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Bennett - Downhill is More Like Fishing Than You’d Think

By Megan Harrod
March, 12 2019
Bryce Bennett Sixth in the World
Bryce Bennett heads into World Cup Finals in Soldeu El-Tarter, Andorra ranked sixth in the downhill standings. (David Ramos-Getty Images)

Downhiller Bryce Bennett (Squaw Valley, Calif.) is an unusual human - in the best sense of the word. First of all, at 6-foot-7-inches, he towers over his competitors. Second of all, he’s truly a good human to the core. Bennett takes a no drama approach to skiing, and has proven that he’s one of the best in the world in downhill. With a men’s downhill field that’s deep and talented, that’s no easy feat - and Bennett is on the cusp of greatness, ranked sixth in the world going into FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Soldeu-El Tarter, Andorra. 

After catapulting from bib 57th to land in sixth in Val Gardena in 2015, then seeing numerous strong results on that track the next few years, everything seemed to click in 2018-19 and Bennett has proven he's not a one track pony. With seven starts and seven top-15 finishes, four top-10 and three top-five finishes this season, Bennett has shown consistency and strength. And the other guys are watching. Beyond that, the world is paying attention too. 

Alpine Communications Manager Megan Harrod sat down with Bennett prior to Wednesday’s downhill to talk shop. Grab a coffee and stay for a bit, as we delve into the mind of a giant...

Megan Harrod: Let’s talk about Andorra first. This is your first time here. It’s always tricky with downhill, as experience with a track benefits racers. How do you feel about this track?
Bryce Bennett: This track is easy, but that’s where it’s the most difficult for me. It’s difficult, too, because we’ve been on the road for two and a half months and it just wears you down. We’ve been constantly traveling, I’ve been sick a few times, and at this point it’s easy to have one foot on the plane. With the track being simple, one mistake and you’re not going to be that fast, so that makes it difficult.”

MH: So, most training runs this year, you’ve had difficulty…
(at this point of the conversation, Bennett interrupts me and says, “Yeah, I’ve sucked a**!”)

MH: What’s the difference between training days and race days for you, are you testing stuff out on training days, or are you just a total race horse on race day when it’s go time?
BB: I think it’s a combination of both. I mean, like, winning a training run is like kissing your sister - like it feels sweet, but you’re kissing your sister. If you put 100 percent risk out there on training days, like - why?! - you know, so you test out those few sections and you figure out what sections you’re skiing well and you don’t really need to put that much effort or thought into, and then you work on the sections that are giving you trouble or you’re losing time. Then on race day - pretty much everyone is going to be on the same line - everywhere. There are a few variances, but it’s all about who can execute that line on race day. In particular, this season, all of the other pieces of the puzzle are in check - my equipment, where I’m at physically, mentally, how I’m managing my energy...so on race day, I have confidence in that. And I have confidence in the line that I’m skiing, and there’s no second guessing anything so I can just commit to that.

MH: How much of that is the confidence you have in your set-up and your team, with serviceman Leo Mussi and veteran teammate and mentor Steven Nyman (Sundance, Utah)?
BB: Gaining the experience through the years on these tracks, where when you show up to the venue you already have a game plan of what you’re doing...and then you just go through the weekend and you kind of refine that. It’s also nice having someone like Steven, because we’re able to communicate pretty similarly on skiing, and so we can break things down together, which has been really nice. And also, with Leo - it’s like, I know every time I put race skis on my feet that they’re not going to be slow. That’s a good feeling to have. And the boots are working - they’re getting a bit worn out right now - I’m lacking a little confidence in that area, but I’ve just got literally one more run to put something together. So, that’s what we’re going to go and do.

MH: You’re likely not paying attention to it, but the last time we had a downhiller in the top five was Bode Miller in 2012, and top six was Nyman in 2015 and 2016. You’re not far away from that, and it’s something you could very well achieve. What was the biggest change for you from last year, when you were ranked 20th in the world in downhill? How did you create that plan and then commit to it?
BB: This plan, I mean, it’s been literally four years in the making. And that’s the side not even the coaching staff sees, or the serviceman sees, it’s like what you’re doing behind closed doors and in your own head...and formulating a plan of all of the different pieces of the sport, breaking them down and actually understanding them for what they are, and then implementing a plan so you can check some of those boxes as far as: 1) my boots are set up right and I have the right plastic, and they’re canted the right way, 2) my base bevels are right, 3) my binding position, 4) the ski models are right, 5) I’m doing the right things in the off season for my physical training, 6) the mental preparation is spot on, etc. And also, like, in order to go fast, you need to build strong turns, and have great aerodynamics, and the list can go on and on. It’s like strength and weakness - am I good at a certain skill...yes or no? No? Ok, well then how am I going to work on it, and how am I going to put it together in a plan through the offseason that I could give myself time to work on it, and make it a habit?

So, it’s just been building. During training this summer, I was literally two seconds out every single training run...like getting “chick'd”, but it didn’t really affect me because I knew what I was doing in my skiing and I didn’t care that the intensity wasn’t there. I looked at it and thought, ‘If I’m sick and my dog died at home, and I’m having a terrible day, my skiing is still going to be solid. It’s a habit.’ So that’s what I’ve been really trying to work on. The flip side is now you’re in a position of doing well, and the expectations of doing well, start to weigh on you. I’d say I do a pretty good job of getting rid of that.

MH: So, when you get a top-15 now, which is still super solid, everyone else might react to it a bit differently because they’re thinking, ‘Well, he’s on the cusp of podiuming...he’s so close!’ But you know - on any given day - the guy who gets first can get 25th the next day.
BB: Yeah, for sure. I could be telling you all of this now, and then next year come out and get 31st every single World Cup and say, ‘Yeah, I thought I had something figured out but obviously I don’t understand this at all. And then you’re back to the drawing board. But I feel like I’ve implemented this plan and it’s just like every year, at the end of the season, going back and reevaluating what worked throughout the season, and then making adjustments. At this point, it’s just fine tuning of how I structure and manage the energy and my physical preparedness, and what I need to do for races to become faster. When I first started racing World Cup, I powered up the turn like 10 percent of the time. So, if you want to be a guy who wins World Cups, you power up the turn 90 percent of the time. If you want to be on the podium to top five, you’ve got to do it 80 percent of the time. So, it just keeps going down and trickling down. So, first I think, ‘How do I power up the ski in incredibly gnarly situations where it’s super bumpy, it’s dark and it’s high speed, and how can I do that consistently?’ So it’s fine tuning that.

MH: Ok, if you’re looking at your summer last year, and you’re struggling mentally because criteria for A-team changed from top 25 to top 15 and you missed that. What is the motivator for you to come back? Is it figuring out how to fine tune those elements?
BB: Yeah, I mean, this is crazy - but I relate it to fishing a lot. People think you go out and just cast a line, but to be someone who really understands the habits of fish and what they’re doing throughout their life and throughout these different water systems, is the same thing - just breaking down and understanding the process. So, that’s what motivates me. Then, on race day, I’m in a space where I’ve done the homework and I can ski free. Race day has been pretty fun for me, to ski that way. But, the only unfortunate part is that - of 365 days in the year - you get, what, 15 minutes of racing?! A lot of the time, it’s like, not that much fun.

MH: You’ve gotta find the joy in training too…
BB: Yeah, and a lot of times I don’t find the joy in training because I come down and I’m like, “Shi*t.” I feel like the odd man out, where I’m just so slow in training every time. I’m just this weird guy that’s focusing on this one thing, and I’ve been focusing on the same thing for two years every single day of my skiing. Every run. Every turn. And, it kind of gets boring. But, the process of seeing it unfold is what is gratifying. To know that I came up with this plan myself - you know - I wanted it to be like, if I failed, it’s on me. Accountability is huge for me. Yes, I take input from my coaches, and utilize that input, but for the most part - no one is telling me what to do.

MH: Well, ultimately, like you’ve said before, it’s just you and the mountain. I think your coach Konrad Rickenbach, at Squaw Valley, said if he dropped you into the middle of the forest, how would you get out?
BB: Yeah, what are you going to do? Are you going to wait for the coach to save you or are you going to get out of there on your own?

Tune in to the men’s downhill on Wednesday on the Olympic Channel to see if Bennett will take the leap and make it into the top five.

STANDINGS
Men’s downhill

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST
*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Wednesday, March 13
5:30 a.m. - Men and women’s World Cup Finals downhill - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
12:30 p.m.  - Men and women’s World Cup Finals downhill - Soldeu, AND - NBCSN*

Supergirl Snow Pro Wraps a Successful Weekend

By Andrew Gauthier
March, 12 2019
Supergirl Snow Pro
Competitors at the 2019 Supergirl Snow Pro. (Supergirl Snow Pro)

The Supergirl Snow Pro came a close and what a weekend it was at California’s Bear Mountain Resort for the world’s only all-female snowboarding competition and lifestyle series. The snowboarding contest and festival featured more than 100 competitors with pro riders paired with top amateur talent in a unique pro-am format designed to mentor the next generation of female snowboarders.

“The 2019 Supergirl Snow Pro was an incredibly successful weekend,” said event host and inspiration leader Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, Vt.). “There was so much energy throughout the whole weekend and the growth with the second year from the first was amazing.  I am very excited to see this event grow as the year's progress.”

Jacobellis, the current World Champion, four-time Olympian, and 10-time X-Games Gold Medalist, was not the only high-profile athlete in the mix. The event showcased many other Olympians, including Faye Gulini (Salt Lake City, Utah), Meghan Tierney (Edwards, Colo.), Silvia Mittermuller of Germany, Carla Somaini of Switzerland and Sandra Hillen of Mexico.

Day one of Supergirl Snow Pro featured the snowboardcross competition on a custom-built pro-level course, created to showcase elite talent, while also providing a platform for young competitors to learn from their heroes. In addition to competing and claiming first place, Jacobellis spent much of the event mentoring the next generation of up-and-coming athletes.

The podium for Saturday's pro boardercross contest included an all American sweep of Jacobellis in first-place, Gulini second, Anna Miller (Orem, Utah) third, and Tierney just off the podium in fourth-place.

“I’m really happy that this event was able to come back to Bear Mountain, and it’s a thrill to take home the winner’s Supergirl cape,” said Jacobellis. “The course was the perfect speed for all ages and to have the pros mentoring the young riders is just a wonderful experience for all. It’s so great to be able to give back to the sport that has given me so much. I love being able to race with my friends and U.S. Snowboard teammates as we’re constantly pushing each other and just trying to pave the way for the next generation of girls in this sport.”

Day two offered a different competition where the finish line was irrelevant, but where style and execution was everything. The event featured a big air competition with an amateur jam session and professional contest in an innovative head-to-head bracket-style format. Lia-Mara Bosch from Switzerland took first in Big Air with a smooth backside 720. Jasmine Baird took second place and local Big Bear rider, Melissa Evans (Big Bear, Calif.), took third.

“What a super experience to be in an all-women’s contest, and then to win it was amazing,” said Bosch from Switzerland. “I really liked the event format and was so impressed with the young ones riding.”

The Supergirl Snow Pro offers more than just opportunities for young female riders to compete and learn valuable snowboarding skills, but also offers a chance for young riders to learn important life lessons from those who have put in the hard work, time and effort to be at the top of the sport. In the words of Jacobellis, “I would say when you fall…get back up.” Stay tuned for the next edition of Supergirl Pro Snow coming 2020.

More information at https://supergirlsnowpro.com/.

ATHLETE QUOTES

Faye Gulini - U.S. Snowboard Pro Team
“I’m so excited to be here, the weather is great, the ladies are stoked. So many different generations and levels of boarding going on here. I think it’s awesome to have a whole women’s event to inspire, encourage and push the sport. We get to learn and grow in an environment where we feel supported and that’s the goal here is to push the riders limits and doing so in a comfy, healthy environment.”

Meghan Tierney - U.S. Snowboard Development Group & U.S. FIS World Championship Team
“I really just love giving back and it’s awesome what Lindsey is doing. She used to coach me when I was younger, so I’m so happy to be able to give back and coach the younger girls coming up. It’s just so rewarding seeing all these young girls getting better and encouraging them and others. ”

Reese Rivera - AM 8-11-year-old Boardercross
“I try not to speed check and just go for it! I don’t look back.” The confident Rivera drew on words of advice given to the amateurs at Friday’s clinic led by Lindsey Jacobellis.

HOW TO WATCH
2019 Supergirl Snow Pro Boardercross Replay
2019 Supergirl Snow Pro Big Air Replay

RESULTS

SBX PRO
1st Lindsey Jacobellis
2nd Faye Gulini
3rd Anna Miller
4th Meghan Tierney

SBX PRO AM RELAY
1st Anna Miller, Montana Braden, Helen French, Hanna Percy
2nd Danielle Steinhoff, Danielle Hunter, Kaylee Underwood, Reese Rivera
3rd Shannon Maguire, Lea Logal, Alexandra Morton, Maia Metzger

SBX AM (ages 8-11)
1st Reese Rivera
2nd Desari Riaz
3rd Leah Harteau
4th Ava Harteau

SBX AM (ages 12-15)
1st Anika Juneau
2nd Jadyn Dalrymple
3rd Riley Rivera
4th Ashley Phillips

SBX AM (ages 16+)
1st Helen French
2nd Kayci Deitsch
3rd Kaylee Underwood
4th Danielle Hunter

BIG AIR PRO DIVISION
1st Lia-Mara Bosch
2nd  Jasmine Baird
3rd Melissa Evans

PRO-AM TEAM EVENT
1st Carla Somaini and Hanna Norman
2nd Melissa Evans and Riley Rivera
3rd Sommer Gendron and Ella Sorenson

AM JAM SESSION
1st Alyssa Moroco
2nd Riley Rivera
3rd Hanna Norman
 

Jacobellis Strives for Crystal Globe at Final World Cup

By Andrew Gauthier
March, 12 2019
Dierdorff and Holland in Switzerland
Mick Dierdorff and Nate Holland crossing the finish line in the top two spots in the big final at the 2018 Veyonnaz World Cup in Switzerland. (FIS Snowboard)

The race for the coveted FIS Snowboard World Cup Crystal Globe comes down to the Verysonnaz World Cup in Switzerland Saturday. Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, Vt.) is currently tied with Czech Republic’s Eva Samkova in the FIS Snowboardcross World Cup standings.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself to race and win the title," said Jacobellis. "But at the end of the day, I can look at how I am pushing a developing the sport for years to come. I am confident that I have the ability to take the title but it will just come down to the day."

The six-time FIS World Champion and three-time World Cup Champion Jacobellis must finish ahead of Samkova to claim the title. The top 16 women and 32 men competing on the snowboardcross World Cup Tour will compete in Veysonnaz. Joining Jacobellis in Veysonnaz is U.S. Snowboardcross Teammate and three-time Olympian Faye Gulini (Salt Lake City, Utah) will compete for the women.

For the men, 2018 Junior World Champion Jake Vedder (Pickney, Mich.), Olympic bronze medalist Alex Deibold (Manchester, Vt.) and 2019 double FIS World Champion Mick Dierdorff (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) will look to cap off his season with a strong result.

“Veysonnaz has always been one of my favorite events and an awesome place to finish up the World Cup season,” said Dierdorff. “The top of the course follows a different path this year, which will be a new challenge, but I’m super excited to get the course figured out. After finishing just off the podium in Spain I’m hungry to finish this last race standing on the box and taking home a big wheel of raclette.”

In addition, eight-time X Game gold medalist Nate Holland (Sandpoint, Idaho), U.S. Development Team member Senna Leith (Vail, Colo.), Hagen Kearney (Norwood, Colo.), veteran Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, Mich.) and Jonathan Cheever (Saugus, Mass.) are set to compete.

In 2018, Dierdorff and Holland claimed the top two spots on the podium to close out the season in Veysonnaz. With the men looking to repeat a solid performance from 2018 and Jacobellis vying for the Crystal Globe, It’s safe to say expectations are high for the 2019 Veysonnaz World Cup.

It’s been an excellent season for the U.S. Snowboardcross Team collecting two FIS World Championships titles and multiple FIS World Cup top-ten finishes. U.S. riders will look to close out the season with the potential to capture the FIS Snowboardcross World Cup titles as well as add to their podium count. Catch the action live and head out to Veysonnaz, Switzerland, or tune in on NBC.

CUP STANDINGS
Men’s snowboardcross
Women’s snowboardcross

HOW TO WATCH
Subject to change
All times EST

Saturday, March 16.
9:15 a.m. - FIS Snowboarding World Cup - Veysonnaz, Switzerland - NBC Sports Gold
 

Shiffrin Seeks More Champagne Showers at Grandvalira

By Megan Harrod
March, 12 2019
Mikaela Shiffrin Goes for Two More Globes
Mikaela Shiffrin will go for two more globes at Grandvalira in Andorra at World Cup Finals. (Agence Zoom/Getty Images - Alexis Boichard)

Nestled in a small valley that sits between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, the tiny country of Andorra plays host to the FIS Ski World Cup Finals March 11-17.

Eight athletes, headlined by two-time Olympic champion and three-time World Cup overall champion Mikaela Shiffrin (Avon, Colo.) will represent U.S. Ski & Snowboard at Grandvalira in Soldeu-El Tarter ski areas for the final week of World Cup competition. The top 25 ranked skiers in each discipline are invited to World Cup Finals, as well as gold medal winners from Junior World Ski Championships in each discipline. Additionally, athletes with more than 500 points in the overall standings, can choose to start in any event.

With the sun shining down and the perfectly prepared track, the athletes are looking forward to spring skiing in Andorra to put a cherry on top of a long season. It’s been a historic season for Shiffrin, who has already locked in the overall and slalom globes - and just about every record imaginable - and she’ll look to grab two more globes. Shiffrin, who turns 24-years-old on Wednesday, March 13th, enters the Finals with the lead in super-G (by 32 points over Liechtenstein's Tina Weirather) as well as giant slalom (by 97 points over Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova). Ranked 24th, Shiffrin also qualified for downhill but has opted to focus on super-G and giant slalom, where globes are still up for grabs.

After winning her 15th race of this season on Saturday in Špindlerův Mlýn - a new record among men and women for season victories - Shiffrin reflected about the numbers. “It’s not really important for me, but it’s the symbol of the things that are important to me. My goal is to always be strong when I’m in the start gate, to be able to win any race I start in - that’s important to me. The win numbers aren’t crazy-important, but it’s still special.” And, never fear - she still has gas in the tank for Andorra. “I’m still feeling good, I’m feeling motivated...there’s a little bit of energy left in the tank, and I’m enjoying these last races,” Shiffrin said. “It’s beautiful here in Andorra, the training today was perfect - the surface is surprisingly amazing for this time of year - so I’m really looking forward to this final push.”

The men’s team has shown consistency in 2018-19, as they make their way back toward the World Cup podium, with consistently strong results by Bryce Bennett (Squaw Valley, Calif.) and Tommy Ford (Bend, Ore.), who are each ranked in the top 10 in their discipline - Bennett ranked sixth in the world in downhill, and Ford ranked eighth in giant slalom. Veterans Steven Nyman (Sundance, Utah) and Travis Ganong (Squaw Valley) both have shown promise to deliver in downhill, while Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, Vt.) will be one to watch in super-G. Two-time World Juniors champ (super-G and giant slalom) River Radamus (Edwards, Colo.) will also start in the super-G and giant slalom at Finals.

The women’s downhill team - who was the best downhill team in the world during the 2018-19 season - is noticeably missing this year at Finals. With the winningest female alpine skier in history, Lindsey Vonn’s (Vail, Colo.) recent retirement and Breezy Johnson (Victor, Idaho), Alice McKennis (New Castle, Colo.), Laurenne Ross (Bend, Ore.), Jackie Wiles (Portland, Ore.) all out with injury, the focus for the women turns to 2019-20 when the crew will return to competition.

University of Vermont standout Paula Moltzan (Prior Lake, Minn.), who finished the season with four top-20 results and two top-15 results, opted to sit out the final World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn, Czech Republic while she competed at NCAAs with her fellow Catamounts, grabbing runner-up in NCAA team results. Moltzan finished the season ranked 27th in the world in slalom, just five points out of qualification for the Finals.

The men kick off the Finals show first, with the downhill on Wednesday.

STARTERS
Bryce Bennett - DH
Ryan Cochran-Siegle - SG|
Tommy Ford - GS
Travis Ganong - DH, SG
Ted Ligety - GS
Steven Nyman - DH
River Radamus - SG, GS
Mikaela Shiffrin - SG, GS, SL

STANDINGS
Men’s Overall
Women’s Overall

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST
*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Wednesday, March 13
5:30 a.m. - Men and women’s World Cup Finals downhill - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
12:30 p.m.  - Men and women’s World Cup Finals downhill - Soldeu, AND - NBCSN*

Thursday, March 14
5:30 a.m. - Men and women’s World Cup Finals super-G - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
11:00 a.m.  - Men and women’s World Cup Finals super-G - Soldeu, AND - NBCSN*

Friday, March 15
7:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals team event - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold

Saturday, March 16
4:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals men’s giant slalom run 1 - Soldeu, AND - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
5:30 a.m. - World Cup Finals women’s slalom run 1 - Soldeu, AND - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
7:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals men’s giant slalom run 2 - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
8:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals women’s slalom run 2 - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, March 17
4:30 a.m. - World Cup Finals women’s giant slalom run 1 - Soldeu, AND - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
5:30 a.m. - World Cup Finals men’s slalom run 1 - Soldeu, AND - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
7:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals women’s giant slalom 2 - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
8:00 a.m. - World Cup Finals men’s slalom run 2 - Soldeu, AND - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
3:30 p.m. - World Cup Finals women’s giant slalom - Soldeu, AND - NBCSN*

Forehand Claims First World Cup Win

By Andrew Gauthier
March, 11 2019
Mac Forehand at Mammoth
Mac Forehand (center) and Kiernan Fagan (right) on the freeski slopestyle finals podium at the 2019 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain, CA. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Sarah Brunson)

At 17-years-old, U.S. Freeski Rookie Team member Mac Forehand (Winhall, Vt.) skied his way to his first-ever FIS World Cup victory, and second World Cup podium, of his career at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain on Sunday.

“I feel amazing, so hyped, I can’t believe it,” said Forehand. “After getting my first World Cup podium in Stubai (Austria), I was really hoping to break into the top-three again here at Mammoth on a great course. I am so happy to win, it feels crazy. Given we had some tough weather all week long, I tried to stay positive and look forward to the rescheduled competition. I would have been really bummed if it wasn’t able to go down. It was awesome that we were able to make it happen and the weather was perfect. I think the strategy today was just get speed and go big and I felt I was able to do that. I am headed to Silvaplana, Switzerland, next for the final slopestyle World Cup of the season and am going for the globe!”

Forehand has had himself quite a season earning the title of FIS Junior World Champion in big air in Cardrona, New Zealand, last August, and then followed it up with his first World Cup slopestyle podium in Stubai in November with a second-place finish. Forehand’s win moves him into the FIS World Cup slopestyle lead with one event to go. If that wasn’t enough, Forehand also was crowned U.S. Grand Prix National Champion. After a strong performance throughout the 2018-19 season, it’s hard not to speculate that Forehand will be climbing the ranks to the U.S. Freeski Pro Team next season.

Success among the young American freeskiers continued with a third-place finish from 17-year-old Kiernan Fagan (Brownfield, Maine). Fagan is also having a breakout season going two for two earning podiums at each slopestyle World Cups he’s competed in this season. Fagan earned a third-place finish at the Seiser Alm, Italy World Cup and another third-place at the Mammoth Grand Prix.

“I’m so stoked,” said Fagan. “I haven’t done any World Cups before this season, so two podiums at both slopestyle events competing against all the big dogs feels amazing. With a whole lot of waiting this week, I just wanted to focus on putting a run down and it all worked out. I got my skis waxed at the top to ensure I had speed and tried to ski aggressive. I would love to grab another podium at the Silvaplana to go three for three at all the World Cups I competed in this season.”

Fagan’s podium finish moves him into eight in the slopestyle standings with only two results on the year. Double-Olympic medalist Nick Goepper (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) finished sixth and teammate Colby Stevenson (Park City, Utah) finished 10th. Also, Ferdinand Dahl of Norway finished in second to complete the podium at Mammoth.

For the women, U.S. Freeski Pro Team member and Olympian Julia Krass (Hanover, N.H.) finished in fifth, moving her into fifth overall in the slopestyle standings. Krass also walked away with the title of U.S. Grand Prix National Champion. American Taylor Lundquist (Park City, Utah) finished right behind Krass in sixth. Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland topped the podium earning her second slopestyle World Cup podium of the season following a third-place finish at the Stubai World Cup in November. Johanna Killi of Norway finished second and Canadian Megan Oldham finished in third.

It has been a very strong year for young American freeskiers. In halfpipe, U.S. Rookie Team member Hunter Hess (Bend, Ore.) earned his first ever World Cup podium in Secret Garden, China and teammate Jaxin Hoerter (Breckenridge, Colo) earned top ten finishes at both the Mammoth Mountain, Calif. and Secret Garden, China World Cup. In slopestyle, Forehand and Eileen Gu both earned their first World Cup victories this season as well. It’s safe to say the U.S. Freeski Rookie Team is progressing quickly. Not to mention, young star Cody Laplante (Truckee, Calif.) will be returning next season to chase podiums. The future is bright for the U.S. Freeski Team.

FIS World Cup slopestyle competition will continue in Silvaplana, Switzerland March 29-30 where slopestyle World Cup Champions will take home the coveted Crystal Globe.

CUP STANDINGS
Men’s freeski slopestyle
Women’s freeski slopestyle

RESULTS
Men’s freeski slopestyle
Women’s freeski slopestyle

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST
*Same-day broadcast
**Next-day broadcast

Thursday, March 14
12:30 a.m. - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix men and women’s halfpipe - Mammoth Mountain, Calif. - NBCSN**

Saturday, March 16
4:00 p.m. - Men and women’s big air - Quebec, CAN - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold

Sunday, March 17
6:00 a.m. - Men and women’s skicross - Veysonnaz, SWI -  OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold

Monday, March 18
7:00 p.m. - Men and women’s big air - Quebec, CAN - Olympic Channel-TV**

Sunday, March 24
6:00 p.m. - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix men and women’s slopestyle - Mammoth Mountain, Calif. - NBCSN*

Forehand 1st U.S. Grand Prix

Fagan 3rd U.S. Grand Prix

Deer Valley Resort Announced as Official Training Site Through 2022

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 11 2019

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, has announced today that Deer Valley Resort will serve as an Official Training Site for American freestyle ski athletes through 2022. The agreement will see U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes training on Deer Valley’s world-class moguls and aerial sites through the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

“Deer Valley’s Champion run is known as the premier run of the Freestyle World Cup,” said Luke Bodensteiner, Chief of Sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “To have it available to our team for training throughout the season affords us world-class on-snow preparation nearby our Center of Excellence and the Utah Olympic Park, rounding out the best training situation that we could imagine. Deer Valley’s world-class snow and terrain is a huge asset for our team, and they’re fully committed to supporting our vision of being best in the world.”

Deer Valley is the annual preeminent stop on the FIS Freestyle World Cup circuit and has been hosting aerials and moguls events since 1999, including the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Freestyle skiing runs through Deer Valley’s history. The late Stein Eriksen, known as the “Father of Freestyle,” served as the resort’s Director of Skiing for more than 35 years and the resort has been an official training site for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team since 2013. Most recently Deer Valley played host to the 2019 Aerials and Moguls disciplines during the FIS Snowboard-Freestyle-Freeski World Champs event during which three Americans podiumed at dual moguls on the final evening to a hometown crowd of over seven thousand screaming fans.

As part of the agreement, the U.S. Moguls team will train on Champion ski run in season (December to April annually). The Champion course is a champion-maker. Renowned as the longest and steepest moguls course on the World Cup circuit, athletes who podium on it are likely to be the athletes on Olympic podiums. U.S. athletes will have exclusive access to full length mogul lanes, including top and bottom jumps. Deer Valley will provide snowcat time for two course builds per season (excluding the World Cup build) and lift and/or snowmobile access along training lanes. If available, the White Owl ski run aerial site will also serve as a training opportunity for U.S. aerial athletes.

“Deer Valley’s long-standing commitment to freestyle competition isn’t only about hosting elite international competitions,” said Resort President and COO Todd Shallan. “We are honored to continue our relationship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard as an official training site for their mogul and aerial athletes as they continue their quest for Olympic Gold in 2022.”

For more information about U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Deer Valley Resort’s partnership, contact U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Tom Webb, at tom.webb@usskiandsnowboard.org.

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2019, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

About Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort located in Park City, Utah, revolutionized the ski industry by providing the first-class service one would receive at a five-star hotel. The ski-only resort offers 21 chairlifts, 103 ski runs, six bowls, 300 annual inches of powder, 2,026 acres of alpine skiing, limited lift ticket sales, 14 restaurants, three elegant day lodges, hundreds of luxury accommodations and a renowned Ski School and Children’s Center. Deer Valley is honored to be ranked as the United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for six consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.deervalley.com

Cross Country Junior Nationals Kick Off Monday

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 10 2019
Junior XC Nationals

The Cross Country Junior Nationals take place March 11-16 at Kinkaid Park in Anchorage, Alaska.  All events will be broadcast through a free live stream created by a unique partnership between CXC and U.S. Ski & Snowboard.  

This prestigious end of season event pits some of the nation’s top junior skiers against one another, not only for individual championships but also for coveted points for the Divisions’ top ranking team and the coveted Alaska Cup.

“We have brought multiple high profiles events to Kincaid and to the city of Anchorage. We are a well-oiled machine running this,” U.S. Junior National Cross Country Championships Event Chair Joey Caterinichio said. “Even more so now that Kincaid has snowmaking equipment that it lacked 10 years ago. There are new, improved courses and Anchorage rocks as a strong Nordic community.”

Skiers ranging from ages 14-19 will be in Anchorage competing not only for a podium here, but also earning team spots for elite U.S. Ski Team camps, college identification, and individual pride.

SCHEDULE:
Monday, March 11      
Individual start freestyle

Wednesday, March 13    
Classic sprint

Friday, March 15            
Mass start classic

Saturday, March 16        
Freestyle relay

Additional race information is available on the official event website.

Irving Earns First World Cup Victory at Mammoth Grand Prix

By Andrew Gauthier
March, 9 2019
Birk Irving at Mammoth Mountain
Birk Irving (center) on the freeski halfpipe podium at the 2019 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Sarah Brunson)

U.S. Freeski Pro Team member Birk Irving (Winter Park, Colo.) took the top spot in the halfpipe finals, earning his first-ever world cup victory Saturday at the U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

“I’m real hyped, I still can’t believe this,” said Irving. “I have never thought I would get on the podium or win here at Mammoth. It feels great to not get fourth or fifth. Practice didn’t go that great, so coming into the competition I just wanted to put down a stock run. I was able to do that on the first one and realized I didn’t have much to lose. I stepped it up it up and did a run I thought I would get me on the podium and it ended up working out. I was little nervous watching Simon (D’Artois) and Dave (Wise) drop last, but they are also my good friends, so I would have still been happy for them if they would have won. It ended up working out in my favor and I couldn’t more be more stoked. With the season coming to end, I plan on going sledding and skiing at my home mountain of Winter Park.”

U.S. Freeski Team member and double-Olympic gold medalist David Wise (Reno, Nev.) finished fourth, Jaxin Hoerter (Breckenridge, Colo.) finished fifth after being in podium contention for most of the event. Hoerter also landed two consecutive runs after blowing out his bindings in training in using his slopestyle skis for the competition. Canadia Simon D’Artois finished in second-place and Thomas Krief of France in third.

For the women, Olympic bronze medalist Brita Sigourney (Carmel, Calif.) finished in sixth place. Although she was unable to podium, both Sigourney and Irving earned the title of U.S. Grand Prix National Champion.

Cassie Sharpe of Canada won the event with arguably the best run in women’s halfpipe competition history landing back to back 900’s as well as landing both right and left 1080’s in one run. Estonian Kelly Sildaru finished in second-place and Kexin Zhang of China finished third.

The U.S. Freeski Team finished the season strong in the halfpipe FIS Cup standings with Wise in third, Hess in fourth, and Irving in sixth. For the women, Sigourney finished sixth, Abigale Hansen (June Lake, Calif.) seventh and Svea Irving (Winter Park, Colo.) was 11th.

Freeski competition continues at the Mammoth Grand Prix with slopestyle qualifiers and finals on Sunday. Catch the action live and head out to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, or tune in on NBC.

CUP STANDINGS
Men’s freeski halfpipe
Women’s freeski halfpipe

RESULTS
Men’s freeski halfpipe
Women’s freeski halfpipe

SCHEDULE
All times PST (local time)

Sunday, March 10. 
7:30 a.m. -  Men’s and women’s freeski slopestyle qualifications & finals - Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

HOW TO WATCH
Subject to change
All times EST
*Delayed broadcast

FREESKIING
Sunday, March 10

4:45 p.m. - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix men and women’s slopestyle - Mammoth Mountain, Calif. - NBCSports.com & NBC Sports Gold

Thursday, March 14
12:30 a.m. - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix men and women’s slopestyle - Mammoth Mountain, Calif. - NBCSN*
 

Irving 1st U.S. Grand Prix

Gerard First, Henkes Second at Mammoth Mountain Grand Prix

By Andrew Gauthier
March, 9 2019
Judd Henkes and Red Gerard
Red Gerard (center) and Judd Henkes (right) on the slopestyle finals podium at the 2019 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Sarah Brunson)

The final day of snowboard competition at the 2019 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain, Calif., launched with an impressive display by U.S. Snowboard Pro team member and Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard (Silverthorne, Colo.) in slopestyle finals. Fresh off a win a the Burton U.S. Open, Gerard landed his second run, complete with a backside triple cork 1440 on the last jump, to seal the top spot on the podium.

“I feel great,” said Gerard. “We have had some bad weather here in Mammoth, so I was really psyched to get the contest done and have everyone get to ride in finals. The last two weeks have been insane. I could not ask for any more. The jumps were a little small, so there was a sense that you want to tone down your run, but the fact is in the finals you are competing against the best riders in the world, so I decided to throw the triple 1440 on the last jump.”

Gerard was not the only U.S. Snowboard athlete to find success on Saturday as Judd Henkes (La Jolla, Calif.) also earned himself his first-ever World Cup podium, finishing second behind Gerard. Henkes also stomped a backside triple cork 1440 to close out his run.

“It feels really good man,” said Henkes. “I was just stoked to put down a run. I was actually feeling really sick this morning and didn’t want to compete, but I’m happy I did. Also, shout out to Mammoth. This is my home mountain and it’s really cool to come out here and have success here on a great course. I know it was tough with the weather, but I’m really happy the contest got off.”

Henkes also wrapped up a strong season that included finishing third at the 2019 FIS World Championships. In addition, Chris Corning (Silverthorne, Colo.) put down a strong run, finishing fifth, and securing the FIS World Cup slopestyle title and the coveted Crystal Globe.

“I am really happy to take home the globe,” said Corning. “My goal coming here was to hold down that top spot and I’m stoked I was able to do that. This is my last contest of the year. I plan on going home riding some powder and get ready for summertime.”

U.S. Snowboard Team alumnus Chas Guldemond (Truckee, Calif.) also competed for the first time this season and put on a show for his local California crowd.

“I am transitioning to the coaching and mentor side of the sport right now,” said Guldemond. “All year people have asked me if I was competing and I kept telling them if I receive an invite, I won’t turn it down. The other day I got the invite and put my kid in the car and headed down. Stoked to be putting down runs.”

Gerard shared his thoughts on having Guldemond in the field as it clearly was a treat for all the current U.S. Snowboard Team members.

“It was awesome to ride with Chuck G,” said Gerard. “I actually worked out with him all summer, so it was sick to compete with him. I thought he rode insane and honestly thought he was going to win.”

As if the day couldn’t get any better, Gerard’s win earned him the U.S. Grand Prix National Championship award. Ruki Tobita of Japan finished second, and U.S. Snowboard Pro team member and Olympian Ryan Stassel (Anchorage, Alaska) finished a respectable ninth-place.

With the snowboard slopestyle World Cup season coming to a close, the U.S. Snowboard Team dominated the 2019 FIS Cup Standings claiming the top four spots. Behind the cup leader Corning was Henkes in second, Farrell in third and Stassell in fourth.

Following snowboard slopestyle, the men and women of the U.S. Snowboard Team would drop in for snowboard halfpipe finals. Chase Josey (Hailey, Idaho) finished in fourth place just outside of podium contention, and just in front of teammate Ryan Wachendorfer (Edwards, Colo.) in fifth. Josey’s finish would earn him the title of U.S. Grand Prix National Champion. In addition U.S. Rookie Team member Jason Wolle (Winter Park, Colo.) finished in ninth.

“Finals have always been sort of an unattainable goal for me,” said Wolle. “To finally see all the hard work pay off and land tricks I have been working in the final round of a World Cup competition makes this the best day ever.”

Yuto Totsuka of Japan won the event, Patrick Burgener of Switzerland finished second and Derek Livingston of Canada closed out the podium in third. For the women, Cai Xuetong of China finished in first-place, Sena Tomita of Japan finished second and Verena Rohrer of Switzerland finished in third.

CUP STANDINGS
Men’s snowboard slopestyle
Men’s snowboard halfpipe
Women’s snowboard halfpipe

RESULTS
Men’s snowboard slopestyle
Men’s snowboard halfpipe
Women’s snowboard halfpipe
 

Gerard 1st U.S. Grand Prix

Henkes 2nd U.S. Grand Prix

Ford 14th, Cochran-Siegle 18th at Kranjska Gora GS

By Megan Harrod
March, 9 2019
Tommy Ford 15 Place
Tommy Ford landed in 14th in Kranjska Gora's giant slalom - his seventh top-15 of the season, in seven starts. (Agence Zoom/Getty Images - Hans Bezard)

After fog delayed the FIS Ski World Cup giant slalom in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia Saturday morning, Tommy Ford (Bend, Ore.) fought to another top-15 of the season - his seventh top-15 of the season in seven starts.

That consistency puts Ford eighth in the current giant slalom standings - an incredible feat and big step for the men's tech team. Though Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, Vt.) had a solid 11th-fastest first run, he fell back to 18th place after the second run. Ted Ligety (Park City), Utah finished 23rd. Ford and Ligety will both qualify for giant slalom at World Cup Finals, as they are within the top 25 in the standings, though Cochran-Siegle did not qualify in giant slalom, landing in 26th after Saturday's race. He did, however, qualify in super-G, ranked 21st. 

Double World Juniors gold medalist River Radamus (Edwards, Colo.), Brian McLaughlin (Waitsfield, Vt.) and Nick Krause (Northboro, Mass.) also started in Saturday's giant slalom, though did not qualify for the second run. 

Up next for the men is slalom on Sunday at Kranjska Gora, where Sandy Vietze (Warren, Vt.) will make his World Cup debut. 

RESULTS
Men's giant slalom

MEN'S STANDINGS
World Cup overall
World Cup giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST
*Same-day broadcast

Sunday, March 10
4:30 a.m. - Men’s slalom run 1 - Kranjska Gora, SLO  - OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold
7:30 a.m. - Men’s slalom run 2 - Kranjska Gora, SLO  - Olympic Channel-TV, OlympicChannel.com & NBC Sports Gold