U.S. Ski Team's Cooper Puckett wins slalom title at national championships

Steamboat Springs skier takes home top prize at event in Vail

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:33pm

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Cooper Puckett, a member of the U.S. Ski Team, won the slalom title at the national championships held in Vail, Colorado. Puckett, who is from Steamboat Springs, edged out competitors from the rival Ski and Snowboard Club Vail in the closely contested event.

Why it matters

The national championships are a prestigious event that showcases the top American ski talent. Puckett's victory continues Steamboat Springs' strong tradition in the sport and highlights the ongoing regional rivalry between the two prominent Colorado ski clubs.

The details

Puckett, who competes for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, finished first in the slalom event at the national championships held at Golden Peak in Vail. He bested skiers from the rival Ski and Snowboard Club Vail in the closely contested competition.

  • The national championships took place on March 31, 2026.

The players

Cooper Puckett

A member of the U.S. Ski Team who represents the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

A prominent ski club based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado that has produced many top American skiers.

Ski and Snowboard Club Vail

A rival ski club based in Vail, Colorado that competes against Steamboat Springs athletes.

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What they’re saying

“I think it was like that when we were younger. It used to be a rivalry for sure.”

— Cooper Puckett, U.S. Ski Team member

The takeaway

Puckett's victory at the national championships continues Steamboat Springs' strong tradition in competitive skiing and highlights the ongoing regional rivalry between the Steamboat and Vail ski clubs, two of the top programs in the country.