Skiing

Sugarloaf Will Host Top US Ski Racers March 25-29

By Heather Burke

March 13, 2015

1 minute to read

By Heather Burke, Boston.com Correspondent

Sugarloaf ski racers know the mantra “The road to the Olympics leads down Narrow Gauge.” The Loaf is legendary on the Alpine ski racing circuit, and March 25-29, the spotlight will shine on Narrow Gauge again as the US top ski racers compete on these steeps. This is the 5th time Sugarloaf has hosted the US Alpine Championships, with previous races in 1996, 1997, 2006, and 2008 (with Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn winning).

I have taken my kids to see the Alpine Championships at the Loaf, it’s amazing to see top US Ski Team racers fly down the familiar Narrow Gauge, and then hang out to sign autographs and take photos. My daughter still treasures her picture with Lindsey Vonn from 2008, and her Bode autograph (he was not in the mood for a pic).

You won’t see Bode (Carrabassett Valley Academy class of 1996) ski at his familiar mountain. Bode crashed spectacularly at Beaver Creek last month and severed his tendon, and there’s no definitive word yet on his return to racing next season. Also, there’s no telling if Tiger Woods will accompany his girlfriend Lindsey Vonn to Sugarloaf. He may be camera shy after the tooth fiasco in Italy.

Regardless, March 25-29, Sugarloaf is the place to see top racers Mikaela Shiffrin, Laurenne Ross, Stacey Cook, Andrew Weibrecht, Steve Nyman, Tim Jitloff, and hometown hero Sam Morse. You’ll also see more US Ski Team legends (stay tuned) and future ski rock stars.

The US Alpine Championships Sugarloaf Ski Race Schedule March 25-29, 2015:
Wednesday March 25 Women’s & Men’s Super G
Thursday March 26 Women’s Giant Slalom, Evening Opening Ceremonies and Autograph Signing
Friday March 27 Men’s Super G
Saturday March 28 Women’s Slalom
Sunday March 29 Men’s Slalom
Awards Ceremony will be held each day after Racing at Sugarloaf’s Beach