Moltzan & Ford Win US National Giant Slalom Titles

On Tuesday’s giant slalom U.S. Alpine Championships race, Paula Moltzan skied away with the win.

“This Is my first ever national giant slalom title so it’s fun and I am happy to be here,” said Moltzan. “It is a nice feeling to be done I am ready for the summer and it’s so nice to be here in Sun Valley. I think they did the best they could with the conditions and recent snow here, so it has overall been a good few races.”

The 2023 Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel giant slalom race was met with clear blue skies, sunshine, and fast skiers that charged down the course. The courses were difficult, with shorter distance between the gates, making for a technical race.

“It was super tight and turny and got bumpy so I think we are all pretty tired, it was a battle the whole way down,” said second place finisher, Tricia Mangan.

After run one the NorAm Overall winner, Mary Bocock, was sitting in first place by just under half a second. Moltzan in second, and Lauren Macuga in third. But, come run two, the top three got shook up. Mangan secured a very fast second run bumping her all the way to second place in the race, and Australian and NCAA racer for the University of Utah, Katie Parker, took third place.

“This is my first giant slalom finish of the year so it is awesome to do it here,” said Mangan.

On the final day of the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel, Tommy Ford took home the national men’s giant slalom title.

“I had a more consistent run from top to bottom and I know how fast these other guys are skiing so I am happy to get in front of them,” said Ford. “I love racing here, the town, the people, it makes ski racing fun because the people love it. Shoutout to SVSEF for putting on a great event.”

It was a very cold start to the day, with temperatures in the teens. But the sun was out making for a blue bird finish to the week-long series. The course set on run one was turny with soft snow underneath, making it a challenge for many of the racers. George Steffey took the lead on the first run, with global racing teammate Brian McLaughlin close behind in second, and Tommy Ford in third.

On run two, the sun was fully overhead, the temperatures increased, and the set was again, very technical and turny for the racers. Several skiers had very strong second runs, moving up in the standings. In the end, it was a very tight race with mere tenths separating fourth from first. Tommy Ford ultimately took home the win, moving up from third place. Brian McLaughlin took second, and River Radamus squeezed past Steffey for third place.

“It feels alright, I did not execute my first run, I skied a little too aggressive, we are not used to these conditions, but I knew that if I wanted a chance at the win I needed to leave it all out there so I pushed as hard as I could,” said Radamus. “I wanted George to win it so bummed to see him fall short but happy for Tommy and Brian,” said Radamus.

McLaughlin commented that he is happy with his result, but itching for more, ready for next season.

“This will be the fourth time I have gotten second at nationals so I need a little more consistency,” said Mclaughlin. “Its been a long season, lots of travel so I am excited for the off season.”