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Steamboat Springs — The Holiday Classic serves as much as a homecoming as it does a slalom race.

As part of the Surefoot Colorado Ski Cup, the three-day slalom race at Howelsen Hill brings skiers from all realms. This year, more than 15 men with ties to Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club competed in two days of slalom racing.

While heavy snow fell Thursday and Friday, SSWSC Alpine Director Anje Worrell said the snow held up Friday night and made for pristine conditions Saturday.

"Everything was good," Worrell said. "It set up really good for (Saturday). It was cold (Friday), and the snow conditions were really great."

On Friday, Loveland ski coach Ben Brown took the top spot with a total time of 1 minute, 12.99 seconds.

"He's a great guy," Worrell said of Brown, who won $1,000 as well as an iPod. "He's so deserving."

John Buchar finished second, and Ian Lochhead finished third.

Former SSWSC member Drew Roberts was the top Steamboat finisher in sixth place.

Other top Steamboat finishers included Joshua Bryan (12th), Tony Cesolini (15th), Ryan McConnell (16th), Ryan Coe (27th), James Schindler (30th), Jimmy Hostetler (32), Andrew Berglund (38th), Joshua Fix (39th), Andrew White (40th) and Nelson Kane (41st).

The slalom event continued Saturday evening with the beginning of the women's event. The women conclude today with the first run at 8:30 a.m. The second run will follow at 11 a.m.

Worrell said the Holiday Classic, a FIS ski race, brings a high level of competition to Steamboat for one last race before most competitors take off for the holidays.

"This is upper level," she said. "There's a lot of college guys and some U.S. Developmental team guys. With the women, it's the same kind of field."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229

or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com