Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and winningest alpine skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin won Sunday’s slalom in Levi, Finland. This marks Shiffrin's 89th World Cup win, along with her 54th slalom victory, 139th World Cup podium and seventh win in Levi - the most slalom wins at a single World Cup venue in history. 

“I am really happy with the victory,” said Shiffrin. “It proves that I have a good mindset to still fight so this means a lot.” 

The conditions were solid and consistent once again for all racers. Shiffrin ran bib two and immediately took the lead with clean and aggressive skiing, but Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova, and Saturday’s winner, blazed down to overtake the leaderboard chair with more than a half second advantage on run one. 

On the second run, a groove began to form towards the end of the flip, but Shiffrin skied smart and found herself in first. Vlhova was on track for another great day, gaining speed as she skied down the second run. She got caught towards the middle of her run and ultimately skied out.

"Petra really did a masterclass in slalom this weekend and in my mind she earned this victory but I did earn a podium so I am lucky and very happy with the victory," said Shiffrin.

Shiffrin took the victory, Croatia’s Leona Popovic second and Germany’s Lean Duerr in third to round out the podium. 

"It was a good weekend in the end with two wonderful races so I am very satisfied with it," said Shiffrin. 

Shiffrin Now Leads World Cup Slalom Wins at a Single Venue 

Shiffrin’s victory extended her World Cup win record to 89, and also gave her the most World Cup slalom wins at a single venue with seven wins (and seven reindeer) in Levi.

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team teammate Paula Moltzan was having a good top section on her first run until she got held up in a hairpin and did not finish. AJ Hurt finished the first run in 53rd, Lila Lapanja in 58th and Dasha Romanov in 59th. They did not qualify for a second run. Zoe Zimmermann did not finish the first run. 

The tech women will now look to the Stifel Killington Cup on home soil for their next World Cup race, Nov. 25-26. 

The men’s speed team was scheduled to race Sunday in Zermatt-Cervinia, Switzerland but the race was unfortunately canceled due to weather. 

RESULTS
Women's slalom 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and winningest skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin took fourth place in the first World Cup slalom of the season in Levi, Finland. Teammate and 2023 world champion Paula Moltzan skied to 15th place. 

In the first run, the conditions were solid with hard snow making it an opportunity for any skier to come down into a good position. Ultimately Slovakia’s Petra Vhlova sped down into first with Germany’s Lena Duerr in second place and Shiffrin close behind in third. Moltzan landed in 12th after run one. 

Shiffrin had a crash last week in training where she sustained a bone bruise so stepping back into the start gate was already a step in the right direction.

"It was awesome to get this race in and feel like I could push without holding back," said Shiffrin.
 

In the second run the conditions were still strong making for an exciting race. Moltzan managed a few mistakes, skiing into 15th overall.

"Today was a good start to the slalom season for me," said Moltzan. "Happy with how I skied some sections of the course but I am hoping to find some more speed and put it all together tomorrow." 

Shiffrin skied well with a minor mistake on her second run and landed in fourth place. She moved back one spot from the first run. Shiffrin noted that she is excited to build upon what she learned on day one of the Levi slalom and is ready to push more on Sunday. 

"In some ways I felt like I was searching for the right line and pressure where sometimes I would hit and sometimes I would miss it," said Shiffrin. "I am trying to get my feet under me and get my timing better, be more active on the course, I was quite happy with the day overall," said Shiffrin. 

Vlhova won the race by an impressive 1.41 seconds, securing her sixth win on the track. Second place went to Germany’s Lena Duerr and third place went to Austrian Katharina Liensberger. 

Vlhova and Shiffrin are now tied with six World Cup wins at Levi throughout their careers. Only retired Swiss skier Vreni Schneider has won as many women's World Cup slalom events at a single venue.

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete AJ Hurt was skiing very fast first run, punching it into the top 30 from bib 70. Unfortunately she was later disqualified for a straddle. Lila Lapanja finished the first run in 51st place and did not qualify for a second run. Zoe Zimmermann did not finish. 

It was an exciting day for Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Dasha Romanov making her World Cup debut in Levi. She finished the first run in 61st place and did not qualify for a second run. However she was thrilled for the opportunity to experience skiing on the biggest stage.  

“It was such an amazing experience to have my first World Cup start!” said Romanov. “The atmosphere is incredible and it was a really fun day. I definitely had a rough run and know that I have a lot more to show but it was nice to break the ice! Definitely going to remember this one.”

The women take on the Levi slalom track again on Sunday, Nov. 12.  

The men’s speed team will also hope to race downhill Sunday in Zermatt-Cervinia, Switzerland. Saturday’s race was canceled due to weather. 

RESULTS
Women's slalom 
 

HOW TO WATCH 

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023
4:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Women’s slalom, run 1, Levi, Finland, skiandsnowboard.live
7:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Women’s slalom, run 2,  Levi, Finland, skiandsnowboard.live
5:30 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men’s downhill, Zermatt-Cervinia, Switzerland, skiandsnowboard.live

Watching World Cups is complicated and we know it. Broadcast rights to FIS events are not centralized, which means that every country has the right to sell their World Cup broadcast—and it can be confusing to even the most devout ski and snowboard fan. This article is designed to walk you through where to watch each and every weekend all season long.

Similar to last year, there are THREE main ways to watch U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes compete all around the world: Outside, NBC/CNBC/Peacock and skiandsnowboard.live. (For clarification: skiandsnowboard.live is a site run and controlled by InFront and is not affiliated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard.)

Please keep an eye on our WATCH tab, where we will keep you updated with where and when to watch each event, as well as our social channels, where we’ll release each weekend’s schedules on Tuesdays.

DOMESTIC EVENTS: Outside, NBC/CNBC/Peacock 

All events held in the United States are LIVE on Outside for free this season, with coverage also on NBC/CNBC and Peacock. Outside+ (paid) will have all domestic events on demand.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS (not Austria): skiandsnowboard.live

skiandsnowboard.live will have all international World Cups live and on-demand on their website and TV apps. 

AUSTRIA EVENTS: NBC/Peacock

NBC and Peacock will have events in Austria live on Peacock, as well as some tape delay coverage on NBC.  

PRICE STRUCTURE:

Outside: free (domestic live events) OR $59/year (on-demand events from Europe and the U.S.)

NBC/CNBC: free with cable (domestic events, some Austria events)

skiandsnowboard.live: all-access – $15.00/monthly, $69.99/yearly // discipline passes – $8.99/monthly (live and on-demand events from Europe)

Peacock: $4.99/month (domestic events, live Austria events)

For detailed how to watch information for each World Cup per sport, click the links below.  

Alpine
Cross Country
Freestyle
Freeski
Snowboard

PARK CITY, UTAH (Nov. 8, 2023) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced a multi-year extension of Textron Aviation Inc.'s sponsorship, formalizing Textron Aviation as the organization's General Aviation Aircraft and Aviation Products Sponsor through 2026. As the manufacturer of Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft and producer of more than half of general aviation aircraft worldwide, Textron Aviation's support provides funding, education and aviation career opportunities for athletes.

"Textron Aviation's generous support has enabled over a dozen athletes to learn to fly in recent years," stated Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "We are thrilled to see their sponsorship extended, providing more of our athletes with assistance as they pursue their athletic goals and long-term career aspirations."

Since its inception, 14 U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes have participated in the Take Flight Program to further their pilot training. Notable participants include 2023 World Champion and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Hanna Faulhaber, three-time Olympian and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Jackie Wiles, and 2022 Olympic gold medalist and Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athlete Justin Schoenefeld.

"We are thrilled to support athletes of all ages across the country, many of whom have already discovered the benefits of private aviation in reaching mountainous training destinations," said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. "We're proud to continue our support of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and look forward to watching their athletes soar to new heights on the slopes and in the air."

The extension of this sponsorship links two of the leading organizations in their respective fields and provides opportunities for athletes and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization as a whole. Textron Aviation will continue to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation's New York Gold Medal Gala, the organization's most successful fundraising event, and the Gold Pass Program.

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, Para snowboard, Para alpine, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded 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 Textron Aviation   
We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.

For more information, visit www.txtav.com  |  www.defense.txtav.com  |  www.scorpionjet.com.  

PARK CITY, UT (Nov. 8, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Swix, the renowned Norwegian manufacturing company of winter sports equipment, officially announced a significant partnership that will extend through October 2025. The collaboration designates Swix as the Official Competition Wax Sponsor and the Official Tool Supplier of U.S. Ski & Snowboard for two more years, effective immediately.

Swix, with its deep-rooted heritage in the ski and snowboarding industry and cutting-edge technology at all levels has been supporting U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes for several years, on a team level and individual athlete level. Athletes, across many of the organization's sports utilize Swix equipment, ranging from Swix poles to wax.

Going into the 2023-24 season, Swix will continue to provide world-class equipment and tools to be used on both the preparation and competition side and officially holds the title as the official wax and tool supplier for all athletes at staff at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

“Swix is so excited to be named the The Official, Wax and Tool Supplier, to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team,” said Graham Lonetto, Director of Sales at Swix. “We are so proud to support all levels and divisions of U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes with our FIS compliant, PRO-Non Fluoro Race Wax System. This will be an amazing partnership as both organizations are dedicated to protecting our winters and environment, while maximizing our athletes performance.”

To learn more about Swix, visit Swix.com.

ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding 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 SWIX
Swix with roots running deep in the snow and ice of Scandinavia, is an industry pioneer in the development of ski waxes, tuning tools, poles and apparel for both alpine and cross-country skiers around the globe. With a constant focus on research and development, athletes skiing on Swix wax, poles and technical wear have captured countless Olympic and World Championships medals since the company’s debut in 1946.  Swix Sport is part of the newly formed Brav outdoor group of brands. Toko, Lundhags, Ulvang, Helsport, Orginal, Hardrocx, and Skisporet. Learn more at Brav.com and swixsport.com. 

The 2024 A Racer’s Edge U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Masters National Championships will be held for the first time ever in the Central Division on February 5-10, 2024 at Granite Peak Ski Resort in Wausau, Wisconsin. The local resort and town are pulling out all the stops to make this an incredible and unforgettable event.

The 2024 National Championship includes a full week of racing with SG, GS, SL, and Parallel events. No qualifying requirements*–racers of all levels are welcome to compete in their age class. Discounted lift tickets and spectator-friendly finish areas will allow you to bring your full cheering squad. Social parties and awards nightly! Registration opens December 1st, 2023 at https://masters.adminskiracing.com.

* To be eligible to participate in National events, racers must hold a full U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Masters Membership which can be purchased at my.usskiandsnowboard.org.

National Championship Scoring

National Championship Age Class Combined

     The national age class Combined champions are awarded based on the lowest total race points accumulated by a competitor for the three events of SL, GS and SG at the national championships (triple-combined). Race points are calculated as the ratio of the competitor’s time to that of the winner in the competitor’s class, adjusted by a discipline-specific normalization factor set by the FIS which produces a time-based “closeness” ranking that can be compared across events.

     Because of the time-based scoring formula, competitors must finish all three events to be eligible for the combined. In the case of an event cancellation, the winners will be determined based on the events held.

Divisions Cup

     The Division’s Cup is awarded to the division with the best ratio of points scored per competitor starts for all races in the national championships. When the national championship DH or a 4th race is held as part of the national championships, it will be included in the Division’s Cup scoring.

     Divisions Cup points are awarded to the top 5 places in each age class (5 pts 1st, 4 pts 2nd, 3 pts 3rd, 2 pts 4th, 1 pt 5th). If a class has less than 5 competitors the points are scaled accordingly (e.g. a class with 3 competitors would award 3, 2, 1 points respectively).

     Division teams must consist of at least 10 competitors to be eligible.

National Masters Team

     The Nationals Masters Team is named each year from the national championships age class results, based on total points accumulated using the “Old World Cup” points scoring system. When the national championship DH or 4th race is held as part of the national championships, it will be included in the National Masters Team scoring.

     Scoring is based on highest total points accumulated in best 3 finishes from all applicable events. Competitors need not participate in or finish all events to be eligible. In the case of a tie, the tie is broken by best finish record using rank ordering of all finish positions (best finish result, then next best, until a finish position difference occurs). If there is still a tie, an additional tiebreaker adding race points from all applicable events in which all tied competitors finished is applied; lowest total wins.

     Competitors must have a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine masters membership and be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for the National Masters team.

Looking for more National Competition?

Find information for all Masters Regional and National events at: usskiandsnowboard.org/masters/masters-events-schedules

National Championship Downhill

     The 2024 A Racer's Edge National Championship DH will be held January 22-23 at Mammoth Mountain, CA. Mandatory DH training runs will be held on January 22nd followed by 2 DH races on January 23rd. The first race will be the National Championship and both will count toward the National Speed Series.

National Speed Series

     The National Speed Series awards are based on total points accumulated across all races in the series using the “Old World Cup” points scoring system. Age class awards are given to the top three finishers in each age class of the season-long series. Competitors must have at least three starts to be eligible for series awards.

     The overall Speed Series champions trophies are awarded to the overall fastest racer in each of three groups, based on the total points in all races of the series:
   Group A/B (men age 18-64)
   Group D (men age 65+)
   Group C (all women)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does one have to qualify for the Nationals or is this open to anyone?

There are no qualification requirements for Nationals. It is open to any adult racer!

Do I need a US Ski & Snowboard Membership to race at Nationals?

To compete at US Alpine Masters Nationals, you must have a Full Season Masters license. Short-term licenses are not allowed for this event. To renew your license or create a new account to purchase a license, go to: https://my.usskiandsnowboard.org/

I’ve never attended a Nationals Championship event, only a Regional Championship. Are the Nationals run similar to the Regionals, just a bigger event with more people attending, and from further away?

That’s a pretty good summary, however, there are several differences from our Regionals, which are a Divisional (Central Division) event. Yes, more people will attend from all over the country, but we also organize the competition into Age Groups: A (Men in Age Classes 1-5), B (Men in Age Classes 6-8), C (all Women), and D (Men in Age Classes 9+). So, there are essentially 4 races at Nationals. You race against others in your Age Group. Beyond that, there are Overall Awards for Age Classes. You must race in a certain number of events to be considered for the Overall. There is also the highly coveted Divisions Cup award. For each Discipline, there are also medals given out by Age Class and Gender. The competitive spirit and excitement of the races along with social opportunities are bigger than Regionals. 

I probably wouldn't be able to participate the whole week, am I allowed to just sign up for 2 or 3 days of races?

Yes, you can attend as many events as you wish but know that this may impact your ability to qualify for the Overall Award for your Age Class. 

Did I read correctly that it runs from Tuesday to Saturday (no racing on Sunday)?

Yes, there is no racing on Sunday. Our final banquet is Saturday night and we traditionally leave Sunday as a travel day. 

Would I use my Regionals/Division bib or would this be a new bib?

We have separate bibs for Nationals that will be assigned to you, and you will return it after your last event. No need to bring your Regionals/Division bib. 

Where do I register?

You can register at https://masters.adminskiracing.com.

(PARK CITY, UTAH - Nov. 2, 2023) U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announced Hedlum as the exclusive non-alcoholic beer of U.S. Ski & Snowboard through November 2025. 

Hedlum, “the Official Non-Alcoholic Beer of Good Times,” based out of New York, recently burst onto the scene and offers a unique line of craft-style non-alcoholic brews. The brand stays true to offering a product that everyone can go all-in with, pairing perfectly with the goals of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, which include going all-out and continuously pushing the boundaries of sport. 

As the exclusive non-alcoholic beer of the team, Hedlum will hold the premium associate sponsor title at three domestic World Cup events: the Stifel Killington Cup, Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain and the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Copper Mountain. Additionally, Hedlum will be served at U.S. Ski & Snowboard VIP hospitality events, the USANA Center of Excellence and fundraiser events. 

“Hedlum is proud to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Tim Dwyer, CEO of Hedlum. “Cheers to these athletes who inspire to be the best in the world, and we celebrate their exhilaration for their journey without the hangover!"

To learn more about HEDLUM, visit hedlum.com.

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding 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 HEDLUM
HEDLUM, based in New York, is a non-alcoholic brewing company. Launched in the Summer of 2023, HEDLUM has hit the ground running going all-out with delicious, balanced flavors so their fans can go all-in on whatever they’re into-and make a clean getaway in the morning. As “the Official Non-Alcoholic Beer of Good Times,” HEDLUM is all about giving people permission to have fun – exactly as they are ,where they are, and who they’re with. Everyone should have a seat at the table, a stool at the bar, or a place at the party, whether they’re drinking or not.

For more information visit: www.hedlum.com

The men’s first Audi FIS Ski World Cup race of the 2023-24 season, the annual giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, was canceled due to high winds after 47 racers. Before the final call was made, four Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team men sat in the top 30. 

“Due to the extreme wind for the rest of the day and for safety and fairness to all racers, the jury together with the OC (Organizing Committee) and the OSV (Austrian Ski Federation) have decided to cancel today's giant slalom race,” said FIS organizers.

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team men showed excellent skiing before the cancellation, with teammates and world champions River Radamus in seventh and Tommy Ford in 24th. Brian McLaughlin was also comfortably within the top 30 in 25th and George Steffey in 27th. Isaiah Nelson sat in 41st and Patrick Kenney was unable to take his first run due to the early cancellation. 

The top three racers before cancelation was Austrian Marco Schwarz, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt and Alexis Pinturault of France.

The World Cup giant slalom team will now prep for the next race held in Val d'Isère, France, Dec. 9. 

The sun was shining and crowds were out in full force for the opening race of the 2023-24 Audi FIS Ski World Cup tour in Sölden, Austria on Saturday, Oct. 28. Winningest alpine skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin led the way for the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team in sixth place with Paula Moltzan in 11th. 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team women were amped to start the season off, with two athletes, Mary and Elisabeth Bocock, making their official World Cup debuts.

Shiffrin, who holds the record for the most World Cup wins in alpine skiing, said before the race that she was coming into this season slowly, and would look at this event like the best training opportunity possible as she builds up into the season. She was fifth in the first run and took sixth overall. “It was a little messy in spots, but I liked my mentality going into the second run more," said Shiffrin. "I just was not able to execute perfectly, but having said that, the top women skied unbelievable today and I think there is a lot to learn from that."

Moltzan had a tough first run, but it set the stage for Moltzan to hammer down second run, with a clean course starting third in the lineup. She skied the second-fastest second run of the day to end the day in 11th place, moving up from 28th place. “I was excited for the day and when I crossed the finish line, I realized I needed to forget about that run and focus on my skiing,” said Moltzan. “There was nothing to lose, so I just let it go. It felt good to ski how I have been in training. The goal is to keep doing runs like that, and do two of those next time.”

Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami won the opening World Cup, second place went to Italian skier Federica Brignone and third place was Petra Vhlova of Slovakia.

A highlight of the race was the Bocock sister duo, Mary and Elisabeth, racing in their first World Cup in Sölden. It was the first time two sisters debuted in a World Cup together in 24 years. While the sisters did not qualify for second runs, they were thrilled to have the opportunity to ski on the big stage amongst their heroes. 

"That was so cool!" said Elisabeth Bocock. "I can still hear my tech cheering behind me. It was tough but the feeling was awesome."

"It was nice to have each other at the start and going through this new experience together," added Mary Bocock. 

AJ Hurt landed in 34th place after the first run, Mary Bocock in 48th and Stella Johansson in 42nd. They did not qualify for a second run. Elisabeth Bocock did not finish. 

The men will take on the track Sunday, Oct. 29 for their opening giant slalom race.

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023

• 5:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock
• 8:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup, Men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria, streaming on Peacock

It was a night to remember in the big city. Athletes, supporters and fans returned to New York City for the organization's largest annual fundraiser: the New York Gold Medal Gala. The 57th version of the event was a great success, raising more than $2 million for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

No one reaches the top alone and this year's theme spoke to that. Each athlete was asked to invite a person who has been critical in their sport journey, and parents, siblings and coaches joined the 23 athletes in attendance, alongside more than 600 passionate supporters of the team.

The highlight of the evening included a moment between three-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated American cross country skier of all time Jessie Diggins and her mother, Deb Diggins. With Chad Salmela’s infamous "Here comes Diggins" Olympic call playing in the background, Deb introduced her daughter to the main stage for the night's keynote speech. Diggins spoke about one of the hardest and most rewarding races of her career, the 30k skate race, in which she brought home an Olympic silver medal in the 2022 Games, and why competing at this level is impossible to do alone.

"When we fail, we aren’t alone. We have our teammates, coaches, supporters, and of course, our parents there to pick us back up so we can go try again," said Diggins. "And I can’t even begin to tell you what your support means to me, but I’m going to try to show you – in the passion and energy that I put down into every race. And that’s what all our athletes are doing, in all our sports, all around the world this winter.”

The energy in the room was electric, and when it came time to bid on packages and donate to the team, the momentum was palpable. $2 million was raised, with every dollar going straight to the athletes as they continue their journey to becoming the best in the world. 

"We are incredibly fortunate to come back to this event each year and continue to raise the bar," said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "The theme this year really highlighted how important it is to surround yourself with people that support you and it's a privilege to see who has inspired all of the athletes in our sports. It takes endless hours of work and dedication to reach this level, and the generous support from all those who donated will be crucial in their paths forward.”

Thank you to all of the supporters in the room and all who tuned in virtually. The 57th Gold Medal Gala event was made possible by the event co-chairs, Karen & John Arnold, Ali & Peter Jennison, and Kathryn & Bill Tyree as well as a committee of Foundation trustees, ambassadors and U.S. Ski & Snowboard staff.