BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — The volunteer slippers were out in full force during the final race day of the Marriott USSA Junior Championships in Beaver Creek. After a storm dropped almost half a foot of snow on the course, racers had to develop new tactics for the slalom race.

The boys from Aspen couldn’t quite hold on to their lead after an amazing first run. The girls from the U.S. Team Academy raced incredibly well despite the slow conditions, while the Ski&Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) ladies once again proved they could race well in every event.

Storm Klomhaus is no stranger to the podium. Klomhaus had a fantastic day racing slalom and won the event by just under a second. Megan McGrew, also from the U.S. Team Academy followed behind Klomhaus in second place. In third was Rosie Hust from Buck Hill, followed by Clara Hathorne from Winter Park in fourth. Abigail Murer from SSCV finished fifth.

On the men’s side, run two made the difference for many racers. Louis Nguyen from Buck Hill snuck in for the win after placing third earlier in the week. Zack Monsen from Steamboat Springs came away with a nice second place finish after a great second run, while Adam Freeman of Winter Park skied to a solid third place. In fourth was SSCV’s Quintin Cook with his best performance of the event. Paul Cuthbertson, also from SSCV, had an incredible second run where he also placed fourth.

Thus concludes the Junior Championships at Beaver Creek. It was a week full of great racing and varied weather for the young racers. As some of these athletes will take the big step into the U18 class next season, be sure to watch them as they race at a higher level of competition.

Story courtesy of Michael Suleiman/SSCV
Photos by Ted Vickerman