Since 1991, the Laura Sharpe Flood Perpetual Trophy has been awarded to the U16 male and female overall winners of the Laura Flood Memorial Race, which serves as a U16 Intermountain Cup qualifier. Athletes compete in two giant slalom and one slalom, typically held on the steeps of Sun Valley’s Greyhawk and Hemingway runs.

The Laura Flood Memorial Race honors the life of Laura Flood, a young ski racer, SVSEF alumna, and friend who lost her life in a ski training accident at 19 while racing for the University of Colorado. Laura had a zest for life, the outdoors, and ski racing as well. She loved every part of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, and this event is one way SVSEF wants to always help keep Laura’s legacy alive in the greater ski racing community.

The race is made possible through the entire community’s efforts—the Flood family, coaches, volunteers, families, athletes, and Sun Valley Resort.

“Those who knew Laura would say that she was vivacious, kind, super determined, fun-loving, and always showed the epitome of sportsmanship. Races like this are one way we can honor people we’ve lost through our sport, and always remember incredible moments that over time unveil so many connections between past winners.”
—Heather Flood Daves (Laura’s sister)

Award recipients’ names are engraved on the Laura Sharpe Flood Perpetual Trophy, which is displayed in the SVSEF Training Center at Warm Springs.

Visit the Laura Flood Memorial Race landing page for further details on the annual SVSEF event.