Cooper Puckett, Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic: Photo Credit Chuck Coffey
The spirit of the holidays, and European tradition,high-level racing is returning to Steamboat Springs for the 21st annual Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic. And the best part is there is up to $34,000 in prize money up for grabs.
Holiday Classic History
In 2001, Chris Puckett and David Baldinger Jr. were sitting in the yard discussing how they could turn an annual FIS race into a big deal. Puckett had just retired from the U.S. Ski Team and agreed to coach with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC). He envisioned a race like those he experienced in the small villages of Europe that resembled downtown Steamboat, serving hot spiced wine as the entire town came out to spectate and giving out great prizes to the athletes. He pitched his idea to bring the Holiday Classic to Steamboat, and the U.S. Ski Team approved offering prize money.
When the Holiday Classic previewed in 2001, no one came to the race except Puckett and his local friends. They offered their own money, giving up $250 to the winners, and hoped NCAA racers would come to win it all since at the time they weren’t allowed to take the money.
After a one-year break from offering prize money in 2003, the prize money has been a staple ever since.
“We’ve been slowly building up to this level,” said Puckett. “I think we gave away $20,000 total a couple of years ago, and now we got the U.S. Ski Team to raise their allowable prize money so we could give out more.”
At first, Puckett had some pushback to raising the level of prize money. However, he argued that because of inflation over the past twenty years, that should allow them to give out more money. His argument worked, and now they can award $34,000 across all the races.
Becoming a Classic
What embodies the Holiday Classic is the traditions put together and carried forward year after year. During the first four to five years, arguments were made to move the race to Vail. Some said the slalom venue at Howelsen Hill was too difficult for one of the first races of the year.
“Our case was we don’t want to move a classic race,” said Puckett. “Classics should stay where they are. And yes, just because we called it, a classic meant it was a classic.”
From then on, Puckett and Baldinger worked to put together a tradition to bring out the masses. They even added a Champions Dinner for previous winners. The dinner attracts alums to share stories, reminisce, and rejoice with their ski-racing family.
“It’s a great time for the athletes to feel respected, appreciated, and celebrated,” said Puckett. “Racers give a lot of effort, and most clubs don’t make it special. Every club should host one race that feels special to the athletes, so kids feel appreciated everywhere they go.”
The Iconic Night Slalom
For the last few years, the race has only included two slaloms. This year, two additional GS races will be held for a total of four races. But the center stage for the Holiday Classic is the night slalom.
“We have 600-800 people watching under the lights, with great announcers and serving Glühwein to those of age,” said Puckett. “It’s the best racing you’ll ever see on that hill.”
Described as a party that attracts the entire town, the night slalom plays tribute to Steamboat’s western heritage that even features a leader’s chair in the form of a saddle.
“We would love for all the national college teams to know we are giving away prize money,” said Puckett. “The better racing we get, the more influence we have on the kids who might want to race the Classic one day.”
In Tribute to Murphy Roberts
The Holiday Classic has been synonymous with Christmas to the Roberts family. The long-time local Steamboat family had three kids that were a part of SSWSC. Their kids spent every year going to watch the race under the lights, dreaming about racing it one day. Finally, when the kids were old enough to race, the Roberts family traveled back to Steamboat to partake together.
When Murphy Roberts unexpectedly died at 22, Puckett and SSWCS renamed the race to honor him.
“Murphy just loved watching the race when he was little and racing it when he skied for Middlebury,” said Puckett. “When he died, his parents asked if we would consider naming it after him, and I said absolutely.”
The Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic Scholarship was added to the prize money, awarding the athletes who best demonstrate a passion for ski racing while providing a level of enthusiasm, fun, and support in the true spirit of Murphy Roberts. The application is open to any competitor living in Colorado, and the winner receives $1,000 for their skiing and academic pursuits. The Roberts family gives out the scholarship during the night slalom awards ceremony.
“Murphy spent countless hours on the face of Howelsen growing up; it was one of his favorite places to be,” shared Cassady Roberts, Murphy’s older sister. “Through the heartbreak of losing Murphy, we find so much joy celebrating his memory every year and watching some great ski racing.”
2022 Prize Money and Schedule
The Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic takes place in Steamboat Springs December 19-22 this year. First off, two GS races down All Out at Steamboat Ski Resort. The iconic night slalom will take place on the 21st, followed by a final slalom on the morning of the 22nd at Howelsen Hill.
The prize money allocation for each race, men’s and women’s, over four total races are as follows:
- 1st place: $2,000
- 2nd place: $750
- 3rd place: $500
- 4th place: $300
- 5th place: $200
- Top U18: $250
Based on World Cup points, the overall men’s and women’s series winner will receive an additional $1,000.
About the Author: Karina Schwartznau
