Park City, Utah (May 15, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced the 49 athletes nominated to the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team for the 2025-26 season. Nominations include athletes who qualified based on the published selection criteria. 

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team announces its teams in two phases: nomination and acceptance. The athletes are formally nominated to the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team in May. Pending their acceptance of the nomination and adherence to the team expectations outlined in team criteria, athletes will be officially announced to the team in September 2025. 

World Cup standouts such as the winningest alpine skier of all time, two-time Olympic champion and eight-time world champion Mikaela Shiffrin, return to the team, alongside World Championship medalist Lauren Macuga, 82-time World Cup winner and three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn, two-time world champion Breezy Johnson, and 2022 super-G Olympic silver medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle. 

Ben Ritchie and Katie Hensien are new to the A Team. Ritchie finished a career-best season as the world's top 20 slalom skier and Hensien turned heads in Soelden, Austria, when she scored a career-best fourth-place finish and earned her best overall giant slalom rank in 22nd. 

B Team nominations are highlighted by young up-and-comer Elisabeth Bocock, who had a strong season in giant slalom. In addition, Patrick Kenney returns to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team after success in the World Cup this year. 

Hunter Salani, Logan Grosdidier and Annika Hunt are making moves to the C Team. Annika Hunt was newly nominated to the team after she won the NorAm overall title this season and Salani is fresh off a Junior World Championships medal. 

The 2025-26 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season is scheduled for the men and women in late October with a pair of giant slalom races in Soelden, Austria and includes a break for the Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Three stops are expected in the United States: men and women at the Stifel Copper Cup presented by United at Copper Mountain, Colorado, Nov. 27-30 and men’s speed at the Stifel Birds of Prey Dec. 5-7. 

The official Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team announcement will be made in the fall.

2025-26 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Nominations

(Hometown; Club; College; Birthdate)

A TEAM
Women

• Katie Hensien (Redmond, WA; Rowmark Ski Academy; University of Denver; 12/1/1999)
• AJ Hurt (Carnelian Bay, CA; Team Palisades Tahoe; Dartmouth College; 12/5/2000)
• Breezy Johnson (Victor, Idaho; Rowmark Ski Academy; 1/19/1996)
• Lauren Macuga (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 7/4/2002)
• Paula Moltzan (Prior Lake, MN; Buck Hill Ski Team/Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; University of Vermont; 4/7/1994)
• Nina O’Brien (Edwards, CO; Burke Mountain Academy/Team Palisades Tahoe; Dartmouth College; 11/29/1997)
• Mikaela Shiffrin (Edwards, CO; Burke Mountain Academy/Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 3/13/1995)
• Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail/Buck Hill Ski Team; 10/18/1984)
• Jacqueline Wiles (Aurora, OR; White Pass Ski Club; 7/13/1992)

 Men

• Bryce Bennett (Olympic Valley, CA; Team Palisades Tahoe; 7/14/1992)
• Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT; Cochran’s Ski Club/Mount Mansfield Ski & Snowboard Club; University of Vermont; 3/27/1992)
• Tommy Ford (Bend, OR; Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation; Dartmouth College; 3/20/1989)
• Jared Goldberg (Holladay, UT; Snowbird Sports Education Foundation; University of Utah; 6/15/1991)
• River Radamus (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 2/12/1998)
• Ben Ritchie (Waitsfield, VT; Green Mountain Valley School; 9/5/2000)                 

B TEAM
Women

• Elisabeth Bocock (Salt Lake City, UT; Rowmark Ski Academy; Dartmouth College; 9/3/2005)
• Keely Cashman (Strawberry, CA; Team Palisades Tahoe; Montana State University; 4/4/1999)
• Tricia Mangan (Buffalo, NY; Holimont Race Team; Dartmouth College; 3/7/1997)
• Allison Mollin (Truckee, CA; Team Palisades Tahoe; 7/7/2004) 
• Ava Sunshine (Encinitas, CA; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail/Burke Mountain Academy; University of Utah; 6/20/2002)
• Isabella “Bella” Wright (Salt Lake City, UT; Snowbird Sports Education Foundation; 2/10/1997)

 Men

• Erik Arvidsson (Woodside, CA; Team Palisades Tahoe; Middlebury College; 9/3/1996)
• Bridger Gile (Aspen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club/Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 10/15/1999)
• Patrick Kenney (Hingham, MA; Burke Mountain Academy; University of New Hampshire; 2/13/1997)
• Sam Morse (Carrabassett Valley, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; Dartmouth College; 5/27/1996)
• Kyle Negomir (Littleton, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Dartmouth College; 10/3/1998)
• Jett Seymour (Steamboat, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Denver; 11/5/1998)
• Luke Winters (Gresham, OR; Sugar Bowl Academy; 4/2/1997)

C TEAM
Women

• Mary Bocock (Salt Lake City, UT; Rowmark Ski Academy; Dartmouth College; 10/7/2003)
• Logan Grosdidier (Wenatchee, WA; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 12/16/2008)* 
• Tatum Grosdidier (Wenatchee, WA; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Utah; 7/24/2004) 
• Annika Hunt (Park City, UT; Burke Mountain Academy; 11/30/2006)*
• Stella Johansson (Aspen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Dartmouth College; 9/2/2003) 
• Kjersti Moritz (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Middlebury College; 11/28/2004)
• Liv Moritz (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; University of Denver; 11/28/2004) 
• Dasha Romanov (Thornton, CO; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; University of New Hampshire; 5/3/2003)
• Viktoria Zaytseva (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 10/17/2007)*

Men

• Stanley Buzek (Silverthorne, CO; Team Summit Colorado; 8/18/2005) 
• John Kerbaugh (Williston, VT; Mt. Mansfield Academy; 11/11/2005) 
• Isaiah Nelson (Wayzata, MN; Buck Hill Ski Racing Club; 4/3/2001)
• Jeremy Nolting (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 7/26/2005)*
• Camden Palmquist (Eagan, MN; Buck Hill Ski Racing Club/Team Summit Colorado; 4/15/2003)
• Tanner Perkins (Crested Butte, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Montana State University; 5/18/2001)*
• Jay Poulter (Bondville, VT; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club/Stratton Mountain School; University of Utah; 7/1/2003)
• Cooper Puckett (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Dartmouth College; 3/31/2003)
• Hunter Salani (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 2/25/2005) 
• Ryder Sarchett (Sun Valley, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; University of Colorado Boulder; 7/28/2003)
• Jack Smith (Sun Valley, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; 4/24/2001)
• Nolan Sweeney (Littleton, NH; Franconia Ski Club/Burke Mountain Academy; Colby College; 1/12/2004)*

*Newly named to the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team

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FOR MORE INFORMATION 
Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Communications Manager
sierra.ryder@usskiandsnowboard.org 

PARK CITY, Utah (May 16, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce the winners of the annual Congress Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted the world of elite skiing and snowboarding. The list of winners from 2024-25 includes those who have shown talent in athletics, coaching and more to foster the growth of skiing and snowboarding in the United States and worldwide. 

Tom Kelly, who spent decades leading the communications department at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, takes home the most prestigious prize: the Julius Blegen Award. In years past, Walt Evans, Bruce Crane, Bob Dart, Thelma Hoessler, Dexter Paine, Chuck Heckert, Spencer Eccles and others have been recognized with this award. Kelly has long been involved in the ski industry, overseeing more than 100 Olympic medals as the VP, Communications at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and has continued to work closely with the organization since his retirement in 2018. 

Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athlete and Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf is the 2025 recipient of the Beck International Award. Between a 14-event World Cup podium streak, eight wins and collecting all three possible Crystal Globes, Kauf was unstoppable throughout the 2024-25 season. 

The 2025 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year award goes to Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team coach Zan Spilar, who works with the women’s alpine tech team. He stepped up to a more senior role over the season, fulfilling the duties of a head coach and leading the women to some of the best results of their careers. 

Under Craig Haaser's leadership, the Snowbasin Sports Education Foundation (SSEF) took home the Development Club of the Year award due to its program strength in development and coaching. SSEF exemplifies how a club can develop strong athletes across multiple sports in a positive and supportive environment. 

Other noteworthy recognitions include freestyle athlete Olivia Giaccio (2025 Buddy Werner Award), cross country World Cup coach Kristen Bourne (2025 Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award), Bill McCollum (2025 John J. Clair Jr. Award) and many others who continue to inspire the current and next generation of skiers and snowboarders. Find the complete list of winners below.

DIAMOND AWARD

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Julius Blegen Award: Tom Kelly

The Julius Blegen Award is given annually to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard member who has contributed outstanding service to skiing or snowboarding in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution over a sustained period of time on behalf of the vision and mission of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. The award began in 1946 in memory of Julius Blegen, a former treasurer of the NSA from 1937-42 and first president of the Central U.S. Ski & Snowboard, as well as the American Olympic coach in 1932. 

Tom Kelly joined the U.S. Ski Association in 1986, serving two years as assistant national nordic director before becoming PR director for the U.S. Ski Team. Kelly remained in that role until retiring in 2018 as vice president, communications. He was instrumental in promoting U.S. athletes on the global stage and bringing attention to the organization, attending 11 Olympic Games and supporting more than 75 medalist athletes in the finish area. In his professional career, Kelly advanced skiing and snowboarding through his active engagement with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and International Ski & Snowboard Federation, where he served for over a decade as chair of its PR and Mass Media Committee. 

Kelly’s dedication to the sport and its athletes earned him numerous accolades, including the USOC Building Dreams Award in 2018, FIS Journalist Award in 2019 and induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2018. He also served on the board of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for more than 25 years, including a term as its chair, and is engaged with the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame. With U.S. Ski & Snowboard, he advocated for awards programs to recognize the work of athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers. 

Since his retirement, Kelly has served as a consultant to governing bodies and sports properties, and is a leader within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement through his role as communications lead for the Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Winter Games. This honor highlights his enduring impact on the global sports community and his commitment to storytelling in the world of skiing and snowboarding.

GOLD AWARDS

2025 Beck International Award: Jaelin Kauf 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Beck International Award, its highest athletic award, is presented to a competitor based on outstanding performance in international competition during the past season. The Beck award was inaugurated in 1931.

Jaelin Kauf took the world by storm throughout the 2024-25 season. Between a 14-event World Cup podium streak, eight wins and living up to her name as the fastest woman on the World Cup circuit, Kauf was on another level. Her World Cup success led her to take home the moguls, dual moguls and overall FIS Crystal Globes, becoming the first U.S. freestyle athlete to win a Globe since 2015. Kauf wrapped up the season at World Championships, where she took home the dual moguls gold medal. Kauf’s consistency and determination cultivated one of the most successful seasons in recent U.S. freestyle history. 

2025 Development Club of the Year: Snowbasin Sports Education Foundation (SSEF)

The Snowbasin Sports Education Foundation, led by Craig Haaser, is the recipient of the development club of the year award due to its immense success in developing its athletes into the next phase of competition. The organization aims to encourage, prepare, and inspire the next generation of winter sports athletes. 

2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award: Youth Enrichment Services

The award recognizes a person, group, organization, or program that has contributed significantly and sustainably to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in skiing and snowboarding. 

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) was selected as U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion of the Year in recognition of its long-standing commitment to making snowsports accessible to underserved youth in Boston. Since 1968, YES has introduced more than 100,000 young people to skiing, snowboarding and outdoor adventure—many of whom might not otherwise have the opportunity. Through affordable programming, community partnerships and a strong focus on mentorship and leadership development, YES has created a lasting impact by breaking down barriers to entry and empowering the next generation through the power of sport.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year Award: New York Ski Educational Foundation

The New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) is the club of the year recipient due to its empowerment of its athletes across all levels and sports. It also continued to invest in programming with facility development at three ski areas and two nordic venues, launched local partnerships with health organizations to assist with in-person off-season training, and hosted events including two World Cups, a Holeshot NorAm, FIS Eastern Cups and the Junior World Championships for ski jumping and nordic combined, where NYSEF-bred athletes took home multiple medals. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Coach of the Year Award: Ann Battelle

Ann Battelle, a four-time Olympian and world champion in freestyle skiing, understands firsthand what it takes to succeed. Working with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club as the Freestyle Director, Battelle is always on a quest to further athletes’ development and success and saw top results in the Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships, Junior National Championships, FIS events and more. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard International Coach of the Year Award: Zan Spilar

Zan Spilar is a Stifel U.S. Ski Team women’s alpine World Cup tech team coach. With excitement and determination, Spilar took on huge responsibilities in the 2024-25 season. Throughout the season, Spilar helped his athletes achieve career highs and multiple World Cup podiums, World Championships medals, national championship titles and more, leading to one of the most successful seasons for the women’s alpine ski team. 

2025 Westhaven Award: Tony Nunnikhoven

The Westhaven Award is a lifetime achievement award, recognizing an outstanding FIS technical delegate for his or her service over time. Nominations come from the pool of current FIS TDs.

Tony Nunnikhoven was posthumously honored with the Westhaven Award in recognition of his lifetime of service as a FIS Technical Delegate and his commitment to the sport of alpine ski racing. A U.S. TD since 2004 and a FIS-certified TD since 2009, Tony was known across every level of competition—FIS, collegiate, Masters, Para, development and elite—for his professionalism, integrity and tireless dedication. He was always willing to step in and support events, even on short notice, and did so with a smile and deep love for the sport. Tony passed away in his sleep on February 26, 2025 while on assignment at Palisades Tahoe—just days after serving at Soldier Mountain and Big Sky, and en route to support a FIS Para event in Colorado. His impact will live on through the many officials, athletes and organizers he guided and inspired.

SILVER AWARDS

2025 Bud & Mary Little Award: Mike Elliott

The Bud and Mary Little Award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team skiing or snowboard interests through a long-term involvement in the FIS or Olympic sports communities, internationally or nationally. Dr. Amos R. “Bud” Little was a noted ski racer, coach and U.S. Ski Team doctor, and he served as an influential leader with the International Ski Federation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Mike Elliott was posthumously awarded the Bud & Mary Little Award for his extraordinary, lifelong contributions to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the broader Olympic movement. A three-time Olympian and decorated cross-country skier, Mike’s legacy extends far beyond competition. For more than five decades, he served the sport as a coach, administrator, advocate and mentor—shaping generations of athletes and advancing skiing at every level. His leadership on the U.S. Olympic Committee, role in shaping national sports policy and tireless fundraising for grassroots and elite programs alike made an enduring impact on the skiing community. Elliott passed away in September 2024. 

2025 Buddy Werner Award: Olivia Giaccio

The Wallace “Buddy” Werner Award is given to the outstanding U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor who demonstrated leadership and good sportsmanship in national or international competition. It is presented in memory of Buddy Werner, an outstanding U.S. alpine racer who was killed in an avalanche after the 1964 Olympics at the height of his ski career.

Olivia Giaccio was honored with the Buddy Werner Award for her leadership and sportsmanship throughout the 2024-25 season. A three-time World Cup winning moguls skier on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, Olivia has exemplified the values the award stands for—compassion, courage, and commitment to others—even while facing her own significant challenges. Despite battling injuries in the 2024-25 season, Olivia put her team first, offering encouragement both on and off the course. Whether cheering for teammates at the finish or sending heartfelt notes of congratulations, her presence uplifted everyone around her. 

2025 Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award: Kristen Bourne

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award is given to the female coach who has a significant impact on her athletes throughout the season. The coach provides leadership, guidance and support in technical, tactical and programmatic ways for her athletes. This award is inspired after Eileen Shiffrin, Mikaela Shiffrin's mother who consistently goes above and beyond in helping her achieve her dreams.

Kristen Bourne, World Cup coach for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, is the recipient of the 2025 Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award. She was a competitive skier in college on the D1 circuit. After college, Kristen moved to Oslo, Norway where she continued racing and interning at the Norwegian School of Sports Science. She began coaching with the national team in 2022 and has been an integral part of the team's success, highlighted by the program having its most successful year in history last season. 

2025 John J. Clair Jr. Award: Bill McCollum

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s John J. Clair Jr. Award is given for outstanding service that benefited the U.S. Ski or Snowboard Team. The award was originated by the Long Island Ski Club in memory of John Clair.

Bill McCollum, a Middlebury College All American ski racer, was a valuable contributor in the eastern region, delivering programs for kids throughout the area. He held positions including coaching at national and international levels, head of school at Killington Mountain School and and president and director of Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA), as well as chaired and worked with multiple committees within U.S. Ski & Snowboard. His passion was also in telling the stories of the sport, penning over 300 original columns in Ski Racing magazine. In 2011, he was inducted into the VARA Hall of Fame and was awarded the Paul Robbins Journalism Award from the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. His love for ski racing would live on into Masters racing where he skied well into his 70s. McCollum passed away in 2020. 

2025 Paul Bacon Award: Sun Valley Resort 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Paul Bacon Award is given to an individual or group for the most significant contribution to U. S. Ski & Snowboard in race organization. It was originated by the Bacon family and U. S. Ski & Snowboard Rocky Mountain Division in memory of Paul Bacon, an outstanding race organizing contributor.

Sun Valley Resort is the 2025 recipient of the Paula Bacon Award. In March, Sun Valley hosted the Stifel Sun Valley Finals to wrap up the FIS Alpine World Cup season. In just 16 months, Sun Valley created a new race venue at Warm Springs, including snowmaking, new A nets, timing system and finish area, which resulted in a spectacular experience for racers and fans alike. Tens of thousands of people showed up to watch the races over the week, alongside bib draws and ancillary events, with FIS stating that Sun Valley proved itself as a very worthy top-level organizer at its first World Cup event in decades.

2025 Russell Wilder Award: Terry Delliquadri

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Russell Wilder Award is given annually to recognize the most outstanding effort in focusing the interests of American youth on the sports of skiing or snowboarding. 

Terry Delliquadri is the recipient of the 2025 Russell Wilder Award, honoring his outstanding commitment to inspiring and developing young skiers through his work in the Burke Mountain Academy junior program. With a deep well of experience from Team Summit, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail and the Northwood School and as the Rocky/Central director for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Terry is now the Head Coach for U14s and the Volunteer Coordinator for BMA races. His all-in, joyful approach to coaching makes skiing irresistible to his athletes and his mantra that “every turn matters” resonates deeply.

2025 Team Athletes Giving Back Award: Luke Jager - Healthy Futures Alaska  

Many U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes donate time, money and their persona to various charitable and nonprofit endeavors. The award includes a $5K grant to the athlete's charitable cause or organization and was born through the generosity of an anonymous Trustee donor. 

Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athlete and 2022 Olympian Luke Jager is dedicated to inspiring Alaska’s youth to live active, healthy lives through his work with Healthy Futures Alaska, a nonprofit focused on building lifelong habits of physical activity. By using his platform to champion the organization’s mission, Luke is helping the next generation discover the joy and confidence that come from being active—just as he did through skiing. 

2025 West Family Award: Tony Nunnikhoven

The West Family Award is given annually to recognize an outstanding, dedicated U.S. Ski & Snowboard certified official for the year and/or over numerous years, from the 'grass root' membership – the lowliest gatekeeper on up. The donor of this award is the Fraser and Teddy West family.

Tony Nunnikhoven was posthumously honored with the West Family Award in recognition of his extraordinary dedication and mentorship as one of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s most respected alpine officials. A beloved FIS Technical Delegate, Tony dedicated decades to ensuring safety and fairness at every level of competition. Whether mentoring future TDs, leading national and international events or working tirelessly behind the scenes in his trademark cowboy hat, Tony brought integrity and warmth to everything he did. He was a fierce advocate for Masters racing, a mentor to officials across the country, and a friend to all who had the privilege of working with him. Tony passed away in early 2025 just days after completing one of his final events at the Masters National Downhill. 

2025 Sosman Award: Meredith Ehn

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s J. Leland Sosman Award is presented to a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Physicians’ Pool who has made great contributions as a volunteer medical provider.  In recognition of Doc Sosman and his endless commitment as a volunteer for the U. S. Ski & Snowboard, this award is given to an exceptional member of the "medical support team" who has provided outstanding medical coverage and service to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes.

Dr. Meredith Ehn is recognized with the 2025 J. Leland Sosman Award for her outstanding dedication as a volunteer physician with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard medical team. A key medical provider for the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and Toyota U.S. Para  Snowboard Team, Dr. Ehn has exemplified exceptional care, professionalism and commitment to athlete health and performance. Her service on the ground at competitions and behind the scenes reflects the spirit of volunteerism and excellence that defines the award.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD ATHLETES OF THE YEAR 

2025 Adaptive Athlete of the Year: Saylor O’Brien

Saylor O’Brien had a standout season, vying for the top of the podium in every event she started. Between four World Cup podiums and her first career win, O’Brien is one to watch. Additionally, she finished the year at U.S. Championships with two U.S. titles. 

2025 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Athletes of the Year: Lauren Macuga & Ryan Cochran-Siegle

Lauren Macuga had a breakout season, winning her first World Cup at the St. Anton super-G. She then followed it up with a World Championships bronze medal in super-G and capped it all off with a second place finish in the Kvitfjell downhill. 

Olympic silver medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle secured his first podium in more than a year in Val Gardena, Italy, taking third in the downhill. He also placed just outside the medals at the World Championships in the team combined, taking fourth with teammate Ben Ritchie. 

2025 Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Athletes of the Year: Jessie Diggins & Gus Schumacher

Coming off a career-best season last year, Jessie Diggins was once again on top, winning six World Cup races, podiuming in seven, finishing third in the overall Tour de Ski and ending the year with her third overall career FIS Cross Country overall Crystal Globe, as well as the distance globe. Diggins remains the only non-European athlete to win the overall Globe.

Gus Schumacher secured his second career World Cup podium in 2024-25, with a second-place result in Falun, Sweden. Schumacher is one of the leading men on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, becoming a podium threat in nearly every race he starts. 

2025 Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Athletes of the Year: Rell Harwood & Alex Hall 

2022 Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall is widely recognized as one of the most innovative skiers in the world. This 2024-25 season, he won gold in X Games knuckle huck, had three World Cup podiums in slopestyle and brought home the slopestyle Crystal Globe, cementing himself as the best slopestyle skier in the world. 

Rell Harwood is a name to know in women’s freeskiing. A three-time X Games medalist and two-time World Cup medalist in just the 2024-25 season, Harwood is known for her unique style in slopestyle skiing and brings a high level of skiing into every competition she enters.

2025 Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Athlete of the Year: Jaelin Kauf (moguls) & Chris Lillis (aerials)

Jaelin Kauf was unstoppable every time she stepped into the gate in 2024-25. Throughout the season, she earned 14 podiums, eight wins and became the first U.S. athlete to earn a FIS Crystal Globe since Hannah Kearney in 2015, taking home the moguls, dual moguls and overall globes. She finished the year with a gold medal in dual moguls at the 2025 World Championships. 

Between four World Cup podiums and a World Championships team event gold, Chris Lillis’ impact on the team was evident. Chris also earned three individual World Cup podiums, including a third-place finish at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel for his first-ever podium on home snow. Lillis also helped lead the team to a team event podium in Beidahu, and his clutch performance in St. Moritz helped win World Championships gold in the team event for the second time. 

2025 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team Athlete of the Year: Alexa Brabec

Alexa Brabec is one of the top U.S. athletes on the Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team, snagging a fourth and fifth place finish in the Seefeld World Cup and six total top 10 results in 2024-25. Looking to next season, Brabec will be one to watch as she looks to secure her first podium.

2025 Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year: Tate Frantz

Tate Frantz stepped into the role of one of the top performers on the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team, having secured both a silver and bronze in the Junior World Championships held in Lake Placid, New York. Frantz continues to push himself as he fights for better World Cup results and has become the leading athlete on the team. 

2025 Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Athlete of the Year: Maddie Mastro 

Maddie Mastro continues to prove herself as one of the most dominant and consistent female riders in the game, taking home the coveted FIS World Cup women's halfpipe Crystal Globe for the 2024-25 season. Mastro became the first woman to land a front double 1080 in competition and the first woman to stop two doubles in one halfpipe run, combining the front dub cork 10 with her signature trick, the double crippler, en route to a second-place performance. In addition to her impressive FIS World Cup circuit results, Mastro took home the X Games halfpipe silver medal and placed second overall in The Snow League’s inaugural event.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD DEVELOPMENT COACHES OF THE YEAR

2025 Alpine Development Coach of the Year: Kyle Darling

Kyle Darling, head women’s FIS coach at Burke Mountain Academy, is recognized as the 2025 Alpine Development Coach of the Year for his outstanding leadership and consistent athlete progression. A former U.S. Ski Team coach, Kyle has been instrumental in guiding young athletes to the international stage. His coaching contributed to the development of world junior champions and top NorAm athletes. 

2025 Cross Country Development Coach of the Year: Will Wicherski

Will Wicherski, Nordic Program Director for the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club, is named the 2025 Cross Country Development Coach of the Year for his exceptional leadership and commitment to growing the sport. Will led the U16 National Camp in Jackson Hole, served on the Junior Working Group, and played a pivotal role as Head of Glide at the Junior World/U23 Championships. His coaching has contributed to standout performances by athletes like Lucas Wilmot and Lena Poduska, with Poduska sweeping all four races at the Junior National Ski Championships in her U18 category. Under Will's guidance, the Jackson Hole Ski Club has grown both in size and in competitive strength, solidifying his status as a key figure in cross country development.

2025 Freeski Development Coach of the Year: Ryan Carey

Ryan Carey is a development coach for the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team and is named Freeski Development Coach of the Year. He has been with the organization for several seasons and has made a lasting impact on his athletes right off the bat, helping to drive them from the pipeline to the elite team. 

2025 Freestyle Development Coach of the Year: Ann Battelle

A four-time Olympian, Ann Battelle is now the Freestyle Program Director with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Battelle works daily to help propel her freestyle athletes to new success through her breadth of knowledge in the sport and competition, securing her the Freestyle International Coach of the Year award. 

2025 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Development Coach of the Year: Larry Stone 

Lawrence “Larry” Stone is a legend in the ski jumping community. He coached for the U.S. Ski Jumping Team for years, beginning in the 1980s and including in 2009 when Lindsey Van became the first official women’s world champion. He now is a ski jumping coach for the New York Ski Education Foundation. He has previously been named International Jumping Coach of the Year in 1991 and Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Development Coach of the Year in 2005. 

2025 Snowboard Development Coach of the Year: Mike Lund

Mike Lund has been named the 2025 Snowboard Development Coach of the Year for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team rookie team. His commitment to athlete growth, both on and off the snow, has helped young elite riders build the technical skills, confidence and competitive mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD NATIONAL COACHES OF THE YEAR

2025 Alpine National Coach of the Year: Zan Spilar 

Zan Spilar is a coach with the women’s alpine World Cup tech team. This season, Spilar led his athletes in achieving career highs and multiple World Cup podiums, including Paula Moltzan’s first World Cup giant slalom podium and bronze medal in giant slalom at the World Championships. Spilar is committed and loyal to his athletes and staff and is already excited to accomplish even more next season.

2025 Cross Country National Coach of the Year: Kristen Bourne 

Kristen Bourne has been a World Cup coach for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team since the 2022-23 season. Bourne has been recognized in various ways for her essential contributions to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and has played a key role in the team’s historic success. 

2025 Freeski National Staff Member of the Year: Erin Doyle 

Erin Doyle currently serves as the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team's team manager and the press officer. Doyle’s positivity and work ethic never go unnoticed by her team and fellow staff members. The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athletes and coaches are grateful for her commitment to their sport. 

2025 Freestyle National Coach of the Year: Stanislav Kravchuk

Four-time Olympian Stanislav Kravchuk helped the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team soar to new heights and wins this past season as a World Cup coach, seeing six podiums from three athletes and three World Championship medals.

2025 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined National Coach of the Year: Tore Sneli 

Originally from Trysil, Norway, Tore Sneli is the head coach of the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team. A former jumper himself, Tore has a passion for developing up-and-coming ski jumping athletes in the U.S. and has led athletes to become Olympic medal potential in 2026.

2025 Snowboard National Coach of the Year: Danny Kass 

Two-time Olympic silver medalist Danny Kass is the head halfpipe coach of the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. His passion and commitment, experience and knowledge of the sport is also a key factor in his success as a coach, seeing huge results in the 2024-25 season, including X Games and World Championships medals and Crystal Globes. 

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD SPORT CLUBS OF THE YEAR

• 2025 Alpine Club of the Year: Burke Mountain Academy
• 2025 Cross Country Club of the Year: Team Soldier Hollow
• 2025 Freestyle Club of the Year: Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSVCV)
• 2025 Freeski Club of the Year: Olympic Valley Freestyle Freeride Club
• 2025 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Club of the Year: New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF)
• 2025 Snowboard Club of the Year: Stratton Mountain School 

The Landmark Renewal with Financial Services Partner is Largest Partnership in U.S. Ski & Snowboard History

Park City, Utah & St. Louis, Missouri (May 13, 2025) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) are proud to announce a landmark renewal of their partnership from May 2026 through April 2034. This unprecedented 8-year agreement marks the most expansive partnership in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s history and reflects a bold, shared vision through the next three Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Under the renewed agreement, Stifel will be the title partner of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, supporting the alpine, cross country, freeski, moguls, aerials, ski jumping, nordic combined and Para alpine teams, as well as the exclusive financial services partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

“As we look ahead to three Olympic and Paralympic Games, including a home Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Games, this extended partnership with Stifel represents a generational investment in our teams and our athletes,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Stifel’s support has also enabled us to implement innovative new initiatives that are having a direct impact on the organization. From World Cup podiums to grassroots development, Stifel’s belief in the power of sport and our athletes has been a game-changer.”

Since launching the partnership in 2022, Stifel’s support of U.S. Ski & Snowboard has driven record-breaking performances, increased the visibility of U.S. athletes and fueled the growth of competitive skiing in the U.S. Over the initial three years of partnership, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team has achieved historic success both athletically and as an organization.

Organizationally, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has expanded its World Cup footprint in North America with the support of Stifel, bringing the total amount of World Cups from four to a record 11 in 2024-25. In the same season, the organization’s streaming and broadcast audience has doubled, earned media surpassed 30 billion impressions and social media impressions increased 70%. 

2024 was also a record-breaking year for Stifel, highlighting the strength and balance of a diversified business model, achieving net revenues of $4.97 billion, the highest in the firm’s history, and delivering a 23% return on average tangible equity, with non-GAAP net earnings of $756 million, or $6.81 per share – a 46% increase from the prior year. And finally, over the year, Stifel’s share price increased 56.4%.

“The news of Stifel’s renewal as title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is so incredible,” said two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin. “Ron (Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel) and Stifel have shown amazing support for snow sports and are truly invested in the stories of our athletes and the growth of our sports, which has translated into more success on the mountain.”

“Stifel has opened up so many opportunities for us as athletes and humans looking to reach our full potential, and I am so grateful for their support and proud to be part of their team,” said Olympic champion cross country skier Jessie Diggins. “Their commitment to helping us reach the top level is incredible and makes all the difference!”

“The Stifel U.S. Ski Team partnership continuation is monumental for both parties,” said two-time Olympic medalist freeskier Alex Ferreira. “It is where success meets success. I am humbled and grateful to benefit from all sides.” 

Stifel also launched innovative programs around the increased domestic World Cup events, including the Stifel HERoic Cup, designed around U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s HERoic initiative celebrating women’s sport. Stifel also invested in the Stifel Bibbo Award for the athlete who moves up the most in ranks in alpine World Cup races, and continues to support the Stifel Success Tour, development-level NorAm races in the U.S. that feed the Stifel U.S. Ski Team pipeline. Additionally, Stifel supported the Stifel Snow Show, a weekly series on CNBC, Peacock and YouTube that highlighted the achievements and stories of U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes each week throughout the season. 

The Stifel brand will remain prominently displayed on team uniforms and event signage at US events, along with a continuation of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team branding across digital and broadcast platforms. Stifel will also support a new performance bonus program for athletes and coaches based on key results during the season. 

“This partnership is about helping athletes reach their full potential,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the firm Where Success Meets Success, we believe in backing those who strive for excellence—and that’s exactly what these athletes do, every day. We’re proud to support them not only as champions on the podium, but as role models, teammates and leaders who inspire us all.”

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QUOTES
Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team
The news of Stifel’s renewal as title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is so incredible,” said two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin. “Ron (Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel) and Stifel have shown amazing support for snow sports and are truly invested in the stories of our athletes and the growth of our sports, which has translated into more success on the mountain.

Jessie Diggins, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
Stifel has opened up so many opportunities for us as athletes and humans looking to reach our full potential, and I am so grateful for their support and proud to be part of their team. Their commitment to helping us reach the top level is incredible and makes all the difference!

Alex Ferreira, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team partnership continuation is monumental for both parties. It is where success meets success. I am humbled and grateful to benefit from all sides.

Nick Page, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team
Thank you Stifel for all of your support - it means the world to have you in our corner and on our team. I’m looking forward to the future and our continued success in 2026.

Niklas Malacinski, Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team
Having Stifel step up as the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team means the world to us. It’s not just an investment in our sport but it’s a belief in our potential. Their support gives us the opportunity to focus on training and competition so we can be at our best. We’re proud to wear their name and represent the U.S. with everything we’ve got.

Andrew Kurka, Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team
Stifel has been huge supporter of the Para alpine team. Helping fund our development, pipeline and giving us the support we need to pursue our careers as athletes. Most Para sports aren’t seen as equal opportunity athletic endeavors. But the fact that Stifel stands behind us, helping to fund our team. Shows they see the big picture and treat athletes on the US Ski team as more than just philanthropic endeavors.

Tate Frantz, Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team
Having Stifel come on as a title sponsor is a huge boost for our team. Their support means we can keep pushing the limits and representing our country at the highest level. It’s exciting to have a partner that believes in our journey and wants to be part of the ride.

ABOUT STIFEL
About Stifel Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.

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: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. 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 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Courtney Harkins
U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Director of Marketing & Communications
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

Rhett Geraghty
Stifel, Director, Advisor Recruiting & Brand Marketing
geraghtyr@stifel.com 

The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team is thrilled to announce the first two athletes to officially qualify for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games: two-time Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim in women’s halfpipe and Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard in men’s slopestyle and big air. The veterans secured their spots by ranking as the top American among the top three athletes on the World Snowboard Points List (WSPL) as of May 1, 2025. Kim took the world’s top spot in women’s halfpipe and Gerard was second overall in men’s slopestyle.

Despite competing in two different disciplines, Kim and Gerard’s path to Milan Cortina mirrors each other, both winning Olympic gold at just 17 years old in their debut appearance on the world's biggest stage at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang. The two became household names overnight and are synonymous with the sport, paving the way for the next generation of competitive snowboarding.

Kim's Road to Livigno

The 2024-25 World Cup season was historic for Kim. She amassed her eighth X Games superpipe gold, tying Shaun White for the most wins in the event’s history, secured a gold in the World Championships for the third time in her career, and, in her fifth career Laax Open victory, became the first woman in snowboard halfpipe history to stomp a switch frontside double cork 1080. Kim’s stellar season lands her on top of the WSPL to clinch her spot in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where the snowboard events will be held in Livigno, Italy.

I’m so excited to be headed to my third Olympics and to represent Team USA once again," said Kim. "My goal going into the season was to secure this spot but I had a long road ahead of me which felt dire at times. I’m just so so happy!"

The 25 year old's relationship with snowboarding has come a long way over the past two seasons. Kim has admittedly regained a love for the sport since taking an extended break after the 2022 Olympics and her renewed enjoyment is as evident on social media as it is in the halfpipe, often posting training day recaps for her more than 1 million Instagram followers.

"Qualifying early has taken a huge weight off my shoulders," admitted Kim. "I can now focus on training and getting my runs dialed."

When asked about upcoming prep for the Games, Kim added,

"I'm gonna start making a list of restaurants to go too, so please send any recs my way!"

Gerard Back on the Olympic Roster

Finishing the 2024-25 season ranked second overall in the world, Gerard is set to make his third career Olympic appearance in Livigno. In 2018, Gerard took home the slopestyle gold, earning the honor of being the youngest American Olympic snowboard medalist. With two major sponsor changes over the past year and a renewed love for the backcountry, the now 25 year old is still at the top of his game, riding better than ever and leading the American slopestyle and big air brigade heading into the Games.

Despite a relatively quiet start to the 2024-25 season, Gerard earned his first podium of the season at the iconic Laax Open, taking second place in a stacked 12-man slopestyle final. He then headed straight to Aspen for X Games, defending his 2024 gold in front of a home crowd. Gerard capped off the World Cup slopestyle season with a second-place performance at the Calgary Snow Rodeo to lock in his spot as the top American on the World Snowboard Points List and guarantee the veteran a trip to his third Olympic Winter Games. 

“I am beyond excited to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics,” said an ecstatic Gerard. “Going into the season, I had one goal: to finish in the top three of the WSPL and lock up an Olympic spot. At first I wasn’t too sure if I was going to be able to reach it, but as the season went on this goal felt more and more obtainable. It was the most I’ve ever competed in one year.”

Gerard has historically stopped competing in mid-February to film in the backcountry, but decided to continue competing for the remainder of the season to achieve his season goal.

“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my career of competitive snowboarding," Gerard continued. "In the end, I could not be more excited to make the team and be going to my third Olympics. I am eager to put my best foot forward in 2026.”

The remaining Olympic spots will be filled based on upcoming World Cup events throughout the 2025-26 FIS World Cup season. Read more on Olympic criteria here.

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For more information, contact:
Sadie Texer
Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Press Officer
sadie.texer@usskiandsnowboard.com

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: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. 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.

The 2024-25 season was nothing short of historic for the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. 

This season featured three domestic World Cups for the first time since 1982, growing visibility and engagement in the sport across the board. Between three continents, 11 World Cups and 24 events, the athletes pushed themselves to the limit to achieve some of the best days and results in U.S. freestyle history. 

The season began in Ruka, Finland, for a moguls World Cup. This was the first time in recent history that aerials didn’t join moguls in Ruka, pushing the start of their season back until January. The moguls athletes started the season strong with a podium from Olivia Giaccio and a fifth-place finish for Cole McDonald. Giaccio would go on to earn five more podium finishes throughout the season, including a moguls win in Bakuriani, Georgia. Giaccio continued to push the limits with her air package this season, continuously earning the top air scores on the women’s side. An unfortunate injury in Beidahu took her out for the final stops of the season, but she is putting in the work to be better than ever come next season.

Jaelin Kauf, the fastest woman on the World Cup circuit, rebounded from a rocky start to the season to make history time and time again throughout the year. In Bakuriani, Georgia, mid-December, Kauf landed on her first podium of the season, taking third place in moguls. This podium was the first of a streak that Kauf continued throughout the season, earning 14 consecutive podiums, never finishing lower than third again this season. Eight of those 14 podiums were wins, almost doubling her career wins in one year. Her dominance and determination led her to win all three FIS Freestyle Crystal Globes: moguls, dual moguls and overall, becoming the first American to win a freestyle globe since 2015. On top of her World Cup success, Kauf also had a great showing at the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, earning the title of 2025 dual moguls world champion. 

For the first time since 2019, the U.S. had two moguls athletes on a World Championships podium, with Tess Johnson earning the silver medal in dual moguls alongside Kauf. Despite being a team veteran with so many past successes, Johnson had a career-defining year. She earned eight super finals appearances, including three podiums and her first-ever moguls World Cup win. Johnson finished the season ranked third overall in the World, cementing the best season of her career. 

Nick Page led the U.S. men with two World Cup podium appearances this season, including his first-ever podium on home snow. His quiet poise and strive for perfection helped him finish the season ranked fifth overall, and third in moguls - the first time a U.S. man has earned a season podium spot since Patrick Deneen in 2014. Page finished the season with his best World Championships performance, finishing fourth in moguls in St. Moritz. 

The veterans were joined by an impressive group of up-and-comers. Charlie Mickel quickly made his presence known, earning his first super finals runs, top-five finishes, and podium on the World Cup circuit. Mickel wrapped up the World Cup season by securing his first career podium in Livigno, Italy, during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games test event. His impressive results throughout the year earned him a position on the 2025 World Championships team, where he finished seventh in dual moguls, a promising result leading into an Olympic season. Asher Michel had a standout season, taking on the World Cup full-time for the first time. He earned multiple new career-best finishes, including eighth and 10th place finishes in Bakuriani. 

Kylie Kariotis is another name to remember. She was one of the athletes who earned domestic World Cup starts through the U.S. Selections event at the beginning of the season, gaining the ability to start in Waterville and Deer Valley. Due to open World Cup starts, Kariotis stayed on the circuit, and in her first international World Cup event, she earned her first career top 10 finish in Val St. Come, Canada. Kariotis earned multiple more top 10 finishes, including a fourth-place result in Beidahu, China, barely missing out on the podium. Her breakthrough performances landed her a spot on the World Championships team roster, and she did not disappoint. On duals day, she finished fourth place, just missing out on an American podium sweep alongside Kauf and Johnson. Her results speak for themselves, and her impact on the international scene this season was immense. 

The NorAm tour was dominated by Dylan Marcellini, earning podium finishes in five of the seven available starts, including three wins. Marcellini’s command of the field was just what he needed to take home the moguls, dual moguls and overall NorAm titles, officially securing himself a World Cup start for next season. 

The U.S. also found success on the junior international circuit, including four medals at Junior World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Reese Chapdelaine and Jiah Cohen led the way for the team, taking the gold medal in the dual moguls team event. Chapdelaine also earned a silver medal in dual moguls. Abby McLarnon joined Chapdelaine on the duals podium finishing third, while Anabel Ayad and Chase Littlefield took bronze in dual moguls team. These results set the U.S. up for success, taking home the Marc Hodler Trophy at the end of the season, awarded to the nation with the best cumulative results across all FIS Junior World Championship freestyle events.

The moguls athletes took on the challenge of an elongated season in stride and had one of the most successful seasons to date. Between 54 super finals appearances, 26 podiums, 10 wins, three Crystal Globes, and two Nations Cups, this team is setting up perfectly heading into one of the biggest seasons of many of the athletes’ careers. 

The U.S. aerials athletes started their World Cup season in Lake Placid, New York for the first time since 2019. The event drew thousands of fans out into the cold to watch the best in the world compete. Karenna Elliott led the way for the U.S., finishing sixth in the individual event, her second individual super finals appearance. The following week, Elliott earned her second career podium in Lac-Beauport, Canada. This season was instrumental for the young athlete as she began throwing multiple new tricks, including a double full full, which greatly improved her degree of difficulty. This skill and her clutch performances helped lead the team to an aerials team podium in Beidahu, China. 

Chris Lillis was also part of the mixed aerials team event that finished second in China. This season, he finished on the individual podium three times, allowing him to finish the season ranked fifth in the World. Lillis was named to the 2025 World Championships team and earned a spot to represent the U.S. in the mixed aerials team event. Lillis, alongside Quinn Dehlinger and Kaila Kuhn, defeated the odds to become the first nation ever to win the aerials team event back to back, taking the gold medal in St. Moritz. 

After an unfortunate injury in the middle of the 2023-24 season, Quinn Dehlinger came into this year on a mission. At the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel in Deer Valley, Dehlinger led the entire field, encouraging the athletes to throw triples despite concerns over the weather. His determination at this event led him to the top of the podium, earning his second career win and first ever on home snow. Dehlinger was also instrumental in all of the team events this season, landing on the podium in China and helping the team win gold in St. Moritz. In the individual aerials event in St. Moritz, Dehlinger was as close to perfect as he ever had, taking the silver medal for the second time in a row. Every time Dehlinger has started at a World Championships, he has finished on the podium. 

This season, Kaila Kuhn made the transition from doubles to triples, a move that not many women make in their careers. This transition is never easy, but from throwing her first triple in competition on snow in Lake Placid to World Cup finals in Livigno, Kuhn was able to land her first triple on snow at the Olympic Test Event, finishing fourth. This timing was nothing short of perfect for Kuhn. Beyond her clutch performance in the team event to secure mixed team gold, Kuhn went on to surprise the crowd and herself in St. Moritz when she won the individual gold as well. Kuhn became the youngest American to ever win an individual gold medal at World Championships and the first to win two gold medals at the same competition. 

Ian Schoenwald competed on the World Cup circuit full-time for the first time this season, and his progress was immense. He earned two top-six finishes, and his seventh-place result in Almaty earned him a spot on the 2025 World Championships team, along with being named the 2025 FIS Rookie of the Year. At World Championships, Schoenwald finished 14th, just missing out on finals. He is knocking on the door, and is certainly a name to remember. 

This season was one of the longest competition periods that the aerials athletes have ever seen, competing up until the end of March. This posed many challenges for the team as they had to preserve their momentum, but with 16 super finals appearances and six podiums across only nine starts, this team is ready to build into next season. 

The 2024-25 season marked a defining chapter for the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, one filled with resilience, breakthroughs, and a powerful display of what’s possible when talent meets determination. From historic Crystal Globe wins and World Championship golds to rising stars making their mark and the most domestic World Cups in decades, the team delivered one of the most successful and inspiring seasons in U.S. freestyle history. Across moguls and aerials, seasoned veterans and fresh faces alike stepped up to the world stage, raising the bar for American freestyle skiing. With the Olympic Games on the horizon, this team is not only riding the momentum of an extraordinary season but also building a legacy. 

The annual Stifel Awards were given out to the eight moguls & aerials athletes. The awards are presented to honor the achievements of athletes and staff from the season, ranging from Best Comeback to Staff Member of the Year. 

The Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team athletes and staff voted on the categories, and each winner received a $1,000 check made possible by Stifel.

Rookie of the Year: Audrey Crowley
With only four World Cup starts under her belt at the start of the season, Audrey quickly became a name to remember, earning two World Cup podiums this year. Additionally, in her first-ever World Championship appearance, Crowley took the bronze medal in giant slalom. 

Athlete of the Year: Saylor O’Brien
Saylor O’Brien was the athlete to beat this season. Despite multiple canceled speed races, O’Brien found herself on the World Cup podium four times, including her first career win. 

Most Improved: Patrick Halgren
This season was nothing short of incredible for Patrick Halgren. With multiple World Cup personal bests and ending the season with a slalom U.S. title, Patrick is one to watch out for next year. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is saddened by the loss of Trevor Wagner—a visionary ski coach, technical delegate and cherished member of the alpine community—who passed away on April 22, 2025 after a private battle with an illness.​

Trevor hailed from Seattle, Washington, but grew up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Whitefish, Montana. He raced for and graduated from Sierra Nevada College before taking on a coaching role with the Squaw Valley Ski Team. He then moved to the U.S. Ski Team in 1998, where he coached the Europa Cup tech team until 2002 and the World Cup team until 2005. 

In 2005, Trevor was named head coach for the women's slalom and giant slalom teams, recognized for revitalizing these disciplines and fostering a culture of excellence. His leadership was instrumental during the 2006 Olympics, where under his guidance, Julia Mancuso secured a gold medal in giant slalom. 

After leaving the national team, Trevor continued to influence the sport at the grassroots level at the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) as a U16 coach. Alongside his fiancée Glady Weidt, SVSEF’s assistant alpine director and U16 coach, he dedicated six seasons to mentoring young athletes, instilling in them the same passion and commitment that defined his own career. Even while facing health challenges, Trevor remained a steadfast presence on the hill.

Beyond coaching, Trevor continued as a technical advisor for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, building and shaping World Cup and NorAm venues around the country. His efforts were central to bringing the World Cup Finals to Sun Valley, marking the return of World Cup speed events to the region for the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics. Collaborating with some of the greatest leaders in the sport, he helped design world-class downhill and super-G courses, leaving a lasting legacy for future competitions.​

Trevor's legacy is etched in the countless athletes he coached, the colleagues he inspired, and the vibrant ski racing community he helped cultivate. His passion and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on his colleagues, friends, family, athletes and the sport he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Trevor’s memory to the SVSEF Alpine Development Fund at svsef.org/donate. Messages of condolence can be sent to 2741 Winterhaven Dr, Hailey, ID 83333.

The Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s alpine program had pivotal moments in the 2024-25 season that included historic highs, new venues and emerging stars. In total, the alpine team brought home 13 podiums and five wins across the men’s and women’s World Cup teams, including four World Championships medals. 

The season was strong, but was made even stronger by the historic 100th World Cup win for the most successful skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin. She notched her centennial win in Sestriere, Italy, after battling a severe injury she sustained earlier in the season at the Stifel Killington Cup. Shiffrin not only won her 100th World Cup, but she also achieved this milestone with teammate Paula Moltzan on the podium beside her. Shiffrin then went on to end her season with her 101st World Cup win at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals. 

Looking back through the winter, the breakout star was speed skier Lauren Macuga. Park City Native Macuga catapulted herself to a World Cup threat when she won the super G in St. Anton - the first U.S. woman to win a super G at this specific venue. Macuga did not stop there – not long after her first win, she claimed another World Cup podium in Kvitfjell, Norway, where she finished second in the downhill. 

This season’s marquee event was the World Championships, where the U.S. team showed up and dominated in nearly every event. With four medals being won by the women’s athletes, it was a strong testament to the depth of this team. It all started with Breezy Johnson becoming the 2025 World Champion in downhill, yet Johnson did not stop there. Just a few days later, Johnson and Shiffrin teamed up for the Team Combined event, where one athlete raced in the downhill event and one in the slalom. After two dominant runs by both, there was another World Championships gold medal to bring home - Johnson’s second and Shiffrin’s first of the week. The haul continued, with Macuga once again showing her best skiing, winning a bronze in the super-G, and Moltzan with a bronze in the giant slalom. 

Following the World Championships, the team kept the momentum going and continued to find success at nearly every subsequent World Cup event. Apart from the top tier of Shiffrin, Macuga, Moltzan and Johnson, it was a massive season with the return of speed queen, Lindsey Vonn. Vonn made her official World Cup return in St. Moritz in December and immediately took control of the circuit. Vonn completed her season, qualifying for the World Cup finals in super-G, where she landed her first podium since retirement in second place and became the oldest woman to ever podium in a World Cup event. Vonn’s comeback podium marked 2,565 days since her previous World Cup podium before her retirement. A storybook ending to her comeback season. 

The women also showed immense depth. On the tech team, Katie Hensien and Nina O’Brien posted great results after coming back from injury, with each athlete landing multiple top-10s in giant slalom. Young rising star Elisabeth Bocock also turned heads in giant slalom, scoring World Cup points numerous times and finishing the season as national champion as well. 

The men’s World Cup season presented highs and lows. The speed team started the year on a high note with two back-to-back podiums at their team's favorite venue in Val Gardena, Italy. Longtime Stifel U.S. Ski Team member Jared Goldberg claimed his first World Cup podium just 0.01 off the win in super-G and the following day, Ryan Cochran-Siegle landed third in the downhill, his first podium in over a year. 

On the men’s tech side, the slalom team was revived with the help of new staff, propelling slalom standout Benjamin Ritchie to the best results of his career. Ritchie made a name for himself in the 2024-25 season as he captured multiple top-10 finishes, finishing the slalom season within the top 20. Giant slalom force River Radamus had another consistent season, landing in the top 15 in the world for the discipline. 

On the development side, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team achieved strong results both at the NorAm level and secured multiple medals at the Junior World Championships. The development side was highlighted by Elisabeth Bocock, Liv Moritz, Stanley Buzek and Hunter Salani. All four of whom walked home with medals at the Junior World Championships. Moritz and Bocock also ended the season with the slalom and giant slalom NorAm Cup titles. 

In addition to the success on snow, U.S. Ski & Snowboard held two historic new domestic alpine events.  This included the first ever women’s Birds of Prey races in early December, then the World Cup season ended at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals - the first time the U.S. hosted finals since 2017 and the first time ever in Sun Valley. Both events were incredibly successful and proved to the world that the U.S. can continue to host top tier alpine events. 

Overall, it was a strong building year for the team across all levels. As they transition from the season to training, the athletes are gearing up to make their mark on the world for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. 

Two-time Olympian, World Cup winner and American ski racing legend Chuck Ferries passed away on April 17, 2025. 

Born in Houghton, Michigan in 1939, Ferries grew up in the Keewanaw Penninsula where he was introduced to skiing as a child. Racing under legendary coach Fred Lonsdorf out of the tiny Mt. Ripley Ski Area, Ferries climbed the ranks in the Central Ski Division before running away from home west—infamously jumping a train from Chicago to Sun Valley and then to Alta, Utah, where he worked at the Peruvian Lodge and took powder skiing lessons from Alf Engen. 

In 1958, he moved to Aspen, Colorado for his senior year of high school before heading to University of Denver, racing for a year under famed ski coach Willy Schaeffler. He was named to the U.S. Ski Team in 1960 under the leadership of former University of Colorado ski coach Bob Beattie, with whom he created a lifelong friendship—despite their difference in college choices. Ferries' teammates included former U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Bill Marolt, Buddy Werner, Gordi Eaton, Dave Gorsuch, Billy Kidd, Jimmie Heuga and other trailblazers of ski racing. 

Ferries' historic 1962 victory in the Hahnenkamm slalom in Kitzbühel—one of the most revered races in alpine skiing—marked a turning point for U.S. athletes on the world stage. He remains the only American man to win the Kitzbuhel slalom. He also competed in the 1960 Olympic Games at Squaw Valley, California and the 1964 Olympics in Innsburck, Austria, and was a member of the World Championships team in 1962 in Chamonix, France. He also appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1963. 

Ferries' contributions extended far beyond the race course. After retiring, he served as head coach of the U.S. Ski Team, coaching the women’s alpine team through the 1968 Olympic Games. He also worked for HEAD Skis, helping to develop a better ski that still has an impact on ski racing today. He then went to K2 Skis, developing skis for Marilyn Cochran, and in 1969, she became the first skier to win on an American-made ski. He eventually became the VP of marketing at K2 and is considered responsible for the creative marketing that launched K2 into prominence in the early 1970s, at one point capturing 25% of U.S. sales. He also owned Scott USA, Schwinn bikes and Chums throughout his career. 

In the mid-1990s, Ferries served alongside Beattie in hands-on management consulting roles with the U.S. Ski Association (now U.S. Ski & Snowboard), helping the organization through a difficult period. He was also chair of the organization’s Board of Directors from 2002-06. His strategic mind and deep love of the sport helped usher in new levels of professionalism and success for the teams.

Jimmie Heuga, Chuck Ferries and Bob Beattie (left to right) watch the Birds of Prey combined in 2006.

He was elected to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame in 1989 and in 2007, received the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Blegen Award, the most prestigious honor for service to the organization. He was also inducted to the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2008.

Chuck is survived by his wife Nancy Ferries, son Tom Ferries, his wife Ginger and their sons Spencer and Sully, daughter Ann Neary and her husband Mike Neary, as well as his sisters Mary Anne Metternick and Barbara Ferries Henderson.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Wraps Successful 2024-25 Season

PARK CITY, Utah (April 15, 2025) — The 2024-25 season was a milestone year for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, marked by historic achievements, record-breaking performances and success both athletically and commercially. U.S. athletes delivered on snow and the world stage—taking home 12 FIS Crystal Globes, 23 World Championship medals and 34 World Cup victories across the organization’s 10 sports. Athletes achieved 103 podiums throughout the season and four teams took home the Nations Cup award, marking them as the best teams in the world. The organization also hosted a record 12 domestic World Cups, two of which were inaugural events.

Among the season’s most notable moments were the first-ever women’s downhill on the legendary Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek, Colorado for the Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United, and the debut of the women’s ski jumping World Cup on U.S. soil in Lake Placid, New York. Para snowboard athletes also had the opportunity to compete in a World Cup in the U.S. for the first time in eight years in Steamboat, Colorado. The alpine World Cup Finals returned to the U.S. for the first time since 2017 with the Stifel Sun Valley Finals and were a massive success, full of energetic crowds and fun ancillary events. 

From an athletic standpoint, Mikaela Shiffrin returned to racing following an injury sustained at the Stifel Killington Cup to claim an incredible 100th World Cup win in Sestriere, Italy. She closed her season with her 101st win at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals, reinforcing her status as the most dominant alpine skier in history. Lindsey Vonn staged a very impressive comeback this season after retiring in 2019. She returned to the World Cup podium with a second-place finish in the super-G at Sun Valley at age 40, becoming the oldest woman to podium in a World Cup race.

Breakout athletes also made headlines - 22-year-old alpine skier Lauren Macuga earned a World Championships bronze and two World Cup podiums. 21-year-old aerials athlete Kaila Kuhn transitioned to throwing triples and became the youngest aerialist to win gold at the World Championships. Cody Winters of the snowboard cross team reached the podium in two different sports: snowboard cross and parallel slalom. At just 16 years old, Snowboarder Ollie Martin took home two World Championships medals across two disciplines. 

Several veterans continue to lead the charge. Jessie Diggins overcame an injury to capture two Crystal Globes—the overall and distance titles—capping off a strong season with seven podiums, six wins and a World Championships silver medal. Nick Goepper walked away from the freeski halfpipe season with four podiums and a World Championships silver, while Alex Ferreira continued his reign with five World Cup podiums and a bronze at World Championships. Freeskier Alex Hall secured his first slopestyle Crystal Globe and moguls athlete Jaelin Kauf took home three Crystal Globes, becoming the first American woman to do so since 2015. Snowboarder Chloe Kim returned to dominance with three halfpipe wins and her record-setting third career World Championships gold. At the same time, Para snowboarder Noah Elliott earned both the banked slalom and overall Crystal Globes in the LL1 classification. Brenna Huckaby once again proved her dominance in Para snowboarding by taking home the FIS Para Snowboard LL Crystal Globe, alongside teammate Isabelle Hicks, who won the UL snowboard cross Crystal Globe. Then, Maddie Mastro clinched her career-first halfpipe Crystal Globe, topping off her standout season. 

Twelve Crystal Globes

• Jessie Diggins (overall, distance)
• Noah Elliott (overall, banked slalom - LLI) 
• Jaelin Kauf (overall, moguls, duals)
• Alex Ferreira (freeski halfpipe)
• Alex Hall (freeski slopestyle) 
• Isabelle Hicks (snowboard cross - UL)
• Brenna Huckaby (snowboard cross - LL)
• Maddie Mastro (snowboard halfpipe)

Four Nations Cups
 

• Moguls: moguls, dual moguls 
• Freeski: park & pipe 
• Para snowboard
   

On the business side, U.S. Ski & Snowboard deepened existing partnerships with Stifel and Toyota, securing naming rights for the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team. New partner Cloudflare joined the team as the Official Technology Partner and at the end of the season, a multi-year, first-of-its-kind partnership with J.Crew was announced. Alpine, cross country and snowboard cross athletes raced in climate change-themed suits, highlighting a collaboration with Protect Our Winters to raise environmental awareness alongside the Easy Green Initiative. As part of the HERoic initiative, the Stifel HERoic Cup also debuted, with Stifel awarding $50,000 to the woman alpine skier who scored the most FIS points throughout the domestic World Cup events: the Stifel Killington Cup, Stifel Birds of Prey and Stifel Sun Valley Finals. 

Outside of athletics and partnerships, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team had exponential growth on media front, including social, earned media and content. Over the season, social media channels impressions grew over 65% from last year. This season, the social media team focused more on telling the story behind the athlete and going beyond the results, highlighted by a successful female focused snowboard mini series with Togethxr. The sports and athletes also received more exposure than ever with expanded broadcast coverage in the U.S., in addition to further growing their profile via more extensive earned media across general sports and business industry outlets.

"This season was one to remember—on and off the snow,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “This season, we had success across the board. Athletically, our athletes broke records, and on the business side, we matched that success by adding new partners to our team and expanding on existing relationships with others, while staying true to our mission of championing competitive snow sports and developing U.S. champions. With eyes already on next season and Milan Cortina, we’re working hard to carry this momentum forward.”

As U.S. Ski & Snowboad looks ahead to next season, the focus is on the 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games. With momentum from one of its most successful seasons in history, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team is ready for a summer of training and preparing for what’s to come.