The SARA Cup Program
The SARA Cup is a prestigious program designed to celebrate team accomplishments, highlight individual contributions, and encourage maximum participation among race teams. Each year, two cups are awarded:
- U10-U14 Division
- U16-U19 Division
The cups honor exceptional contributions to ski racing in the Southeast and recognize the winning mountains based on accumulated points during championship races.
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How It Works
After the conclusion of the Championship events, point standings are calculated using the World Cup points system. Points earned by all racers, male and female, within each division are combined to determine the winning mountain.
- U10-U14 Division: Points are based solely on results from the Champs Weekend races.
- U16-U19 Division: Points include results from the three weekends of qualifiers and Champs races.
The mountain with the highest total points in each division is awarded the corresponding SARA Cup.
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The Trophies
The winning mountains in each division receive a large, commemorative trophy:
- The Horst Locher SARA Cup for U10-U14
- The Gunther Jochl SARA Cup for U16-U19
These trophies are engraved with the winning mountain’s name and the year of victory. They remain at the winning mountain until the following year, when they are passed to the next champions during their Champs Weekend celebrations.
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About the SARA Cup Namesakes
Horst Locher SARA Cup (U10-U14)
Horst Locher, born in Leutkirch, Germany, in 1940, developed a lifelong passion for skiing early on. His teaching career began in Germany and extended to New Zealand before bringing him to Bryce Resort in 1966 as Ski School Director. Horst’s innovations included introducing Grass Skiing to America and organizing the first World Grass Ski Championship at Bryce in 1979.
In 1997, Horst co-founded the Southeastern Alpine Racing Association (SARA), creating opportunities for ski teams across Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio. His dedication has inspired thousands to learn and enjoy skiing while fostering a love for competition among racers. Naming the U10-U14 Cup after Horst is a fitting tribute to his enduring impact.
Gunther Jochl SARA Cup (U16-U19)
Gunther Jochl, a native of Austria, has been a cornerstone of the ski industry. His passion for skiing and dedication to excellence have shaped the culture of Sugar Mountain Resort, where he has consistently supported ski racing. Gunther’s contributions include providing exclusive training opportunities for his race team and creating safe, challenging venues for competition.
In 2019, Gunther received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for service in North Carolina. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of racers, making the naming of the U16-U19 Cup in his honor a natural choice.
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Past SARA Cup Winners
2026
- U10-U14 Horst Locher Cup: Timberline
- U16-U19 Gunther Jochl Cup: Wintergreen
2025
- U10-U14 Horst Locher Cup: Sugar
- U16-U19 Gunther Jochl Cup: Wintergreen
2024
- U10-U14 Horst Locher Cup: Bryce Resort
- U16-U19 Gunther Jochl Cup: Wintergreen
2023
- U10-U14 Horst Locher Cup: Snowshoe
- U16-U19 Gunther Jochl Cup: Wintergreen
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The SARA Cup program not only celebrates ski racing achievements but also honors the individuals whose dedication has elevated the sport in the Southeast. We look forward to seeing which mountains will claim the trophies this season!