The U16 Alpine Team lit up Howelsen Hill with a weekend of fast-paced slalom action, hosting a thrilling night race on January 30 followed by a daytime showdown on Janauary 31 during the Sync Cup Slalom races in Steamboat. With crisp winter conditions and a lively home crowd, it was the perfect setting for two days of high-energy competition.
Racing under the lights is always a special experience, and our athletes rose to the occasion. U14 racers also stepped up to join the U16 field, gaining valuable experience and pushing their development against strong competition. As always, Howelsen delivered its signature challenge. Far from a “feel-good” hill, it demands grit, resilience, and the determination to charge all the way to the finish—no matter what the course throws your way.
The team answered that challenge with impressive results.
In the men’s night race, Owen Applequist led the charge with a decisive win, while Reed Pope powered to an 8th-place finish. On the women’s side, Brielle Walsh and Ella Orton skied strong, claiming 11th and 17th respectively.
Day two saw even more momentum build. The women brought confidence and tenacity to the course, landing three top-15 finishes: Chloe Kafka (8th), Miya Lippuner (9th), and Rylee Thomsen (11th). The men matched that energy, placing five in the top 15. Reed Pope returned to the podium hunt with a 5th-place finish, followed by Soren Shepherd (8th), Ryder Roth (11th), and Jonathan Nichols (12th).
From first runs to final gates, the weekend showcased the team’s depth, determination, and growing competitive edge. Hosting at home made it even more special, and the athletes made the most of every turn.
January 30, 2026
Women Night SL: 11th Brielle Walsh, 17th Ella Orton
Men Night SL: 1st Owen Applequist, 8th Reed Pope, 20th Thacher Starrett, 22nd Bretton Fleming, 24th Hold Birkett (U14), 26th Asher Nichols, 33rd William Volk.
January 31, 2026
Women SL: 8th Chloe Kafka, 9th Miya Lippuner, 11th Rylee Thomsen, 12th Brielle Walsh, 26th Ella Orton
Men SL: 5th Reed Pope, 8th Soren Shepherd, 11th Ryder Roth, 12th Jonathan Nichols, 14th Felix Hadley, 18th Thacher Starrett, 19th Bretton Fleming, 20th Hold Birkett (U14), 21st Christian Biglow, 22nd Asher Nichols, 27th William Volk.
Photos from Coach Ann West:
- Women’s Night SL EuropaCup Tier Podium: 1st Lia Dieterich (SUM), 2nd Brielle Walsh (SSWSC), 3rd Ella Otron (SSWSC)
- Men’s Night SL NorAm Cup Tier Podium: 1st Owen Applequist (SSWSC), 2nd Cole Peltz (BKH), 3rd Dylan Kawamura (SSCV)
- Women’s Day SL EuropaCup Tier Podium: 1st Chloe Kafka (SSWSC), 2nd Miya Lippuner (SSWSC), 3rd Alessandra Laura (SUM)
- Men’s Day SL EuropaCup Podium: 1st Roman Zadvornykh (SUM), 2nd Ryder Roth (SSWSC), 3rd Jonathan Nichols (SSWSC)
