On July 5 in Vail, Colorado, the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team held its annual alpine fundraiser hosted by longtime supporters Karen and John Arnold. The annual event raised over $200,000 with more than 40 guests and seven Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes in attendance.  

"The event was great! It was fun to meet everyone and chat with the people that help us in so many ways," said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Camden Palmquist.

Athletes in attendance included two-time World Champion Breezy Johnson, World Cup winner Lauren Macuga, 2022 Olympian Bella Wright, along with younger athletes Jay Poulter, Camden Palmquist and sisters Kjersti and Liv Moritz. There was also a strong alumni presence, including two-time Olympian Alice McKinnis Duran. 

"We don’t always get to say thank you directly, and these events make it possible. It is great to see the backbone of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and how much belief there is in the athletes. I am beyond grateful for all the support and I am super excited for this season," said Palmquist. 

The alpine program is one of the biggest sports under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard umbrella; therefore, support from donors is essential as the athletes work to be the best in the world. It is a very important season, with the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, and the skiers are ready to lay it all on the line for a chance at Olympic medals. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Lindsey Vonn and U.S. Toyota Para Snowboard Team athlete Noah Elliott were nominated for an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) award in the categories of “Best Comeback” and “Best Athlete with a Disability” formally announced on June 26, 2025. The ESPY awards are an annual sports award show that highlights the best athletes, teams and change-makers in sports, ranging from basketball, football, soccer to Olympic sports like gymnastics, track & field and more. This year, athletes nominated include Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, Josh Allen, A'ja Wilson, among several other notable athletes. 

Vonn Nominated for "Best Comeback"

In the "Best Comeback" category, Vonn was nominated alongside Mallory Swanson of the U.S. Womens National Soccer Team, Gabe Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, gymnist and Olympian Suni Lee. This 2025-26 season, Vonn came out of retirement after six seasons away from the sport of alpine ski racing. Vonn completed her comeback season on a high when she claimed her 138th World Cup podium on home snow at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals in super-G. Not only did Vonn reclaim her momentum on the course but she marked a new record - oldest female skier to stand on the podium in alpine skiing. Vonn is one of the most decorated alpine skiers of all time, with three Olympic gold medals, including a gold and two bronze medals. She holds the record for the most FIS Crystal Globes won by an alpine athlete and is also a eight-time World Championship medalist. 

Vonn is a past ESPY winner and if she were to be called on stage this July, this would mark her fifth ESPY win. Vonn holds four ESPYs in “Best Female Athlete,” “Best U.S. Female Olympian,” and “Best Moment”. 

Elliott Nominated for "Best Athlete with a Disability"

For Elliott of the Toyota U.S. Para snowboard Team, the ESPY nod shows that many tuned into his historic season. Elliott is nominated for the title of "Best Athlete with a Disability", alongside Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech of the Track & Field team, track athlete Tatyana McFadden and Paratriathlete Grace Norman. Elliott, a Paralympic gold medalist and four-time World Championships medalist, is at the top of his game and is going into the Paralympic season ready to defend his title, and is doing this with momentum from the 2024-25 season, where he came out on top, claiming the FIS overall Crystal Globe. 

The ESPY Awards, known as the "Oscars of Sports," celebrate the best of the best in the world of athletics. Each year, athletes from various sports disciplines are recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to the sporting world. 

Your vote helps decide the winners! Cast it now and tune in July 16, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

Follow THIS LINK to vote. 

Stifel U.S. Ski Team alpine athlete and two-time Olympian Tricia Mangan hosted a “Girls in Sport” day at the USANA Center of Excellence powered by iFIT in June. The fun day brought more than 100 girls between the ages of 6 and 14 for a day of play. It was a completely free event. 

“I wanted to do this to give local girls the opportunity to try new sports, meet role-model athletes and have a fun day playing outside with their friends,” said Mangan. 

The girls were greeted with smiles and music in the morning, ready to run around, make new friends and meet the women they look up to. Mangan was assisted by teammates from various sports including Olympians Olivia Giaccio and Kai Owens from the moguls team, Stacy Gaskill from the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and Bella Wright, Lauren Macuga, AJ Hurt and a number of other women on the alpine team. 

In total, there were six stations that the girls would float through in 20 minute increments. The stations ranged from a craft station where the girls made tote bags to an obstacle course, mind games and tag. 

By the end of the event, the girls were gifted goodies and a poster that the participating elite athletes signed. Overall, it was a successful day, and the young girls had the opportunity to engage with some of the top skiing and snowboarding athletes and winter Olympic contenders directly. 

See the recap video here. 

Graham Anderson—a visionary leader, advocate and lifelong devotee to the sport of skiing—passed away on June 2, 2025 in Sun Valley, Idaho. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the foundation of ski racing in the United States and around the world.

Graham’s skiing journey began in 1947 on the slopes of Sun Valley. As a young athlete, he raced within the Pacific Northwest Ski Association and earned varsity letters in both alpine and nordic at the University of Washington. His love of skiing evolved into a career of purpose—marked by transformative leadership and enduring contributions to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the global skiing community.

At the national level, he was chairman of U.S. Ski & Snowboard (then USSA) and led key committees including the National Alpine Championships Committee, Olympic Ski Games Committee and Coaches Association. He was also a trustee of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation from 1960-93 and remained an honorary trustee until his passing.

Internationally, Graham was a respected authority within the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), where he served as a delegate for nearly 40 years. His influence helped shape alpine ski racing—most notably, helping codify super-G as a discipline and leading the global movement to adopt breakaway race gates, enhancing safety for generations of athletes. He also held roles on the FIS Alpine Executive Committee and World Cup Committee and was a jury member at multiple World Championships and Olympic Games.

Graham’s service to the sport earned him the Julius Blegen Award—U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s highest honor—in 1979, and he was inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1984. He was also inducted into the Sun Valley's Ski Hall of Fame in 2020. He believed deeply in the integrity of sport, always championing athlete safety.

In addition to his national and international roles, Graham helped steer the future of the sport at a grassroots level. From coaching high school athletes in Seattle to presiding over the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation board, Graham invested in the next generation. His impact extended to adaptive skiing through his leadership with SkiForAll, which provided programs for disabled skiers in the Northwest. 

Graham never lost sight of what made skiing magical. He skied Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain until he was 86 and remained a leader in the ski community until his final days.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard celebrates the life of Graham—a devoted steward of skiing. He is survived by his wife, four children and six grandchildren. 

PARK CITY, Utah (June 17, 2025) – The Stifel U.S. Ski Team announced key staffing changes for the upcoming 2025-26 season across both the men’s and women’s alpine teams. 

The alpine program had a strong 2024-25 season, bringing home 13 podiums and five wins across the men’s and women’s World Cup teams, including four World Championships medals. 

“The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team had a strong season and we are excited to build upon it with these new hires,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport Anouk Patty. “The coaches joining our organization are sure to make a positive impact on the future of our alpine programs.”

The team will again be led by women’s head coach Paul Kristofic and men’s head coach Mark Tilston.

WOMEN

Stepping in as the head women’s technical coach is Alek Glebov. Glebov joins the Stifel U.S. Ski Team as a former World Cup ski racer and most recently a coach with the Norwegian men’s technical team. Glebov will join Zan Spilar who helped lead the women’s tech team to immense success in the 2024-25 season. 

On the women’s Europa Cup side, Anika Angriman will be assisting Miha Kurner with the women’s Europa Cup tech teams. Angriman previously coached with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation FIS program. Christian Herzog will join Marjan Cernigoj with the women’s Europa Cup speed team. Herzog previously worked for Burke Mountain Academy’s women’s FIS program. Both Angriman and Herzog came through the new U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Coaches Mentorship Program let by former men’s World Cup head coach Ian Garner.

“I am confident Alek, Annika and Christian will bring expertise in coaching that will continue to propel our women’s program to new heights,” said Kristofic. 

MEN

On the men’s side, Johno McBride returns as the head World Cup speed coach. McBride is no stranger to the organization; he is a decorated coach who led the men’s speed teams to historic achievements. He notably coached some greats, including Bode Miller, Daron Rahlves and Andrew Weibrecht, leading them to overall World Cup titles and Olympic and World Championship medals. Assisting McBride will be former U.S. Ski Team athlete and coach, TJ Lanning. 

Clement Tomamichel will become the head men’s World Cup giant slalom coach alongside Nathan Bryant. Tomamichel led the Europa Cup group the year prior, propelling the program’s junior athletes to their first World Cup starts and Europa Cup points. In slalom, Tristan Glasse-Davies will be supported by former World Cup racer Jeffrey Frisch. Frisch previously served as the head coach of the Polish slalom team.

Finally, the men’s Europa Cup team will be led by Mike Bansmer and Francio Bertolini, the 2024-25 season development coaches. 

Will Horstmann will lead the men’s strength and conditioning programming, along with Hugh Brooks, who will support Tomamichel’s team and Tobias Mayrhofer, who will work with McBride’s team. 

“I am very excited about these changes and new additions,” said Tilston. “I have spent time with the groups in Mammoth and Copper and I can already see the camaraderie and fire in the staff and athletes as we set our sights on Milano Cortina 2026.” 

A full staff announcement will be released this fall, in tandem with the official Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team announcement. 

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

Park City, UT (June 13, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce 10 domestic FIS World Cup events for the 2025-26 season, spanning alpine, freestyle, snowboard, freeski, ski jumping and cross country. 

This landmark season will see every U.S.-based World Cup—except for cross country—serve as a key qualifier for the Olympic Winter Games in February, making it one of the most important and action-packed schedules in recent history.

“This is a milestone year for our organization, with both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on the horizon and a full slate of domestic World Cups,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Expanding the number of World Cups on home soil is central to our mission of supporting athletes and growing the profile of winter sports in the United States. Hosting 10 events across all major disciplines reflects that commitment.”

Alpine  

The 2025-26 alpine World Cup season kicks off over Thanksgiving weekend with a brand new stop at Copper Mountain, Colorado, featuring the stars of the World Cup circuit and the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. The Stifel Copper Cup presented by United Airlines will feature both men and women speed and tech events, marking the first time since 2001 that Copper has hosted a World Cup—and its first time ever as a primary alpine venue. The men will compete in super-G and giant slalom, followed by the women’s giant slalom and slalom events. 

The momentum continues the following weekend with the return of the legendary Stifel Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which will be supported by one of the newest tier one partners, Cloudflare. The men will take on one of the circuit’s most iconic tracks for four races, one more than in previous seasons, battling it out in two downhills, super-G and giant slalom for an extra long weekend of World Cup action. 

Cross Country 

Cross country World Cup racing makes its much-anticipated return to U.S. snow in Lake Placid, New York. The Stifel Lake Placid Finals will close out the 2025-26 season in March, featuring three marquee races: a 10k classic, a skate sprint and a skate mass start for the World Cup field and the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. Following the success of the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis in 2024, Lake Placid becomes just the second U.S. venue to host a cross country World Cup since 2001. 

Snowboard & Freeski 

The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and the World Cup field will compete across three premier venues in Colorado. The season begins with the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Steamboat, marking the return of World Cup competition for freeski and snowboard since December 2021. 

Next up, Copper Mountain will host the long-running Toyota U.S. Grand Prix in late December, featuring both snowboard and freeski halfpipe competitions. The domestic tour wraps in January at Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain with another stop on the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix tour, where slopestyle and halfpipe athletes will compete just after the 2025 X Games. The Olympic team will officially be named following the event.

Freestyle 

Two of the most iconic freestyle venues in the world—Lake Placid and Deer Valley—will once again host FIS World Cups and welcome back the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team to their mountains. 

Lake Placid’s competition will feature both individual and team aerials, while the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel will light up Deer Valley’s famed 2002 Olympic venue, Champion and White Owl ski runs, for a thrilling showcase of moguls, dual moguls and aerials for three nights of competition. The Deer Valley event will be the final stop before the freestyle team departs for the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

Ski Jumping

The world’s top ski jumpers and the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team will return to Lake Placid for the Stifel Lake Placid Ski Jumping Cup, featuring individual competitions on the HS128 hill as well as a mixed team event. Following last season’s historic debut of women’s World Cup ski jumping in the U.S., Lake Placid continues to elevate the sport with this exciting return.

2025-26 U.S. World Cup Schedule*

Alpine
Nov. 27-28, 2025 - Stifel Copper Cup presented by United Airlines, Copper Mountain, CO – men’s super-G, giant slalom
Nov. 29-30, 2025 - Stifel Copper Cup presented by United Airlines, Copper Mountain, CO - women’s giant slalom, slalom
Dec. 4-7, 2025 - Stifel Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, CO - men’s downhill, downhill, super-G, giant slalom

Cross Country
March 20-22, 2026 - Stifel Lake Placid Finals, Lake Placid, NY – men’s & women’s 10k classic, skate sprint, mass start skate

Freestyle
Jan. 11-12, 2026 - Freestyle Ski World Cup, Lake Placid, NY – men’s & women’s aerials, aerials team
Jan. 16-18, 2026 - Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel, Deer Valley, UT – men’s & women’s moguls, dual moguls, aerials

Snowboard / Freeski
Dec. 13, 2025 - Visa Big Air presented by Toyota, Steamboat, CO - men’s & women’s big air
Dec. 19-20, 2025 - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Copper Mountain, CO - men’s & women’s halfpipe
Jan. 9-10, 2026 - Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Aspen, CO – men’s & women’s slopestyle, halfpipe 

Ski Jumping
Dec. 13-14, 2025 - Stifel Lake Placid Ski Jumping Cup, Lake Placid, NY - men’s & women’s individual HS 128, combined team event

QUOTES

Dustin Lyman, President & General Manager, Copper Mountain
“Copper Mountain is a trusted home for elite competition, with decades of experience hosting major events across multiple disciplines. Next season is shaping up to be a milestone year for our mountain as we prepare to host three World Cup competitions in alpine and halfpipe, in partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. As the Athlete’s Mountain, we’re proud to provide the world-class venues and expertise that make these events possible."

Sarah Franke, Senior Vice President of Operations, Vail Valley Foundation
“While summer is in full swing here in the Vail Valley, we are already looking ahead with tremendous excitement to December and the return of the men's Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup races. After the incredible energy and enthusiasm we witnessed hosting both men's and women's races in 2024, we're eager to build on that momentum and deliver another world class event that showcases the best of alpine racing on one of the sport's most challenging and respected courses.”

Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Head of Communications & Spokesperson, Olympic Regional Development Authority
“Lake Placid last hosted its first World Cup cross country skiing competition in 1979 and then we went on to host the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Hosting the cross country finals in 2026, 46 years after the 1980 Olympics, is a testament to our renewed legacy and the investment in Mt Van Hoevenberg. We are excited to be awarded the opportunity to continue to host elite athletes, including Team USA on home soil, inspire Olympic hopefuls, and provide our guests and the community with exceptional events this season.”

Dave Hunter, President & COO, Steamboat Ski Resort
“Steamboat has a storied history of supporting the best athletes in the world. To once again host the Visa Big Air competition, especially going into an Olympic year, is a source of great pride for our staff and community. We can't wait to welcome athletes, their families and spectators from around the world to check out the incredible work of our mountain crews in building one of the best big air venues around." 

John Rigney, SVP of Business Development, Aspen One
“We are thrilled to host next year’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Toyota U.S. Grand Prix event here at Aspen Snowmass. Buttermilk is synonymous with world class freeskiing and snowboarding events and celebrating world-class athletes. The opportunity to host the Olympic qualifiers and celebrate the very best athletes in the sport is an incredible honor.”

Susie English, Vice President of Marketing, Deer Valley
“We’re proud to once again host the world’s top moguls and aerials athletes at Deer Valley for our 29th consecutive year of international competition. As an Olympic qualifier, the 2026 Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Sitfel brings incredible energy to Deer Valley’s renowned freestyle venue from January 16-18, 2026. Supporting this event year after year reflects our long-standing dedication to sport. We look forward to welcoming the community to cheer on these incredible athletes as they compete at Deer Valley.”

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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. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org

PARK CITY, Utah (June 12, 2025) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Stifel announce the 2025 Stifel U.S. Ski Team Stifel Award winners for the 2024-25 season. 

Now in its third year, the Stifel Awards celebrate athletes and staff members from across the Stifel U.S. Ski Teams. Awards range from Athlete of the Year to Best Comeback, Most Improved and Rookie of the Year, as well as Staff Member of the Year, in each sport. Each recipient is awarded $1,000, courtesy of Stifel, as part of their continued commitment to supporting the athletes and staff on and off the snow and upholding their motto that success meets success. Stifel contributed $40,000 through the Stifel Awards. 

Winners in each category were selected through a voting process by their teammates and staff and winners were awarded their checks at the culmination of the 2024-25 season. 

“Stifel is proud to continue celebrating the outstanding athletes and staff on the Stifel U.S. Ski Teams through the annual Stifel Awards,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. Our Where Success Meets Success motto rings true with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team members, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to continue expanding the scope of these awards year after year.”

“The winners of the Stifel Awards are more than deserving for what they accomplished this season,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport, Anouk Patty. “The 2024-25 season was successful on all fronts and a large part of that is due to the team behind the team. Thank you to Stifel for honoring our athletes and staff!”

Demonstrating their dedication to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, the Stifel Awards underscore Stifel's commitment to supporting athletes both on and off the slopes. The following athletes and staff have been recognized as the winners of the awards within each respective team:

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team 

• Athlete of the Year: Lauren Macuga, Ryan Cochran-Siegle
• Rookie of the Year: Elisabeth Bocock, Stanley Buzek
• Most Improved: Lauren Macuga, Ben Ritchie
• Best Comeback: Breezy Johnson, Bridger Gile
• Staff Member of the Year: Zan Spilar, Women’s Tech Team Coach

Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, moguls team

• Athlete of the Year: Jaelin Kauf
• Rookie of the Year: Asher Michel
• Most Improved: Charlie Mickel
• Best Comeback: Olivia Giaccio
• Staff Member of the Year: Jill Radzinski, Athletic Trainer

Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, aerials team

• Athlete of the Year: Chris Lillis
• Rookie of the Year: Ian Schoenwald
• Most Improved: Karenna Elliott
• Best Comeback: Quinn Dehlinger
• Staff Member of the Year: Stanislav Kravchuk, World Cup Coach

Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

• Athlete of the Year: Jessie Diggins, Gus Schumacher
• Rookie of the Year: Sammy Smith, Jack Young
• Most Improved: Kate Oldham, Jack Young
• Best Comeback: Julia Kern, JC Schoonmaker
• Staff Member of the Year: Kristen Bourne, World Cup Coach

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team

• Best Comeback: Grace Henderson, Matt Labaugh
• Most Improved: Rell Harwood, Konnor Ralph
• Rookie of the Year: Ella Andrews, Matt Labaugh
• Athlete of the Year (Women): Rell Harwood, Alex Hall
• Coach/Staff Member of the Year: Erin Doyle, Freeski Team Manager/Press Officer 

Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team

• Athlete of the Year: Saylor O’Brien
• Rookie of the Year: Audrey Crowley
• Most Improved: Patrick Halgren

Park City, Utah (June 10, 2025) – The Stifel U.S. Ski Team is thrilled to announce the first four athletes to qualify for the 2026 Olympic team: two from the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team and two from the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. 2022 Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall qualified for slopestyle and big air and two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira qualified in halfpipe. 2022 Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf qualified in moguls and dual moguls and two-time world champion Quinn Dehlinger in aerials. 

The four athletes secured their spots by ranking as the top American among the top three athletes on the 2026 FIS Base List based on their 2024-25 season results. Both Hall and Ferreira won the top spots in slopestyle and halfpipe, respectively, while Kauf took the top spot in moguls, dual moguls and overall after the best season of her career, and Dehlinger finished third following his World Championships success.

FREESKI

Ferreira Seeks Third Olympic Medal
After winning every contest he entered in the 2023-24 season and finishing last season in the top spot of the FIS Base List, Ferreira kept the momentum going in 2024-25 to secure his Olympic spot. He ended the season of seven events with two victories and seven podiums, with his biggest victory this season at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix in his hometown of Aspen, Colorado. He also went on to place third at the World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, his second consecutive World Championships medal. 

Ferreira has been on the podium at every FIS event since January 2023: 13 and counting. His dominance led to his second consecutive halfpipe Crystal Globe, cementing him as the overall winner of the season. Securing the Olympic spot was no easy feat, with a stacked Stifel U.S. Freeski Team challenging Ferreira for victories and podiums at every step.

“It means the world to be prequalified for the Olympics,” said Ferreira, who holds two halfpipe medals from the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games. “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders. Usually I’m coming in, skidding in, to the very last spot. So to be the first person on the team is really, really rewarding. I worked extremely hard for it, so I’m grateful to have a more tranquil incoming to the Games. I’m ecstatic. Milano Cortina is going to be a great competition, probably the best competition ever hosted, and definitely the highest level of progression thus far. I’m going to give it my all, and I’m excited to battle it out with everyone.”

Hall Defends Slopestyle Title
Defending 2022 slopestyle gold medalist Alex Hall also secured his spot in Milano Cortina to return for his third Olympic Games in both slopestyle and big air. He finished the 2023-24 season with the big air Crystal Globe and successfully refocused his sights on slopestyle for 2024-25, winning two World Cups, a World Championship medal and the slopestyle Crystal Globe. 

Hall has 16 total World Cup podiums, spanning eight years of competition. He also had tough American competition this season, with teammates Mac Forehand and Colby Stevenson rivaling him at each step of the way.

“I’m super stoked to qualify for Milano Cortina a year early,” said Hall. “I feel like I had a great season and ended up winning the slopestyle Crystal Globe, so it felt really good to lock in my spot that way. I’m looking forward to the Olympics in Italy; I think it’s going to be sweet. My mom is Italian, so it’s going to feel a bit like a home Olympics for me as well. It will be amazing over there.”

FREESTYLE

Kauf’s Road to The Games
The 2024-25 season was nothing short of historic for Kauf. Known as the fastest woman on the World Cup circuit, Kauf quickly rebounded from a tough 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, kicking off a podium streak that continued throughout the season, earning 14 consecutive podiums and never finishing lower than third again. Eight of those 14 podiums were wins, almost doubling her career win count in one year. Her dominance and determination led her to win all three FIS Freestyle Crystal Globes: moguls, dual moguls and the overall, becoming the first American to win a freestyle globe since 2015. 

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. Kauf returns to the games as the 2022 Olympic silver medalist in moguls, and this time around, she’ll also have the opportunity to compete in dual moguls, newly added to the Olympic schedule for 2026. 
 

“It’s super crazy to be qualified for the Olympics already” said Kauf. “[There is] still a whole lot of work to be put in before then, but it’s a bit of a weight off, especially with how insanely good this women’s team is. It’s also been a dream to compete dual moguls at the Olympics for a long time, so I am extra excited to be a part of the sport’s Olympic debut this time around!”

Dehlinger’s First Olympic Team
After an unfortunate injury took Dehlinger out for most of the 2023-24 season, he was determined to come back stronger than ever. As soon as he was cleared, he was back on the water ramps getting his difficulty up to where it needed to be to return to the World Cup circuit. The season was filled with highs and lows as he returned to competition, including Dehlinger’s first ever win on home snow at the 2025 Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel. After finishing the World Cup season ranked sixth in the world, Dehlinger had something to prove heading into World Championships. Dehlinger entered the competition as the reigning champion in aerials team, and the 2023 aerials silver medalist. Dehlinger took the pressure of the world on his shoulders and turned it into fuel, first helping lead the team to a second consecutive aerials team gold - becoming the first nation to ever earn back to back titles. Two days later, Dehlinger stomped some of the best jumps of his life to land on the podium again in silver medal position. Every time Dehlinger has started at a World Championships event, he has finished on the podium. These results were just what Dehlinger needed to move up into the top three in the world, clinching his spot on his first Olympic team. 

“Making the Olympic team is a dream come true,” said Dehlinger. “I've dreamed of going to the Olympics since I was a little boy. To have qualified for the 2026 Olympics brings me joy that words can't describe!”

The remaining Olympic spots for freestyle and freeski will be filled based on upcoming World Cup events throughout the 2025-26 FIS Freestyle World Cup season. For full 2026 Olympic criteria, click here. 

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For more information, contact:
Ryan Odeja - Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Press Officer
ryan.odeja@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Erin Doyle - Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Press Officer
erin.doyle@usskiandsnowboard.org

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.

As a part of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s goal to help grow the pipeline of moguls skiers in the United States, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has launched the Moguls National Development Group (MONDG) to help further develop the next generation of moguls athletes.

The Moguls National Development Group is a pool of the best developmental moguls athletes in the country based on head-to-head performance at NorAms, U.S. Championships, and other domestic FIS events. Athletes selected for the MONDG are recognized with an invitation to national development projects during the 2025-26 season. MONDG programming aims to propel athletes toward the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Strategic training opportunities will be organized during the preparation and competition periods to emphasize technical and tactical development in each athlete. An emphasis on conditioning will provide the backbone for advancement throughout the winter. The MONDG’s overall mission is to provide consistent, top-tier support for the growth of our next-generation athletes. The program will collaborate with the athletes’ current program and coaches to ensure athletes receive the best possible training, support and resources. 

MONDG athletes will work with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director Matt Gnoza, who will serve as the group's head coach in year one of the program. Throughout the prep season, the group will work with expert guest coaches to increase the athletes' knowledge of skiing and the skills required to compete at the highest level. Guest coaches will include PSIA National Team members AJ Oliver and Elle Matalavage, World Cup & gold medal-winning Olympic coaches Stephen Fearing and Vladimir Lebedev (U.S. Aerials Head Coach),  along with subject matter experts in sports psychology, nutrition and strength and conditioning. Throughout the year, athletes will have access to CARV, a ski analysis program that gathers data and provides feedback on athletes’ skiing. Madison Hogg, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Freestyle Development Manager, will serve as the MONDG Team Administrator. 

“The Moguls National Development Group is exactly what we need to continue to promote moguls skiing in the United States and ensure our athletes have what they need to become the best in the world,” said Gnoza. “We’ve built a legacy of greatness in our sport, and I think this group will help us continue to build on that legacy.” 

The first cohort of athletes selected for the MONDG comprises the best up-and-coming moguls skiers in the country - many with great international and domestic success. Two-time FIS Freestyle Junior World Championship medalist Reese Chapdelaine will headline the group this season alongside 2025 U.S. Championship bronze medalist Jackson Crockett. 

2025-26 Moguls National Development Group

(Club; Notable Achievements)

Women

• Anabel Ayad (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 3rd, Junior World Championships dual moguls team, 2025; Two NorAm podiums)
• Reese Chapdelaine (Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 2025 Junior World Champion, dual moguls team; Two time Junior World Championship medalist)* 
• Megan Ciaglo (Wasatch Freestyle; One NorAm podium, Ninth overall, 2024-25 NorAm Cup standings)
• August Davis (Wasatch Freestyle; One U.S. Championship podium; 2025 University Games team member)*
• Katie Dreitlein (Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Three Junior World Championship starts; 10th overall, 2024-25 NorAm Cup standings)
• Eden Kruger (Killington Mountain School; Two Junior World Championship starts; 12th overall, 2024-25 NorAm Cup standings)
• Skylar Slettene (Wasatch Freestyle; 2nd, Junior World Championships dual moguls, 2023; Two NorAm podiums)* 
• Sami Worthington (Park City Ski & Snowboard; Two U.S. Championship podiums; 2025 University Games team member)

Men

• Jackson Crockett (Park City Ski & Snowboard; Two Junior World Championship starts; Two NorAm podiums; Two U.S. Championship podiums)* 
• Nate Gendron (Wasatch Freestyle; Two Junior World Championship starts; One NorAm podium)* 
• Porter Huff (Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 2024 Youth Olympic Games gold medalist, dual moguls team; Two time Youth Olympic Games medalist; Five Junior World Championship starts)* 
• Camden Lewis (Gould Academy; Two Junior World Championship starts; One NorAm podium)* 
• Jack Petrone (Wasatch Freestyle; Four Junior World Championship starts; Two U.S. Championship top sixes)* 
• Gavin Tobey (Wasatch Freestyle; Two U.S. Championship podiums; One NorAm podium)* 

* indicates previous World Cup starts

Park City, UT (May 15, 2025) –U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team. 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. Nordic Combined 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. 

The 2025-26 roster is filled with veteran talent ready to continue their climb to the top in various races, including the FIS World Cup season and the Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. The team is led by Ben Loomis, Niklas Malacinski, Annika Malacinski and Alexa Brabec, all returning after strong performances during the past season. Brabec is ranked ninth in the world after another breakout season highlighted by a fourth place at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway. Annika Malacinski returns with a 15th place world ranking, while her brother Niklas Malacinski sits in a strong 26th place overall and Loomis in 28th. 

2025-26 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined National Team
 

(Hometown; Club; College; Birthdate)

A Team
Women

• Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of North Dakota; 10/8/2004)
• Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 5/9/2001)

Men

• Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; DeVry University; 6/9/1998)
• Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 12/7/2003)

B Team

Men

• Stephen Schumann (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Arizona State University; 3/14/2000)

C Team
Women

• Kai McKinnon (Lake Placid, NY; New York Ski Educational Foundation; 5/6/2008)

Men

• Carter Brubaker (Anchorage, AK; Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage; Arizona State University; 12/21/2003)
   

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stephanie Wilson – Press Officer, Nordic Combined USA
marketing@nordiccombinedusa.org