Perotti hits slopes at national competition

NORTH CANAAN — Ali Perotti is a talented and serious athlete. It is evident watching the 13-year-old on any playing court or field. She is probably the only one surprised that, with just one season under her belt, she has risen to the top of slope skiing.

A win at the Catskill Regionals sends her to compete in the USA Snowboarding Association Nationals at Copper Mountain in Colorado April 4 though 9. Events will include both skiing and snowboarding.

For Ali, it was also a triumph over injury.

“I got really tired of wearing that stupid boot,� she said, recalling a frustrating period of inactivity. “I spent a year in it.�

A growth plate fracture in her foot led to arthritis, and finally, surgery last September.

“I got cleared the week before ski season started, so I decided that was going to be my big sport.�

The eighth-grader was a standout on the North Canaan Elementary School basketball team, but spent as much time as possible on the slopes of Catamount in New York.

She has been skiing since the age of 4. Her brother, Matthew, introduced her to slope skiing, which uses the same terrain park as snowboarding. Skiers do many of the same tricks on half pipes and rails as boarders.

“It looked like so much fun. But Matt said he didn’t want to be seen with me until I was better at it,� she said.

So, sibling rivalry as much as a competitive spirit was behind her success.

Perotti was coached by Chad Snyder. He, along with Matthew and her mom, Laurie Perotti, will fly to Colorado April 4.  

The NCES PTO is offering its support to Ali by sponsoring a pancake breakfast this Sunday, March 14, 7 to 11 a.m. at the school. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under eat for free.

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