Photo Credit: Bob Eastaugh

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.

Photo Credit:  Bob Eastaugh

Jackson Hole, Wyoming skier Taylor Moe and Luca Peterson of Truckee, California dominated the U16 Western Region Alpine Championships at Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood over the weekend.

Moe won the slalom, giant slalom and super-G contested on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to sweep the girls races. Moe’s closest competition was Sun Valley skier Ruby Smith, who finished second. Brynn Hanley of Team Palisades Tahoe placed third.

Photo Credit:  Sam Kikuchi

The interest level in freeride skiing has increased significantly in Southcentral Alaska over the last handful of years.

And so too, it seems, has the quality of the skiers.

The IFSA Junior National Freeride Competition wrapped up Thursday at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Members of the Alyeska Ski Club swept the top spots in each of the ski divisions.