Flathead skiers race across the state, first David Loman Memorial Races

Three different teams from the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) competed at three different venues around the state last weekend 

FVSEF and Whitefish Mountain Resort hosted the first David Loman Memorial Races for U8-U14 skiers, honoring former FVSEF athlete and coach David Loman, who passed away in April 2025. A total of 140 athletes participated from across the state and beyond, with 49 of those racers representing FVSEF. 

Dan Loman served as a forerunner, while Roy Loman officiated as the start referee and Sarah and Esther Loman provided Ski for Dave signs at the finish area and special notes for our racers. FVSEF athletes, some first-time racers, delivered strong performances throughout the weekend, with several top finishes across age groups. 

The athletes competed in two Giant Slalom (GS) races on Saturday and Sunday. For the girls, Quinn Laabs won both U8 races, Aida Grace won both U10 races, Quinn Bickford had a second place finish (U10), Lorraine Elliott had a 3rd place finish (U10).  

The U12 girls had several top ten finishes, and in the U14s, Violet Hoppes won the first day, Zoey Du Lac won the second day, Cadence Ackerschott had a second-place finish and Emerson Prezeau had a third-place finish.  

On the boys side Noah Lozman won both U8 races, Sky Bungener and Winston Seguine each finished in third place in one of the U10 races, Riley Ralston Love finished third in both U12 races, and Owen Grace, Barrett Heslop, and Henry Jostrom took the top three spots for the U14 age class. 

Nineteen U14–U18 athletes traveled to Red Lodge for the Predator Cup slalom race series. Many athletes found the podium, including U14 athletes Kessa Drendel (second), Lucy Love (third), and Nolan Shaw (third), U16 athlete Finlee Klocke (3rd), and U18 athletes Greta Lund (second and third) and Parker Retz (second). A third SL was scheduled to be contested on Monday, Jan. 26, and the results are not yet available. 

Several Flathead Freeride Club members competed at Bridger Bowl. The North Bowl/DRCS venue was the stage for an action-packed weekend of youth ski competition, featuring challenging conditions and impressive performances. Athletes faced icy conditions during the first day of qualifying, pushing their skills to the limit. A few fresh inches of snow arrived just in time for finals, allowing skiers to showcase their abilities in improved conditions. 

Hana Fassnacht delivered a standout performance, earning first place and achieving the highest finals score across all categories. Her run was a highlight of the event, demonstrating both skill and composure. Jacqueline Fortin and Edie Duston also represented strongly, finishing sixth and 12th respectively.  

The U15 boys’ field proved to be one of the toughest, with all competitors experiencing crashes. Oliver Hoppes, Jack Garver, Jackson Marney and Jamison Eads displayed grit and determination. Ronan Armstrong also competed in the mens U19 category, bringing experience and energy to the event. 

FVSEF extends a huge thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, officials, sponsors and families who made this weekend possible. Their time, energy and support—both on and off the hill—are what make events like these successful and memorable for the athletes.  

Ski for Dave. Ski for the climb. Ski for the fall - and the rise after. Ski for those still finding their footing. Ski for the ones who fight uphill every day. Ski fast. Ski free. Ski kind. Ski for something bigger than snow. Ski for light, even in the storm. Ski for joy. Ski for strength. Ski for grace. Ski for Dave. 

To support the David Maclver Loman Foundation, visit daveloman.com. 

    Riley Ralston Love racing in the U12 division at the David Loman Memorial races. (Photo provided)
  

    Dan Loman stands near a sign at the finish area at the David Loman Memorial races at Whitefish Mountain Resort. (Photo provided)
  

    Flathead Freeride Club member Hana Fassnacht earned top honors in Bridger last weekend. (Photo provided)