, while sophomore Lily Bachelder provides more depth.

5. Skowhegan Alpine: A young River Hawks team did well last winter, and that squad is still composed entirely of underclassmen. Eleanor Browne is Skowhegan’s top skier after placing 19th in giant slalom and 24th in slalom at KVACs last year. She’s part of a potent group of sophomores for the River Hawks, with Mae Dubois and Charlotte Libby. Add in juniors Sadie Ellis and Abby Voter, and you have a team with lots of potential this year and in seasons to come.

Also keep an eye on: Winthrop Nordic