2024 was a big year for Henry Townshend and he’s just getting started. During the 2024-25 season, Townshend earned his first World Cup start, second in slopestyle at Junior World Championships and brought home the gold in slopestyle at the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, Korea. He finished the season second overall for the North American Continental Cup.

Born and raised in Park City, UT, a town that consistently produces remarkable park skiers, it was only a matter of time before Townshend joined the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. Following a successful last season and a summer spent training on the airbag and in the gym, we are excited to see what Townshend has to offer this winter.

Townshend is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport of freeskiing?

A: My parents put me on skis when I was three. By the time I was six, I had found out about park skiing and was hooked. I grew up following a family friend through the park and he was a big inspiration to me. 

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals? 

A: I’ve always dreamed of going to the Olympics and competing at X Games. I want to be good enough to have no limits on what I can try.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment so far has been winning a gold medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games. It felt so great to put that run down.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

A: I would love to become one of the best slopestyle skiers, to compete for as long as I can, and eventually transition into film skiing. I hope to continue skiing and finding joy in it for as long as possible.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?

A: In all aspects of my life, my mom is definitely a hero for me. Within the sport, there are so many skiers who have inspired me, and I’m super lucky to get to ski with so many of them on the team.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

A: If I were to win $5,000 in prize money, I would probably splurge on a trip. I’d love to go surfing or skiing in a new place. Maybe somewhere in South America?

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

A: Not really, I try to be cognizant of how much money I’m spending, and I try not to spend too much on things I don’t actually need. I’m really lucky to have a lot of help from my mom funding my skiing.

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?

A: I like to invest any extra money I have.

Follow Henry on his social media channels. 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and snowboarding icon Jamie Anderson announced her official return to World Cup competition in an interview with NBC. After stepping away from competition to focus on family and personal projects, Anderson is back, this time with two young daughters by her side, as she sets her sights on qualifying for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential riders in snowboarding history, Anderson returns with renewed energy and perspective, ready to rejoin the international stage as part of the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team.

“Jamie is one of the greatest slopestyle athletes of all time and will continue to be a pioneer in the sport of snowboarding,” said Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team sport director Rick Bower. "I have no doubt that if she puts her mind and her energy into it, she will have a successful go at competing again.”

"What sets Jamie apart isn’t just talent — it’s resilience, discipline, and heart,” said Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team slopestyle & big air head coach Mike Ramirez. Watching her step back into Snowboarding after becoming a mother of two is inspiring on so many levels, and we feel privileged to be part of this chapter in her journey."

A Legendary Career

Anderson first made history at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games, becoming the inaugural women’s Olympic slopestyle gold medalist. Four years later, she not only defended her slopestyle Olympic gold medal in PyeongChang but showcased her versatility by adding a big air Olympic silver medal to her resume.

In addition to her Olympic-level success, Anderson is the most decorated woman in X Games history with 21 medals in just 23 appearances. She’s also a five-time ESPY Female Action Sports Award winner, has 11 career World Cup wins and is a two-time FIS World Championship medalist. 

A New Chapter: Motherhood and Beyond

Anderson has spent the past few years embracing family life and creative projects, including Great Alaskan Adventure, a backcountry film project created with her fiancé, Tyler Nicholson, documenting their journey as new parents exploring untamed terrain with daughter Misty Rose, born in March 2023, in tow. The two welcomed a second daughter, Nova Sky, in April 2025.

With an uncanny ability to transfer contest-winning precision into unpredictable terrain, Anderson took third place in the 2024 Natural Selection final—proving she could still compete at the highest level of snowboarding.

Her return is fueled not only by unfinished business on the competition stage, but also by the chance to redefine what’s possible for women—and mothers—in elite sport. “I feel excited to have the opportunity to return and hopefully inspire other women and mothers that we can do it,” Anderson told NBC in an interview announcing her comeback. “Some people say coming back as a mother gives you an extra superpower, so we’ll see how that plays out.”

Nonprofit Work

Anderson’s achievements extend beyond the podium. She has played a pivotal role in progressing women’s snowboarding, notably collaborating with longtime resort partner Woodward to how her enJOY event, which provided women from around the world with the tools and encouragement needed to break into the sport.

She is also the founder of the Jamie Anderson Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth in action sports by providing equipment, financial aid and access to mountain experiences. Since its inception, the foundation has helped thousands of children and families overcome barriers to snowboarding and other outdoor activities.

In addition, Anderson has partnered with Protect Our Winters (POW) to advocate for environmental sustainability and climate change awareness.

Looking To Milano Cortina

With eyes set on the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Anderson is poised to showcase once again the talent and style that have earned her a reputation as a legend in snowboarding. Now, with her family in tow, Anderson returns to the sport with a renewed sense of joy and excitement in rediscovering her love for competing on the world’s biggest stage.

“I don’t know where it’s coming from, but I’m fired up,” said Anderson. “As always, I’m going to go with the flow, trust my intuition and play it by ear. It will probably be mayhem traveling with a family of four, but I’m feeling inspired to get some tricks I was doing pre-motherhood back on the table.”

With only two months remaining before the next Olympic qualifier, Anderson joins the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team in New Zealand for an on-snow training camp. 

Follow Jamie on Instagram here.

Follow the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team on Instagram here.

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Through U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s goal to grow the next generation of aerials skiers in the United States, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has launched the Aerials Nationals Development Group (AENDG) to further develop the pipeline of aerials athletes.

The Aerials National Development Group is a pool of the country's top developmental aerials athletes, selected based on head-to-head performance at NorAms, U.S. Championships, and other domestic FIS events. Athletes selected for the AENDG are recognized with an invitation to national development projects during the 2025-26 season. AENDG programming aims to drive athletes toward the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Strategic training opportunities will be organized during the preparation and competition periods to emphasize technical and tactical development in each athlete. An emphasis on conditioning will provide the backbone for advancement throughout the winter. The AENDG’s overall mission is to provide consistent, top-tier support for the growth of our next generation athletes. The program will collaborate with the athletes’ current program and coaches to ensure athletes receive the best possible training, support and resources. 

AENDG athletes will work with Jack Boyczuk, who will serve as the group’s head coach in year one of the program. Athletes have the opportunity to train across North America in Park City, UT, Bristol, NY and Le Relais, CAN, and learn from subject matter experts in sports psychology, nutrition and strength and conditioning. Madison Hogg, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Freestyle Development Manager, will serve as the AENDG Team Administrator

“The Aerials National Development Group is just what we need to keep advancing aerials skiing in the United States and ensure our athletes have the tools to reach the highest level,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Freestyle Sport Director. “We’ve built a strong tradition of excellence in aerials, and this program will help us carry that momentum into the future.”

The first cohort of athletes selected for the AENDG comprises the best up-and-coming aerials skiers in the country - many with great international and domestic success. 

2025-26 Aerials National Development Group

(Club; Notable Achievements)

Women

• Lilyana Laraba (Holiday Valley; 10th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Natalie Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 12th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Madeline Mar (Park City Ski & Snowboard) 
• Allison Patton (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 11th, 2025 U.S. Championships)

Men

• Gavin Canzano (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; Seventh, 2025 U.S. Championships; Two NorAm Cup top 12 results)
• Jackson Chapman (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 10th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• JP Kane (Mont Chalet; 14th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Scott Kane (Steamboat Winter Sports School; One World Cup start; One NorAm top five finish; Ninth, 2025 U.S. Championships)*
• Liam Laraba (Holiday Valley)
• Ian Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 12th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Owen Przepiora (Holiday Valley; 13th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Liam Smith (HoliMont; 20th, 2025 U.S. Championships)

* indicates previous World Cup starts

Westminster Becomes an Official Four-Year College Partner To the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, Marking 20-Year Anniversary of First Partnership.

Westminster University and U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the re-launch of their longstanding historic partnership, becoming an Official Four-Year College Provider through 2034. The partnership renewal was announced at a special event on Westminster’s Sugar House campus, with remarks from Westminster University President Beth Dobkin, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt and 2014 Winter Olympics silver medalist and Westminster alumna Devin Logan ‘23, among others. 

Originally launched in 2005 and renewed through 2018, the university’s past partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard provided dozens of athletes with access to Westminster’s comprehensive liberal arts education through significant tuition discounting and tailored academic advising support. More than 30 U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes have earned degrees from Westminster since the initial partnership launch 20 years ago.

Through the new partnership, U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes will receive an updated tiered tuition discounting model that incentivizes undergraduate degree completion. Athletes, as with all Westminster students, will benefit from Westminster’s renowned small class sizes, extraordinary faculty and tailored academic support.

“We’re thrilled to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to once again nurture world-class athletes as they pursue higher education and build a foundation for life after sport,” said President Dobkin. “Combined with our strong academic reputation and our proximity to top-tier training facilities, Westminster offers an environment where driven student-athletes can thrive in both their sport and their studies.”

“We are excited to re-launch the partnership with Westminster through 2034,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Education is a core part of our mission and we are grateful for institutions like Westminster for their support of our athletes, on and off the snow.” 

While athletes will benefit from flexible degree completion timelines and access to online coursework, athletes will be expected to remain in good academic standing.

Westminster University has a proud legacy of supporting those who dream of competing on the world stage and the Olympic spirit. More than 50 Olympians & Paralympians have pursued their educational aspirations at Westminster, earning degrees along with 10 Olympic medals. 

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About Westminster University 
Westminster University is a private, independent, nonprofit university located in Salt Lake City, Utah, celebrating 150 years of offering a transformative education that empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through the signature WestX initiative, Westminster students craft their own pathways to knowledge, applying their learning in real-world contexts. Wellness is integrated throughout the university experience, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Westminster’s charming campus in Salt Lake City’s eclectic Sugar House neighborhood minutes away from the Wasatch Mountains fosters unique opportunities for students to connect with nature and engage in Utah’s booming economy. As part of its commitment to innovation, Westminster continues to diversify its academic programs to align with students’ passions and emerging industries. For more information, visit westminsteru.edu. 

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. 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.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced Dunkin’ as the official coffee and breakfast partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

The collaboration brings Dunkin’ into the world of ski and snowboard for the first time, supporting U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 240 elite athletes across alpine, freestyle, cross country, snowboard, freeski, ski jumping, nordic combined and Para sports. Dunkin’ will appear on team uniforms and in athlete-driven digital and social storytelling throughout the season.   

“We are thrilled to bring Dunkin’ onto our team,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Their brand connects with millions of fans and families and pairing that with our athletes creates exciting opportunities as we head into a big season. Together, we’ll showcase the incredible stories and journeys of these athletes on and off the mountain.”  

Dunkin’ has built a strong footprint across sports, including teams such as the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Eagles, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. This agreement marks Dunkin’s first partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard.  

Overall, Dunkin’ is the latest in a series of major partnerships over the last several months for U.S. Ski & Snowboard including J.Crew, Stifel and Cloudflare.

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. 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 Dunkin’
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,000 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.

Kate Oldham did not come onto the scene quietly; it was as if she had been there all along. During the 2024-25 season, Oldham had her fair share of success, with a U.S. Championship victory, her World Cup debut that led to a top-20 right out of the gate, top-15 results at the Junior World Ski Championships and a spot on the coveted World Championships women's team. For Oldham, this was always part of the plan. 

Growing up in Colorado, training with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club—a program that produces some of the world's best snowsports athletes—it was only a matter of time before Oldham was representing the stars and stripes on the circuit. Now, a recent graduate from Montana State University, Oldham is a full-time professional ski racer, training out of Bozeman, MT with the Bridger Ski Foundation Pro Team. With her first nod to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team this 2025-26 season and a summer of training behind her, we are excited to see what Oldham achieves, with a heavy race calendar just over two months away. 

Oldham is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport of cross country skiing?

A: My parents introduced me to skiing, and I was hooked by the structure and challenges of cross country training, something that still draws me to the sport today. Growing up in Colorado, I was lucky to be surrounded by beautiful places every day, and now ski racing gives me the chance to travel to incredible destinations that keep me motivated and grateful.

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals? 

A: When I was younger, my dream was to qualify for Junior Nationals. I remember my freshman year of high school; it was my ultimate goal, and achieving it felt like such a huge milestone in my development as a junior. Later in high school, my goals shifted to qualifying for international trips like the Scandinavian Cup and World Juniors, both of which play pivotal roles in an athlete’s growth.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment so far has been qualifying for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. It has opened doors to incredible travel and racing opportunities, but even more importantly, it’s connected me with people who have offered invaluable expertise, guidance and genuine kindness.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

A: My ultimate goal is to have a fulfilling ski career that I’m proud to walk away from happy, healthy and still loving the sport. I want to carry that love of skiing forever and be in a position to give back to the community that has shaped my life in such profound ways.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?

A: Sam Benzing is one of my heroes! Sam was one of my coaches at Montana State University during my senior year and was an incredible source of support while I navigated my first year on the World Cup, my first World Championships and my final NCAA season. She embodies unconditional support and encouraged me to follow my own unique path, not just as an athlete, but as a person and as a lifelong lover of skiing.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

A: If I were to win $5,000 in prize money, I would use it to support my life in Bozeman, where I love living and have access to excellent training resources. This may not be the flashiest answer, but as an American cross country skier without a salary, chasing my dream of representing the U.S. internationally means finding creative ways to fund essentials like rent, high-quality nutrition and training expenses.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

A: Yes, my weekly routine naturally creates a structure around spending. Training, grocery shopping and filling up my gas tank all happen on a set rhythm, which helps me keep track of what I need and where my money goes.

I set aside a small portion of every paycheck into a simple IRA, allowing me to build my retirement fund gradually over time.

Follow Kate on her social media channels. 

The best freestyle aerials skiers in the U.S. took to the air at the Utah Olympic Park on Saturday, Aug. 23rd, in front of an incredible hometown crowd, where Kaila Kuhn and Quinn Dehlinger both stood at the top of the podium. 

This year's event featured over 40 athletes from around the country, ranging from Olympic champions to the best up-and-coming development athletes. The day started with the qualification round, where each athlete had two chances to put down their best jump, and their top score was used to rank them toward the final. The top 12 men and women advanced to the final round. Kuhn qualified in the top spot for the women, and Chris Lillis led the way for the men. 

Despite the wind, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes stayed strong in the finals. Kuhn threw a beautiful full full full, scoring 107.32 to put her ahead of teammate Winter Vinecki to maintain her winning position. Vinecki finished second, followed by Dani Loeb in third. On the men’s side, Lillis stepped up the difficulty, throwing a full double full double full to earn a huge 130.05 points, a huge improvement from qualifications. However, Dehlinger came out swinging in the finals and threw a hurricane, a full triple full full to take the lead and finish on top. Teammate Connor Curran completed the podium in third place. 

“This is one of the best summers of training I’ve had to date, and right now I’m just working on increasing my degree of difficulty,” said Kuhn. “The plan we have set is working, so I’m just going to try to keep moving in that same direction.”

“I’m feeling good,” said Dehlinger after his win. “It [the win] is showing that the work that I’ve been putting in earlier in the summer has been paying off.”

Next up, the team has a few weeks off from the pools for some relaxation and a focus on strength and conditioning before they start jumping again in September. 

Greetings Eastern Region! 

Save the date for our Fall 2025 Committee Meetings

When: 
October 17th & 18th, 2025

Where:
Lake Placid Olympic and Para-olympic Training Center and virtual on ZOOM

Schedule of events: 

October 17th, 2025

• 9am-12pm: Eastern Development committee meeting (EDC) 
• 1pm-4pm: Eastern Children's committee meeting  (ECC) 

Saturday October 18th, 2025

• 9am-12pm: Eastern Alpine competition committee (EACC) Fall meeting OPTC Adirondack Room

Sincerely,
Martin, Spencer, Roger, Dani

Martin Guyer
Eastern Regional Alpine Director

Please reach out directly for virtual meeting links

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team’s Cody Winters has steadily risen through the ranks of international competition on the FIS World Cup circuit in both snowboard cross and alpine snowboard disciplines. The Steamboat Springs native made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in the men’s parallel giant slalom and has his eyes set on making history in 2026 by becoming the first American to compete in both alpine snowboard and snowboard cross disciplines in one Olympic Winter Games.

The 2024-25 season was the strongest of Winter’s career thus far, earning his first World Cup podium in both parallel slalom and snowboard cross events only a few weeks apart. At the 2025 FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, Winters delivered solid individual performances in both disciplines, placing fifth in parallel giant slalom and advancing through the snowboard cross qualification rounds.

Winters’ is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

We caught up with Winters to dive into his background, reflect on a season of milestones, and look ahead to his goals for 2025-26.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport?
CODY WINTERS: Family, snowboarding started out as a family adventure for me. My dad and brother are the ones who taught me to do it. It’s how we spent our winter weekends as a family.

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
CW: My only goal was to be better than my older brother 😂 still working on that one and he retired 7 years ago. 

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
CW: Getting a podium in and two different disciplines within a month of each other. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
CW: To be a true professional snowboarder and make a living off of my true passion 

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport.
CW: Inside the sport of snowboarding, I draw inspiration across all the different disciplines. Some of my heroes include Jeremy Jones, Terii Hawkinson, Danny Davis. Benjamin Carl, and Eliot GrondIn. Outside of the sport, some of my heroes include Kobe Bryant, David Goggins, & the Dwane the Rock Johnson.

Questions sponsored by Zion's Bank.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
CW: I invest it all  back into snowboarding from buying flights paying for hotels, ski passes and hiring a coach. I can make $5000 move pretty quick.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
CW: No but I want to start, one of my new years resolutions was too have better organization of my spending. 

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?
CW: "Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” - Benjamin Franklin ... and "Don't spend money you don't have"

Keep up with Cody on Instagram HERE!

The best freestyle aerial skiers in the U.S. will battle it out at the 2025 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave at the Utah Olympic Park on Aug. 23rd.

The competition will take place at the UOP water ramps, where freestyle athletes learn to progress their skills in the warmer months to prepare for on-snow training. 

The free event, running from 12:45 pm-5 pm on Aug. 23rd, will feature the majority of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld, along with 2025 world champions Kaila Kuhn and Quinn Dehlinger. 

Qualification begins at 12:45 pm, where the top 12 finishers for men and women will advance. Finals are set to begin at 4:10 pm. 

Following the FIS event will be the Flying Ace Allstars show on the water ramps - a unique opportunity to watch the U.S. athletes showcase world-class tricks to the public, in a thrilling show format. Come to the U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave competition and stay for the Flying Ace Allstars! 

Tickets are required to attend the Flying Ace show. More information on the U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave competition and the Flying Ace show can be found on FIS and the UOP.