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Matt Labaugh is On The Rise

By Erin Doyle - Stifel U.S. Freeski Team
November, 4 2024
Matt Labaugh of the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team celebrating a good run at the 2023 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)
Matt Labaugh of the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team celebrating a good run at the 2023 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team member Matt Labaugh is on the rise this season. The Rye, NY native ended the 2023-24 season sitting 14th in the world. Labaugh finished last season with three top twelve finishes (out of the five events in the season) and his career-best fifth place finish at Mammoth Mountain for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix. We chatted with Matt to discuss his passion for halfpipe skiing and what inspires him.

Q: What initially drew you to halfpipe skiing?

Matt Labaugh: I grew up skiing slopestyle on the East Coast before moving to Vail, where everyone skied both slope and halfpipe. I started halfpipe as well, so I could be like everybody else and wanted to prove I could do it too. I really fell in love with the process of working through tricks in the pipe, and here we are years later.

Q: What are your biggest goals around halfpipe skiing? What about beyond skiing?

ML: The Olympics have always been my number one goal. After that, I want to make the X Games, compete under those lights, and find sponsors I really connect with. Outside of skiing, I want to make sure I graduate from college and one day I would really like to own a home.

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far?

ML: One of my proudest moments was during the FIS Freeski Junior World Championships in Leysin, France, in 2022. I took home second in both halfpipe and slopestyle, which felt huge. I also walked away with a fifth in big air. Since Junior Worlds, I’ve been competing mainly on the World Cup circuit, which is serious competition. Last season, I feel like things really clicked for me, and I am proud of the drive I found to work hard and push myself, even on tough days.

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ML: I was on the alternate list for the 2022 Beijing Olympics and that felt pretty crazy. I never thought that would happen. Also every single time a brand sends me skis...that never gets old.

Q: Who were the athletes that you looked up to when you were younger, or who are they now?

When I was younger, I always looked up to Tom Wallisch and Bobby Brown. One year, Smith sent me Bobby Brown’s pro model goggles. I was riding Breckenridge one day, and both of them were there. I was the weird little kid following them. I finally got on the lift with them, and Bobby was like, “Oh, sick goggles,” and it made my whole year. These days, Alex Hall is definitely someone I look up to; he has such a great perspective on skiing and building runs in general. Outside of skiing, I have always admired Tiger Woods and his grit. 

Follow Matt on Instagram here

HOVERAir Named Official Flying Camera Partner for U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
November, 1 2024
hoverair

HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX to capture extreme winter sports performances in stunning 8K and 4K video

PARK CITY, Utah (November 1, 2024) – Today, HOVERAir and U.S. Ski & Snowboard are proud to announce their collaboration for the 2024-25 season as the X1 PRO and PROMAX flying cameras become available for direct to sales. This exciting partnership will provide athletes and fans with unprecedented aerial perspectives of elite snowboarders and freeskiers, thanks to the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX. The HOVERAir brand is now designated as the official flying camera of U.S. Ski & Snowboard for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Colorado, December 18-21, 2024.

The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, part of the longest-running elite-level competition in the United States, serves as a key stop on the FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Cup tour. World-class athletes will compete for podiums in the resort’s 22-foot pro halfpipe. HOVERAir will be an official partner of the event and will have an on-site activation for fans to see and experience their products.

Zero Zero Robotics’ HOVERAir X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX are the ultimate flying cameras for capturing high-adrenaline winter sports. Designed for extreme environments, both models feature hands-free, AI-powered filming, enabling athletes to focus on their performance while recording stunning footage in 8K and 4K resolution. With their rugged design and OmniTerrain capabilities, these cameras can fly effortlessly over snow, water, and steep cliffs, making them ideal for skiers and snowboarders tackling the toughest courses. The cameras also offer advanced tracking and collision detection, ensuring precise shots at speeds of up to 26 mph, even in the most challenging conditions.

“We are beyond excited to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and their incredible athletes at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix," said MQ Wang, Founder and CEO of Zero Zero Robotics. "Winter sports push the limits of speed, precision, and agility—values we’ve built into the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX. As the official flying cameras of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, we can't wait to help athletes capture their performances from stunning new perspectives, bringing their moments of brilliance to life in breathtaking detail.”

The HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX flying cameras are now available worldwide at hoverair.com for USD $499 and $699, respectively.

"We’re thrilled to partner with HOVERAir around the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, and use its innovative solutions to elevate the fan experience and athlete performance,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue and Philanthropy Officer Trisha Worthington. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to staying at the forefront of technology, and this partnership allows us to do just that while showcasing some of the world’s most exciting competitions."

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.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Media Contact
Courtney Harkins, Director of Marketing & Communications, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

About Zero Zero Robotics
Zero Zero Robotics was co-founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MQ Wang and Tony Zhang, specializing in embedded AI technology for intelligent devices. Known for its innovative machine vision and high-precision control systems, ZeroZero has team members who are dreamers, engineers, inventors, and builders hailing from top universities and research institutions around the world. Zero Zero Robotics holds more than 140 core patents and has pioneered technologies like fully enclosed portable propeller designs and bi-copter designs, cementing its place as a leader in intelligent device development.

HOVERAir Media Contact
Zero Zero Robotics PR Team
pr@hoverair.com

Zach Williams is #OnTheRise

By Ryan Odeja
October, 31 2024
Zach Williams skiing
Zach Williams of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team racing giant slalom at the 2024 Huntsman Cup in Park City, UT. (Steve Kornreich // U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

Zach Williams of Madera, CA, is a newcomer to the Para alpine scene, skiing for the first time just six years ago. Williams is the newest member of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team following an impressive 2023-24 season, during which he became the U.S. super-G champion. He found himself on the podium eight additional times last season, cementing himself as a name to remember on the circuit. 

We sat down to ask him about his background, most recent successes, and goals for the coming seasons. 

Q: What initially drew you to skiing?

Zach Williams: I saw an announcement for an adaptive ski event called “Ski-Able” at the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, AZ.  I was curious to try out a new sport, and now we’re here.  

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

ZW: I skied for the first time in my life at age 39. I was immediately hooked. Surfing has come close throughout my life, but nothing has ever let me move my body with the kind of freedom, speed, and control that skiing does. It wasn’t long before I started asking my adaptive instructors if the Paralympics were possible for me. They told me it would take a lot of work, but it was possible. 

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far?/what is your biggest accomplishment so far?

ZW: I left a career as a Prosthetist/Orthotist and sold my home in California to train full-time to make the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. That dream came true a few month ago when I got the call from coach Ryan Pearl inviting me onto the team. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

ZW: To be “the best skier on the mountain.” I want to see how far I can develop my abilities and ski against the best athletes in the world on the World Cup and the Paralympics.  

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ZW: Becoming the super-G National Champion last season was a real surprise. GS is my favorite event, and I’m newer to the speed disciplines, but it all came together for me in that race.  

Q: Who were the athletes that you looked up to when you were younger, or who are they now?

ZW: I’m inspired by the other U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes. Seeing them day after day, week after week, working hard at the USANA Center of Excellence Powered by iFit to make gains and prepare for the upcoming season.  Their commitment to “the grind” helps motivate me to keep pushing. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1. I love the mindset of the drivers and teams looking for every little thing they can do to shave tenths and thousandths off a lap time in the pursuit of speed. I’m pulling for Williams Racing to work their way back to their former glory days.

Follow Zach on social media

Ski Jumping Domestic World Cup Schedule Officially Set

By USA Nordic
October, 29 2024
casey larson
Casey Larson of the U.S. Ski Jumping Team competing last 2023-24 season. (NordicFocus).

The Viessmann FIS Ski Jumping 2024-25 World Cup season is officially set, with the highly anticipated Lake Placid World Cup returning to the U.S. on Feb. 6-9, 2025. 

Lake Placid, NY will host a World Cup event for the third consecutive year and will include the women’s event in the U.S. for the first time in history. The World Cup will showcase the world's top athletes on Lake Placid’s legendary Olympic jumps.

All three days of jumping will be held on the large hill, an HS128. The women's qualification will begin on Thursday. They will have one round to qualify, and the top 40 athletes will move on to the competition on Friday. 

On Saturday, the men will have their first individual event, starting with qualification, from which the top 50 will move directly into the competition. Afterward, the women will take the stage for their second and final individual event in the same format as a qualification round that leads right into the competition rounds. The day will culminate with the mixed team event, where two male and two women jumpers from each nation will compete against the other nations. 

The men will return to the ski jump for their last individual event on Sunday, the final day of the Lake Placid World Cup. Athletes must requalify, and the top 50 will advance to the competition later that day. 

“We’re delighted to welcome ski jumping back to ‘home turf’ for the Lake Placid World Cup for what promises to be a groundbreaking event,” said Anders Johnson, USA Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sports Director. “With both men’s and women’s competitions included this year, we expect an exciting few days of competitions that will inspire fans and future generations of jumpers.”

More on how to tune into our events can be found HERE

58th Annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard Gold Medal Gala Raises $2.35 Million for Athletes

By Leann Bentley
October, 28 2024
gala
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes pose for a photo before the 58th Gold Medal Gala begins.

New York, New York (Oct. 28, 2024) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard hosted its 58th Gold Medal Gala in New York City on Oct. 26, 2024 with athletes, supporters, partners and donors kicking off the 2024-25 season by raising a record-breaking $2.35 million for the U.S Ski & Snowboard Team. The year’s theme was “reflection,” which paid homage to the journey to the top and reflecting on what it took to get there. It was the largest audience in Gala history. 

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Transcendence Award to Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team athlete Brenna Huckaby, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist, five-time world champion and winningest Para snowboarder of all time. Known for her record-resetting achievements and advocacy, Huckaby has transcended her sport. Receiving the award in front of her teammates, donors, supporters and others, Huckaby expressed gratitude for the community that helped her reach these heights. 

"Thank you for seeing me," said Huckaby on stage. "Thank you to everyone in this room who has made so much of this possible and to the teams behind the Team. We don’t do this alone. Thank you for recognizing me as a person beyond the title of an athlete. When I think about what transcendence means to me, I keep coming back to this question of what other choice did I have? I knew I needed to be more than an athlete. Many years later, I’m a wife, I have two daughters, I am a disability inclusion advocate, an occasional model… but what i've learned through all of this is that I’m successful because my definition of success isn’t defined by what medals I’ve won, or what accolades I’ve achieved - my definition of success is the person I’ve become and the impact I can have on this world."

Another memorable moment was an engaging conversation hosted by Olympic moguls gold medalist Jonny Moseley, featuring Olympic champion freeskier Alex Hall. Together, they discussed the exciting future of the sport and the creative, boundary-pushing energy that fuels the next generation of athletes. They also spoke about the partnership between U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games and what it means for the future of competition freeskiing and snowboarding. Hall is an 11-time X Games medalist and is the only skier in history to win an X Games medal in each discipline. 

Throughout the evening, the Gala raised $2.35 million through table purchases, a silent auction, and a lively live auction and paddle raise hosted by auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla. U.S. Ski & Snowboard is a nonprofit that receives no government funding and donations like this directly support its 240 athletes across 10 sports. 

“We are endlessly grateful to this community of supporters who make it possible for our athletes to transcend boundaries,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Seeing the success and dedication of these extraordinary athletes reminds us why we do what we do. Together, we’re ensuring they can continue reaching new heights, and events like this remind us that we're all on the same team.”

Radamus 11th, Ford 21st in Season Opener

By Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
October, 27 2024
river
River Radamus skis to 11th in the opening World Cup. (Getty Images)

Amongst the sun, a loud Austrian fanbase and long-awaited comebacks from the men’s tour, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes River Radamus landed in 11th place and Tommy Ford 21st on day two of the first FIS World Cup of the season. 

It was a picture-perfect day in Sölden for the men’s giant slalom on Sunday in the heart of Austrian ski racing fandom. The race started out with a major shock. The reigning giant slalom, super-G and overall FIS Crystal Globe winner, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, fell with bib one on the first run, which opened the door for any racer to grab the first win of the season. 

Radamus skied strong with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 first run, and teammate Tommy Ford was not far off the mark in the top 20. But the main focus was on bib 34, the return of Austrian great-turned-Netherlands athlete Marcel Hirscher returning to the sport after 2,051 days. He made it into the top 30. The other significant return was that of Norwegian-turned-Brazil skier Lucas Braathen, who landed in the top 20 and was poised for a clean run two after his first run. 

“I think it's really good for the sport that they are back. Braathen hasn't missed a step and will prove to be a challenger all season long. It’s only good for the sport,” said Radamus.  

On the second run, Ford skied clean to finish his day in 21st place. Radamus, holding back a smidge, found himself in 11th at the end of the day.

“I am a bit mixed today; the conditions are difficult at this time of year. I am still figuring out how to ski this snow fast,” said Radamus. “I felt good about the execution overall, but in the second run, I tried to push and had a few mistakes. However, I do feel really good about my skiing right now, and I know it will connect.”

The excitement continued for Brazil’s Braathen, who knifed his second run to land just off the podium in fourth. But it was arguably the best day for Norway, with three athletes sweeping the podium. The victory ultimately went to Norway's Alexander Steen Olsen, second place to Henrik Kristoffersen, and third to Atle Lie Mcgrath.

Fellow Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Isaiah Nelson, Bridger Gile and Cooper Puckett and Global Racing skier Patrick Kenney also raced but did not make a second run. Gile did not finish but is okay. Notably, it was Puckett’s first World Cup start as well, a position he learned he landed a mere 24 hours before go time. 

“It was an OK day. I got a little bit low on my run but in terms of the experience it was awesome,” said Puckett. “I think I have been really close to starting World Cups for three years now and it felt natural being here. I want to keep going and giving myself opportunities.”

The U.S. men’s team now prepares for the first slalom race in Levi, Finland Nov. 17 and the next giant slalom will be back on home turf at the Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines on Dec. 8 in Beaver Creek, CO.

RESULTS
Men's giant slalom

“We Belong”: Hensien, O’Brien Shine in Sölden with Career Bests

By Sierra Ryder - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
October, 26 2024
katie
Katie Hensien skis to a career best fourth place in the World Cup opener. (Getty Images)

In the opening FIS Ski Alpine World Cup in Sölden, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team's alpine women came to play, throwing four women into the top 11 - a feat that has not been achieved in U.S. women's history since four women were in the top ten on March 17, 1985. The result sheet led with Katie Hensien just shy of a podium in fourth, Mikaela Shiffrin fifth, Nina O’Brien seventh and Paula Moltzan 11th. 

The excitement was in the air from the first run as all five starters put their best foot forward in the race. Mikaela Shiffrin, the winningest alpine skier of all time with 97 World Cup wins under her belt, set the pace, running first and staying there the remainder of the run. Teammate Paula Moltzan also skied well, with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 after the first run. The women could not be stopped as the long-anticipated return of Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien skied into 17th and 21st position, an excellent place going into the second run. Keely Cashman made her return to the tech venue but did not finish first run. 

“I felt solid in my skiing. I am ok with it, but the first run is always tough to see what's happening, so for the second run, I need to be on top of it,” said Shiffrin. “I felt really good with my skiing technically.” 

The conditions were a bit warmer, with light rain and wind up on top of the track. The snow was softer than a typical World Cup course, making it a great opportunity to stand on the ski with confidence. Running toward the beginning of the second run, O’Brien and Hensien made a statement. First, O’Brien knifed a high-speed run to take the lead. Hensien followed suit with an aggressive show to win the second run. With conditions deteriorating and the light coming in and out, Shiffrin skied well on the bumpy second run track to land fifth, with Moltzan closing out the historic day for the women in 11th. 

Skier after skier came down and could not hold a candle to Hensien or O’Brien. The duo moved up over ten spots from run one. Hensien was a mere .03 seconds out of a podium finish and O’Brien had a career-best seventh-place finish, 

“First race back, first time ever racing on this hill. I couldn't have asked for a better day,” beamed Hensien in the finish.  “It's really good to be able to trust my body again. I trusted my skiing today and went for it and I am so happy."

The joy and smiles from the U.S. team were palpable as Hensien and O’Brien were greeted in the best way back to the World Cup and proving that their hard work, dedication and perseverance in coming back from injury had paid off. Not only were they congratulated by their team, but countless international competitors made their way to the duo to hug them and share in the happiness of the incredible comeback race. 

“I am running on adrenaline but I am so happy to be here. I felt really free in the start gate and that's all I needed for today,” said O’Brien. “I could tell that my skiing was coming along in training, but you never know where you stack up when you get here, so I am proud of it, and I am happy.”

O’Brien suffered a leg injury in the Beijing Olympics on her second giant slalom in 2022, rehabbing for the 2022-23 season. She fractured her leg again while training last summer, missing the 2023-24 season. To come back this strong after two years of work is a moment she won’t forget. 

“It means everything to me. Katie and I both missed last season and we were really there for each other in the rehab so this is amazing.”

The top phrases of the day started with “How did this happen?” to a positive “We are back, and we belong” from Hensien and O’Brien. Announcers in the Sölden stadium applauded the American women, claiming that the team “is on fire.” 

“My teammates were incredible today, so overall, it was a really strong day for the North Americans. I am excited to watch their runs!” said Shiffrin. 

After a fiery start to the season, the women feel confident and ready to attack the next World Cup race in Levi, Finland on Nov. 16 for a slalom. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team men's alpine athletes will get their chance on the same track tomorrow. Watch LIVE and on-demand on Peacock. 

RESULTS
Giant Slalom

HOW TO WATCH
5:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)
8:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)

​​​​​​​Cloudflare to Become Technology Partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
October, 21 2024
Logo lockup

PARK CITY, Utah (October 21, 2024) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today a multi-year partnership with Cloudflare (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, as the Official Technology Partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. As part of the partnership, Cloudflare will provide Internet security, reliability and performance tools to help accelerate, protect and secure the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website and its internal network used by coaches and athletes.  

“We’re thrilled for Cloudflare to join as a partner,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Cloudflare is one of the world’s most trusted Internet platforms, with services that not only connect the entire world but provide security to millions. As we enter into this new partnership, I am excited to collaborate with an organization that also puts performance, speed, reliability and safety at the forefront of what they do.” 

With a mission of helping to build a better Internet, Cloudflare powers one of the world’s largest and most interconnected networks that spans more than 330 cities in over 120 countries. The company blocks billions of online threats for millions of its customers every day—from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups and governments across the globe.

This is Cloudflare’s first sports partnership. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Cloudflare will amplify the partnership through branding on the highly valued alpine, cross country, moguls, aerials, Para alpine and Para snowboard uniforms, along with various content opportunities and hospitality experiences. Additionally, Cloudflare will provide the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team with the technology needed to make their coaches, athletes, applications and networks faster and more secure online, while reducing complexity and cost. This technology implementation will ensure the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website and internal operations stay reliable, fast, secure and performant, no matter where fans or athletes are accessing it from on their travels across the globe. 

“Skiing and snowboarding are the rare sports that have a truly global community, and attract the most technical, disciplined athletes,” said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare. “Speed, safety, reliability and performance are values that define both Cloudflare and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes. We’re excited to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team with the technology needed to secure the organization and its athletes so they can focus on winning medals and pushing the boundaries of the sport safely and securely, on the slopes and online.” 

“As an alpine skier, innovation is critical to my success,” said Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and world champion River Radamus. “It’s necessary for me to push boundaries, stay ahead of the competition and perform at my best. I’m excited to have a cutting-edge company like Cloudflare partnering with us as we take on the World Cup and World Championships. Precision and performance are everything—both on the slopes and in the digital world.”

With the announcement, Cloudflare joins a strong and growing roster of high-level partners that have joined U.S. Ski & Snowboard throughout the last two years, including Stifel Financial, Hydro Flask, Kappa Sportswear, iFit and United Airlines.

###

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 

About Cloudflare
Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company on a mission to help build a better Internet. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare’s connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business.

Powered by one of the world’s largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations – from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe.

Learn more about Cloudflare’s connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com/connectivity-cloud. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https://radar.cloudflare.com.

Follow us: Blog | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

Cloudflare
Daniella Vallurupalli
Vice President, Communications
daniella@cloudflare.com 

Freeski Kicks Off Season in Chur; Podmilsak Throws Never Before Done Trick

By Erin Doyle - Stifel U.S. Freeski Team
October, 18 2024
Troy Podmilsak in mid-air during Big Air training at sunset in Chur, Switzerland
Troy Podmilsak mid-air during big air training at sunset in Chur, Switzerland. (Chad Buchholz // FIS Park & Pipe)

The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team kicked off the 2024-25 World Cup season today in Switzerland for Big Air Chur. Chur is an iconic venue that combines freeskiing, live music and great vibes.

Troy Podmilsak, reigning big air world champion and X Games big air gold medalist, wrapped up the day in eighth. Though it was not the result Podmilsak hoped for, he put down an exciting new trick that had never been done in competition. Podmilsak's coach calls it a left flat 360, right pretzel 720, and the highlight of this trick is the rotation change Podmilsak does in midair. The judges loved this innovative move and rewarded Podmilsak with a 91.00 for run two. Unfortunately, he could not put down another clean run today, ending with 115.25 in eighth place.

Rell Harwood, another X Games big air medalist, had a clean first run that resulted in a 70.00 from the judges. After run one, Rell elected to sit out the rest of the event and received a DNS for runs two and three. Harwood also finished the day in eighth.

Cody Laplante narrowly missed qualifying for finals and finished the event in 13th.

When asked to name his new trick today, Podmilsak says, "I don't really know, to be honest, there are hundreds of different names you could call it...The Berco Flip, Dean Bercovitch, he made this trick." Bercovitch is a Canadian freeskier who competed in big air and slopestyle through 2017. 

Head Coach Dave Euler said, "Super proud of Rell, Cody, and Troy this event. Results aside, they all skied amazingly and are putting together new tricks. Excited to keep the momentum building as we head into Stubai Camp and the first World Cup slopestyle of the season next month."

Next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team will be back in action on Nov. 23, 2024, in Stuabi, Austria, for a slopestyle event.

RESULTS
Women’s big air
Men’s big air 

Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel is Back; Most Domestic Freestyle World Cups Since 1982

By Ryan Odeja - Stifel U.S. Ski Team
October, 18 2024
a large crowd gathers at the bottom of the moguls course at Deer Valley Resort

The 2024-25 season is right around the corner, and it includes one of the most exciting domestic freestyle World Cup seasons yet. For the first time since 1982, three locations will host FIS Freestyle World Cups on home snow, providing exciting opportunities to watch the best in the world battle it out in our backyard. Additionally, U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced that Stifel will come on as the presenting partner of the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel at Deer Valley in February. 

Freestyle Domestic World Cup Schedule
FIS Freestyle World Cup // Lake Placid, NY

The domestic World Cup season kicks off on Jan. 18-19, 2025, in Lake Placid, New York, for men’s and women’s aerials and a mixed aerials team event. This is the first-ever World Cup mixed aerials team event in the United States. Lake Placid and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center there hold immense importance to the freestyle community as it is one of the major development sites in the U.S. Many Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis made their start in the sport in New York, so bringing the World Cup back for the first time since 2018 is the homecoming many have been waiting for. 

Waterville Freestyle Cup // Waterville Valley, NH

The following weekend, the moguls athletes are returning to the birthplace of freestyle skiing, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, for the Waterville Freestyle Cup. From Jan. 24-25, 2025, the athletes will take on a set of moguls and dual moguls events. Last year's event was a resounding success, with four U.S. podiums and 11 super finals appearances across seven athletes. The events are set to take place on the iconic Lower Bobby’s Run, a double black diamond that has become a home base for U.S. Freestyle Championships. 

Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel // Deer Valley, UT

From Feb. 6-8, the best moguls and aerials athletes will meet in Utah at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel (known as the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing) to wrap up the domestic World Cup season. The action kicks off with moguls on Thursday on the world-renowned Champion run, followed by aerials on Friday and dual moguls on Saturday. Over 30,000 people attended the three-day event last year, proving the deep freestyle connection in Park City, UT.

For the full domestic freestyle schedule across levels, click here