Colorado Nordic Team Lands Elite Talent with Arrival of Johnson Twins
BOULDER - The Colorado Buffaloes just made a major addition to their women’s Nordic ski team, securing a dynamic duo for the 2026-27 season. Britta and Niki Johnson, standout twins from Tahoe City, California, are headed to Boulder-and they’re bringing serious credentials with them.
The Johnson sisters have been rising through the ranks of American junior Nordic skiing in lockstep, training out of Tahoe Endurance and competing at the highest levels of the junior circuit. Both are graduates of North Tahoe High School and have been part of the U.S. Ski Team’s National Training Group (NTG), a key development pipeline for elite-level talent.
While their resumes share plenty of overlap, each sister brings her own flavor to the snow-and both are poised to make an immediate impact in Colorado’s storied ski program.
Britta Johnson: A Relentless Competitor with a Flair for the Podium
Britta Johnson comes to Boulder with a resume that reads like a highlight reel. She capped her junior career with a bronze medal at the 2026 U.S.
Nationals and has racked up multiple podium finishes at Junior Nationals over the years. Her consistency at Super Qualifiers-where she’s notched wins and regular top-five finishes-shows a skier who’s not just talented, but dialed in year after year.
She also helped power her team to a silver medal in the relay at Junior Nationals, and on the international stage, Britta represented the U.S. at the 2026 Junior World Championships. During the 2024-25 season, she was named a Scando Cup Alternate, a nod to her place among the country’s elite junior skiers.
But Britta’s drive isn’t limited to the trails. She’s a Distinguished Scholar and NIAA Academic All-State honoree, balancing elite athletics with academic excellence.
And when she’s not racing or studying? She’s chasing adventure-downhill and backcountry skiing, climbing, river surfing, and yes, dominating in spikeball (she proudly claims she’s “cracked” at it).
Britta also shined on the cross country course, helping North Tahoe to four team state championships and collecting three individual state titles along the way. Her post-college goal?
“To keep skiing and go awesome places.” With her trajectory, that seems like a safe bet.
Niki Johnson: A Champion with Global Experience
Niki Johnson isn’t just Britta’s twin-she’s a force in her own right. A Junior National champion in 2024, Niki has been a fixture on the podium at Junior Nationals and Super Junior National Qualifiers.
She posted a top-10 finish at the 2026 U.S. Nationals, and like her sister, she gained valuable international experience as part of the Scando Cup team in 2024-25.
Niki’s development has mirrored Britta’s in many ways. She, too, was part of the NTG system, pairing elite-level racing with a strong academic record. She earned academic honors all four years of high school and was a major contributor to North Tahoe’s dominance in cross country running, helping the team to four state titles and finishing as individual runner-up three times.
Off the snow, Niki shares many of Britta’s passions-skiing, climbing, river surfing-but adds mountain biking to the mix. And here’s a fun fact: she lived in Austria for two years, adding a European chapter to her already rich skiing journey.
When asked about her future plans, Niki keeps it simple: “See where life takes me.” With her skill set and experience, the possibilities are wide open.
Why Colorado? A Natural Fit
For the Johnson twins, Colorado wasn’t just a choice-it felt like home. The combination of elite athletic facilities, an outdoorsy campus vibe, and a tight-knit ski team made Boulder the perfect landing spot.
“There are a bunch of different trails surrounding the campus, and many outdoor activities to choose from,” Britta said. “The ski team is amazing and I love the community that they have!”
Niki echoed the sentiment: “I chose Colorado because it has great athletic facilities, an amazing campus and a fun team!”
Both sisters have also stayed active in their community, volunteering with the Humane Society of Tahoe Truckee and the Shane McConkey Foundation-further proof that their impact stretches beyond competition.
Looking Ahead
The Johnson twins are set to join the Buffs in Fall 2026 and will hit the collegiate circuit as freshmen in the 2027 ski season. With their blend of international experience, academic discipline, and competitive fire, they’re exactly the kind of athletes who can elevate a program-and maybe even redefine what’s possible on the trails.
Colorado just got faster. And a whole lot more fun.