The Surefoot Colorado Ski Cup Championship giant slalom for the women took place Saturday on Golden Peak, and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s U.S. Team member, Abby Ghent, placed first for the junior women and seventh overall.

“I’m alright with my finish today,” said Ghent.  “The girls that beat me are World Cup skiers, but I’m always shooting for first.”

“Ghent is where she needs to be,” coach Dan Stripp said.

To gain perspective on the level of athlete competing in the women’s GS on Saturday, the top three spots in Friday’s race went to Stacey Cook, first, Leanne Smith, second, and Kiley Staples in third.  Cook and Smith race on the World Cup circuit, while Staples was this year’s overall NorAm champion.  

U.S. Ski Team coach Mike Prado said it is nice being at Vail for the spring races after finishing the U.S. Nationals.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we start the year off training here with a great venue, and showing the younger skiers training next to us a higher level of racing,” Prado said.  “Then we end the season here, winding down the year and finishing off at Vail.”

The men’s Surefoot Championship GS took place at Breckenridge on Saturday, with SSCV alum, and U.S. Team member Will Gregorak taking first place.

The Surefoot Colorado Ski Cup Championships continue today, 4/5, with giant slalom for the women at Vail and the men racing GS at Breckenridge.