LUDLOW, Vermont ??” Okemo Mountain Resort hosted the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Assoc. NORAM Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Race to the Cup. Among top competitors vying for FIS points and spots on the World Cup Tour were Okemo’s own Erica Mueller.

Mueller is the daughter of Okemo Mountain Resort owners Tim and Diane Mueller. She currently makes her home in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where she is a member of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team. She specializes in Parallel Giant Slalom and Slalom racing and has had a successful career racing in both the U.S. and Europe, capturing several National and FIS titles.

“It’s great to come home and see everybody you know,” said Mueller, “and it’s great to have the ground you know under your feet.”

Unfortunately, Mueller finished in twelfth and seventh place respectively, during Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s races.

In Tuesday’s race, U.S. Olympic team member and native New Englander Michelle Gorgone took top honors in the women’s division. Second place went to Aprilia Hagglof, of Sweden, and third place honors went to Nico Sauerbreij, of The Netherlands.

On Wednesday, North America took control of the women’s podium with first place honors going to Canadian Caroline Calve. Second and third place were taken by U.S.A. snowboarders Stacia Hookom and Lindsay Lloyd , respectively.

In the men’s races, top honors went to Kohei Kawaguchi, of Japan, on Tuesday. Alex Deubl, of Germany, took second place, and third went to Eric Warren of the U.S.

The U.S.A. took control of the podium on Wednesday with the previous day’s third place winner Eric Warren making his way to the top of the podium, followed by Ryan McDonald in second place and Tyler Jewell in third.

For a complete listing of skiing and snowboarding competitions taking place this winter, or to learn more about Okemo Mountain Resort, please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366) or visit www.okemo.com.