STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Steamboat Springs ski racers dominated the podium last weekend at an event in Vail, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club U16 athletes starting their season with a bang.

The Steamboat boys swept the top five spots in one slalom race, then got strong results on the girls side, as well. A day later, the boys managed another sweep of the podium and the girls again packed skiers into the top 10.

In the first slalom event, Marat Washburn led the way, winning the slalom race. Nico Richeda was right behind him in second, Cam Owens next filling out the podium with a third-place finish. Jack Reich was fourth and Cole Gedeon fifth. Bode Flanigan was seventh, Kai McGuffin ninth and Jordan Simon 13th as Steamboat packed eight skiers into the top 13.

The next day, Richeda led the way for the U16 skiers. Cooper Puckett was second, Reich third, Gedeon sixth, Flanigan seventh, Phenix Tatge ninth and Simon 14th.

Isabelle Washburn placed sixth on the first day to lead the girls. Emi Cooper placed 15th, Jaelie Hovey 16th and Marissa Drobek 17th. Washburn was fifth a day later, Helenka Ostaszewski seventh, Ryli Adrian 10th and Emily Craig 17th.

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253, email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @JReich9.