Caleah Lutz-Sladdin SYNC Cup Photo: John Holmes

The SYNC Cup ski races opened the season with a burst of excitement at Aspen Highlands Goldenhorn/Thunderbowl arena. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Aspen Highlands, this arena provided a perfect finish area for spectators to witness the thrill of the competition. SYNC Cup, primarily designed for U16 athletes but sometimes open to the FIS age athletes, is not just a race series; it’s a stage where young talents shine and friendships are forged.

The SYNC Cup ski races launched the season with exhilarating action at Aspen Highlands Goldenhorn/Thunderbowl arena. U16 athletes, while transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood, took center stage to showcase their evolving skills. SYNC Cup, a pivotal divisional platform, played host to a dynamic mix of ski clubs, including Aspen Valley Ski Club, Eldora Mountain Ski Club, Loveland Ski Club, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Team Summit, Team Breck, Powderhorn Race Club, Winter Park Alpine Team, and Telluride Ski & Snowboard Club. Notably, when possible, the SYNC Cup extends a warm welcome to out-of-division teams, broadening the competition and camaraderie on the slopes. These ski clubs contributed to the vibrant and competitive SYNC Cup experience, setting the tone for an exciting race season.

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The races, held on December 16th, featured two women’s GS races, followed by two men’s races the next day, all taking place at the base of the Aspen Highlands. This strategic single-gender scheduling minimized travel and lift ticket expenses for the event’s dedicated families.

WPK Slaloms

Transitioning to Winter Park, Colorado, the SYNC Cup series continued its journey on the Larry Sale race venue. On December 19th, two men’s SL races unfolded, followed by two women’s SL races on December 20th. The easily viewed race arena provided a thrilling yet easily accessible venue, finishing at the base area. When the race is on Lower Hughes, the Balcony House at the base offers a cozy spot for parents and athletes to watch and capture the race on video.

As the SYNC Cup series unfolded, athletes from Aspen Valley Ski Club shared their experiences:

Athlete Perspectives:

Thomas Robinson:

Thomas shares his love for the sport, saying, “My favorite part of ski racing is the feeling I get when I carve a turn and the feeling of pressuring my skis and bending them as I make a turn.” He appreciates SYNC Cup races for the camaraderie, stating, “Talking to people I know from other teams and cheering on my fellow athletes during the race” makes the experience enjoyable.

Reflecting on the challenges, Thomas notes, “The most challenging part of SYNC Cup races is the tiring conditions and length of courses.” However, he finds joy in the shared moments with teammates and other families, making SYNC Cups at his home venue even more special.

Devon Phillips:

Devon expresses gratitude for ski racing, saying, “I love skiing, and I think ski racing is a great way to turn that into a highly competitive sport.” For her, SYNC Cup races offer a chance to compete against athletes from other regional clubs, providing valuable insights before significant championships.

Balancing school and racing is challenging, but Devon acknowledges the lessons learned in time management. With their inclusive atmosphere, SYNC Cups allow her to spend quality time with teammates and friends from other teams.

Kaitlin Zatorski:

Kaitlin cherishes the feeling after a good run, stating, “Putting in the hard work and then having it pay off is amazing.” According to her, the SYNC Cup series extends the sense of team beyond club boundaries, creating a supportive environment.

For Kaitlin, SYNC Cup racing is challenging due to the incredible competition. Yet, she sees it as motivation for improvement. Familiarity with the home venue adds comfort, making her more confident on the slopes.

Matthew McDermontt:

Matthew emphasizes the joy of arcing a ski, stating, “The feeling of arcing a ski is one of the best feelings in the world and one of the reasons I race.” SYNC Cup series, with its competitiveness, allows him to see personal progress in the rankings.

He acknowledges the challenging yet rewarding aspect of SYNC Cups, saying, “The fight can be hard.” Spending the day with teammates doing what he loves adds to the positive experience.

The SYNC Cup ski races provide a platform for intense competition while fostering community among athletes and families, making it a cherished event in the Colorado ski racing calendar. As the series continues, the SYNC Cup promises more thrills, challenges, and moments of community on the slopes.