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U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announces United Airlines as Official Airline Partner Through 2027

By Leann Bentley
March, 30 2023
United

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the National Governing Body of skiing and snowboarding, today announced United Airlines as its Official Airline Partner through 2027. United will now safely transport the team around the globe to train and compete on the biggest stages, while also supporting U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s women empowerment and climate initiatives. 

“We could not be more excited to partner with United,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Airline travel is key to the success of our athletes and without it, we would not have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels around the world. United is already a key asset to our team and we are thrilled to establish a strong relationship as our athletes continue to make history.” 

The foundation of the partnership between U.S. Ski & Snowboard and United lies in supporting the athletes through travel credits, status and baggage benefits related to training and traveling. United will also support U.S. Ski & Snowboard through key World Cup events held in the United States.

In addition to travel benefits, United will support U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s women’s empowerment programming like the HERoic initiative, which was unveiled earlier this season as a movement celebrating and empowering women in skiing and snowboarding, while investing in their future success. United will also serve as the presenting and associate partner of multiple World Cup events throughout the 2023-24 season.  

“We are proud to launch this new relationship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and cheer on these athletes as they chase their dreams,” said Doreen Burse, United’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales. “United and U.S. Ski & Snowboard share many common values, which spectators and travelers will take notice of as we activate this strategically important partnership together in the years ahead.”

United offers more flights to more ski destinations than any other airline, and this collaboration adds U.S. Ski & Snowboard to the impressive roster of United’s sports partnerships.

### 

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 2021, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. 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 United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." From our U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers. United is bringing back our customers' favorite destinations and adding new ones on its way to becoming the world's best airline. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Athletes Post Strong Results in NorAm Wrap Up

By Sierra Ryder
March, 29 2023
d team
The D Team Celebrates NorAm Success (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

Seven U.S. athletes took home NorAm titles this past week in Whistler, Canada. The titles are given to the athletes that score the most overall NorAm Cup points in the respective disciplines and the overall title for all disciplines.

On the men’s side, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Isaiah Nelson took home the NorAm overall title. He was close to the slalom and giant slalom titles as well in second place.

“Looking back on the season, I am happy with the adjustment we made as a team,” said Nelson. “Initially, we had not planned to do the NorAm tour, but after a difficult December, we realized that the NorAms were a good place to continue our development while setting myself up for next year.”

For men’s speed events, Erik Arvidsson, Kyle Negomir and Sam Morse of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team swept the men’s overall downhill NorAm podium.

“It was super fun to finish off the downhill season up here in Whistler with so many good skiers and friends,” said Negomir. “Erik and Sam have both been skiing great all year and we’ve spent a ton of time together, so it was super fun to battle it out in the last race with them.”

Sam DuPratt continued his impressive comeback from serious injury by securing the men’s super-G NorAm title, and a World Cup spot along with it.

“It is a huge weight off my chest,” said DuPratt.  “A lot of days felt like I was wasting my time trying to get back to this sport, so getting a World Cup spot for next year makes it feel all very worth it. I'm thankful to everyone that helped me get there.”

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team women equally had a tremendous season. Mary Bocock won the NorAm overall title in a very tight race. Bocock also secured the super-G title. In the women’s downhill rankings, Tricia Mangan took home the overall win with Lauren Macuga close behind in second.

“I came here to get the World Cup spot and ended up with it,” said Macuga. “It is so nice to know I have that for next year and we will be able to start more Americans in the beginning to earn even more spots.”

In women’s slalom, Allie Resnick won the overall slalom and Zoe Zimmerman took second.

“This season went really well; I am super happy with my consistency in slalom this year,” said Resnick. “I had a goal of winning this title while also taking classes and competing for Dartmouth. I am super happy that I was able to accomplish it.”

Many of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes will now head to Sun Valley, Idaho as they prepare for the final big race of the season, the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel, April 2-5.

Snowboardcross Junior World Championships Team Announced

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 29 2023
course

 Park City, UT, March 29, 2023 – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has formally announced the 12 athletes that have been selected to represent the United States at the 2023 Snowboardcross World Junior Championships, which will take place in San Pellegrino, Italy, March 31 - April 2, 2023. 

The 2023 team is composed of strong, young U.S. athletes who are eager to compete on the international level at the capital of snow sports on the Costabella slope at San Pellegrino Pass. 

“Team USA arrived in San Pelligrino FIS Junior World championships with a full roster of top Junior snowboard cross athletes and some rookies to international competition," said U.S. Snowboard Team Snowboardcross Head Coach Rob Fagen. "All are feeling ready and excited and the mindset going into the competition is, ‘You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem.’”

This year, 12 athletes were selected to represent the stars and stripes across the world. Competition will kick off on March 30 with qualifications for both men and women, with finals taking place later in day. Then, on March 31, the teams will band together to compete in the snowboardcross team competition. 

Keep up to date with real-time scoring on the FIS app/website.

2023 Snowboardcross World Junior Championships Athletes

*First Junior World Championships 
club/birthdate

Women

*Bri Schnorrbusch - U.S. Snowboard Team/Gould Academy Competition Program; Maine Mountain Series; 1/30/2006
Madeline Lochte-Bono - International Snowboard Training Center; 1/7/2003
*Sarah Keck - Auburn Ski Club; 5/10/2003
*Virginia Boyd - Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 2007
*Tatum Lightner - Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 2006
Hanna Percy - Team Palisades Tahoe; 2007

Men

Tyler Hamel - Gould Academy Competition Program; 2007
Nathan Pare - Gould Academy Competition Program; 2/1/2005
*Boden Gerry - Carrabassett Valley Academy; Maine Mountain Series, USASA; 2006
*Mason Hamel - Gould Academy Competition Program; 2006
Walker Overstake -  Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 2006
*Blake Broussard - Park City Ski & Snowboard Team; Southeastern Series; N/A

Coaches

Rob Fagan
KC Gandee
Yoshie Yamada.

Stifel Expands Partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to Include Naming Rights of Stifel U.S. Ski Team

By Leann Bentley
March, 29 2023
Stifel

PARK CITY, Utah (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the expansion of its partnership with Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) to become the official Team Naming Partner of all of the ski teams under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard brand. In addition to their title sponsorship of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, which was established in October 2022, the global wealth management and investment banking firm will now be the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team.

The naming rights of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team are effective immediately until April 2026. Stifel will also become an associate sponsor of the freeski and snowboard Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth and Copper, the cross country Loppet Cup in Minneapolis and the Intermountain Freestyle International at Deer Valley.  Each of these events will fall under the banner of the “Stifel U.S. Ski Series.” 

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Stifel across all of our ski teams,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel has been a fantastic partner of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team this season, providing opportunities from the developmental level to the World Cup level. As we move forward, Stifel will continue to support the alpine team, and now will also support the freestyle, freeski and cross country teams. Partnerships of this level are crucial to the overall success of our programs and initiatives. We look forward to shaping the future of our ski sports with Stifel on our side.” 

For over 130 years, Stifel has been a firm that recognizes up-and-coming successes, and helps others pursue their own version of success. By lowering financial obstacles for these talented athletes, there will be more possibilities for success on and off the snow. The freestyle, cross country and freeski programs will all be receiving more fiscal support, increasing the budget of each team to be put towards all aspects of the sport, including events, waxing, coaching support, travel and more. Stifel believes this partnership is the epitome of success meeting success.

“I’m so excited to have Stifel come on board and support all of the ski teams under U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Jessie Diggins, a three-time Olympic medalist and most decorated American cross country skier in history. “As an athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, the additional funding will be an enormous lift for our sport across all levels—all the way from the development level to the World Cup level. This type of funding is pivotal for the success of our sport on the national and international level.”

“Having Stifel join forces with U.S. Ski and Snowboard in supporting all disciplines is really exciting news!” said Olympic silver medalist moguls skier Jaelin Kauf. “On an international level, Stifel’s support will allow us to have the staff and support we need to continue our success and build for the 2026 Olympics. I am very excited about what’s ahead for our sport and how this can help grow the development level of mogul skiing.”

"It’s super awesome news that Stifel will be jumping on board with all the ski teams," said Olympic gold medalist freeski athlete Alex Hall. "The extra funding will allow athletes to further push themselves and I can’t wait to see what our teams will be able to achieve with the extra support."

“This partnership is very important to us, as we see a lot of parallels between our two organizations. As a firm where ‘success meets success,’ Stifel prides itself on hiring top talent, investing in and developing that talent, and then promoting that talent from within. In many regards, U.S. Ski & Snowboard takes a similar approach to building its roster of world-class athletes, and we couldn’t be more pleased to further align our brand with theirs,” said Stifel Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski. “We are very excited to expand our partnership across every ski team and their specific disciplines. We hope our increased support will help these tremendous athletes continue on their path to becoming the best in the world.”

### 

About Stifel

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.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 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

Stifel

Neil Shapiro
Head of Corporate Communications
shapiron@stifel.com 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Toyota Fleet Goes Fully Hybrid

By Leann Bentley
March, 28 2023
toyota

MARCH 28, 2023 (PARK CITY, UT) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and its official mobility partner Toyota have announced that U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s fleet of cars is now entirely hybrid. 

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to taking actionable steps forward to ensure that our teams have a future in winter sports,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Switching to hybrid vehicles for our entire organization is an important step in the right direction. Toyota is an invaluable partner to us, and we thank them for helping us make this important move toward sustainability.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and teams are often on the move, transporting athletes and gear around the world. Toyota’s hybrid vehicles will not only reduce the cost of fuel for the organization, but also decrease the amount of emissions released and benefit the environment that these sports so depend on to compete.

As a leading mobility company in the sustainability movement, Toyota pioneered electrified vehicles and has placed more than 22 million electrified models on the road, more than all other automakers combined. Toyota plans to have an electrified option available for every model globally before the next Olympic Winter Games in 2026.

“I want to first thank Toyota for being such a great partner to work with through the years,” said Tom Horrocks, Director, Commercial Partnerships at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We would also like to thank Mark Miller Toyota in Salt Lake City, Utah for being an outstanding dealership to work with. The hub of where our athletes live and train in Park City is just 25 miles east of Mark Miller, making this not only a smooth transition, but Mark Miller’s service department keep our Toyota fleet running smooth.”

In addition to the Toyota fleet, Toyota supports the patch program on the alpine, cross country and freestyle team’s Kappa uniforms, and is the title sponsor of the freeski and snowboard Toyota U.S. Grand Prix series, as well as the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel and Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships. Through U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Toyota Athelte Ambassador Program, 16 athletes representing all teams, are either driving Toyota hybrid vehicles, or are in the process of moving into a Toyota hybrid vehicle.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard made the full switch to hybrid models in March and 10 new Toyota vehicles, including RAV4s, Highlanders, Siennas and Tundras will transport staff, coaches and the world’s best athletes around the United States to compete in various winter sports, by helping them arrive safely and efficiently. 

U.S. Alpine Championships Set for Sun Valley

By Sierra Ryder
March, 28 2023
Ryder
Ryder Sarchett Races in Giant Slalom (Photo by Gary Yee/Getty Images)

The 2023 Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel kicks off in just under a week. Top alpine athletes across the United States and beyond will compete on the slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho for coveted national championship titles. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes in technical and speed events will race against young up-and-comers for the national titles in slalom, giant slalom and super-G. Current Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes in attendance include top seven World Cup slalom skier and World Champion Paula Moltzan, 2023 NorAm downhill title winners Erik Arvidsson and Lauren Macuga, plus World Championships gold medalists River Radamus and Tommy Ford, and more. 

“U.S. Alpine Championships is always a great opportunity to watch the young talent in the country compete against some of the best skiers we have right now,” said Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Alpine Director, Patrick Riml. “It is a great event to close out a long and successful ski race season in the U.S.”

A number of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation athletes, who are now current members of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, will be competing on their home mountain. This includes Jack Smith, who recently finished second in the overall NorAm super-G standings as well as Ryder Sarchett and Dasha Romanov. Several current SVSEF athletes have also qualified for the race series, including Colin Hanna, Finnigan Donley, Kai Subith, Nils Galloway and Will Kogelman. In total 14 SVSEF athletes plan to compete.

U.S. Alpine Championships is an important race for the younger talent to see where their skills stack up against current Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes. 

The four-day race series will offer a variety of events for fans, families and spectators too. There is a sponsor village that will include live apres music in Warm Springs Plaza as well as an Opening Ceremony at Town Square in Ketchum with an athlete parade and a free concert by Lowdown Brass Band. Following each race, there will be an awards ceremony and live music also in the Warm Springs Plaza.

The events are free and open to spectators.  There are several VIP offers available to purchase, including a VIP four-day pass with exclusive viewing access as well as daily access to breakfast, lunch and drinks. Lift tickets are included. The second VIP offer is a VIP lodging package with complimentary food and beverage, a day of early access on Bald Mountain the day prior to the races, a meet & greet with athletes and a U.S. Ski & Snowboard and SVR swag bag. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Athletes Set to Compete: 

Elisabeth Bocock
Mary Bocock
Keely Cashman
Katie Hensien
Kaitlin Keane
Lauren Macuga
Paula Moltzan 
Dasha Romanov
Bella Wright

 

Erik Arvidsson
Bryce Bennett
Justin Bigatel
Sam DuPratt
Tommy Ford
Jared Goldberg 
Jimmy Krupka
Kyle Negomir
Isaiah Nelson
Camden Palmquist
Jay Poulter
Cooper Puckett
River Radamus
Ben Ritchie
Ryder Sarchett
Jett Seymour
Jack Smith 
Luke Winters

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 1:

2:00–5:00 pm: Live Music by Moonshine Schubert

Sunday, April 2:

Men's and Women's Super G

9:00am: Men’s Super-G Race
12:30pm: Women's Super-G Race
1:00–4:00pm: Clicquot in the Snow Party with DJ Marlin
4:00–7:30pm: Opening Ceremonies | Ketchum Town Square

Monday, April 3:

Men's and Women's Slalom

9:00am: Women's Slalom Race (Run #1)
10:30am: Men's Slalom Race (Run #1)
12:00pm: Women's Slalom Race (Run #2)
1:30pm: Men's Slalom Race (Run #2)
1:00–5pm: Live music | David Henry Band
2:15pm: Awards | Men's & Women's Slalom

Tuesday, April 4:

Women's Giant Slalom

9:30am: Women's GS Race (Run #1)
12:30pm: Women's GS Race (Run #2)
1:00–5:00pm: Live Music | Cliftonite Acoustics
2:15pm: Awards | Women's Giant Slalom

Wednesday, April 5:

Men's Giant Slalom

9:30am: Men's GS Race (Run #1)
12:30pm: Men's GS Race (Run #2)
2:15pm: Awards | Men's Giant Slalom

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Please fill out the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel Media Request Form.

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Media Requests

Sierra Ryder
Alpine Communications Manager 
+1 (435) 263-2577 // sierra.ryder@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Olympian Swirbul Announces Retirement from World Cup Cross Country Skiing

By Leann Bentley
March, 27 2023
hailey
Hailey Swirbul skiing in a race at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. (@ryansmediax)

Hailey Swirbul of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is ready to say goodbye to World Cup ski racing. The 2022 Olympian has formally announced her retirement from the World Cup circuit hours after crossing the finish line at the 2022-23 World Cup Finals in Lahti, Finland. 

24-year-old Swirbul, an El Jebel, Colorado native, has been on the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team for years, represented her country at two World Championships and was a member of Team USA in Beijing at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. She’s had a consistent presence on the World Cup throughout the last several years, starting in 64 races, finding the top-10 in four and standing on the 2020 Davos World Cup individual 10k skate podium in third. Now, Hailey is taking a step away from the World Cup circuit and is excited to begin her next chapter. 

Swirbul was a mountain kid growing up. Her childhood in Aspen’s Roaring Fork Valley was filled with romping around the nearby peaks, riding around on a mountain bike with her family and skiing the resorts on alpine skis. Looking back, if you asked her when she was young if she would grow up to be a professional cross country skier, she may have brushed it aside. “My earlier memories of cross country skiing include me freezing and holding back tears, woefully slogging along the ski trail as my dad got in his workout,” she said. 

It wasn’t until later that cross country skiing became a part of her life, thanks in part to her brother Keegan Swirbul. Keegan, now a professional road bike rider, decided that to stay in shape for bike season, he needed some consistent cross training; cue cross country skiing. The tight duo took this new step together, and the rest is history. 

Hailey started with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club until she left for college in 2016, skiing for the University of Alaska Anchorage Ski Team. Finding abundant success on the college circuit, Hailey then trained and competed with the Alaska Pacific University (APU) club team. There, she had breakout results, notably in the 2017 World Junior Championships in Solider Hollow, Utah where she, Katharine Ogden, Julia Kern and Hannah Halvorsen won the USA’s first-ever medal at Junior Worlds, and it only went up from there. 

Throughout the next several years, she racked up results; in 2018 she was back at the Junior World Championships and won an individual silver medal in the 5k classic and bronze in the skiathlon. Through the U.S. National Championships, SuperTours, Nor-Am Cups and FIS events, Hailey has over 15 wins to her name. 

Then, came the next step. In 2019, she was officially called up to the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team where she would now compete on the highest stage of the sport - the World Cup.

"Hailey has been a force of nature since she burst on the scene as a U20 and started making history for the USA with two individual medals at the World Junior Championships," said Chris Grover, the U.S. Cross Country Program Director. "Arriving on World Cup, she demonstrated that she is a force in every discipline and both techniques. She has an individual World Cup Podium and was key in securing a World Cup women’s relay podium this season in Toblach. She’s been a fixture of our World Championships and Olympic team over the past quad. Beyond the results, she’s been at the heart of the U.S. Team, an incredible teammate, and a caring and soulful friend to us all. We will all miss her but we also know she will be a big part of our community for life."

“Hailey’s positive influence goes far beyond the ski tracks. Her kindness and thoughtfulness impacts her teammates, coaches, competitors, and supporters everywhere,” said Kristen Bourne, Coach of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. “She follows her heart and shows us all the importance of doing so. There’s no doubt in my mind that Hailey will continue to push the sport of cross country skiing and impact the next generation and beyond.”

Outside of skiing, Hailey is active in the community that helped shape her. As a current board member for the Women's Ski Coaches Association, Hailey works day in and day out in helping create a collaborative network to encourage retention of women coaches in the industry. She also has a bachelors degree in civil engineering and this past summer, worked full time as an engineer. 

“Hailey will be immediately missed as an athlete who brought a lot of personality to our team,” said Matt Whitcomb, Head Coach of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. “While she was a very successful racer, she wasn’t simply motivated by winning, and needed to work hard to find purpose and meaning in each day. This style of motivation, and Hailey’s always-open way of sharing with her coaches and teammates, taught me how to become a better coach. She helped everyone around her improve, and I will miss that, and I’m eager to watch to her bring that wonderful personality to her next team. Thank you, Hailey!”

“With the end of my World Cup career on the horizon, it is so easy to see how much I appreciate this team,” said Swirbul. “It wouldn’t be possible for me to have been on the World Cup and chase some big dreams without the support of the U.S. Ski Team, and I will forever be grateful for that.”

Retirement doesn’t mean that Swirbul will never lace up her Madshus race boots and click in her skis again. She still plans on racing, competing at a high level within the states and training for a sport that has shaped “the core of my identity for the last 15 years.” She may be closing one chapter, but is excitedly opening the next. “I set out to find peace with skiing this season after a difficult few years between Covid and the Olympic cycle, and I can truly say that I love skiing more than I ever have now—I’m just ready to love skiing in a new way outside of World Cup racing,” said Swirbul. “After all, I’ve already been given the best gift: a lifelong love of sport.”

Congratulations on your World Cup career, Hailey! We are so excited to see what this next chapter brings. 

Kauf, McDonald Double National Champions

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 26 2023
Dual Moguls Nationals
The 2023 Dual Moguls National Championships podium. Jaelin Kauf and Cole McDonald won, Olivia Giaccio and Dylan Marcellini got second and Elizabeth Lemley and Landon Wendler got third.

The U.S. Freestyle Moguls Ski Team closed out their competitive season with the Toyota Dual Moguls National Championships Sunday at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Jaelin Kauf and Cole McDonald both became double 2023 National Champions, winning for the second day in a row. 

Kauf was honored to finish what has been one of her career best seasons at a double national champion. “It’s been three years since I’ve been able to ski Nationals so I’m stoked to be competing here again!” she said. “It’s such a fun event to get to ski and compete with all of the regional athletes.”

"It feels super amazing to end the year this way," said McDonald. "Coming together is always super fun and special at Nationals. It is great to see new faces and also the progress that young skiers have made in the past couple of years."

U.S. National Team athletes went head-to-head with the country’s top regional athletes. Nationals is an event that inspires the next generation of skiers by providing an opportunity for up-and-comers to compete on the same course and same event as the nation’s top athletes. 

On the women’s side Olivia Giaccio earned her second podium of the weekend with second place after dueling Kauf in the Big Final. Elizabeth Lemley bested Hannah Soar for third in the small final. Dylan Marcellini earned his second podium of the weekend with his second place after going against McDonald in the men’s Big Final. Landon Wendler won the Small Final against Nick Page for third place. 

Moguls breaks for some R&R before getting back to the grind in preparation for the 2023-24 season. 

RESULTS
Women’s Dual Moguls
Men’s Dual Moguls 

Vedder Second at Mont-Sainte-Anne Snowboardcross World Cup

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 26 2023
Vedder Stands on Podium in Second
Jake Vedder stands on the podium in second place. (FIS)

The last day of the of snowboardcross World Cup took place in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada and the U.S. Snowboard Team's Jake Vedder walked away with his third podium of his career.

Along with Vedder, U.S. men's snowboardcross athletes Alex Deibold, Nick Baumgartner, Senna Leith, Cody Winters, Hagen Kearney and Tyler Hamel competed. All athletes advanced to the 1/8th final in Saturday's qualifying round, where we saw the top Americans Kearney and Leith in eighth and ninth place. Vedder was the next ranked U.S. athlete in 13th place, which made him hungry for a better position the following day.

The snow was coming down throughout the day and the course was placed on hold several times. The athletes at the top of the course were forced to wait out the conditions until a gap in the weather appeared. Eventually, the weather cleared and the men were set to race head-to-head. Vedder had a stellar day racing his fellow competitors down the banks, jumps and turns. 

Starting with the 1/8th final, Vedder qualified to the quarterfinals in first place for his heat. Once again, he was the fastest racer in his quarterfinals heats and advanced as the top qualifier. Semifinals were next on the chopping board and to no one's surprise, Vedder placed first in his heat to move on to the Big Final. As the four final men strapped in and awaited their signal to go, Vedder pumped himself up by shaking out the nerves and giving himself one more clap of the hands. The gates opened and the men were off. Throughout the majority of the race, Vedder was in last. It wasn't until the last jump when Vedder came out of nowhere to secure a very tight second place, shocking his competitors. 

His second place result marks Vedder's third career podium and his second of the season. This result tops off a great end to the season for the rider, as he will now look to use this fuel for the next season to come. 

Results
Men's Results

Henricksen Clinches Overall Slopestyle Crystal Globe

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
March, 26 2023
Henricksen Showing off Crystal Globe
Dusty Henricksen shows off his Crystal Globe. (FIS)

U.S. Snowboard Team slopestyle rider Dusty Henricksen had a very successful weekend at the FIS Snowobard World Cup in Corvatsch Silvaplana, Switzerland, qualifying for the stacked finals and clinching his first ever coveted FIS Slopestyle Snowboard Crystal Globe. 

During the 2022-23 winter competition season, Henricksen qualified for every single World Cup final on the circuit (six) and landed on three of those podiums in either first or second place. During the Laax Open in Switzerland back in January, Henricksen had a successful day on the slopestyle course by placing second. Shortly following this podium, he made his way back to his hometown of Mammoth Mountain, where he dominated the field and won the whole event. His final podium of the season took place in Calgary, Canada, where he scored another second place. To add to his already decorated World Cup season, Henricksen earned a bronze medal at the Aspen X Games Snowboard Knuckle Huck back in January. 

Leading up to the last event of the season in Silvaplana, Henricksen was sitting in second overall for slopestyle FIS points. After placing seventh in Sunday's slopestyle finals, he was able to advance into that top overall spot with a 110-point lead. On top of earning the Crystal Globe today, Henricksen also secured a second place title as the overall park and pipe leader. 

Teammate Jake Canter also had a successful day today in Silvaplana. He qualified into the finals as the top American and held onto that title, placing just above Henricksen in sixth place. The overall conditions for finals could not have been any better with blue skies, no breeze and a pristine course. After falling on his first finals run, Canter strapped back in and headed to the top of the course where he took a big, deep breath before dropping in for his second attempt. After lacing his run from top to bottom, Canter received a score of a 73.50 to land him in sixth. 

Today marked the final competition of the 2022-23 slopestyle World Cup circuit. With much success throughout the whole entire season, Henricksen and Canter's showing today placed the cherry on top. All of the U.S. Snowboard Team athletes are fired up for another great 2023-24 season to come. 

Results 

Men's Results

Crystal Globe 

Men's Results