Five young Whitefish ski racers, ages 9-12, competed with 135 racers from Montana in the opening event of the season January 7-8th. The two day slalom race took place on the wind-chilled icy slopes of Bridger Bowl. Despite limited early season training in gates due to low snow, coaches’ Roy Loman and Zak Anderson had the athletes well prepared. The team’s dedication was evident throughout the weekend, as they gained valuable confidence and experience.
Strong performances by 9-year old Colter Upton, earned him a 1st place finish on Saturday and 2nd on Sunday, in his first year in the J5 division. Douglas Mercer, also 9, finished the weekend with two top ten finishes, 9th and 7th places. Rounding out the J5 boys group for Whitefish was newcomer William Lewison who gained valuable experience.
For the girls, J5 racer Stella Eddy had a strong finish Saturday in 6th place. Team leader Pixie Moore, 12, competed in the highly competitive J4 division, and had progressively stronger races as the weekend unfolded.
Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation would like to thank our major sponsors: Whitefish Mountain Resort, The Sportsman & Ski Haus, and North Valley Hospital. Anyone interested in the alpine race team please contact head coach Roy Loman at 802-236-1057.
