Stacey Cook's Mammoth Invitational
Everyone knows World Cup ski racers are incredible athletes, but did you know they’re also incredible people? Fans may be familiar with Stacey Cook from her podium in Lake Louise this season, or her rise through the ranks of the U.S. Ski Team or her aggression when it comes to charging down a downhill course, but it turns out that she’s more than just a professional skier. In her little free time, Cook serves on the board of the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation—a program that funds educational and athletic programs in Mammoth Lakes, California.
“The founder of mammoth—Dave McCoy—was very passionate about racing. When I was on the team, there was a foundation that was in his care,” remembered Cook. “But when he sold the mountain, that foundation went to the wayside.” But McCoy’s foundation had made a lasting impression on Cook, as it helped fund her ski racing that led to her eventually making the U.S. Ski Team.
In 2009, leaders came together to start a similar organization, called the Mammoth Mountain Community Foundation (MMCF). “It was the mission to bring something back like Dave's foundation that cares for the kids of the community and the sport—not just alpine skiing, but all winter sports, being outside and education,” Cook said. “The education is a definite factor in enticing kids and parents to be in a location like Mammoth.”
Stacey Cook celebrates during last year's Mammoth Invitational. (Mammoth Mountain)
Cook knew she wanted to get back involved in the foundation that helped her so much through her developmental years. “I really like and learn from the other board members a lot, and a big part of me wanting to be involved was to be around their presence,” said Cook. “So I asked last year if [being on the board] was something that could be moved forward.” The board quickly took advantage of the opportunity, nominating and inducting her in just a couple months.
The MMCF has developed since its original inception, now supporting California’s whole Eastern Sierra, not just Mammoth. The focus is on teaching snow sports to kids from small communities that wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to be on snow. And it’s not only ski racing. Mammoth has had astonishing success with professional snowboarders, freeskiers and cross country skiers coming out of the small, 8,000-person town. Kids now have the opportunity to select whatever sport they’re the most interested in to learn.
“Our long-term goal is a building for the ski and snowboard teams—a place where athletes can work together,” related Cook. “It would create a unique atmosphere that brings teams together, despite the difference of sport.” In order to bring this goal to fruition, the MMCF hosts fundraisers throughout the year—including Cook’s prized Mammoth Invitational.
“The Invitational usually nets about $500,000. It’s a great fundraiser,” shared Cook. “It’s really fun and it’s the right time of year to celebrate the winter and let loose. It brings a really unique group together with a lot of differences—mixing L.A., Mammoth and pros from all over the world.”
This year, the event takes place April 10-12—three days of on and off-snow events. There is a banked slalom, a freeskiing comp, a traditional ski race and a biathalon, to name just a few of the days’ events, as well as a fun Boardwalk Empire-themed affair and a more formal masquerade gala. “I am the reigning female champion of the biathlon,” laughed Cook. “It’s seriously the hardest thing I do all year. I’m almost puking at the end.”
Anna Marno, Katie Ryan and Foreste Peterson take a selfie at the 2014 Mammoth Invitational. (Foreste Peterson)
All of the proceeds of the Mammoth Invitation go to the MMCF, stemming from participants buying team slots. Each team gets full participation into all of the events, meals, lift tickets and a pro to show them around all weekend. “Usually I take the role of getting the pros involved,” said Cook. This year, Travis Ganong, Alice McKennis, Laurenne Ross, Jackie Wiles, Will Brandenburg, and Resi Stiegler will all be there—to just name a handful of the 14 ski racers that have already RSVPed. Reigning Grand Prix and U.S. Open champion Kelly Clark will also attend, alongside skiercross racers Tyler Wallasch and Johnny Teller. And illustrious Mammoth-local Glen Plake is always omnipresent at this event.
“It’s a fun balance and everyone has a good time,” said Cook. “That’s kind of the emphasis we put on the pros that come. It’s like, ‘Hey this is your event. Have fun, let loose and celebrate.’”
After traveling October through April for World Cups, it’s amazing that racers like Cook don’t just want to come home and sleep for a month. It’s even more astonishing that Cook has been planning this event in the short times between training, racing and roaming Europe. Helping kids is a passion that she sees going far beyond her ski racing career, and like many other athletes, she hopes to utilize her successful ski racing career for good.
To get involved in Stacey Cook’s Mammoth Invitational, visit mammothfoundation.org/mammoth-invitational. Cook will also be hosting Chix on Stix annual women’s-only retreat May 15-17. Lastly, Cook has her Stacey Cook and Friends Speed Camp with Steven Nyman and Marco Sullivan over Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), open to all ages. All events take place at Mammoth Mountain.