Prescott senior Emelia Berg has become one of the area’s best skiers, placing top five of over 100 competitors in the slalom race and 20th out of over 120 in the giant slalom race at the Wisconsin High School Ski & Snowboard Championships in February in La Crosse. This journey was not one that started recently, though, as Berg’s skiing journey started at age 4.

After Berg’s mother had surgery, her father was tasked with taking Berg out to stay active during the winter.

“My dad was like, ‘I don’t want to climb through germ-infested holes at a bouncy house or indoor playground,’” Berg said. “They took me skiing, and I just fell in love with it. I kept saying, ‘Can we go back, can we go back.’”

While skiing scratched the itch, it did not take long for Berg to ask for more.

“As my dad states, when I was six, I told him, ‘Daddy, I’m old enough to race now,’” Berg said. “So, they put me onto the racing team, and it has just continued from there.”

The rest is history. Berg has raced non-stop for years, heading down to La Crosse on Wednesdays for races, joining the Northern Co-op team with girls from Eau Claire, Somerset, Hudson and Holmen, and joining Team Afton in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. I’m really proud of how much I’ve achieved, and I’m so grateful for the school, especially, for making this a possible opportunity,” Berg said.

Berg has dealt with rearranged school schedules for years. This year, Berg has faced the additional challenge of being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

“It’s been a challenge, but I’m glad to still be here, and I’m proud to say that’s not something that will ever hold anyone back,” Berg said.

After the brilliant showing at State, Berg booked a ticket to Nationals the week of March 15 in Colorado. Berg then hopes to continue racing collegiately and is searching for the perfect school with which to compete.

“We’re very proud of her,” Prescott Activities Director Matt Smith said. “It’s going to be fun to see how things go for her and she finishes out, and then that next phase in life with college.”

For Berg, racing has always been about keeping skiing fun. At first it was a new challenge, and the love of going fast has not dissipated.

“I don’t much love cross country [skiing]. I give credit to everyone who does, because that’s really strenuous,” Berg said. “I’ve loved going fast, and on skis, that’s something that I always could do.”

She said as long as skiing is fun, it will never feel like work getting to the top. Berg has become an inspiration to many, piecing together school and travel schedules to become and remain one of the area’s top skiers.

“Look for your passions,” Berg said. “Keep pushing yourself.”