LOS ANGELES, CA (July 16, 2025) – Noah Elliott, 2018 Paralympic gold medalist, three-time world champion and back-to-back overall and banked slalom Crystal Globe winner, won the 2025 ESPY for “Best Athlete with a Disability” at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California. The ESPY Awards, short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, are often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Sports’ and are an annual award show that honors the best athletes and moments in sports. This is Elliott’s first ESPY win and first nomination. 

Elliott is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, taking home two FIS Para snowboard Crystal Globes, two World Championship medals and a 100% win rate in World Cup banked slalom events. The Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team athlete’s impressive 2024-25 season included eight World Cup podiums and five wins across snowboard cross and banked slalom disciplines, helping him to take home two FIS Crystal Globes, including the overall, marking him as the #1 male Para snowboarder in the world in the LL1 classification. 

Elliott, who had his left leg amputated after a battle with cancer, was first named to the U.S. national team in 2016, just a year after he strapped into a snowboard for the first time after being inspired by the Sochi Paralympics. His talent was evident from the start and he was named to his first Paralympic Team USA in 2018. In the Pyeongchang Paralympic Winter Games, he brought home two medals: gold in banked slalom and bronze in snowboard cross. Less than a year later, Elliott was back on the podium, taking home his first World Championship medals – gold, silver and bronze. Since then, he has earned an additional six World Championship medals and was named to the Paralympic team in 2022.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” said Elliott. “This is such an achievement. To be here representing adaptive sports and Para snowboard community–I couldn’t be more proud.”

Elliott also took a moment to address the adaptive community on ESPN when he was presented his award. “I want you to know that I am a survivor and you can be one too, and there can be a life past cancer or disability,” he said. “Just continue to get out there and put your best foot forward and try to continue to strive to be the best you can be.”

“We are thrilled for Noah’s first ESPY win,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Noah has achieved a great deal in his sport and is a best-in-class athlete on and off the snow. His dedication to Para snowboarding is incredible to watch and I am so proud to have him recognized on this stage of sport.”

Elliott was nominated alongside Para triathlon athlete Grace Norman and Para track and field athletes Ezra Frech and Tatyana McFadden. 

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Lindsey Vonn was also nominated, under the category of Best Comeback Athlete. Vonn has four career ESPY wins. 

FIS News

• For Season 2025-26, to be implemented starting with the Base List for Season 2026-27:

  • An 8-point adder will be applied to the calculated penalty of Level 2, 3, and 4 FIS events

  • An athlete’s FIS seed points in SL and GS will be calculated by the average of the best three results in that event

• Additional shin pads are not allowed to be worn inside the boot. To treat medical issues, additional protection pads, as soft padding, can be approved by FIS.

• For season 2025-26, using an Airbag is mandatory in DH and SG at World Cup, Olympic Winter Games, and Europa Cup events. Airbags are strongly recommended in DH and SG at South America Cup, NorAm Cup, Far East Cup, and World Junior Championship events.

• Cut resistant lower-body underwear, rated three stars or higher, are required for all Level 0 and 1 FIS events.

Regional Development Team qualified athletes 2025-26

The following athletes have met the high level criteria to be named to the Regional Development Team for the 2025-26 season.  These athletes will be invited to all regional and most national projects (depending on their age), and they will be eligible to receive 50% funding support for their continued development toward the U.S. Ski Team.

Women - East

Kira Hiebert - 2010 (BMA)

Beatrice May - 2006 (DAR) 

Abby Olson - 2007 (BMA) 

Katie Rowekamp - 2009 (BMA) 

Women - Rocky/Central

Paige Dehart - 2005 (CU)

Men - East

Julian Arthur - 2005 (MID) 

Cameron Blatz - 2009 (SMS)

Troy Boissonneault - 2007 (BMA) 

Tor Borgia- 2007 (WMR) 

Colin Hanna - 2004 (BC) 

Sawyer Reed - 2005 (DAR) 

Harper Sargent - 2006 (BMA) 

Men - Rocky/Central

Adrian Beauregard - 2007 (SSWSC) 

Caman Beauregard - 2007 (SSWSC) 

Stewart Bruce - 2006 (SSCV) 

Carson Hume - 2005 (SSCV) 

Fletcher Hutto - 2007 (AVSC) 

Alex Krupka - 2006 (SSCV) 

Aksel Lindenmeyr - 2005 (APEX) 

Jevin Palmquist - 2007 (SUM) 

Trevor Palmquist - 2009 (SUM)  

Men - West

Finnigan Donley - 2005 (UU) 

Carl Ottosson - 2006 (SBSTA)
 

Eastern Region coaching staff update

I would like to introduce our new Eastern Regional Team Men's coach- Daniel Sanz! 
 daniel.sanz@usskiandsnowboard.org

Dani hails from Spain and has an impressive resume well suited to our Regional & National Development alpine athletic program.  
Most recently Daniel has been 2 seasons with USST WC Men's speed team as assistant coach and lead Strength and conditioning coach. 
He has coached at the U14/U16 club level, coached FIS level athletes with the International Racer Program and was Head Olympic coach for the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee at the Beijing Winter Olympics. 
Daniel holds an MBA in Sports Management from the Universidad Europea - Real Madrid Graduate School;
A Bachelor's Degree in physical activity and sports science and;
A Level 3 ISIA  alpine ski instructor (TD3 Alpine skiing Spanish qualification) certification.

Daniel will be in the East July 20-23 for a (3) day Regional Team conditioning camp hosted by GMVS- Green Mountain Valley school alongside Women's coach Roger Kimball and Regional Alpine Director (me) in attendance. 

Welcome Dani!

Insightful and educational podcast to listen to by Arc City- 
Highly recommend!  (link below)

Dane Spencer, Former World Cup Racer and Coach, on... Everything
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dT64kzb0w9vbyOdYIAg9K?si=9ZjdOJIARUqlC4kNnICLnw

That's all for now. Look for the next late Summer update and news soon. 

Please keep in touch and keep chasing the dream! 

Sincerely,
Martin (Spencer, Roger & Dani) 

PARK CITY, Utah (July 15, 2025) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Zions Bank are proud to announce their partnership and shared commitment to developing world-class athletes and fostering community engagement throughout Utah.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Zions Bank will work together to create engaging athlete-focused content — including social media campaigns featuring next-generation Utah-based athletes — and host events to enrich the local community. The partnership also includes internships for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes to provide valuable experience and insight into their careers off the snow.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Zions Bank to support the full athlete journey — from training and competition to career development and community impact,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO. “Zions Bank is an institution in Utah and has a track record of working to create value in our communities. We are excited to work closely with Zions Bank and create opportunities to further invest in athletes’ lives on and off the mountain, especially as we head into the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games at home in Utah.

 “This collaboration reinforces Zions Bank’s long-standing commitment to creating value by elevating local talent and helping athletes thrive as competitors and leaders in their communities,” said Zions Bank President and CEO Paul Burdiss. “The ski industry — of which U.S. Ski & Snowboard is an integral part — is a vital contributor to the Utah economy and we’re committed to helping it continue to thrive.”

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org

About Zions Bank
Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution and is the only local bank with a statewide distribution of branches operating 93 full-service branches. Zions Bank also operates 26 branches in Idaho and Wyoming. In addition to offering a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions Bank is also a leader in small business lending. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank has been serving the communities of Utah for more than 150 years. Additional information is available at www.zionsbank.com. A division of Zions Bancorporation N.A., Member FDIC.

The Eastern Region is excited to share the 2025-26 Calendar Re-Design.

See below for details.

On July 12, 2025, U.S. Ski Team legend Bode Miller was inducted into the United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame as a part of the class of 2025 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Miller is a six time Olympic medalist and five time World Championships medalist, and has 33 World Cup wins and two overall World Cup titles. 

“We’re proud to welcome the Class of 2025 into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and to honor the extraordinary accomplishments they’ve made as representatives of Team USA. This induction celebrates not only their remarkable performances and lasting impact but also acknowledges the essential contributions of those who supported their journeys every step of the way,” Sarah Hirshland said, CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), in a press release.

Miller’s induction marks his ascension into a select echelon among 210 inductees since 1983 with the 2025 inductees including Olympic greats Serena Williams, Allyson Felix and Gabby Douglas. 

Miller's story reflects more than medals—it’s about innovation, individualism and a relentless pursuit of speed. He is the most successful men’s alpine skier for the United States, having collected the most Olympic medals of any American skier and was the only U.S. man to win in all five major alpine disciplines (downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and combined). He was also labeled as a rebel, consistently pushing the limits both in the sport and outside of it.

Miller officially hung up his race skis in 2017, but continues to have a massive impact on the sport, with many current champions saying they continue to idolize the skier. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vonn Nominated for "Best Comeback"

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

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

Elliott Nominated for "Best Athlete with a Disability"

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

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

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

Follow THIS LINK to vote. 

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

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

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

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

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

See the recap video here. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Ski Award 2025

The New England Ski Museum has announced the 2025 recipient of the Eastern Ski Writers Golden Ski Award: Annika Hunt of Burke Mountain Academy. After a successful 2025 season, Hunt will be honored for a 3rd consecutive year. 

Hunt’s hard work resulted in 1st place finishes at Sugarloaf in both Downhill and Super G and eight total Nor Am podiums, making her the overall Nor Am winner with 938 points. Hunt’s success this season has culminated to sixteen podiums, six wins across North America and Europe and an impressive sub-100 ranking across three disciplines.

Read more about Hunt’s success and the Eastern Ski Writers Golden Ski Award Here.

Hunts World Rank Progression: 2025 Season