The U16 Alpine team traveled to Aspen last week to compete in the annual Wilder Dwight Speed Series. While snow conditions forced the cancellation of the Downhill events, the team shifted their full focus to Super-G — and rose to the challenge. Despite variable weather, Aspen Valley Ski Club delivered excellent racing conditions, setting the stage for a competitive and memorable week.
The team showed strong cohesion throughout the series, supporting one another on and off the hill while gaining valuable lessons in grit, adaptability, and trust. Those efforts paid off in the results: the group combined for twelve top-20 finishes, with Soren Shepherd leading the way by earning podium finishes on both Super-G race days.
The women’s squad posted several solid performances, highlighted by Brielle Walsh’s 11th-place finish on the second day and consistent top-20 results across both races. On the men’s side, multiple athletes cracked the top 15, demonstrating depth and steady progress across the roster.
After the first day of racing, many athletes took on the challenge of hiking the iconic Highlands Bowl, earning fresh powder turns and sharing a well-deserved moment of fun and connection before returning to competition. Between strong results, shared challenges, and unforgettable experiences, Aspen delivered a trip that checked every box.
SG Race January 8, 2026
Women Results: 14th Ella Orton, 20th Miya Lippuner, 21st Brielle Walsh, 23rd Rylee Thomsen, 28th Chloe Kafka
Men Results: 3rd Soren Shepherd, 10th Ryder Roth, 17th Felix Hadley, 24th William Volk, 27th Luke Beauregard, 32nd Thacher Starrett
SG Race January 9, 2026
Women Results: 11th Brielle Walsh, 14th Rylee Thomsen, 16th Ella Orton, 24th Chloe Kafka
Men Results: 2nd Soren Shepherd, 12th Reed Pope, 13th Jonathan Nichols, 15th Ryder Roth, 24th Owen Applequist, 25th Felix Hadley, 30th Bretton Fleming, 33rd Luke Beauregard, 34th William Volk, 37th Thacher Starrett
Photos by Ann West
- Soren Shepherd taking home 2nd place in both the overall results, and within the World Cup tier.
- Part of the U16 Alpine team at the Summit of the Highlands Bowl
- Reed Pope taking home 3rd place in the Europa Cup Tier
