This Saturday, Aug. 24, the best aerials skiers in the world put on a show at the Utah Olympic Park water ramps for the 2024 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave, where Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team member Winter Vinecki landed on the podium in third. 

The UOP was packed on a beautiful windy day in Utah, as aerials skiers from the United States, Canada, China, Australia and more had the opportunity to kickstart their 2024-25 season by landing in water instead of on snow. 

The majority of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athletes were on the starting lineup for this event, including Olympic gold medalists Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld. Lillis led the way for the U.S. men, finishing sixth. Ashton Salwan was the next-best finish, landing in ninth, followed by Derek Krueger in 13th, Schoenefeld in 14th and Ian Schoenwald in 15th. 

Vinecki shined for the U.S. women throughout the day, finishing in third place, a remarkable achievement coming back from a knee procedure earlier this summer. Right behind her was Kaila Kuhn, who finished fourth on the day. Tasia Tanner also made finals, finishing seventh, followed by Dani Loeb in eighth, Amelia Glogowski of Park City Ski & Snowboard in ninth and Kyra Dossa in 10th. Rounding out the finals qualifiers were Karenna Elliott in 11th and Catherine McEneany of PCSS in 12th. 

The second annual FIS Grand Prix World Tour is halfway completed. Athletes are now heading to Czechia for two competitions from Aug. 31-Sept. 1, followed by the final events of the summer in China on Sept. 21-22.

From July 28 to August 2, the next generation of aerials skiers flocked to Lake Placid, NY, for the Freestyle Aerials Project Gold camp. 

Project Gold camps are progressive camps designed for elite-level talent development in freestyle aerial skiing. Top junior athletes are selected based on applications to apply for the camp. If accepted, athletes are invited to attend and train with the U.S. Freestyle Aerial Team and Development coaches. This camp was coached by head U.S. aerials coach Vladimir Lebedev, Jack Boyczuk (Park City Ski and Snowboard Head Aerials Coach), Wes Preston (Loon Freestyle and Freestyle America Program Director and Head Coach), and Olympic gold medalist and New York native Chris Lillis of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. 

By working in partnership with ORDA (New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority) and the USOPC, the Project Gold Camp brought 20 young athletes to Lake Placid to jump and train at the Olympic Jumping Complex and board at the Lake Placid Olympic and Paralympic Training Center.  

During the camp, all athletes trained back tucks, back lays and back fulls. By the end of the camp, five athletes had moved from the single to the double kicker and performed back-lay tucks. 

“I am very impressed with the depth of talent in this camp,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director. “All of the athletes arrived with a great fundamental skill set, which allowed the Project Gold coaches to help the athletes learn new tricks and skills during the five-day camp. Moving forward, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will be naming a National Aerial Development Group offering members summer and winter aerial training.” 

Overall, the camp was an incredible success thanks to U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s partnerships with ORDA and the USOPC in Lake Placid. Next up, Freestyle Aerials Project Gold is heading to Park City and the Utah Olympic Park for another camp this week. 

Next Saturday, Aug. 24, Utah Olympic Park will welcome many of the best aerials skiers in the world for the 2024 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave event. 

The competition will take place at the UOP water ramps, where freestyle athletes learn to progress their skills in the warmer months to prepare for on-snow training. 

The free event, running from 12 pm-5 pm on Aug. 24, will feature the majority of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athletes, along with the best in the world from Argentina, Australia, Switzerland and Canada. Olympic gold medalists Ashley Caldwell, Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld are slated to compete. Lillis enters the competition as the reigning champion from last year's inaugural event. 

Qualification begins at 12 p.m., and the top 12 finishers for men and women will advance to the finals, which are set to begin at 4:05 p.m. 

Following the FIS Grand Prix event will be the Flying Ace Allstars show on the water ramps - a unique opportunity to watch the U.S. athletes showcase world-class tricks to the public. Come to the U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave competition and stay for the Flying Ace Allstars!

Tickets are required to attend the Flying Ace show. More information on the U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave competition and the Flying Ace show can be found on FIS and the UOP.

Former U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athlete and longtime freestyle coach Timothy "Corey" Hacker passed away on Aug. 5, 2024, at the age of 52 after a long battle with ALS and other neuromuscular disorders. 

Hacker grew up in western New York and quickly learned to ski at Kissing Bridge in Glenwood, NY. During his time in high school at the Springville Griffith Institute, Hacker was an award-winning defensive back in the fall and a full-time skier in the winter, traveling across New England to any hill that he could train at. He spent his summers water ramping in Lake Placid, NY practicing his jumps at the Olympic Jumping Complex and following graduation from Springville in 1991, Hacker moved to Park City, UT to pursue aerials skiing full-time. 

In 1995, his dream of making the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team came true, and he quickly became a name to remember in the aerials world. In only his third season with the team, Hacker was named the 1998 NorAm Champion following a handful of podiums and a win in the 1997-98 season. In 2001, Hacker was a part of the team sent to represent the United States at the 2001 FIS Freestyle World Championships in Whistler, CAN, where he finished fifth, sweeping third-sixth place alongside his teammates Joe Pack, Eric Bergoust and Jerry Grossi. During his time with the team, Hacker met his wife and fellow New York native Kelly Hilliman, also a U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team member and following his retirement in 2003, Hacker stayed with Hilliman in Park City to support her athletic endeavors before marrying and moving back to New York in 2006. 

Shortly after returning to the East Coast, Hacker and Hilliman founded the FLITE (Focus Leads Individuals to Excellence) Team at HoliMont in Ellicottville, NY, a competitive freestyle development program for aerials and moguls skiers. Over the last 17 years, Hacker and Hilliman grew the program from 20 to 70 athletes and 22 staff members. In addition to coaching and being the co-program director for FLITE, Hacker also worked as a graphic artist for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Hacker is survived by his wife, Hilliman, and their three children, two of whom are on the FLITE Team. They have grown into a truly generational freestyle family, with many members of their immediate and extended family participating in freestyle skiing in some way, whether as athletes, coaches, or officials. Hacker's reputation is one of excellence as an athlete and a coach. His commitment to his community and legacy will continue inspiring freestyle skiers for generations to come. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the FLITE community. 

Visitation hours will be held at Hoover Beach Community Center, 60 North Shore, Hamburg, NY 14219, Thursday, Aug. 15, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at HoliMont at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hacker’s Hope Ski Fund at @HackerCo, Hackershope.com. 

Kasey Hogg, an up-and-comer on the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski team moguls team, had a breakout 2023-24 season. Hogg, who just wrapped up her best season yet, hails from Kensington, New Hampshire and Killington Mountain. While competing both on the Nor-Am and World Cup circuits, Hogg earned the moguls, dual moguls and overall Nor-Am champion titles while also becoming the first woman to ever compete a cork 1080 in a World Cup qualification run. 

Kasey is a fierce competitor and an athlete to watch this season. She will compete on the World Cup circuit full-time for the first time. We sat down with her to talk about her background and goals in moguls skiing. 

Q: What initially drew you to moguls?

KASEY HOGG: I was initially drawn to moguls when I saw the mogul program at Killington Mountain. My sister signed up, but until I was old enough my cousin, parents and I shredded the moguls on our own! It was so much fun that as soon as I was old enough, I joined the program and began competing. 

Q: When you were younger, getting into the sport, what were your goals?

KH: When I first started moguls skiing, my goal was always to try and win the regional competitions and beat my sister! As soon as I learned that moguls skiing was bigger than just that, I had always dreamed of being on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and representing the United States. It was a crazy feeling when I achieved that goal and saw how hard work truly pays off! 

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far?

KH: I am beyond proud of myself for winning the Nor-Am tour this year. I have come so far from the first Nor-Am tour that I competed in. After getting second on the tour twice, the overall win felt that much better. I was finally ready this year, and I am really proud of the work I put in to get there. Also, competing on the Nor-Am tour this year while competing in many World Cups before and after was a cool experience!

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

KH: My ultimate goal is to represent Team USA at the Olympics. When I first watched moguls skiing in the Olympics, I thought it was the coolest thing for these athletes to do what they love on the world’s biggest stage. I have many other goals as well, such as World Cup titles, pushing the sport of women’s moguls, and of course, having fun!

Q: Are there any moments you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

KH: Making my first final under the lights at Deer Valley was the most unreal moment! I had always dreamed of skiing under the lights in front of a huge crowd, but standing at the top of the course and seeing all the people watching below was so special. Also, the fact my family was there to watch meant the world as well!

Q: Who were the athletes you looked up to when you were younger, or are they now?

KH: I always looked up to my older sister, Maddie. We were inseparable when it came to skiing, and being able to train, compete and travel with her is something not many siblings get to do. We made the Stifel U.S. Ski Team the same year, and it was so crazy seeing how far we had both come. She always pushed me, whether we were dueling each other, working out together, or simply doing anything. She did two years of the team and is now retired, but our competitiveness has led us to do a half IronMan together. No matter what, I will always look up to her on and off the hill!

Follow Kasey on social media.

The Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team has announced the addition of a Freestyle Development Manager to the freestyle staff.

Madison (Maddie) Hogg, a former U.S. moguls team member, has been appointed the new Freestyle Development Manager. After spending two years on the World Cup circuit with the national team, Hogg retired in 2020 to pursue a degree in Business Management with a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah. 

As the newly appointed Freestyle Development Manager, Hogg’s primary goal will be to not only grow but also maintain the freestyle development pipeline in the United States. This crucial role includes implementing talent identification programs, building event selection criteria, and being the primary contact point for regional clubs, coaches, parents, resorts, judges, officials, etc, at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. 

With her athletic background and expertise in coaching, human resources, and recruiting, Hogg will prove to be a valuable addition to the growing freestyle team. 

“Maddie’s strengths come from her experience growing up in the sport, training and competing at every level,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director. The pathways and progressions she oversees will replicate her route to the national team. Her background will allow her better to understand the needs of development athletes and clubs.”

We are excited to welcome Maddie back to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team!

The Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team has announced that Steve Desovich will join the moguls coaching staff for the upcoming 2024-25 season. 

Desovich, hailing from Killington, Vermont, had an incredibly successful World Cup career, including nine wins and 18 podium finishes. Following a fifth-place finish at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games, the first time moguls appeared in the Olympics, Desovich made the pivotal decision to transition to coaching. His coaching journey began with the Canadian National Team, a role he held for eight years. In 1998, he took his expertise to Melbourne, Australia, where he coached the Australian National Team until 2022. His leadership led to significant milestones, including coaching the first Australian woman to win a World Cup medal in 2001 and guiding Australian stars Dale Begg-Smith to an Olympic victory in 2006 and Matt Graham to a silver medal in PyeongChang in 2018. 

“Desovich’s strengths lie in his extensive coaching knowledge and experience, which will profoundly impact the performance management of the athletes he works with,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director. “We are confident that his collaboration and ability to teach at the micro level will elevate our team to new heights.”

The team’s performance in the 2023-24 season was outstanding, earning the Nations Cup and securing 32 podiums across eight athletes, five women and three men. This remarkable achievement sets a high standard for the upcoming season.

Desovich will serve as the primary coach for the men’s World Cup moguls team alongside Head Moguls Coach Bryon Wilson.

The moguls team will kick off their season in Ruka, Finland, on Nov. 30, 2024. The athletes will spend a few additional weeks competing in Europe before heading back stateside for the North American tour, stopping in Waterville, NH, Val St. Come, Quebec, CAN, and Deer Valley, UT, from Jan. 24 to Feb. 8, 2025.

The best freestyle athletes from around the world will gather in Engadin, Switzerland, for the 2025 FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships from Mar. 18-30. Each country will nominate four athletes per gender, per discipline. Complete nominations will be made later this season; however, this year, the U.S. athletes had the opportunity to prequalify based on their standings from the 2023-24 season. According to prewritten criteria, ‘U.S. Ski & Snowboard will nominate the top one (1) U.S. athlete, respective of gender, ranked in the top three (3) on the 2025 FIS Base List.’

The 2025 FIS Base List has been released, so let’s look at the first athletes nominated to the 2025 Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team World Championships Team.

MOGULS

(Hometown; Club; College/University; Birthdate)

Jaelin Kauf

(Alta, WY; Grand Taghee Ski & Snowboard Foundation/Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Utah; 9/26/1996)
2022 Olympic silver medalist - moguls
2023-24 season standings: 2nd - moguls, dual moguls, overall

Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf of Alta, Wyoming, is a force to be reckoned with on the moguls World Cup circuit. Her relentless pursuit of victory in every event she competes in is truly inspiring. Kauf’s track record is a testament to her skill and dedication, with eight World Cup victories, 36 World Cup podiums, four World Championship podiums, seven U.S. Championship titles, and an Olympic silver medal. 

Off the slopes, Kauf is a passionate advocate for women and girls in sports, actively supporting the Women’s Sports Foundation. In 2019, she achieved a personal milestone by being featured in a Warren Miller film, “Timeless’. Her motto, “Deliver The Love,” serves as a constant reminder to enjoy the sport and stay focused on her passion and love for skiing.

Kauf finished the 2023-24 season ranked second in the moguls, dual moguls, and overall standings, with a win and 10 additional podium finishes. 

AERIALS

(Hometown; Club; College/University; Birthdate)

Winter Vinecki

(Gaylord, MI; Park City Ski & Snowboard; St. Mary’s University School of Law; 12/18/1998)
2022 Olympian
2023-24 season standings: 2nd Overall

Winter Vinecki, from Gaylord, Michigan, is not just an aerials skier but an all-around athlete. Her achievements extend beyond the slopes, as she holds two World Records: the youngest person to run a marathon on seven continents and the first mother-daughter duo to do so. Her determination and versatility are truly admirable. She has earned multiple podiums, Olympic and World Championship starts, and more in aerial skiing. In 2021, she snagged her first World Cup podium in Moscow, Russia, and stood on the podium three more times that same season. 

Outside of skiing and running, Winter is the founder of Team Winter, a non-profit organization for prostate cancer research and awareness in honor of her late father, who passed away from an aggressive form of the disease. 

During the 2023-24 season, Vinecki made waves in aerials, becoming one of the only women to compete triples on the World Cup circuit. She finished the year ranked second overall, tying her career-best finish. 

Chris Lillis

(Rochester, NY; Bristol Mountain Freestyle Team; 10/4/1998)
2022 Olympic Champion - aerials team
2023-24 season standings: 3rd Overall

Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athlete Chris Lillis made a significant mark on the world of aerial skiing when he won an Olympic gold medal in the aerials team event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. 

Not only was Chris the youngest man to win a FIS aerials World Cup, claiming the top spot as a 17-year-old in 2016, but he also earned 13 NorAm podium finishes, four of which he took first place. Chris has been on the podium eight times on the World Cup circuit, winning two. Lillis is also a three-time World Championship medalist, winning the gold in 2023 in the aerials team event and a silver and bronze in 2021. Fun fact: Chris is the first American since Jeret “Speedy” Peterson to complete a quintuple (five twists, three flips) in a competition.

This season was a roller coaster for many aerials athletes, but Lillis brought home two individual podiums and a team win to finish third overall. 

“The early qualification process is designed to allow top performing athletes to best prepare for peak performance at the event,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director. “Early nomination allows the athletes ample time to prepare mentally and physically for large stake events. The freestyle staff and I are excited to see how this procedure can enhance our World Championship outcomes.” 

This early qualification process will be implemented again in preparation for the 2025-26 season to secure spots for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Four athletes (one per gender, per discipline) will have the chance to qualify for the 2026 Olympics based on their performance in the 2023-24 overall season standings. 

Tentative Freestyle World Championships Schedule

Moguls Qualification - Tuesday, March 18
Moguls Finals - Wednesday, March 19
Dual Moguls - Friday, March 21
Mixed Team Aerials - Thursday, March 27
Aerials Qualification - Saturday, March 29
Aerials - Sunday, March 30