The Loup Loup Alpine Ski Team members recently competed in the 15th Hampton Cup race at Mission Ridge Ski Resort on Feb. 8 and 9. The team had some outstanding performances and gained valuable experience.

Conditions for both days of slalom racing were chilly, with average temperatures near eight degrees. The Hampton Cup is a Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) Evergreen Cup race. Taking top honors from the Loup Loup team in the Under 16 (U16) age category was Claire Wallis, who scored a 5th in her age group and 14th overall on Saturday. Wallis put in a strong performance on Sunday as well with a 6th place in her age group and 12th overall on Sunday.

In the U14 age category, Ali Palm and Cailin Chandler skied to 12th and 13th respectively on Saturday. Palm followed this up with a 13th place in her age group on Sunday. Also competing in the Hampton race was Bergen Patterson and William Jennings.

The Loup Loup team has been training and racing this year away from their home mountain, awaiting the opening of Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Loup Loup opened on Feb. 15.

Next up for the team is U-14 racing at Steven's Pass for the Wild Katz race on Feb. 22 and 23, which will include Giant Slalom and Slalom races.

Steve Nelson, coach of the Loup Loup Alpine Ski Team.
2/15/2014