On Saturday’s second giant slalom race in Sestriere, Italy. Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete AJ Hurt posted her season best result in seventh with Paula Moltzan close behind in eighth place. 

“I feel like I'm feeling more like myself from last year, I feel pretty good,” said AJ Hurt. 

The weather proved to be opposite from the day before that brought sunshine. Instead there was a deep fog that sat at the top of the hill for some time. Regardless of the difficult visibility the race went on as planned. The first run was challenging with a straight set but flat light, which meant the women had to take more risk. The top 10 stacked with less than a second from first to 10th. 

The women ended up throwing four women into the second run all very close together with their times. In the flip included up-and-coming junior athlete Elisabeth Bocock who previously scored her first points in Killington earlier this season. 

On the second run the sun started to peak out which made the light much better on the course. With the stronger visibility amongst the packed house of Italian fans, it was going to be an exciting second run. First Bocock skied fierce to land in the points and ultimately tie her season best result of 23rd. Then AJ Hurt ripped down the course to earn her season best result of seventh place. Moltzan had quite a few errors but still managed to land eighth. 

“I just feel like I was able to find more confidence here and have some good turns and finish it off well,” said Hurt. “It feels really cool to be part of the U.S. team right now. There's so many girls doing that well and I am very proud of them all.” 

The winner of the race was Italian Federica Brignone, who wowed the home crowd with her fantastic skiing; second place was Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami, and in third was New Zealand’s Alice Robinson.  Stifel U.S. Ski Team skiers Nina O’Brien, Katie Hensien and Mary Bocock did not finish but are OK. 

The tech women will now switch to slalom on Sunday. 

RESULTS 
women's giant slalom 

HOW TO WATCH 
3:45 a.m. ET - women’s slalom, run 1, Sestriere, ITA - skiandsnowboard.live
6:15 a.m. ET - women’s slalom, run 2, Sestriere, ITA - skiandsnowboard.live

Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Jaelin Kauf is on her way to a historic World Cup season, earning her fourth win in a row and extending her podium streak to nine in the Beidahu moguls event. This is the longest U.S. moguls winning streak since Olympic champion Hannah Kearney won 16 World Cups in a row in the 2011-12 season. Teammate Olivia Giaccio finished in third place, her sixth podium of the season. 

The sun was out and the bumps were smooth in Beidahu, Jilin, China, making it for a perfect day of moguls World Cup competition. In the women's qualification round, all six U.S. athletes advanced to the finals. Kauf was the final athlete to drop - coming off two back-to-back wins on home snow in Deer Valley just a week prior, Kauf is riding a high and today, she wanted to keep that streak going. She knew exactly what she needed to do to qualify, and she did that and more. Kauf bested the second-fastest qualification time by over 1.5 points, along with one of the day's highest turns and air scores. Kasey Hogg also advanced to finals ranked fifth, Tess Johnson sixth, Olivia Giaccio 10th, Kylie Kariotis 11th and Kai Owens 14th. 

“I feel really good about [my run], I was trying to be one of the fastest girls out there which I feel like I did, and overall, it felt really strong,” said Kauf. “There are a few things to tweak and improve on for finals but I’m stoked to take the top spot in qualies, I feel like I don’t ever do that.”

Nick Page and Charlie Mickel continued to build on their momentum from Deer Valley qualifying into finals ranked fourth and 10th, respectively. Page earned the highest air score in the qualification round, setting himself up nicely for finals. Asher Michel just missed out on the round of 16, finishing the day 19th. Dylan Walczyk was 29th. 

As the day continued, the sun began to sink behind the trees, quickly shrouding the course in shade. The bumps became icy, increasing the speed the athletes could achieve in their runs, leading to quicker times as the day progressed. 

In finals, Kauf continued her tear with the fastest time to keep her in the top spot heading into super finals. Johnson, with her signature venom grab on the bottom air, earned the largest air score of the day and qualified fourth. Giaccio also advanced in fifth. Hogg barely missed out on advancing to super finals by 0.24 points, finishing seventh overall. Kariotis earned another top 10 and Owens landed in 15th. Page finished the day seventh, followed by Mickel in 11th. 

Giaccio was the first U.S. athlete to drop in super finals, and she took every success she had throughout the day and put them together to earn her highest score of the day, finishing third with 78.43 points. 

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in China, but I’m really excited to build my way up and improve every run, so I’m excited to be on the podium,” said Giaccio. “I’m ready to build into tomorrow, I think there’s going to be some very fast runs considering how tight the course is, so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can bring” 

Johnson put down another smooth and consistent run to finish fourth, her fifth top-five finish of the season. All of the pressure in the world was on Kauf’s shoulders as she stood atop the course as the last athlete to drop, but you would never know by her performance. She clocked the fastest time of the day, in classic Kauf fashion, and had some of the top turns and air scores. In her pre-finals interview, she said she would hold onto the top spot and that she did, earning her 13th career victory and taking over the overall moguls World Cup standings from Perrine Laffont of France.

“That was the game plan today, just trying to improve a little bit each run and save the best for last, and that’s what I did,” said Kauf. “It was a lot of fun skiing this course today. It’s super exciting [leading the overall], we still have a handful of competitions so I hopefully can hold that spot and keep building on today’s result.”

Next, the moguls athletes take on duals on the same course on Feb. 22 at 1:00 a.m. ET. Tune in live on skiandsnowboard.live. 

RESULTS
Women
Men

On Friday’s first giant slalom of two, Stifel U.S. Ski Team members Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien landed sixth and eighth. AJ Hurt was not far behind in 12th. 

“I'm actually really happy with today's race,” said Moltzan. “The skiing is there and without the mistakes it'll be even better.”

It was a beautiful sunny day at the Italian resort for what would be the make-up giant slalom race from the previously canceled Mont Tremblant giant slalom series. There was an air of calmness around as the athletes returned to the regular World Cup schedule following a very busy World Championships event just one week earlier. The U.S. team was eager to get back to racing with quite a full start list. 

On the first run Moltzan started with bib one - her first time in the top seven seed and first time starting bib one. She took full advantage of the clean course and came out in third place on the first run. O’Brien and Hurt also skied strongly to place eighth and 11th on run one. 

“It is so cool to run with bin one, why can't I run bib one all the time? The snow is so awesome,” said Moltzan. 

It was notably the first giant slalom race back for Mikaela Shiffrin who had been sidelined the past few months due to a brutal injury she sustained in Killington. Shiffrin skied with courage knowing that each race back is a stepping stone to the next great result of her storied career. 

“The last days of training were pretty good but in the end, racing is different than training so it’s really positive to have this race,” said Shiffrin. “ It's kind of like the next step in the training.” “It's really nice to have Mikaela back on the start list with us. I know it wasn't her best day, but we're all super happy to have her with this again,” said O’Brien. 

On the second run, all of the women put it on the line. First up was youngster Elisabeth Bocock. Her second time getting a second run in the World Cup and she was pushing hard. Unfortunately she leaned in and did not finish the second run. Katie Hensien had a strong second run and was able to move up to 21st place. Then came Hurt and O’Brien. Both skiers pushed to the finish line. They would end up in eighth and 12th. 

“I feel really solid,” said O’Brien.  “There were some mistakes here and there on both runs, but overall I feel like I skied two pretty strong runs and it’s nice to be back in the top 10.” 

Finally it was time for Moltzan. At every interval in the green and only building her lead. Moltzan was on fire up until the final flats section where she made a large mistake losing all speed. She would end up in sixth place. Despite mistakes here and there the women’s team continues to show their dominance with five in the top 30 and six qualifying to the second run. 

“I'm so bummed for Elizabeth, because I know she's ripping, but I think it just shows what we're capable of,” said O’Brien. 

The winner of the race of Italian force Federica Brignone, in second was New Zealand’s Alice Robinson and in third Norwegian Thea Louise Stjernesund. 

The women feel fired up and will take this race as a stepping stone to the giant slalom race on Saturday. 

RESULTS 
women's giant slalom 

HOW TO WATCH 
5:00 a.m. - women’s giant slalom, run one - skiandsnowboard.live
8:00 a.m. - women’s giant slalom, run two - skiandsnowboard.live

Park City, Utah (Feb. 18, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has named 10 athletes to represent the U.S. at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, from Feb. 27 to March 9, 2025. The team will compete for top finishes in individual and team events, taking on the world’s best in the storied venue of Granåsen.

The World Champs will bring together the top nordic athletes from more than 20 countries, with 170,000 tickets being sold out for each day of competition. The U.S. Nordic Combined Team features a strong mix of veteran competitors and rising talent, all prepared to make an impact on the world stage.

Women’s Team

The women’s team includes an experienced lineup led by Alexa Brabec whose recent top 10 World Cup finishes are capturing the world’s attention, and Annika Malacinski, a multi-time World Championships competitor and national team member. Young athletes Haley Brabec, Ella Wilson and Kai McKinnon join the veterans to gain exposure to elite international competition and a chance to make their mark in Trondheim.

Men’s Team

Ben Loomis, a two-time Olympian and seasoned World Championships competitor, spearheads the men's team. He is joined by fellow Olympians and World Championships veterans Stephen Schumann and Niklas Malacinski, who have shown strong potential with a top 15 and consistent top 25 finishes on the World Cup. Erik Lynch and Carter Brubaker are also named to the team, both hungry for a chance to show their potential on this international stage.

 “This team represents the hard work and resilience that nordic combined athletes have shown this past year,” said Anders Johnson, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined Sport Director. “We are excited to see both our returning competitors and younger athletes push themselves against the best in the world. Trondheim will be an incredible test, and we are confident in the team’s ability to rise to the challenge.” 

2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM

(Hometown; ski club; birth date; past World Championship teams)
*denotes first World Championships team 

Women:

• Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Utah; 10/08/2004; 2021, 2023)
• Haley Brabec (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 6/6/2007; 2024)
• Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 5/9/2001; 2023)
• Kai McKinnon (Lake Placid, NY; New York Ski Educational Foundation; 5/6/2008; 2024)
• Ella Wilson (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 3/4/2008; 2024)

Men:

• Carter Brubaker (Anchorage, AK; Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage; Arizona State University; 12/21/2003)*
• Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; DeVry University; 6/9/1998; 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)
• Erik Lynch (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 9/6/1994)*
• Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 12/7/2003; 2021, 2023)
• Stephen Schumann (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Arizona State University; 3/14/2000; 2023)

2025 FIS World Ski Championships Live Coverage

All times EST
Check local listings, subject to change (FIS Event Schedule)

Thursday, Feb. 27
9:00 a.m. - Women’s Mass Start Normal Hill HS102/5km - skiandsnowboard.live

Friday, Feb. 28
6:00 a.m. - Mixed Team Normal Hill HS102/4x5km - skiandsnowboard.live

Saturday, March 1
6:00 a.m. - Men’s Compact Normal Hill HS102/7.5km - skiandsnowboard.live

Sunday, March 2
6:00 a.m. - Women’s Gundersen Normal Hill HS102/5km - skiandsnowboard.live

Thursday, March 6
5:00 a.m. - Men’s Team Large Hill HS138/4x5km - skiandsnowboard.live

Saturday, March 8
3:30 a.m. - Men’s Gundersen Large Hill HS138/10km - skiandsnowboard.live

Olympic champion and current Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Lindsey Vonn, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, and former chairman of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors and current FIS Council member Dexter Paine were named among the leadership and board of the in 2034 Salt Lake City-Utah Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

Full press release below.

SALT LAKE CITY-UTAH 2034 ANNOUNCES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Fraser Bullock, Brad Wilson, Steve Starks named to key roles

Utah Governor Spencer Cox and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) CEO Sarah Hirshland jointly announced the leadership and board of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on Friday (Feb. 14) at the Utah State Capitol. Longtime Olympic leader Fraser Bullock was named executive chair and president. Business leader and former Utah Speaker of the House Brad Wilson was named as chief executive officer. Wilson and Utah business executive Steve Starks will serve as vice chairs of the board.

Bullock served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the 2002 Winter Games and led Utah’s 2034 bid effort as president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games. A highly respected Utah business and community leader, Wilson served in the Utah House of Representatives from 2011-23, including as speaker of the house from 2019-23. Starks is CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company and former president of the Utah Jazz. He served as liaison to Governor Cox on the Olympic and Paralympic bid committee. 

Governor Cox and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall were named honorary chairs, while Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker of the House Mike Schultz will serve as honorary vice chairs – similar to the leadership roles they held with the bid committee.

“Strong leadership is vital for a successful 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and an enduring legacy for Utah,” said Governor Cox. “Fraser Bullock brings a great depth of Olympic experience as our executive chair and president. Brad Wilson has proven over many years to be a talented and prudent leader, and we look to his guidance as CEO. I’m grateful for Steve Starks, who has been my Olympic advisor, for his deep experience in business and sports and entertainment.”

“The organizing committee will bring expertise, experience, and passion to the 2034 Winter Games in Utah, building on the powerful legacy of the 2002 Games and ensuring the 2034 Games carry that legacy forward for future generations,” said U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland. “We are embarking on a remarkable decade of sport in the United States, and we have a great opportunity to showcase Olympic and Paralympic sport across America with Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City-Utah in 2034.”

Six representatives were named to the initial executive committee, including Bullock, Starks, Hirshland, and USOPC President Gene Sykes. Athlete representatives will include Olympic champion and Utah resident Lindsey Vonn, as well as Team USA bobsledder Chris Kinney.

Four-time Olympic speedskater Catherine Raney Norman, who served as bid committee chair, will head the organizing committee’s Athletes’ Commission. Eight Olympic and Paralympic athletes will serve on the board, including a host of past medalists. Among them are 2002 figure skating champion Sarah Hughes, nine-time summer and winter Paralympic champion Oksana Masters, Idaho native and three-time 2002 Para Alpine medalist Muffy Davis, seven-time Olympic track and field gold medalist Allyson Felix, and Utah resident and Olympic downhill champion Lindsey Vonn.

The development of the 25-person organizing committee board was a collective effort between Utah Olympic and Paralympic leaders, the State of Utah, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, with review from the International Olympic Committee. The board includes business, sport, and community leaders, with a third being Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The board also includes USOPC, IOC members in the United States, and International Paralympic Committee representation.

As CEO, Wilson will manage the day-to-day operations of the organizing committee. As the executive chair, Bullock will drive strategy and relationship building, drawing on his vast network and knowledge base in Olympic and Paralympic sport. As vice chair, Starks will help oversee the work of the board and support and advise Wilson.

“Our 2002 Games left a rich legacy in our state and set an example across the world on how the Olympic and Paralympic Games can enrich communities for years to come,” said Bullock. “We are fortunate to have Brad Wilson join our team, bringing great connectivity to our state and helping us maximize the benefits of the Games across Utah.”

“The 2002 Olympic Winter Games left a big impression on me, from supporting my wife Jeni in the Olympic torch run through our community to seeing the 9-11 flag come into Rice-Eccles stadium and being there for Apolo Ohno’s first gold medal,” said Wilson. “We have a wealth of experience on our organizing team. It’s an honor for me to lead them as we look to engage communities across our entire state over the next nine years leading up to the Games.”

“The next decade will define the trajectory of this state, and the Olympics serve as a tremendous catalyst for the future,” said Starks. “I’m honored and excited to work with Fraser and Brad and our esteemed board in helping prepare for and lead the Games.”

With every competition venue already identified and in place, 2034 leaders are looking to use the nine-year lead-up period as a time to focus on communities.

“In the lead-up to 2002, we were constructing venues. As we move towards 2034, our focus will be on communities,” said Bullock. “We want to ensure that the values of sport will impact all 29 counties in Utah.”

Additional committees are expected to be named, including a steering committee to provide advisory support, with broad community and sport engagement.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FOR THE 2034 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES

LEADERSHIP
Executive Chair & President: Fraser Bullock, Alpine, UT
Vice Chair & CEO: Brad Wilson, Kaysville, UT
Vice Chair: Steve Starks, South Jordan, UT

HONORARY CHAIRS
Honorary Chairs: Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall
Honorary Vice Chairs: Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Fraser Bullock, Alpine, UT (Executive Chair & President)
Sarah Hirshland, Colorado Springs, CO (USOPC CEO)
Chris Kinney, Stockbridge, GA (Team USA Athletes’ Commission, Olympian)
Steve Starks, South Jordan, UT (Vice Chair)
Gene Sykes, Los Angeles (USOPC Chair)
Lindsey Vonn, Park City, UT (Olympian)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE BOARD
Mindy Benson, Cedar City, UT
Fraser Bullock, Alpine, UT (Executive Chair & President)
Muffy Davis, Sun Valley, ID (IPC Governing Board, Paralympian)
Anita DeFrantz, Santa Monica, CA (IOC Member, Olympian)
Spencer P. Eccles, Salt Lake City
Allyson Felix, Los Angeles (IOC Member, Olympic Champion)
Sophie Goldschmidt, Park City, UT (National Governing Body Council)
Manny Guerra, Jr., Plymouth, MN (Paralympian)
David Haggerty, London (IOC Member)
Sarah Hirshland, Colorado Springs, CO (USOPC CEO)
Kathleen Holding, Sheridan, WY
Jack Hollis, Dallas (USOPC)
Brett Hopkins, Salt Lake City
Sarah Hughes, New York City (Olympian)
Chris Kinney, Stockbridge, GA (Team USA Athletes’ Commission, Olympian)
Crystal Maggelet, Salt Lake City
Oksana Masters, Louisville, KY (Paralympian)
Abby Osborne, Salt Lake City
Dexter Paine, New York City (USOPC)
Steve Price, Salt Lake City
Ryan Smith, Provo, UT
Steve Starks, South Jordan, UT (Vice Chair)
Gene Sykes, Los Angeles (USOPC Chair)
Lindsey Vonn, Park City, UT (Olympian)
Brad Wilson, Kaysville, UT (Vice Chair and CEO)

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP COMMENTS

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Honorary Chair
“As the capital city of Utah, Salt Lake City will showcase the heart of the games in our downtown sports and entertainment district. Salt Lake City takes pride in being the gateway to the Games with our new international airport, and the home for athletes and families in the Olympic Village at the University of Utah.”

Olympic Champion Lindsey Vonn, Athlete Executive Committee Member
“It's an honor to join the executive committee for the 2034 Salt Lake Olympics. Salt Lake holds a special meaning to me, as it's where I competed in my first Olympics back in 2002. I was also fortunate to be part of the bid committee that brought the Games back to Utah. Now, as an athlete representative, I'm excited to contribute to initiatives like the Family Village and ensure an exceptional experience for all athletes in 2034.”

Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Honorary Vice Chair
“Utah is the State of Sport. We are proud to show off our state’s natural beauty, but most of all, we are excited to showcase our welcoming people and the values they represent. I look forward to collaborating with the Organizing Committee as we prepare to welcome the world to Utah once again in 2034."

Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, Honorary Vice Chair
“The Olympics have and will play a key role in Utah’s past, present, and future. We cannot wait to show the world once again what we’re all about. Fraser Bullock, Brad Wilson, and Steve Starks are the perfect people to lead this effort and organize games that celebrate and honor Utah’s Olympic legacy and look to the future – 2034 and beyond.”

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. Feb. 18, 2025 — The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team and Copper Mountain Resort announced today that World Cup alpine racing will be hosted at Colorado’s Athlete’s Mountain for the first time featuring both women’s and men’s events from November 27-30, 2025. The Stifel Copper Cup, an Audi FIS Ski World Cup, will showcase women’s giant slalom and slalom events alongside the men’s super-G and giant slalom races. Hosting both the women’s and men’s competitions is a unique opportunity for ski racing fans to witness the world’s top athletes competing at the same location over one weekend. 

“We are thrilled to bring World Cup racing back to Copper Mountain as part of our strategic vision to expand elite competition opportunities in the United States. We’re also pleased to support FIS, who asked for our help in providing another early season world class racing venue for the men,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “With its top training facilities and proven track record of hosting international events, Copper Mountain represents the ideal venue for showcasing the highest level of alpine racing.”

These races represent the first stop of the men’s World Cup season in North America and will be the only women’s World Cup race in the United States for the 2025-26 season. In addition, this competition holds particular significance as athletes build momentum towards the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics two months after the races.

The addition of Copper Mountain to the World Cup calendar, which is pending final FIS Council approval this spring, leverages the resort’s extensive experience as the Official Training Center for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team and home to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, the only full-length early season downhill training venue in the world. Copper’s high elevation and north facing slope aspect also make it the ideal venue for early-season race conditions. With the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and many international teams already training at Copper during the period, the addition of the race is also efficient for travel schedules. This marks the first year that Copper has been designated as the primary venue for an alpine World Cup. Copper Mountain previously stepped in to host three World Cup races in 1976, 1999 and 2001 when the original venues chosen could not fulfill their role as hosts due to snow conditions.

“Hosting an alpine World Cup event at Copper is a natural fit for us,” said Dustin Lyman, President and General Manager of Copper Mountain. “We are recognized as the Athlete’s Mountain, in part because the world’s elite snow sports athletes train and compete on our venues. Now, we’re excited to showcase our exceptional racing venue on the world stage.”

"Our partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard continues to create incredible opportunities for our awesome places. We’re excited to showcase Copper Mountain's renowned venues and facilities," said Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR. "This event highlights the strength of our collaboration and Copper's commitment to supporting athletic competition at this elite level.”

As part of the women’s race, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team will also host events around their women’s-specific HERoic initiative, to be announced in the future. 

For the past eight years, Killington Resort in Vermont proudly hosted the women's World Cup. However, due to the replacement of their Superstar lift which services their World Cup venue, next season’s event will take place at Copper Mountain. The women’s race is expected to return to Killington in 2026.

Located 75 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70, Copper Mountain offers convenient access for spectators and maintains a long-standing tradition of supporting elite athletic competition. The resort’s naturally divided terrain, high elevation and north facing slope aspect make it particularly well-suited for World Cup racing.

The event will utilize Copper’s best-in-business racing venues, which have helped develop numerous Olympic and World Cup champions. Copper's competitive calendar is unlike any other in the industry, hosting competitions for beginner, amateur and professional athletes. Throughout the year Copper is home to many national and international competitions including the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, the U.S. Revolution Tour, IFSA Junior Freeride and World Qualifier, and USASA Nationals. Copper is also a long-time partner of Special Olympics Colorado, supporting their athletes by providing seasonal training and hosting the Special Olympics Winter Games for decades.   

Additionally, Copper is home to Woodward Copper, an action sports paradise, offering year-round skiing and riding and indoor training opportunities to athletes of all ages. Woodward Copper’s facilities and specially designed programming provide the ultimate space for progression and skill development.

ATHLETE QUOTES

Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete – 2x Olympic Champion, 8x world champion, winningest alpine skier in history 
“Although I’ll miss racing at Killington this Thanksgiving, I am so excited that World Cup ski racing is coming to Copper Mountain for men and women! Copper is THE Athlete’s Mountain. Athletes from all around the globe come to Copper early in the season especially, and in springtime to get the best training in the world and best preparation for World Cup racing. It’s so exciting to see Copper as a true World Cup race venue, and I’m particularly excited because it’s so close to home, I can sleep in my own bed and my community can come and experience it.”  

River Radamus, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete – world champion 
“I’m so excited to see another U.S. World Cup event. I think this is huge for our sport and awesome, especially for our team. Nothing beats a home crowd!”

Paula Moltzan, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete – 2x world championship medalist
“I’m really excited to race in Copper next year. While we will miss Killington this upcoming season, I know Copper will make a great race and it will be fun to have men and women back-to-back!”  

###

Media Contacts:
Olivia Butrymovich, Copper Mountain Communications Manager, obutrymovich@coppercolorado.com Courtney Harkins, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Director of Marketing & Communications courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

About Copper Mountain
Located just 75 miles west of Denver, Colo., Copper Mountain, the Athlete’s Mountain, offers an experience that inspires adventure, elevates ambition and empowers progression. During the winter, Copper’s world class naturally divided terrain provides skiers and riders access to over 2,500 acres of high alpine adventure that’s designed to challenge, inspire and empower every type of athlete. Each summer, the mountain transforms into a progression playground for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Three centralized pedestrian villages provide a vibrant atmosphere complete with slope-side lodging, dining, shopping and activities. Copper Mountain is home to Woodward Copper and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center which facilitate year-round training for every level of athlete. Copper is the Official Training Center for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes leading up to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Copper Mountain is part of the POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Co. portfolio, and an Ikon Pass partner. POWDR is a family-owned adventure lifestyle company (TM) that believes there is nothing better for your soul than to spend time with the people you love, doing the things you love.

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 POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Company
POWDR is an adventure lifestyle company that inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places. POWDR’s awesome places include Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Boreal Mountain Resort and Soda Springs in the Lake Tahoe region of California; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Snowbird in Utah; and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. The company also fuels adventure through a collection of experiences from the mountains to the valleys including Sun Country Tours river rafting outfitter based in Oregon, Powderbird heli-adventure operator based out of Snowbird in Utah, Stovepipe lodging and concessions based in Death Valley National Park, and Zion Lodge in Zion National Park.

POWDR's Woodward brand empowers and inspires the next generation of action sports enthusiasts through summer camps, mountain experiences, and mountain centers, incorporating dynamic programming and innovative environments at Woodward Park City in Utah, Woodward PA in Pennsylvania, Woodward Copper in Colorado, Woodward Tahoe and Woodward West in California.

POWDR is headquartered in Park City, UT. For more information, please visit: www.POWDR.comv.

In an epic conclusion to an exciting season of halfpipe skiing, Alex Ferreira and Nick Goepper found themselves together on the podium once again at the Snow Rodeo in Calgary.

After a week in frigid temperatures, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team halfpipe riders gave it their all for the last World Cup of the season. In Friday's qualifiers, Svea Irving was the lone American woman to get through to finals, while seven American men qualified including Hunter Hess, Dylan Ladd, Birk Irving, Alex Ferreira, Nick Goepper, Matt Labaugh and David Wise. Wise was the top qualifier in heat one and Goepper was the top qualifier in heat two.

While the action heated up on Saturday night, the temperatures dropped. The famed night final took place at -5 degrees Fahrenheit, adding another layer of difficulty. 

The women's side had their usual three run final format with eight finalists. Svea Irving put down her first run, giving her a score of 72.75 and she knew she needed to kick it up a notch for her next two runs. Unfortunately, Svea could not put down a clean run, getting caught up on her last two hits and finishing the night in fifth. China's Li Fanghui finished in the top spot, with Great Britain's Zoe Atkin in second and Canada's own Rachel Karker in third. Svea's finish secured her the fourth overall spot in women's halfpipe this season, just one away from an overall podium finish.

On the men's side, it was a 16-man, two-run final. Goepper finished as the top American man in second place with an unreal second run. Ferreira ended in third, after his first run resulted in a 91.75 - setting the tone for the contest. They were joined on the podium by New Zealand's Finley Melville-Ives in first, his first World Cup victory.

Hess finished the evening in sixth, after a good first run. He also debuted his misty 720, adding an extra 180 degrees of rotation from how he usually does it to land switch, a new twist on his beloved last hit. Wise finished the night in seventh, after a clutch last run, but unfortunately it was not enough to crack the podium. Ladd finished eighth, Birk Irving 10th and Matt Labaugh 14th. The American men put together incredible runs, with many having heartbreaking, last-hit falls that ultimately resulted in a disappointing night for many.

Alex Ferreira also won the Crystal Globe for the second year in a row and the third time in his career. Nick Goepper joined him on the overall podium, finishing the season in second overall. The two had a heated battle for the top spot that brought a lot of excitement to the season. They were joined by Canada's Brendan Mackay for third place overall.

Next up for the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, slopestyle heads to Stoneham, Quebec next weekend for their last North American competition this season. Halfpipe is taking some time off, and then gears up for the World Championships in Endagin, Switzerland in March.

RESULTS
Women
Men

The Stifel U.S. Ski Team continued its dominant day in Falun, Sweden with a victory in the 20k skate mass start by Jessie Diggins. Just hours after Gus Schumacher secured the second podium of his career, Diggins delivered a commanding race, nailing her sixth World Cup win of the season. Julia Kern also had a stand-out day, crossing the line in sixth to notch her career-best distance result. 

Diggins, the reigning World Cup overall champion, took control of the race from the start. Through the five-lap course, it was Diggins in the front, setting the tone on the tough Falun track. Challenged by Sweden's Ebba Andersson, Norway's Heidi Weng and Germany's Victoria Carl throughout all the laps, Diggins made a move in the last lap, despite almost falling with a tangled pole. She was in the lead as the skiers rounded into the stadium, pushing over the top of the final hill to put herself into position for the long straightaway to the finish. Diggins took home another win—her 28th World Cup win and 78th podium in only 353 starts. 

Diggins' victory further solidified her lead in the overall World Cup rankings and also led her to take the lead in the distance standings, setting her up perfectly for the upcoming FIS World Championships in Trondheim, Norway in just two weeks.

Behind Diggins, Julia Kern had a breakthrough performance, finishing sixth in the 20km classic—her best-ever World Cup result in a distance race. Long known for her sprinting, Kern’s performance in Falun underscores her continued development as an all-around threat on the circuit.

The U.S. women delivered a strong collective showing, with five athletes finishing in the top 30. Sophia Laukli placed 16th, Alayna Sonnesyn 25th and Sydney Palmer-Leger 26th, rounding out a deep American contingent in the points.

With consistent top results across multiple athletes, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is building momentum as they head toward the highly anticipated World Championships with medals in the distance, sprint and team events on the line. 

RESULTS
Women

Gus Schumacher turned heads in today’s 20k skate in Falun, Sweden for more reasons than just his cow-print hat. The Alaskan, who secured his first World Cup win almost a year ago, landed his second-career podium with a second-place finish. 

It marks the first time an American man has ever podiumed in a 20k race - notably, Schumacher became the first American man to win a distance race in 2024 in the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis when he was first in the 10k skate. The last American to win a distance race was Bill Koch in 1983.

Schumacher showcased tactful skiing in a five-lap battle on a ripping-fast course, holding his own against a stacked field. Across the line, the top athletes shattered the 50-minute barrier, making it one of the fastest 20k races of the season. For the young Stifel U.S.  Ski Team men, it was Schumacher who delivered a statement performance. Alongside him on the start list were Zanden McMullen, Kevin Bolger, Walker Hall, Hunter Wonders and Luke Jager. 

From the gun, Schumacher positioned himself at the front, pushing the pace and skiing confidently on his Rossignol skis. He played a smart game, charging the downhills and conserving energy on the climbs, drafting behind key athletes like Sweden’s Edvin Anger and Norway’s Harald Østberg Amundsen. His strategy paid off, allowing him to stay fresh for the final push and put himself in a fighting position for the podium. 

Schumacher sat in fourth place with one lap to go, but as the stakes rose with Norway on each side moving into the finish, he knew he had to dig deep. Into the stadium were four men vying for the top three spots, but with Schumacher's signature no-pole skate, he put himself right behind Paal Goldberg of Norway, the ultimate winner of the day, and secured himself second across the line.

"My goal from the start was to not drift back in the pack, and on a twisty course like this one, it’s pretty easy to hold the position upfront, so that ended up being fairly simple," said Schumacher. "I also had good skis that made it easy to move up on the technical downhills where there’s more space than uphills. I didn’t KNOW I had a podium in the race, but that was for sure where my head was at, which I’m super proud of."

"It feels really good to be back on the podium! I know I can do it, but getting a confirmation right before the World Champs is nice! My body has been feeling really good here and I’m stoked to have capitalized today."

McMullen and Bolger of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team also performed well, staying just off the lead pack for much of the race. McMullen, whose career-best finish came earlier this season in Ruka, Finland, continued to show his growing strength on the World Cup circuit and finished 22nd; Bolger was 23rd. The win of the day ultimately went to Goldberg, who secured his first distance skate race podium, Schumacher second and Norway's Amundsen in third. U.S. athlete Wonders was 55th, Jager 64th and Hall 75th. 

With today's result, Schumacher now sits 16th in the overall standings as he builds momentum heading into the World Championships. Notably, this is only his second top-five finish of the season, his first being a fifth-place result in the skiathlon in Lillehammer.

RESULTS
Men

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team's Cody Winters raced to his first snowboard cross World Cup podium, taking third at the much anticipated World Cup night final in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team saw four men through from the morning rounds of qualifications, led by 2022 Olympian Jake Vedder with the fourth fastest time in the field of 67 competitors. Vedder, who took second place on this same track last season, was joined by teammates Nick Baumgartner, Cody Winters and Nathan Pare in the highly anticipated final under the lights. Vedder was unable to repeat last year's podium performance and was knocked out in the round of eight finals alongside Pare in a dramatic photo finish, while Baumgartner and Winters punched their ticket to the quarterfinal round.

In a stacked field, Winters earned a spot in the semi finals with a clutch quarterfinal performance, taking the runner up spot behind current snowboard cross World Cup leader Eliot Grondin from Canada. An early mistake took Baumgartner out of contention for the top two spots in his heat, but the four-time Olympian showed why he's one of the best to ever do it and battled his way back up to the lead pack, just missing out on a third place quarterfinal finish.

It was all eyes on Winters heading into the semifinals and the dual discipline athlete found himself in a familiar position, having podiumed at the FIS Snowboard World Cup parallel slalom in Bad Gastein last month. With heavy hitters and podium regulars Leon Ulbricht from Germany, Austria's Jacob Dusek and Canada's Eliot Grondin all crashing out, the field was wide open for a new racer to claim the World Cup win and Winters had his eye on the prize. After securing a spot in the big final, Winters took to the start gate one last time to battle it out for a spot on the podium. With his teammates cheering at the bottom, Winters raced to a photo finish with Canada's Liam Moffatt, who just barely edged out the American for the second place spot.

Winters' third place finish in Cortina marks the first World Cup snowboard cross podium of his career. He is the only athlete on the World Cup circuit to be competing in two different disciplines and takes the title as the first American snowboarder to podium back-to-back in those two different disciplines.

"It feels amazing to be able to get both podiums in both events," said Winters. "It’s something I had written down on my bucket list and I finally did it. I'm super happy."

Brianna Schnorrbusch and Virginia Boyd represented the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team on the women's side of competition, but neither were able to make it through the morning round of heats. This was true rookie Boyd's first World Cup start.

The snowboard cross crew heads to Erzerum, Turkey for the next round of World Cup competition that includes the first team event of the season.

RESULTS
Women
Men