Thrills Under the Lights: Day Three of the Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic at Howelsen Hill
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Racing under the festive glow of Howelsen Hill’s iconic lights, the Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic delivered another exhilarating evening of high-level competition on its third day. The annual event, a beloved holiday tradition, brought together the spirit of ski racing and the festive cheer of the season, as athletes competed against the backdrop of a cheering crowd and holiday revelry.
The evening began in unforgettable fashion, with Santa and his elf carving their way down the course to kick off the night’s festivities. The event drew 121 men and 85 women, all vying for a chance to compete in the celebrated night slalom—a race steeped in tradition and excitement.
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Victory on the Slopes
In the women’s competition, Mia Hunt of the University of Denver claimed the top spot, showcasing precision and speed. Hot on her heels was Tatum Grosdidier, a U.S. Ski Team athlete, University of Utah racer, and Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) alumna. Louison Accambray of the University of Colorado rounded out the podium in third.
On the men’s side, defending champion Camden Palmquist of the U.S. Ski Team retained his title with an impressive performance. Filip Wahlqvist and Justin Bigatel, both representing the University of Colorado, secured second and third place, respectively.
Fostering the Next Generation
The competition wasn’t just about elite athletes; it also celebrated the emerging talents in ski racing. Junior and U18 divisions provided a platform for young racers to shine. Among the highlights were standout performances from Stanley Buzek (U.S. Ski Team), Tatum Grosdidier (Junior Women), and Maizy Douglas (U18 Women).
Honoring Murphy Roberts’ Legacy
True to the spirit of the Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic, the event was about more than just competition. Cassidy Roberts presented two $1,000 scholarships in memory of her brother, Murphy Roberts, to Owen Wither of SSWSC and Carson Hume of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. This heartfelt gesture underscored the event’s mission to foster a deep love for the sport and support young athletes in their journeys.
What’s Next?
The excitement continues with one more day of slalom racing at Howelsen Hill. Women will race in the morning, followed by the men in the afternoon. Fans can tune in to watch the action unfold via the live stream at www.sswsc.org.
Prize Money Breakdown for the 2024 Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic
The 2024 Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic offers an impressive $40,000 prize pool, rewarding top performances across all races. Here’s how the prize money is distributed:
GS1, GS2, and SL2 Races
Each of these races features a total purse of $4,500:
- 1st Place Overall: $2,000
- 2nd Place Overall: $1,000
- 3rd Place Overall: $500
- 1st Place Junior (U21 & Younger): $400
- 2nd Place Junior: $250
- 3rd Place Junior: $150
- 1st Place U18: $200
Enhanced Slalom Night Race Purse
The highlight event, the night slalom, boasts an elevated total purse of $5,500 per race:
- 1st Place Overall: $2,500
- 2nd Place Overall: $1,150
- 3rd Place Overall: $600
- 1st Place Junior: $500
- 2nd Place Junior: $300
- 3rd Place Junior: $200
- 1st Place U18: $250
This generous prize structure reflects the event’s commitment to supporting athletes at all levels, from elite competitors to rising stars in the junior and U18 categories.
Day Three Results: Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic Night Slalom
Women
1st: Mia Hunt (University of Denver)
2nd: Tatum Grosdidier (U.S. Ski Team, University of Utah, SSWSC alumna)
3rd: Louison Accambray (University of Colorado)
Junior Women
1st: Tatum Grosdidier (U.S. Ski Team, University of Utah, SSWSC alumna)
2nd: Mikayla Smyth (New Zealand)
3rd: Phoebe Heaydon (APEX)
U18 Women
1st: Maizy Douglas (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)
2nd: Vivian Turner (Rowmark Academy)
3rd: MacKenzie Cross (Team Summit)
Men
1st: Camden Palmquist (U.S. Ski Team)
2nd: Filip Wahlqvist (University of Colorado)
3rd: Justin Bigatel (University of Colorado)
Junior Men
1st: Stanley Buzek (U.S. Ski Team)
2nd: Jeremy Nolting (SSWSC)
3rd: Aksel Lindenmeyr (APEX)
U18 Men
1st: Fletcher Hutto (Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club)
2nd: William Erickson (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)
3rd: Enzo Napoli (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)
The Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic continues to embody the passion, camaraderie, and competitive spirit of ski racing. With its unique blend of community support and world-class competition, it’s a holiday tradition that celebrates the joy of the sport while nurturing its future stars.
About the Author: SR Staff Report
