BY HEATHER FOSTER

More than 200 skiers competed on President’s Day in the 2024 Arkoosh Cup at Rotarun Ski Area.

Boys and girls raced head-to-head within their age groups on the dual giant slalom course on Monday. Family members and friends cheered on their kids, and the competitive spirit was high.

Age-class awards were presented at the conclusion of the event for the U8, U10, U12, and U14 categories, and the Arkoosh Cup was awarded to the winning girl and boy of the U10 category. Their names will be etched into the Arkoosh Cup trophy, which has a permanent home in the base lodge at Rotarun.

The overall fastest times for girls and boys in the U10 category and winners of this year’s Arkoosh Cup were: Alta Questad crossing the line in 23.70 and Walker Gove in 23.75. Questad, a member of the SVSEF U10 Travel Team, also won the Arkoosh Cup in 2023 as an eight-year-old (first-year U10) in the U10 category.

“We want to give the biggest thank you possible to Riley Berman and the staff at Rotarun for providing an impeccable venue for the race, to the coaches and volunteers for their hard work, and to all the families who support their kids and help share the love of ski racing,” said Chuck Harris, Arkoosh Cup Chief of Race. 

The Cup is named for the Arkoosh family from Gooding, who in 1957 gave Rotarun a 99-year lease for $1 per year. In 1993, the property was deeded over to Blaine County, with the underlying lease from the Arkoosh family intact.

“The Arkoosh Cup is a truly special day for us to celebrate and remember the family who made this place possible, and for us to continue to foster a love of ski racing among the youth in our community,” said Wally Limburg, Rotarun’s Board President. “The healthy competitive spirit and camaraderie among the kids, whether they’re new to the sport or more experienced, is just a great thing to see, and it’s an opportunity for the families to connect around something their kids enjoy and are excited to share with their parents and siblings.”

Since the mid-1960's, the Arkoosh Cup has seen winners like Picabo Street, who won the Cup in 1983 and eventually went on to become an Olympic and World Champion. Winners from more recent years are currently racing at the FIS elite level, including Paige DeHart (2017), Jessica Blackburn (2016), and Haley Cutler (2009).

Some have gone on to become SVSEF Alpine coaches, including Sage Rheinschild (2012), Haley Cutler (2009), KJ Savaria (2008), Charlotte Gourlay (1999), and Amanda Stelling and Connor Farrow (2007). 

TOP FIVE PER AWARD CATEGORY RESULTS

U8 Men: 

1. Ford Rixon; 2. Werner McNamara; 3.Ronan Currie; 4. Nathan Sattler; 5.Samuel Sattler

U10 Men: 

Walker Gove (2024 Arkoosh Cup Winner); 2. Asa Sattler. 3. Evan McGregor. 4. Dylan Smiley. 5. Ridge Crist.

U12 Men:  

Hunter Gove; 2. Kelby Harris; 3. Evan Logsdon; 4. Lachlan Hollis; 5. Logan Snell

U14 Men:

Kyle Cooper; 2. Matthew Thurman; 3. Rylan McGrew; 4. Ryan Schwartzbard; 5. Micah Howell.

U8 Women: 

Quinn Woodward; 2. Lark Johnson; 3. Palmer Burwell; 4. Ruby Rogers; 5. Isla Young.

U10 Women: 

Alta Questad (2024 Arkoosh Cup Winner); 2. Marie McNeal; 3. Kayla Kloster; 4. Dylan Spengler; 5. Sophie Robins

U12 Women: 

Reese Woodward; 2. Sloan Heinz; 3. Avery Allen; 4. Kaitlyn Cooper; 5. Bailey Presnell

U14 Women:

Nina Viesturs; 2. Sophie Kanowski; 3. Piper Gerald; 4. Avery Logsdon; 5. Sara Stevens