PORTLAND — Two Maine skiers are competing at the US National Alpine Championships taking place through March 29 at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska.

Ben Morse, 16, of Carrabassett Valley is a senior at Carrabassett Valley Academy. Morse is ranked as one of the best young skiers in America after winning two Gold Medals at the J2 2009 US National Alpine Championships, hosted at Aspen CO. This will be his second US National Championship.

Sam Sweetser, 24, of Cumberland Center, is a graduate of Carrabassett Valley Academy and currently a member of the USSA Western Region Elite Ski Team. Sweetser placed fifth in the 2008 US National Downhill last March at Sugarloaf and continues to fight for a spot on the US Ski Team. This will be his sixth US National Championship.

The 2009 races will feature the country's best athletes, including members of the 2006 Olympic Team. Alyeska Resort first hosted the U.S. Alpine Championships 26 years ago, in 1981, and most recently in 2007. The races take place over seven days bringing the nation's best skiers to compete against the Men's and Women's US Ski Team members.

Ben Morse and Sam Sweetser look forward to their grueling week where they compete in all four events, DH, Super G, GS & SL. Schedule of Events: March 24 & 25: Downhill Training March 26: FIS Downhill March 27: Opening Ceremonies March 27: National Downhill Championship March 28: Super G March 29: Men's and Women's Slalom March 30: Women's Giant Slalom March 31: Men's Giant Slalom