By Lisa O’Daly

On March 15-17, 50 of California and Nevada’s fastest under 14 ski racers were invited to spend a weekend racing and training at Sugar Bowl for the 2013 Far West Performance Camp.

Olympian Daron Rahlves, a World Cup alpine race champion and the most decorated American downhill and super G skier in history, was on hand to offer advice to the young racers.

The three-day weekend consisted of training each morning with coaches from throughout the Far West division and racing each afternoon in slalom, giant slalom, and super G. Diamond Peak Ski Team qualified six of its 20 U14 athletes — Casey Delaney, Noah Clearly, Corey Huber, Payton Norton, Winston Pretti, and Madison Idso — to attend the invitation-only event.

Winston Pretti dominates at Sugar Bowl. Photo/Provided

Pretti slayed the competition to become the top point-getter, taking first overall for the weekend’s events. Delaney was right behind him with an impressive display of Diamond Peak’s strength. Pretti took first in Friday’s GS race, fourth in Saturday’s SL competition, and seventh on Sunday in SG. Delaney took second in GS, third in SL and sixth in SG.

Huber had his best race weekend of the season (4th, 15th and 8th). Cleary (9th, 5th and 19th) and Norton (6th GS and 10th SG) rounded out the men’s field of the Diamond Peak Performance Camp athletes.

Idso was Diamond Peak’s only female Performance Camp qualifier, with a 12th, 13th and 14th over the weekend.

The whole squad of Diamond Peak’s U14 racers will return to Sugar Bowl April 4 for the four-day Far West Championships.The North meets the South and Central divisions to compete in all four ski racing events (SL, GS, SG, and the Parallel).

Lisa O’Daly is a parent volunteer for the Diamond Peak Ski Team.