11 Steamboat Springs Athletes Headed to Rocky/Central U16 Ski Championships

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Eleven young skiers from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club have qualified to compete in the upcoming Rocky/Central U16 Alpine Ski Championships after impressive showings at the qualifying event in Vail earlier this month. The athletes, ranging in age from 14 to 16, will represent Steamboat Springs at the championships, which are scheduled for March 4-8 in their hometown.

Why it matters

The Rocky/Central U16 Alpine Ski Championships are a prestigious regional competition that serves as a stepping stone for young skiers aspiring to compete at higher levels. Qualifying for this event is a significant achievement that showcases the strength of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club's development program and the talent of its young athletes.

The details

At the qualifying event in Vail, the Steamboat Springs skiers competed in two slalom and two giant slalom races, battling challenging conditions on demanding courses. Reed Pope delivered the standout performance of the weekend, finishing third in the second slalom race. On the women's side, Chloe Kafka led the way with a fifth-place finish in the opening slalom race, while Miya Lippuner and Brielle Walsh also recorded top-10 finishes. In the giant slalom events, the Steamboat Springs skiers combined for five top-15 finishes across the two races.

• The qualifying event took place from February 12-15, 2026 in Vail.
• The Rocky/Central U16 Alpine Ski Championships are scheduled for March 4-8, 2026 in Steamboat Springs.

What’s next

The Rocky/Central U16 Alpine Ski Championships will take place from March 4-8, 2026 in Steamboat Springs, where the 11 Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athletes will compete against other top young skiers from the region.