Tech-tock, tech-tock: Women’s NorAm circuit races against the clock

From Dec. 14-17, the NorAm women’s tech races in Panorama, Canada, had spectators seeing double. The U.S. Ski Team’s Lila Lapanja dominated both days of slalom while Kristine Gjelsten Haugen of Norway – who skis for the University of Denver – won both giant slalom races.

Lapanja, who is coming back from injury, won the first day of slalom by a slim margin, a first for her career. Although she claimed the NorAm slalom title in 2014, she did so without notching a victory and relied on consistent podium finishes that season. Norway’s Haugen and Tuva Norbye (also of DU) took second and third – 0.19 and 0.91 seconds back – respectively. Team Panorama’s Amelia Smart, a U18 athlete, was the top junior in fourth, and she scored a career-best 15-point result for her efforts. 

“This was my first FIS win in over three years so I was excited to be reminded of what it feels like to be on the top step,” said Lapanja. “Winning is addicting. So is ski racing. I’m excited for more.”

In Tuesday’s slalom, Lapanja pushed herself to the top for her second victory in a row, beating U18 Canadian Ali Nullmeyer from GMVS, who was 0.42 seconds off of the win and won the second run.

“The snow held up really well, so that was really good especially second run,” Nullmeyer said. “I think second run I just kind of went for it more. … It wasn’t necessarily as clean, but I think some spots were faster which helped.”

Lapanja seconded Nullmeyer’s thoughts.

“The conditions on the slalom hill were incredible … the surface was like Jackson without the slick sections, and that’s as good as it gets for racing slalom,” she said. “I think Hayfever would make a great World Cup hill: rolls, terrain changes, steep pitch, false flats. There’s every component.”

Norwegian Julie Flo Mohagen of the University of Utah came in third, earning her first NorAm podium.

On Wednesday, the competition transitioned to giant slalom, an event Haugen has dominated on the collegiate circuit. Independent American skier Megan McJames came in second place, 1.29 seconds back, while young gun Smart finsihed third. 

Haugen snagged another blazing victory and 6-point result on day two of giant slalom.

“It was a huge confidence booster to win these two races!” Haugen exclaimed. “I felt good on the snow here and had fun, which worked well.”

She continued to say that the conditions for the race were superb.

“I would say it couldn’t have been better. The hill in itself was also perfect for me with tons of terrain.”

American Anna Marno earned the second place on the podium – 1.03 seconds off the Norwegian’s pace. Marno had a great week overall in Panorama, winning the super G and finishing in third in the alpine combined earlier in the week. Haugen’s fellow countrywoman and Utah Ute Chloe Margarethe Fausa skied into third place in the final GS, 1.74 seconds off of the winner’s pace.

Haugen assumes the lead in the overall NorAm hunt with 457 points to Lapanja’s 415. Lapanja controls the slalom standings, while Haugen holds top spot in the GS standings.

The women’s NorAm circuit now goes on brief hiatus, reconvening in February at Mont Garceau, Canada, for two giant slalom races.

For full results from Panorama, click here.