Riccomini Third in Silvaplana; Nation’s Cup Secured, Overall Park & Pipe Podium Sweep
Due to gusty winds and worsening weather conditions, the highly anticipated 2023-24 freeski slopestyle season finale in Silvaplana was canceled Sunday morning. With results from qualifications standing as final, Jay Riccomini (he/him) was the top finisher for the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, taking home third overall for the women. Teammate Hunter Henderson earned fourth overall on the men’s side of competition.
Despite a season plagued with cancelations and rescheduled competitions, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team still managed to put on a show all season, capturing the 2023-24 FIS Freeski Nations Cup and sweeping the overall men’s park and pipe standings.
After an impressive showing all season, Mac Forehand secured the 2023-24 FIS World Cup slopestyle Crystal Globe with teammate and 2023-24 FIS World Cup big air Crystal Globe winner Alex Hall close behind in second. The two join 2023-24 FIS World Cup halfpipe Crystal Globe winner Alex Ferriera to complete the American sweep of the men’s overall podium, with Ferreira taking the top spot after a perfect five-for-five wins World Cup season. Hall landed in second and Forehand was just five points behind in third.
With podiums in Laax, Copper and Silvaplana, Riccomini finished the season third overall in the 2023-24 FIS World Cup women’s slopestyle standings.
“This season has been one for the books,” said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team sport director Skogan Sprang. “I can’t express how proud I am of all the athletes on both the slopestyle and halfpipe teams for supporting each other and creating a positive environment that breeds success.”
“We’ve had the most podiums ever, by the most variety of athletes ever and the most first time podium athletes ever,” Sprang continued. “The coaches have done an amazing job of fostering this environment while the athletes are pushing innovation and creativity and still having fun and enjoying every moment.”
The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team heads back to the states (with extra luggage in tow) for a well-deserved break before they carry this season’s momentum into summer training.
