Young Skiers Shine in Alyeska, Alaska

Photos credits Bob Eastaugh

Information source Natalie Osborne

The successful 2024 U16 Western Region Alpine Championships in Alyeska, Alaska, showcased young skiers’ impressive talents. As Bob Eastaugh captured in photos and Natalie Osborne reported, two standout athletes have emerged as frontrunners, and Alaskan contenders have also made their presence known in the rankings.

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Slalom

The championship opened with the slalom event, drawing male and female U16 skiers to Alyeska Ski Resort. Taylor Moe from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, delivered a stellar performance, claiming the top spot in the slalom with a remarkable combined time of 1:39.00, edging out Caroline Ehrman by almost a full second.

Alyeska Ski Club’s Avery Reger showcased skill and determination, securing a commendable fifth place in the slalom, while Victoria Tostemar held her ground with a solid 12th place finish among the competitive field of over 80 skiers.

Giant Slalom

The excitement continued as Moe dominated the giant slalom event, securing victories in both tech events of the series. Alaska celebrated further success, with Ava Huey and Avery Reger securing spots in the top 15 rankings.

In the boys’ competition, Luca Peterson of Truckee, CA, made a statement by winning the slalom event by a staggering margin of almost 5 seconds, a significant feat in alpine ski racing. Peterson continued his winning streak with another triumph in the giant slalom, showcasing exceptional skill and speed.

Alaskan male skiers Tade Guse and Austin Murphy displayed grit and determination, with Guse finishing 22nd in the slalom and Murphy securing 35th place in the giant slalom among a competitive field of over 80 male competitors.

Taylor Moe from Jackson, WY, and Luca Peterson from Truckee, CA, have made history at the U16 Western Region Alpine Championships in Alyeska, Alaska, sweeping every discipline in their respective genders. Their outstanding performances showcased not just speed but also remarkable consistency throughout the week.

super-Gs

The grand finale of the championships unfolded with the Super-G races, following earlier events like Slalom and Giant Slalom. Athletes tackled the challenging course at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, pushing their limits in pursuit of victory.

The top three overall female athletes stood out, with Taylor Moe taking the lead, followed by Ruby Smith from Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation in second place, and Brynn Hanley from Team Palisades Tahoe in third place. On the male side, Luca Peterson claimed the top spot, with Anthony Ditullio from Big Sky Ski Education Foundation in second place, and Jaden D’Amours from Jackson Hole Ski Club in third place.

In recognition of their exceptional performances, Alaska Airlines awarded airline ticket vouchers to the top three female and male athletes. This acknowledgment is fitting as these athletes gear up to compete against the other two regions at U16 Nationals organized by US Ski and Snowboard in Vail Colorado.

Among the top-ranked Alaskan athletes were Avery Reger, Victoria Tostemar, and Ava Huey for the women, and Tad Guse, Pierre-Samuel Stiassny, and Austin Murphy for the men, showcasing the talent and dedication of Alaska’s skiing community.

With nearly 180 skiers from the Western Region showcasing their skills and determination, the championships proved to be a thrilling and competitive event, highlighting the passion and spirit of young alpine skiers.

Women’s results

Men’s results