Park City, UT (Nov. 26, 2024) -  U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the athletes that won and landed in the top three results for the SkillsQuest-Fitness program for 2024. Each year the organization recognizes the overall top 3 performers and each event-specific winner. This year, sport-specific winners were added. 

The overall winners are highlighted by Apex2100 club athlete Viktoria Zaytseva and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Isaiah Nelson. 

SkillsQuest-Fitness is a comprehensive fitness assessment consisting of eight individual events, including a 20-meter sprint, long jump, box jumps and more. Physical fitness is essential for snow sport athletes providing the foundation to handle the training volumes needed throughout various development phases to enhance technical skills. With more than 7,500 tests conducted nationwide to date, this test establishes benchmarks and age-specific norms to support athlete progress.

2024 SkillsQuest-Fitness Overall Podium
(Name; Score; Club)

Female:
1st – Viktoria Zaytseva; 733 points; Apex2100
2nd – Lauren Macuga; 727.5 points; Stifel U.S. Ski Team
3rd – Tricia Mangan; 714 points; Stifel U.S. Ski Team

Male:
1st – Isaiah Nelson; 917 points; Stifel U.S. Ski Team
2nd – Caman Beauregard; 879.5 points; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club
3rd – Curtis Zanni / Adrian Beauregard; 872.5; both Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club

2024 SkillsQuest-Fitness Sport Winners
(Name; Club)

Alpine:
Female – Viktoria Zaytseva; Apex2100
Male – Isaiah Nelson; Stifel U.S. Ski Team

Cross Country:
Female – Antigone Loomis; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club
Male – Tristan Thrasher; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club

Freeski:
Female – Molly Flynn; Stratton Mountain School
Male – Ben Harrington; Holderness School

Freeride:
Female – Stolle Wannamaker; Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy
Male – Anders Leckie; Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy

Freestyle:
Female – Kasey Hogg; Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team
Male – Charlie Mickel; Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team

Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined:
Female – Haley Brabec; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club
Male – Arthur Tirone; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club

Snowboard:
Female – Callen Hwang; Stratton Mountain School and Ski Foundation
Male – Walker Overstake; Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club

2024 SkillsQuest-Fitness Event Winners

(Name; Results; Club)
20m Shuttle Run:
Female – Tricia Mangan; 61.1 mL/kg/min; Stifel U.S. Ski Team
Male – Matthew Bassin; 66.4 mL/kg/min; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail

Long Jump:
Female – Allison Mollin; 247 cm; Stifel U.S. Ski Team
Male – Carl Ottosson; 319 cm; Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy

Triple Jump:
Female – Lauren Macuga; 784 cm; Stifel U.S. Ski Team
Male – Carl Ottosson; 1006 cm (New Record); Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy

20m Sprint:
Female – Vika Zaytseva; 2.99 sec; Apex2100
Male – Carl Ottosson; 2.61 sec (New Record); Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy

Strict Pull Up:
Female – Summer Duda; 15 reps; Stratton Mountain School
Male – Isaiah Nelson; 19 reps; Stifel U.S. Ski Team

Push Up:
Female – Summer Duda; 54 reps; Stratton Mountain School 
Male – Matteo Padoan; 65 reps; Waterville Valley BBTS

Box Jump:
Female – Brynn Hanley; 73 jumps; Team Palisades Tahoe
Male – Isaiah Nelson; 84 jumps; Stifel U.S. Ski Team

For more information:
Bob Poehling
High Performance Manager
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
C: +1 (435) 602-9536

Article courtesy of Cara Larson, USA Ski Jumping. 

The 2024-25 winter season kicked off this weekend with the opening World Cup event in Lillehammer, Norway, and Tate Frantz landed two top-10 finishes.

The weekend show started on Friday, Nov. 22, with the mixed team event. Annika Belshaw, Paige Jones, and Casey Larson delivered solid efforts, keeping the USA in contention. The team ended the day in 10th place despite some unforeseen equipment issues.

Saturday, Nov. 23, marked the first of two individual competition days, beginning with the women’s event. Paige Jones and Annika Belshaw advanced past the qualification round and on to the competition round, but both narrowly missed the second round.

The men’s competition followed, featuring Kevin Bickner, Eric Belshaw, and Tate Frantz advancing out of qualifications. Bickner and Belshaw came up just short of the second round. Frantz, however, impressed with a first-round solid jump that positioned him in ninth place. He held his ground in the second round, securing an impressive top-10 finish in 10th place, adding another World Cup podium to his resume.

The competition mirrored Saturday’s schedule on Sunday, Nov. 24, commencing with the women. Athletes Paige Jones, Annika Belshaw, and Josie Johnson successfully advanced through the qualification round to the first round of competition. Jones delivered a commendable performance, securing a spot in the final round and finishing 29th. 

On the men’s side, Frantz found even more success. Four athletes made it out of the qualification round: Kevin Bickner, Tate Frantz, Casey Larson, and Andrew Urlaub; only Bickner and Frantz advanced to the second round. Bickner ultimately finished the day in 24th, but teammate Frantz doubled down and secured his second top-10 finish for the weekend–his eighth career World Cup top-ten. 

Next up, the U.S. Ski Jumping Team will travel to Ruka, Finland for next week's World Cup competition. 

RESULTS

Mixed Team Event (Friday, Nov. 22)
Men’s Large Hill HS140 (Saturday, Nov. 23)
Women’s Large Hill HS140 (Saturday, Nov. 23)
Men’s Large Hill HS140 (Sunday, Nov. 24)
Women’s Large Hill HS140 (Sunday, Nov. 24)

On the second day of racing in Gurgl, Austria, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie landed in 21st place, adding a second top-30 result to his 2024-25 season campaign. He is coming off this success in Levi, where he skied to a career-best 13th place. 

In today's event, the weather was much warmer compared to the conditions the women skied in just hours prior. The first run course set proved tricky for the men racers, evidenced by many skiers not making it to the finish line. Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Jett Seymour was first on the American roster but ran into trouble on the pitch and did not finish. Ritchie was next. On a hill giving many issues, Ritchie looked unbothered, skiing solid and confident enough to give himself a chance for a good day in 15th place. 

“I feel alright, very happy with my first run,” said Ritchie. “It’s a very challenging hill and very icy surface.” 

On the second run, the sun shone, and the course was more straightforward - allowing athletes to take more risks with their skiing game plan. Ritchie again skied solid with no significant issues to land in the 21st, respectively. However, Ritchie is hungry for more and knows he can compete with the world’s best. 

“Second run wasn't great - it wasn't horrible but I am happy to get points again. I gave myself a chance to really be in the race and I didn't quite put it together on the second run but if I can keep giving myself a chance to be in there eventually it will come around.”

The ultimate race winner was French skier Clement Noel, who marked his second World Cup win of the season, followed by Swedish skier Kristoffer Jakobsen, who finished in second place, and Norwegian Atle Lie McGrath, who rounded out the podium in third place. River Radamus and Luke Winters also raced the first run but did not qualify for the second run. 

The slalom team has a few weeks off before their next World Cup start gate. 

“I am going to keep hammering training and build on this progression,” said Ritchie. 

The following men’s tech series will be held in Val d’Isere, France, Dec. 14-15. 

RESULTS:
Men's slalom

On a sunny yet frigid Saturday in Gurgl, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin won her 99th individual World Cup and 62nd career slalom victory. To wrap up a successful day on the track, teammate Paula Moltzan landed sixth, to complete another strong showing for the U.S. women’s tech team. 

“It was a spectacular day,” said Shiffrin. “I am so excited! It was two really good runs.” 

It was a frigid morning on the slope for the women’s slalom, which made it extra memorable outside of it being the debut slalom for the women in Gurgl.

On run one, Shiffrin did what she does best, was out of the gate first. Throughout the run, she never left the leaderboard position – she stayed in the green. Teammates Moltzan and Katie Hensien showed off strong skiing, going into seventh and 11th out of the first run, all qualifying through to the second.

As the day progressed, light on the slope turned dark, adding a new challenge for the athletes. First out was Hensien, who left the gate blazing but unfortunately straddled a gate just after the first interval and did not finish. Moltzan started just a few spots behind Hensien and skied clean and aggressively to come down into the finish area with the green light. 

“I am happy. I think it's nice to have four slalom runs under my belt now and most of them have been pretty consistent.” said Moltzan. “It’s nice to have some consistency and tempo in slalom as it can change day to day.” 

At the end of the day, it was the final five skiers that put on a show for the Gurgl fans. Skier after skier knocked each other out for the top spot and finally, the World Cup podium was set, with young Albanian phenom Lara Colturi in the top spot and Swiss skier Camille Rast in second. Yet, all eyes were on Shiffrin. She skied a strong, aggressive line, top to bottom, without hesitation to finish a half of a second ahead of the pace, officially claiming her 99th World Cup victory in the process. Colturi claimed her first podium in second and Rast, her first podium in third. 

“The second run was a big mental challenge because I was not sure how it would feel with the surface and it was getting darker. Sometimes, when I am not sure about the feeling under feet, I take too much time for the turn so I tried to push anyway and it was great,” said Shiffrin. 

The win is another notch in Shiffrin’s storied career as she is just one win away from the unprecedented 100th World Cup win – which will further solidly her as the greatest the sport has ever seen. Shiffrin is poised to take this momentum back stateside for the Stifel Killington Cup next holiday weekend.

“It's not impossible but so many things have to go right. So, from the outside, it looks like it is supposed to happen this way but it's certainly not easy–I am not taking that for granted, but I hope to do a good performance in front of the home crowd,” said Shiffrin. 

The men’s team will take on the Gurgl World Cup slalom Sunday, Nov 24.

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH 
4:30 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 1, Gurgl, Austria - peacocktv.com (live)
7:30 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 2, Gurgl, Austria - peacocktv.com (live)

The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team finished the first slopestyle World Cup of the season in Stubai, Austria, despite a week of challenging conditions, with USA at the top. Olympic silver medalist Colby Stevenson took the win, with teammate Mac Forehand just shy of the podium in fourth. Marin Hamill led the women, finishing fourth, another top result for the skier.

After two failed qualification attempts earlier this week due to weather, the men finally got the green light and were able to get through the start list. With that, due to the delays and cancelations, the final results were taken from qualifications.

Stevenson came out on top today with a score of 92.00 on his second run. Stevenson put down a fun run, a good mix of "creativity and technicality, highlighted by left and right nose butter takeoffs,” according to Head Coach Dave Euler. Stevenson was joined on the podium by Andri Ragettli of Switzerland in second and Norway’s Tormod Frostod in third, respectively.

Stevenson reflected on the day with, "Stubai World Cups are always challenging with weather, this year especially. It feels quite nostalgic having a victory here as this was where I had my first World Cup podium back in 2017 (3rd place). So, I’m glad to be healthy and skiing with everyone. Our team is slaying it right now! Stoked for a great season."

Reigning slopestyle crystal globe-winner, Forehand, had a strong performance today, finishing in fourth with an 89.00. Hunter Henderson showed up strong and finished seventh. Troy Podmilsak finished out the top Americans in 15th.

Stifel U.S Freeski Team rookies, Hugh MacMenamin and Henry Townshend both had their first World Cup starts this weekend, along with American Sean Jensen. 

On the women's side, Marin Hamill returned to competition for the first time since the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Hamill just missed the podium and ended fourth with an 80.00 from her first run. Tess Ledeux of France finished first, with Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud in second and Sarah Hoefflin in third. 

Euler expressed his excitement, saying he is "So stoked for Colby taking the win! Proud of the whole team and the way they performed after a challenging week of weather." 

Up next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team heads to Beijing, China for a Big Air event. Men's and women's qualifications will take place on Nov. 29, with finals on Dec. 1. Finals will be available to watch live and on-demand at skiandsnowboard.live at 1:00 a.m. ET.

RESULTS
WOMEN
MEN

Stifel U.S. Ski Team Announces New Trophy and Prize for North American World Cups

Park City, UTAH — (Nov. 21, 2024) - The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team and title partner Stifel Financial together announce the Stifel HERoic Cup, part of the organization’s HERoic initiative celebrating women’s sports. The Stifel HERoic Cup will be awarded to the woman athlete with the most World Cup points after the three North American stops on the women’s FIS Alpine World Cup tour: the Stifel Killington Cup, Tremblant World Cup and Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines.

“We are thrilled to announce the Stifel HERoic Cup this season and further our commitment to amplifying women in sports through our HERoic initiative,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel’s commitment to the athletes is second to none and this award is a testament to that. It will be a weekend of firsts in Beaver Creek, and we look forward to awarding the first Stifel HERoic Cup following the first women’s Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines.”

The cup winner will be awarded $50,000 at an award ceremony following the final race in Beaver Creek. The victor will also receive the newly designed and produced Stifel HERoic Cup trophy. The prize money will be deposited in a Stifel investment account and the athlete may choose to withdraw the money, leave it invested with Stifel’s guidance, or combine both. If there is a tie, the athletes will split the award. 

“We’re excited to help the Stifel U.S. Ski Team celebrate and empower women competing in North America this winter through our sponsorship of the Stifel HERoic Cup,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the firm Where Success Meets Success, we continue to align the Stifel brand with individuals who share our commitment to greatness, and we look forward to supporting these dedicated female athletes as they compete for the first ever Stifel HERoic Cup.”

The Stifel HERoic Cup was created to promote excellence in women’s alpine skiing further while showcasing Stifel’s commitment to supporting the sport and its athletes. It aligns with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s broader goals of women's empowerment within the organization's HERoic initiative. 

 “Ron and Stifel have been incredible supporters of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team,” shared 98-time World Cup winner Mikaela Shiffrin. “Their support of the Stifel HERoic Cup is yet another example of their passion for ski racing and their determination to bring more support to our team and awareness to our sport. We are all so thankful for Stifel’s commitment to supporting the first-ever Stifel HERoic Cup.” 

A leaderboard will be created based on World Cup points as tracked by FIS. Eligibility is for athletes competing at the Stifel Killington Cup, Tremblant World Cup and Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines. The first opportunity kicks off in Killington, VT, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2024, with a women’s giant slalom and slalom race. 

STIFEL HEROIC CUP-ELIGIBLE RACES

• Nov. 30, 2024 – Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, VT – giant slalom
• Dec. 1, 2024 – Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, VT – slalom 
• Dec. 7, 2024 – Tremblant World Cup, Tremblant, CAN – giant slalom
• Dec. 8, 2024 – Tremblant World Cup, Tremblant, CAN – giant slalom 
• Dec. 14, 2024 – Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United, Beaver Creek, CO – downhill
• Dec. 15, 2024 – Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United, Beaver Creek, CO – super-G

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

On day two of the Levi World Cup weekend, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie posted a career best result in slalom, snagging a 13th place. He also took home the Stifel Bibbo Award, jumping from bib 48 to the 13th position. 

“I am really happy with the result today. I thought I skied very well,” said Ritchie. “Some mistakes here and there but that’s how it goes in racing.”

The crowd was noticeably larger and livelier on Sunday as the best slalom skiers in the world made their way to the Levi slope - the first time since 2019 for the men. The hill was also much icier than the day before, which meant it would be in great shape for racing toward the end of the men’s field. 

On the first run, all five of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men showed promising speeds however only one made it to the second run. Jett Seymour was blazing on the top until he straddled coming onto the pitch. Teammate Luke Winters also skied well until he got a bit late and could not complete the next turn. Ritchie however started his day right, making it down calm, cool and collected to give himself a strong chance on the second run. 

“There’s definitely a little extra nerves today in the first race of the year with new equipment and a new team around me,” remarked Ritchie. “We spent a lot of time skiing this summer and put in a lot of work.” 

The work paid off for Ritchie in the end as he skied an aggressive line all the way to the finish just a mere 0.16 off the leader at the time. Skier after skier did not come close to Ritchie’s overall time and he watched his name climb the leaderboard. Ritchie ended up 13th with his whole team cheering him on from the sidelines. 

“I think the training sessions have all been extremely competitive between the four of us so I think it's some good momentum for the slalom skiing and I think we will all bring our best skiing next weekend in Gurgl,” said Ritchie. 

The winner of the race was French skier Clement Noel, second was Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen and third place went to the Swiss Loic Meillard. 

It was also a first for up-and-comer Camden Palmquist who experienced his first World Cup this weekend. While he did not make a second run he was thrilled to get his first turns in on the professional circuit in front of family. 

“It felt alright, I did an ok job handling the nerves and I had a lot of fun. I could have been a lot faster in spots but it's good," said Palmquist. 

The alpine World Cup tour now heads to Austria for another dual weekend of racing with a women’s slalom Saturday and men’s slalom Sunday. 

RESULTS
Men's slalom

On a wet, rainy and snowy day in Finland, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete and the greatest alpine skier of all-time, Mikaela Shiffrin notched her 98th World Cup win at the Levi World Cup. Teammate Paula Moltzan was not too far off the mark in eighth place.

“It is a great start to the slalom season,” said Shiffrin, “I had two really strong runs so I am happy to fight on the second run in tough conditions!”

In what can only be described as the opposite weather from the frigid temperatures the year prior, the world’s best slalom skiers took to the Levi slope ready to showcase their skills in the first slalom event of the season. 

The tech women skied in top form on the traditionally icy course, with Shiffrin quickly taking a dominant lead on run one. Then, it was Moltzan’s turn – she skied a strong run, putting herself into fifth place on the first run. 

The weather then continued to have a mind of its own, raining one moment to snowing giant chunky snowflakes the next. But this did not seem to phase the world’s best as they prepared for the second run. 

It was a straightforward course set with some slick turns on the pitch that some women were having trouble with. But if you knifed the top pitch you were in for a successful day. Moltzan, running 26th on the second run, nailed the top section but quickly ran into trouble on the pitch. Moltzan, who is also known for her miraculous saves, made it down with a few notable mistakes to land in eighth place for the day. A result she was very pleased with. 

“I am very excited because I have never in my career had a successful race in Levi so to end up in the top 10 for me feels like a very big step forward,” said Moltzan. 

In the final minutes of the race, the competition was heating up after Katharina Liensberger of Austria skied a flawless run and positioning herself at the top of the standings. Shiffrin knew what to do. With reindeer on the line, she skied a clean and fierce run to ultimately win the race, her 98th World Cup and eighth reindeer. 

“I am racing almost every weekend from here on out until the end of the season so it's going to be a big push now and I was a little bit off on my mentality in Sölden so it was really important to start off strong here in slalom.” 

The podium was completed with Shiffrin on the top spot, Liensberger second and Lena Duerr of Germany in third.

“I don’t know what I will name the reindeer yet – I am going to wait and confirm with the team on ideas and see what everyone says,” said Shiffirn when asked what she will name the eighth reindeer to her herd. 

Katie Hensien and Nina O’Brien also raced the first run but did not finish, they are okay and ready for the next races. Independent U.S.  skier Kendahl Roufa also raced her first World Cup start Saturday and while she did not qualify for a second run she was very happy to experience the event. 

“I feel really great, very excited and just happy I got through the finish,” said Roufa. 

Overall, the women’s alpine team is feeling positive with the combination of the spirit of Christmas, the magic of the Levi reindeer and Santa in the finish. The women will now take this momentum and race slalom again the following weekend in Gurgl, Austria. A brand new venue for the women racers. 

On Sunday Nov. 16, the men will take on the Levi track for their first slalom World Cup of the season. 

RESULTS
Women's slalom

HOW TO WATCH 
4:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 1, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)
7:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 2, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)

Park City, UT (Nov. 14, 2024) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce that alpine great Lindsey Vonn will rejoin the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.

Vonn’s decision to try and return to ski racing comes after careful consideration following successful knee surgery earlier this year. She has been able to get back to training and test her knee over the past couple of months and will be continuing her progression with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in Colorado and beyond, representing a new exciting chapter in her already storied career.

“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” said Vonn. “I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”

Vonn’s return comes off the back of a strong season for the women’s Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Her presence will bring an extra layer of experience to the already successful alpine program. 

“Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”

Vonn recorded her first World Cup victory in 2004 and continued on to win three Olympic medals, 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes), eight World Championship medals, 137 World Cup podiums and 82 World Cup victories. However, she suffered multiple injuries during her career and despite her ability to persevere and come back from those injuries, it eventually was the reason for her retirement after 18 seasons on the World Cup tour. Following a partial knee replacement surgery in April, she feels stronger than ever.

Vonn also continues to work with her personal foundation, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports underserved girls through scholarships and empowerment programs, and is still a mentor to current Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes. She hopes she can continue to inspire the next generation of women in sports.

“Lindsey is someone who has really been there for me throughout my time on the World Cup circuit,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bella Wright. “I never got the opportunity to be Lindsey’s teammate in the past, so the opportunity to ski alongside her is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see what the U.S. women can do this season.” 

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Assets:
Video assets are available for media here. Photos are available for media here.
Credit: Stifel U.S. Ski Team 

For more information:
Courtney Harkins
Director of Marketing & Communications, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

For Lindsey Vonn Media Inquiries: 
Liz Logan, LLogan@fullpic.com

Press release courtesy of Tony Harrison & Soldier Mountain

Park City, UT & Fairfield, ID (Nov. 13, 2024) — The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals at Sun Valley Resort in March isn’t the only event drawing members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard to Idaho this winter. Nearby Soldier Mountain just signed an agreement with the slopestyle teams for the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team to host the inaugural annual training camps in December and late March.

The Southern Idaho ski area, best known as the resort actor Bruce Willis used to own, will build a training facility for the slopestyle teams to train on as part of the Soldier Mountain Snow Training Center, which serves competitive athletes throughout the Western U.S. Designed by world-renowned terrain park builder Charles Beckinsale, the site will support the slopestyle teams’ needs for large-scale jumps, which are part of competition but not widely available to train on. Beckinsale will personally construct the training facility on the run Canyon underneath the High Trail Express Lift (Chair 1).

The three-year partnership has allowed Soldier Mountain to enhance its snowmaking system, with the resort recently acquiring new state-of-the-art TechnoAlpin TR10 snow guns. The move doubles Soldier Mountain’s snowmaking capacity and will ensure skiers and riders enjoy full top-to-bottom coverage on the runs North Ridge and Canyon.

“This is a huge win for a small, independent ski resort like Soldier Mountain,” GM David Alden said. “One of the things that makes Soldier Mountain so attractive is that we’re small enough to be nimble and eager to try new things. And U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s financial and philosophical commitment to a small ski area like Soldier Mountain will ensure we offer a sustainable domestic training venue for the world’s best snowsports athletes for many years to come.”

Leadership at U.S. Ski & Snowboard concur.

Teaming up with a small mountain complements U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s affiliation with the Indy Pass, with Soldier Mountain one of seven Idaho Indy Pass partners. And the resort’s proximity to Utah — Soldier Mountain is less than 5 hours by car from U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s headquarters in Park City — eases logistics and is a good fit with the team’s Easy Green environmental initiative by reducing the carbon footprint of its training.

Soldier Mountain has presented us with a unique opportunity to build world-class jumps in the USA at a time of year that will give our Slopestyle teams a huge advantage going into the competition season,” Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Sport Director Rick Bower said.

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Sport Director Skogen Sprang agreed, adding the teams are “excited to explore a new location that is so passionate about freeskiing and snowboarding and are looking forward to seeing what kind of magic Soldier Mountain can make up there.”

Alden is super stoked about the impact the new training facility will have on rising stars on the snowboard and freeski scene.

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is dedicated to creating training opportunities at the grassroots level,” Alden said. “Bringing a training venue of this magnitude to the western region gives up-and-coming snowboarders and freeskiers who are looking to compete at a higher level but can’t afford to travel far to train an unprecedented opportunity to hone their big-air skills. It’s like the major leagues building a new stadium for the minor leagues because they realize they need to nurture the next generation of pros.”

For more information, please contact:

David Alden, 208.541.8738, david@soldiermountain.com

Courtney Harkins, 978.314.1019, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

Tony Harrison, 208.880.9814, tony@COMMposition.biz

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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. Visit usskiandsnowboard.org for more information.

ABOUT SOLDIER MOUNTAIN
Established in 1947, Soldier Mountain is a family friendly mountain resort located near Fairfield, Idaho, at 1043 N. Soldier Creek Rd. in the Soldier Mountains of the Sawtooth National Forest. It is about two hours from Boise, 80 minutes from Sun Valley, and 90 minutes from Twin Falls. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding on 35 named trails and a terrain park on the frontside comprising 1,150 lift-served skiable acres and 2,000 acres of snowcat-accessible backcountry. Soldier Mountain has two chairlifts reaching an altitude of up to 7,177 ft., a magic carpet, and a tubing hill. In the summer it offers five mountain biking trails, a skills park, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Its lodge restaurant serves homemade fare while The Fox Den Pub provides guests with a cozy spot to hang out after a great day on the mountain. Camping spots are available at the end of the resort’s parking lot at Pioneer Campground and along the road beyond, and motel lodging and vacation rentals are available in Fairfield about 10 miles away. As an Indy Pass partner, Soldier Mountain also offers season passholders discounted Indy Passes as an add-on. Visit soldiermountain.com for more details.