The Most Decorated U.S. Cross Country Skier In History Will Race One Final Season 

Jessie Diggins, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Team member and the most decorated cross country skier in U.S. history, formally announces her retirement from cross country ski racing following the end of the 2025-26 season. It will be the Afton, Minnesota-born skier’s final season, beginning with the first race in Ruka, Finland, Nov. 28, through Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina and concluding at the Stifel Lake Placid Finals in Lake Placid, New York, March 19-22, 2026. 

Diggins, now 34, has won nearly every title possible in ski racing, including three Olympic medals, including Team USA’s first cross country Olympic gold medal in 2018 with teammate Kikkan Randall, seven World Championship medals, 29 World Cup victories, 79 World Cup podiums, two overall Tour de Ski trophies, three distance FIS Crystal Globes and three coveted overall FIS Crystal Globes, marking her the #1 skier in the world. Her relentless ability to give no less than 100 percent is her signature, and it has propelled her to the top of the sport. Still, it’s not the accolades that define Diggins’ career; it's her unwavering commitment to leaving the sport better than she found it. 

“I hope I’m remembered not just for the pain cave and ability to suffer deeply for a team that I love and a sport I care about so much, but for the joy, sense of fun on snow, heart-on-sleeve racing, deep vulnerability and openness that I’ve brought to everything I do,” said Diggins.

Skiing has always been a part of Diggins’ life. When she was younger, her parents would trek around the midwestern backwoods with their daughter in a backpack. Fast forward to high school and the backwoods pursuits turned competitive. The young girl from Minnesota quickly became one to watch—winning state championships, earning the title of top-ranked high school skier in Minnesota and capturing Junior National titles before catching the attention of the U.S. Ski Team coaches. She made the national team in 2011 but broke through at the 2016 Tour de Ski, where she won her first individual World Cup race, foreshadowing the success to come. 14 years later, Diggins now leads the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team as the veteran, guiding a decorated women’s group and the strongest men’s team in history, and holds the title as the most successful American cross country skier of all time. 

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Jessie on such a historic career,” said Sophie Goldchmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “As an organization, we are thankful for the culture she has helped build on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team alongside the excellent coaching staff and athletes, and the impact she has had on the world of ski racing. And as a person, I count myself lucky to have been at U.S. Ski & Snowboard at the same time as this remarkable role model, to have watched her compete, stand up for what she believes in and make us all better in the process. As said many times in the last couple of seasons, when Jessie wins, we all win. And we will continue cheering her this season and with her post-athletic next endeavors.”

But an athlete is never alone in their success. Since the beginning of her professional career, Diggins has worked with World Cup coach and wax technician Jason Cork. “It’s been really gratifying to work with Jessie for going on 16 seasons,” said Cork. “She’s had tons of success, which has made me look good, but just getting results has never been the goal.” Two decades later, Cork and Diggins are still working together. “I’m proud that throughout her career, she has accomplished so much in the right way – through hard, smart training, constantly setting goals, taking care of herself, and doing it all cleanly,” he added. The duo will continue for one more winter, until the final lunge across the finish line in March. 

Diggins' influence on the sport goes far beyond the snow. While her achievements were the main headlines, she had been quietly working to make an impact off the course ever since she entered the professional circuit at 19. 

“I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked to lead a team as well as how I’ve worked to help change an entire sport’s culture around mental health — how we talk about it, how we’re allowed to ask for help and how we help athletes in need. I’ve tried to become the advocate and role model that 18-year-old Jessie needed. Whether or not I’ve succeeded in that, I am deeply proud of having the courage to put my own life story out there to bring about the change I wanted to see.”

Through her work with organizations like Share Winter, Protect Our Winters or the Emily Program, Diggins was steadfast in her efforts to get more young kids involved in winter sports, educating her followers about the effects of climate change, and developing awareness around mental health and eating disorders, a topic to which she has a deep personal connection.

With the start of her last World Cup season just days away, Diggins is continuing to rewrite the narrative, reminding us that it's not all about the wins, but about what happens before and after the result. Through her 15-year professional career, countless storylines may define it, but one stands above the rest: with glitter on your face and a commitment to leaving everything on the snow, you can be the best in the world and still find joy in the process. 

Jessie will conclude her illustrious career fittingly at home in the United States. The Stifel Lake Placid Finals, March 19-22, 2026, in Lake Placid, NY, with three races: a skate sprint, 10k classic and 20k skate. 

Diggins’s Historic Career By the Numbers

World Cup

• Starts: 358
• Podiums: 79
• Victories: 29

Olympics

• Games: 3 (Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022)
• Starts: 16
• Medals: 3 (gold, team sprint, PyeongChang 2018; silver, 30k freestyle & bronze, sprint, Beijing 2022)

World Championships

• World Championships: 8
• Starts: 34
• Medals: 7

Records Set

• Most decorated American cross country skier in history
• First American to win an Olympic gold medal in cross country skiing, alongside Kikkan Randall in the team sprint (2018)
• First American to win an individual Olympic medal in a cross country sprint race (2022)
• First American to win an individual World Championships gold medal (10k skate, Planica, Slovenia, 2023)
• Set a record for overall FIS Crystal Globe victories (three: 2021, 2023, 2025)
  • In 2021, Diggins became the first American woman to win an overall title and the first American to win the globe since Bill Koch in 1982
  • Only non-European to have won the overall FIS Crystal Globe
• Holds the U.S. record for FIS World Cup victories (29)
• First American to win the overall FIS Tour de Ski trophy (2021, 2024)
• Awarded the Holmenkollen Medal, the highest Norwegian honor in skiing, becoming the first American ever to receive the distinction (2024)

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Quotes Appendix

"It’s been an absolute privilege to watch the transformation of Jessie Diggins from a sparkle chipmunk at Junior Nationals all the way up to being the World’s number one-ranked female skier. She came onto our team as the little sister and transformed into a seasoned leader. As a teammate, I had the chance to witness firsthand Jessie’s passion, dedication, and grit on her quest to be the best in the world. We laughed together, we cried together and it was the absolute highlight of my career to have shared so many great moments, including our World Championship win in 2013 and our Olympic gold medal win in 2018. She’s had an incredible career and I can’t wait to see her cap it off with her best season yet and be there in Lake Placid to celebrate with her."
- Kikkan Randall, U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

“I am so excited to celebrate Jessie in her final season. She has been a huge inspiration in the sport and beyond, and her joy and wholehearted presence are so uplifting and contagious. She has built a beautiful legacy and has shown that when you have the right combination of passion, sparkle and the ability to be true to yourself, you can move mountains.” 
 - Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team

“Jessie has had an incredible career, and as a fan, I will miss watching her dominate with that heart-warming smile and sparkles on her face. Jessie has inspired so many people, not just with her outstanding athletic achievements, but also for how she conducted herself off the snow. With her honest and open approach to her struggles, she has helped so many people in ways that reach far beyond sport. Thank you, Jessie, for inspiring me and showing the world who you are for so many years.”
- Lindsey Vonn, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team

“Even though Jessie and I compete in different disciplines, her legacy reaches far beyond cross country skiing. Her work ethic, positivity and relentless belief in what’s possible have inspired me and so many others to dream bigger and push harder — including leading me to do a celebratory jump on the World Cup podium! She’s shown what it means to lead with heart and to lift everyone around her, and I try to carry that energy with me.”
- Paula Moltzan, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team

“There is so much to say, but Jessie has been there for me as a mentor, teammate and friend since my first day on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. I couldn’t be more grateful. I truly feel like I've won the lottery having her by my side over the past decade. From learning how to train to become the best in the world, to having fun along the way, to navigating the World Cup circuit year after year, she has led by example with both grit and grace. Beyond ski results, Jessie has shown how athletes can make a lasting impact outside of competition, speaking up for the causes she cares about and using her platform to do more than just sport.”
 - Julia Kern, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

​​”Jessie has been an incredible role model and teacher for me. I feel very fortunate to have been her teammate for so long. Her ability to dominate the world stage while remaining humble, thoughtful and kind is something I will always aspire to.”
- Ben Ogden, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

“Jessie Diggins is skiing. She is perseverance, grit, personality and spunk. She is a profound inspiration to girls and athletes from all over, of what it means to be a winner, a mentor, a leader and a true American!”
- Nick Goepper, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team

“Jessie, huge congratulations on an incredible career! You’ve always inspired me and so many others with your passion, positivity, and unmatched work ethic. Enjoy retirement, you’ve more than earned it. And please don’t pick up halfpipe skiing… I’m genuinely worried you’d take my job.”
- Hunter Hess, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, Halfpipe Team

“Jessie has always been such a huge inspiration to me! Not just for what she’s accomplished, but for how she’s done it. The way she carries herself, competes with her heart and lifts others around her shows what we, as women athletes, are truly capable of. She’s shown that success isn’t just about talent, but about resilience, passion and the belief that you can push boundaries not just for yourself, but for the next generation of women in sport.”
- Jaelin Kauf, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, Moguls Team

“I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with Jessie through U.S. Ski & Snowboard, shared sponsors and Protect Our Winters. Her infectious smile and positive attitude toward any situation is genuinely inspirational. I feel so lucky to have spent time with a cross country legend and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
- Bea Kim, Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team

​​Eli Lilly and Company Becomes Presenting Partner of Team USA HERoic, Amplified Across Seven National Governing Bodies Through the Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Park City, UT (Nov. 17, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announces the expansion of its women’s initiative, HERoic, to include seven National Governing Bodies (NGBs), becoming the Team USA HERoic for the 2025-26 season. Lilly becomes the presenting partner of the platform, supporting seven winter NGBs. This partnership provides financial support for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization and increases visibility for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard HERoic initiative through the 2025-26 season.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s HERoic Initiative was launched in 2022, with a focus on celebrating and empowering women in skiing and snowboarding. Since the inception of HERoic, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has increased the number of women coaches under the organization's 10 teams, hosted numerous women-centered panels at various World Cup events, established the Stifel HERoic Cup, a $50,000 prize awarded to the best woman alpine World Cup racer during the 2024-25 season at U.S. World Cup races, and more. With the collaboration between Team USA and Lilly, HERoic will now be an official campaign to celebrate women athletes when they qualify for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

“We are excited about partnering with Team USA and Lilly to expand HERoic to include more of the winter NGBs going into the Games,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “HERoic has been an important initiative for us, one that we are continuing to invest in, and this is a further step in broadening its impact. We are looking forward to showcasing the amazing women across Olympic & Paralympic winter sports this upcoming season. We are grateful for Team USA and Lilly’s support.” 

“Lilly is proud to support the Team USA HERoic platform that celebrates and uplifts women in sport and provides them the visibility they deserve,” said Jennifer Oleksiw, Global Chief Customer Officer and Group Vice President, Lilly. “HERoic has already made a meaningful impact, and together we can help accelerate that momentum for women skiers and snowboarders as they prepare for Milano Cortina 2026.”

Lilly will receive prominent broadcast integrations, venue signage and social media activations with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Team USA. 

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, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. 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 LILLY
Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. The company has been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today their medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, its scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, Lilly is motivated by making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure its medicines are accessible and affordable

On Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Audi FIS World Cup slalom opener, the winningest alpine skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin, claimed her 102nd World Cup victory, 65th slalom win and ninth reindeer on the Levi, Finland track. Teammate Paula Moltzan landed just shy of the podium in fourth after an impressive second run jump. 

“I trusted the training with my team. We did a lot of work over the summer. The final step was mentality,” said Shiffrin. “It is starting to feel more like home. I really enjoy being here and I am so happy to kick off the slalom season.”  

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team had six strong women leading the charge in the slalom discipline. On run one, Shiffrin annihilated the field by almost a 1.5-second advantage with precise skiing. Moltzan was the next best American, landing in 19th for run one, with ample opportunity to move up in run two. 

Teammates Liv Moritz landed in 54th place while Nina O’Brien, AJ Hurt and Annika Hunt did not finish the first run. It was also notable Hunt's first World Cup start. 

The second run was set by U.S. coach Alek Glebov, with the surface firm and the Finnish sky dark and clear. 

Moltzan, running 11th, had a great advantage to ski cleanly and aggressively, and move up in the race – and she did. She sat in the leaderboard chair for more than 15 racers until she ultimately ended up just off the podium in fourth place. 

"After a challenging first run I knew I needed to shift into another gear to find a lot of time," said Moltzan. "I am super happy with my skiing second run, I felt like I was able to make some of my best turns."

All eyes were on Shiffrin as she set the pace early on with her killer first run. She skied flawlessly and confidently, gaining time at each turn. Shiffrin crossed the line to win by 1.6 seconds and take her 102nd win and 65th slalom win. In Levi, the annual prize for first place includes a live reindeer, and with her ninth win on the Levi track, Shiffrin secured her ninth reindeer. Someone should call up Santa Claus, because he can retire now! 

"Mikaela put on an absolute clinic on how to ski Levi - she continues to impress everyone with her skiing," said Moltzan.

Young Albanian skier Lara Colturi – who was celebrating her 19th birthday – made up the remainder of the podium in second, with German star Emma Aicher in third. 

With the victory, Shirffrin leads the overall World Cup standings, with Moltzan in second. 

The next women’s slalom will be in Gurgl in just over a week. On Sunday, Nov. 16, the men will take on the Levi slalom track. 

Results
Women's slalom 

Statement on U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Participation in the Surfing NGB Process:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard entered this process with enthusiasm and conviction in our ability to help elevate American surfing and we continue to believe strongly that our athlete-first model, track record of success across 10 Olympic & Paralympic sports and world-class infrastructure could provide the resources that U.S. surfers deserve. 

However, after thoughtful consideration, and despite the USOPC’s invitation to participate in its open process, meaningful interest from athletes and commercial partners, and considerable time and effort on behalf of our organization, we have decided not to move forward with the USOPC’s process at this time. 

Despite U.S. Ski & Snowboard reaching out multiple times over the past 18 months, USA Surfing—the National Governing Body that relinquished its certification in 2021 for failure to meet USOPC compliance standards—chose public attacks and uninformed legal threats instead of constructive dialogue and engagement. Considering those factors, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has concluded that our energy and expertise are best used in service to our athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Winter Games.

We feel progress in sport requires partnership and trust. We remain open to opportunities in the future should the environment become more collaborative.

At just 20 years old, Hahna Norman has firmly established herself as one of the most compelling rising stars on the FIS World Cup circuit. The Truckee, California native earned her first call up to the pro team roster after a breakout 2024-25 season that included two top-8 finishes against the world’s best - signaling she’s not just climbing the ranks, but ready to contend at the highest level of slopestye & big air snowboarding.

From the backcountry to a rail jam and everything in between, Norman’s versatility is what sets her apart. Radiating equal parts determination and positivity, Hahna’s  infectious confidence is apparent every time she drops in and the 20-year-old is forging her own path in the ever-evolving industry. 

With the ever important 2025-26 season quickly approaching, Norman opens up on her mindset behind her rise and what’s fueling her focus heading into the first World Cup.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport?
HAHNA NORMAN: I loved the carefree culture. I grew up ski racing and I would always envy the snowboarders on the mountain because they always looked like they were having more fun. On my days off from ski racing I would follow my brother into the park and just have an absolute blast. There was this specific drill we would do before race team each morning where we had to take two laps with one ski on while the coaches would get organized for the day. Since the coaches weren’t around I would try and use my single ski as a snowboard by strapping my feet to it with my ski poles. That’s when I knew it was time to make the switch :)

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
HN: To be honest I didn’t have any. I was a very “live in the moment” kid and never thought too far into the future. For me snowboarding was just a weekend gig that I think my parents partially used as daycare haha. I also got a later start to the game due to moving around a lot so I also kinda thought having a career in snowboarding was a bit off the table. It wasn’t until I was probably about 15 or 16 that I started to realize I could go far if I worked for it.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
HN: I think my biggest accomplishment is learning to love myself. Not to get crazy deep but I spent a lot of time hating most parts about myself and it made me quite miserable. Maybe it just comes with age but as of late I’ve been feeling very grateful of who I am and exited to chase the never ending quest of becoming more awesome!! But besides that I was pretty stoked to make the US Pro Slopestyle team this year

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
HN: Hmmm it seems to be ever changing but probably just to make an impact in some form. Whether that means having the most dominant competitive arc the sport has ever seen or to teach a kid a new trick that they never forget.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport.
HN: Mom and Dad obvi!! Coolest people around I swear. In the sport I’d say it’s a handful of people. I want to have Anna Gassers humor, koko’s style, creativity like Rene, and beast mode like Zoi. I also used to watch Susie Green Burg 270 on repeat so I think if any of those guy knew who I was I would probably go nonverbal on scene.

Questions sponsored by Zion's Bank.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
HN: I would probably save/invest it so I could buy a house in a few years. Depending on the scale of of this hypothetical victory in which $5,000 prize money was earned I MIGHT take out $60 to get get my nails done but realistically even then I would probably gaslight myself into thinking I need to save that money so I can buy a house in a few years.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
HN: Yes! I’m in the “broke 20s” stage of life at the moment so a budget for me pretty much means don’t spend money on anything unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?
HN: Always take note of the cheapest gas. This could mean the cheapest gas in your town or my brain takes it farther and breaks it down. First, which of the states that I spend most of my time in has the cheapest gas? Second, which location within that state has the cheapest gas? Third, out of those locations what is the cheapest gas station in that specific area?.

Keep up with Hahna on Instagram HERE!

Paula Moltzan stepped onto the podium in the first race of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup season in Sölden, Austria, taking second place - her best World Cup giant slalom result to date. She led an impressive Stifel U.S. Ski Team showing, with six athletes in the top 20, including Mikaela Shiffrin just off the podium in fourth and Nina O’Brien in sixth - tying her personal best. 

"I am so happy with today," said Moltzan. "I felt like I could be on the podium today and I succeeded in that." 

For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. women packed six into the second run—and all six ended up in the top 20. Katie Hensien took 12th place and AJ Hurt was 13th, and in just her 15th World Cup start, Elisabeth Bocock was 19th. To further prove that the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is a force to be reckoned with, O’Brien had the fastest second run time, Moltzan’s second run was second fastest, Hurt's was third and Bocock's fifth. In total, five of the top seven fastest second run times were American skiers. 

"I'm happy to put another solid two runs down," said Hensien. "We really like it here. It looks like and it's sweet to have such a stacked, solid team." 

After finishing second in the first run, Moltzan powered to the finish to ski into the lead, even with a mistake on the pitch. She was only beaten by Austrian Julia Scheib, who was thrilled to win in front of her home country. It is Moltzan’s second giant slalom podium, having scored her first in the 2024-25 season in Kronplatz, Italy. She now has six podiums to her name and is hungry for more. Lara Gut Behrami rounded out the podium in third. 

"Scheib and I spent three days of training together and both looked at each other and said we need to do that more often," Moltzan laughed. "Our whole team skied incredibly well and I am so happy to be on this team and with this crew." 

It was also a banner day for Shiffrin, who has publicly spoken about her battle with PTSD after crashing in the giant slalom at the Stifel Killington Cup nearly one year ago. Her fourth place marked a triumphant return to top GS results after struggling in the discipline in her return to racing last season.

"I am so happy," said Shiffrin. "After how I ended last season it was a waiting game and in the end racing was the next step in the preparation phase to get the race mentality and I felt like my mind and my body were connected today - I was so nervous this whole week," said Shiffrin. "I am over the moon." 

Mary Bocock, Keely Cashman and Tricia Mangan also started the race, but did not qualify for a second run. 

The men’s giant slalom in Sölden is up next on Sunday to wrap up the first weekend of racing on the World Cup circuit. 

RESULTS
Women’s giant slalom 

It’s an exciting time at U.S. Ski & Snowboard! Last night we hosted our 59th Annual NYC Gold Medal Gala presented by J. Crew, where we set a fundraising record, raising $3.2 million that will directly benefit the athletes and organization, including an exciting panel with Lindsey Vonn and Lauren Macuga. And tomorrow… the season officially begins.

Saturday marks the start of the 2025-26 season with the first World Cup in Sölden, Austria for both men’s and women’s alpine. With less than 24 hours until the season officially begins and nearly 100 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, the wait is over. We’re ready to get started.

As we head into Sölden, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in the last year. Right now, we’re in one of the strongest positions we’ve ever been in – athletically and financially – and with the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we’re poised to capitalize on the global attention that’s coming our way.

Which brings me to my first point: saying thank you.

Many people make all of this possible. When I look at how far we’ve come the last few years, I’m reminded that our strength lies in our people – those who care deeply about our athletes, our sports and one another. It’s said often in our world, but it’s true: none of this is done alone. Every podium finish, every career best result, every milestone represents the effort of so many people. We may have 10 sports and 240 athletes, but behind them stand 200+ staff, more than 60 partners and suppliers, 32 board members, 85 trustees, 70 ambassadors, 7,178 coaches, 350 clubs, more than 35,000 U.S. Ski & Snowboard members and millions of fans. We’re one team and that’s what makes this organization extraordinary.

My next point: our impact.

Our impact is visible across every facet of the organization. Financially, we’re stronger than ever, with more than 80% of our funding directly supporting our 
athletes and a model of care that ensures our athletes have everything they need to keep going. Commercially, we’ve entered a new era, securing major multi-year partnerships.. Just this year, we’ve signed or expanded partnerships with Stifel, J.Crew, Dunkin’ and Cloudflare. And in just these last two weeks, we announced new agreements with iCapital, Db, Prevagen, Xfinity and U.S. Army’s 10th 
Mountain Division.

These partnerships aren’t just signed contracts – they’re affirmations of our credibility as a sports team. In the last year, our commercial sales have grown, with 10 partners added. Zooming out, since 2021, we’ve increased commercial revenue by 150% and our overall revenue has increased by more than 75%. On the digital side, from 2023-24 to the 2024-25 season, our digital impact reached new heights. Social media impressions grew by 140%, while earned media impressions skyrocketed from 31 billion to 700 billion. These numbers reflect the incredible momentum behind our athletes, our teams and the growing excitement for snow sports across the world.

And as we prepare for the next decade, we know our impact off the snow is just as important as what we achieve on it. Through initiatives like HERoic, which champions women in sport, and Easy Green, our sustainability program focused on preserving winter for generations to come.

My third point: the future.

Looking ahead, Milano Cortina is just 100 days away and the preparation period going into the Games has been going very well for our athletes and teams. Throughout this summer, we have been busy gearing up, whether it's on snow, in the gym or in the media, with many of our athletes traveling around the world for media summits and commercial shoots, and several publications traveling to Park City to capture our athletes in their element. It’s been exciting and busy getting ready for the season, but the wait is over, and now we’re counting down 100 days until we head to Italy. 

But Milano Cortina is not the only Games we’re preparing for – Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 is less than nine years away. That may seem distant, but in reality, it’s right around the corner. We have a rare opportunity to help shape not just the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the future of American skiing and snowboarding. 

On the heels of the Paris Games, the Olympic and Paralympic movements are more popular than ever, and we are redefining what it means to be the future of sports excellence. Today, we’re one of the most substantial National Governing Bodies in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic system. Our mission remains clear: to champion competitive snowsports, develop U.S. champions and make the United States the best in the world at skiing and snowboarding. We’re setting a gold standard in how an NGB can operate, but we’re not complacent. We know there’s always more we can do and that drive propels us into this season and beyond.

My last point: the exciting season ahead.

We’ll host 10 World Cup events across the United States this season - including the Stifel Copper Cup presented by United Airlines, an Audi FIS Alpine World Cup at Copper Mountain and the Stifel Lake Placid Finals, a COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup, in March. Our athletes make us proud on a daily basis… We have the winningest skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin, looking to build on her already historic career. She’s joined by an incredible group of teammates across all our teams - like Nick Goepper from the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, aiming for his fourth Olympic medal in an entirely new discipline; Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete and two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim; the winningest American cross country skier in history, Jessie Diggins; Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn aiming to complete her comeback in Milano Cortina; 2022 Beijing Olympic medalist Alex Hall; the world’s top-ranked moguls skier Jaelin Kauf; and the most decorated Para snowboarder in history Brenna Huckaby, and there are so many more athletes I could mention. 

All that said, to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family, which includes our athletes, their families, our members, donors, partners, suppliers, fans and more – thank you for your continued support, dedication and excitement around our sports. The season starts tomorrow, and we’re ready. 

Let’s go!

Best,
Sophie 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard hosted the 59th annual Gold Medal Gala, presented by J.Crew, in New York City to celebrate the spirit of the “team behind the team.” In its 59th year, the Gala raised a record-breaking $3.2 million – the largest single night of fundraising in the organization’s history – to directly support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes on their road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games this winter.

The Zeigfeld Ballroom welcomed back more than 500 guests for the event, including more than 20 athletes representing all sports, alumni, donors, partners, board members and more to celebrate the upcoming season, which begins Saturday with the men’s and women’s World Cup in Sölden, Austria. 

The highlight of the evening featured an inspiring on-stage conversation between Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Lindsey Vonn and Lauren Macuga. The discussion centered around the power of mentorship and full-circle moments. Vonn was Macuga’s hero growing up and now they’re teammates. 

“Lindsey Vonn knows what it takes to win and I want to learn that,” said Macuga, when asked about being a teammate with her childhood hero. Vonn responded, “I was a little intimidated coming back, but I love being around Lauren and the whole team. Lauren will be a leader for a long time.”

The evening also included the presentation of the annual Transcendence Award to Stifel Financial and CEO Ron Kruszewski. This award honors a person, business or organization that transcends snow sports. Stifel’s expanded partnership through 2034 marks the longest deal in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s history, enabling the organization to invest deeply in the long-term success of its athletes and programs.

Throughout the evening, guests contributed through table purchases, a live auction hosted by Harry Santa-Ollala and a paddle raise – all proceeds made from the evening directly benefit U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 240 athletes across 10 sports.

“We’re deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and donors who make nights like this possible,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Our athletes’ success on the world stage reflects the incredible team behind them, and last night was proof of how strong that team truly is. A special thank you to our partners – especially J.Crew, our first-ever presenting partner – and to all of the athletes, donors, trustees, board members and long-time supporters who helped make this our most successful Gala yet.”

Thank you to the Gold Medal Gala chairs, Karen and John Arnold, Jeanne and Sasha Leviant, Alexa and Fernando Maddock and Kathryn and Bill Tyree for their support in putting together this annual event. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body of Olympic and Paralympic ski and snowboard sports in the United States, today announced that iCapital has entered into a sponsorship of the teams within the U.S. Ski & Snowboard, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team, and the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team.

“We’re delighted to welcome iCapital as a sponsor of our teams,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Their commitment to innovation and excellence reflects the same qualities that define our athletes and programs. This sponsorship complements our transformative title partnership with Stifel.”

Building on its golf ambassador program and individual support for international alpine ski racing athletes, iCapital is expanding its presence in winter sports through a new sponsorship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. This marks the company’s first collaboration with teams. As part of the agreement, iCapital’s name will appear on uniforms and they will activate across digital and hospitality experiences.

“As part of iCapital’s broader sports ambassador program, we’re proud to sponsor the teams and athletes representing U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital. “We connect the global alternative investment ecosystem through intuitive technology and data-driven solutions. This sponsorship reflects that same spirit, creating new opportunities to engage audiences across continents and cultures. As these remarkable athletes compete on the world stage, we’re proud to stand beside them, showing how purposeful connection drives success in both sport and investing.”

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, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. 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 iCapital
iCapital is a global leader, shaping the future of global investing for financial advisors, wealth managers, asset managers, and other industry participants. iCapital offers a diverse and complete range of non-traditional investment products on iCapital Marketplace, Enterprise Solutions, and both Technology and Data Services, designed to help drive better outcomes  for all participants in the ecosystem. 

With strategic investment from leading alternative asset managers, wealth managers, and service providers globally, iCapital provides unrivaled access, data connectivity, education, and research programs to advisors and their clients. Leveraging AI and machine learning for digital identity (KYC/AML), iCapital supports compliant and secure investment lifecycle processes. 

iCapital's end-to-end platform manages the lifecycle of non-traditional investment products, making it easier to learn about, buy, manage, and integrate alternative assets, structured investments, and annuities into portfolios, driving growth, scale, and efficiency. Our solution(s) can be customized and offers specific modules as needed. 

iCapital has $994  billion of assets serviced globally on its platform, including $266.5 billion in alternative platform assets, $215 billion in structured investments and annuities outstanding, and $512.7 billion in client assets reported on, and serving over 3,000 wealth management firms and 116,000 active financial professionals.

Headquartered in New York, iCapital operates globally with 16 offices, including major hubs in Zurich, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Toronto, and an industry-leading R&D center in Lisbon. iCapital is recognized for its innovation and leadership with accolades from Euromoney (World's Best Technology Provider for Wealth Management), CNBC (World Top Fintech Companies), The Wealthies Alts Investment Platform of the Year, and Forbes Fintech 50.

For more information, visit https://icapital.com | X (Twitter): @icapitalnetwork | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icapital-network-inc 

iCapital Media Contact
+1 919 602 2806
icapital@neibartgroup.com 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Media Contact
+1 978 314 1019
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

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U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes are ready for another busy season of competing worldwide and we’re here to break down how you can watch all the action. Broadcast rights are not centralized, which means that every country has the right to sell their World Cup broadcast. This season, there are THREE ways to tune into the 2025-26 season action with Outside, skiandsnowboard.live as well as via broadcast networks NBC, USA Network and CNBC and the streaming platform Peacock.

This 2025-26 season will feature 10 domestic World Cup events, a full international World Cup season and the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

To find out how to watch events every weekend, please check the TV listings under our WATCH tab. Our social media channels will also release each weekend’s schedule weekly, pinned to the top of our feed.  

DOMESTIC EVENTS: Outside, NBC/Peacock/CNBC

• LIVE: All events held in the United States are LIVE on Outside TV for free, with only an email address needed to watch. Some events will also be aired on NBC and CNBC; most events aired on NBC will also be live-streamed on Peacock simultaneously.
• ON DEMAND: Outside+ (paid) will have all domestic events on demand. Peacock will not have domestic events on demand. Further NBCUniversal programming details will be announced at a later date.

There is an exciting lineup of commentators for the events. On NBC, this will include Olympic medalists Picabo Street, Hannah Kearney, and Ted Ligety, along with Dan Hicks, Todd Harris, Heather Cox, Tina Dixon, Steve Porino, Todd Richards, Tom Wallisch and U.S. Olympian Trace Worthington. Outside will feature commentating by Johnathan Oetken “DC,” Marco Sullivan, Chris Ernst, Olympian Tricia Byrnes, Pete Arneson, two-time Olympian Heather Mcphie and Ryan Sederquist.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS (not Austria): ski and snowboard.live
The InFront-owned website skiandsnowboard.live will have nearly all international World Cups live and on-demand on their website and TV apps. All events will have expert commentary.  

AUSTRIAN EVENTS: NBC/Peacock
Peacock will stream a significant portion of events in Austria live. NBC will also have tape-delayed coverage of the Hahnenkammrennen (Kitzbuhel, Austria) in late January. Further programming details will be announced at a later date.

PRICE STRUCTURE:

• Outside: free (live domestic events - all you need to do is enter an email address) OR $89/year (on-demand domestic events)
• skiandsnowboard.live: (all international events)
  • all-access (all disciplines) – $19.99/monthly, $79.99/yearly
  • discipline passes – $11.99/monthly
• NBC/CNBC: free with cable (domestic events, some Austria events)
  Peacock: $7.99/month (domestic live events, Austrian events)