The U.S. is primed to make history by hosting the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air, at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. March 10-16, followed by the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix March 18-21.

This is the first time that a nation has hosted consecutive FIS World Championships following the 2019 FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championships held in Utah. The Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup slopestyle and halfpipe competitions will serve as the first snowboard and freeski Olympic tryout events.

Due to COVID-19 event and resort operations protocols and taking into consideration the health and safety of resort staff, event staff, and the athletes, venue access is limited to essential personnel only. There will be no spectator access and all media coverage must be conducted remotely. 

Media will have timely access to photo and video assets each day of training and competition, podium interviews, as well as remote access to athletes based on their availability. Those interested in having virtual access to the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships and the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix should register here by Friday, March 5: https://forms.gle/dMVLSpB4Pg68Di3t6

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Please reach out with any questions, we want to ensure you have what you need to cover the event. Without valuable media partners such as yourself, we would not be able to share the stories of our athletes and the event successfully. 

The Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships and the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix are contingent on local and state health department approvals based on existing and future COVID-19 rules and regulations. FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the local organizing committee, and Aspen Snowmass are taking a unified approach consistent with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities.  

Register Here for Virtual Media Accreditation 

Event Announcement

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew Gauthier
Marketing & Communications Director | Freeski & Snowboard Press Officer
andrew.gauthier@usskiandsnowboard.org

Tucker Vest Burton, Jeff Hanle and Xanthe Demas
Aspen Snowmass Communications Team
communications@aspensnowmass.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 2020, 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 
 

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced its annual award recipients for eight supporting coaches of the year for 2020. The recipients span six different sports, including four summer and four winter coaches. Three U.S. Ski & Snowboard staff members received honors.

“Behind athlete success and wellbeing are the dedicated and passionate coaches that guide Team USA athletes in sport and in life," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. "In 2020 we watched so many coaches adapt and create innovative ways to support their athletes. It’s an honor to recognize these individuals and showcase their achievements in this especially challenging year.” 

National Governing Bodies nominated their 2020 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, and the winners were then determined by a USOPC selection panel. The USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program aims to recognize and award the work of quality coaches and providers that are creating significant impact in their sport and NGB throughout the year.  

Service Provider of the Year – Gillian Bower (Alpine, Cross-Country, Freeski, Freestyle, Snowboard) 
As the sports medicine director and lead physical therapist for one of the largest National Governing Bodies in the country, Gillian Bower is making a remarkable difference for athletes across a wide range of sports. In addition to her day-to-day role, she is pioneering a new return-to-performance framework for implementation across all of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s disciplines. She has been the central figure in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s COVID-19 planning, spearheading efforts to create structure to allow athletes to train and compete safely. She chairs a weekly meeting with an external COVID-19 medical committee to develop and review a 200+ point camp/competition mitigation plan, return to training guidelines, domestic competition guidance and all U.S. Ski & Snowboard protocols. Bower conducted more than 4,000 COVID-19 PCR tests in the past six months with a positivity rate of less than 0.5%, and she sourced and implemented rapid antigen tests for additional screening purposes in Europe so athletes were able to participate in more than 50 training camps and competitions in over 10 countries safely and effectively. Bower recently co-chaired U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s expanded mental health committee and implemented a Question, Persuade and Refer for all U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and staff, which addresses suicide prevention training.  

Coach Educator of the Year – Chris Packert (Alpine, Cross-Country, Freeski, Snowboard, Freestyle) 
Chris Packert has brought an elevated level of professionalism to coaching education during his time as Coach Development Manager with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Working collaboratively with other expert coaches, Packert facilitates the creation of highly accessible, engaging, relevant and impactful educational programs for member coaches of all snowsport disciplines. His Coach Certification Program certifies over 1,000 coaches per year and provides continuing education for an additional 5,000 coaches for seven disciplines. Packert was the project leader on ‘Guide to Ski Fundamentals,’ an interactive product designed to serve as an in-field resource to support coaches in evaluating athletes, building programming and developing drill progressions. He has also contributed to numerous national publications, including co-authoring the series by the United States Center for Coaching Excellence: Professional Development in Sport Coaching: How to Develop and Support Coaches in Creating a Positive Sport Culture. Packert enjoys the collaboration he receives from working with other professionals to best serve the coaches within the ski and snowboard community.  

Doc Counsilman Science Award – Jeff Lackie (U.S. Ski & Snowboard) 
As the conditioning coach for the U.S. Ski Team’s women’s alpine tech (slalom/giant slalom) athletes, Jeff Lackie’s application of science in virtually every facet of training programs and daily life is an example for all teams. Lackie applies scientific principles to many areas that have not typically been informed by data, including the dissection of video to motion analysis and running mathematical probabilities to help inform competition schedule planning. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, he has engaged with outside sports organizations to learn and share best practices while he is actively involved in the USOPC’s National Team Coaches Leadership Education Program, contributing to the long-term success of Team USA. Considering the health and safety of athletes in transit and at competition locations is paramount, Lackie deployed similar methodologies to develop a travel plan, looking at everything from socioeconomic impact to plane cabin transmission to times of travel to keep the team safe. 

Release courtesy of USOPC, full release here. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced a new three-year partnership with Laird Superfood (NYSE American: LSF), creator of assorted superfood products, to be their official and globally exclusive functional coffee and coffee creamer sponsor. The partnership will help nourish the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes on their road to gold with functional, plant-based ingredients. Laird Superfood products help elevate and support the athletes’ daily ritual with fueling ingredients. Each product is carefully selected to create the best possible experience by giving each routine a serious upgrade. Laird Superfood is defining the next wave of coffee by increasing the benefits of America’s most popular beverage with their new functional blends that are revolutionizing the way people consume their favorite drink. 

"We are proud to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard community and feel that this partnership aligns with our mission of providing real, plant-based products to support people looking to perform their best, whether on the slopes, in the office, or at home,” said Paul Hodge, CEO of Laird Superfood. “We are excited to help fuel the daily ritual of such dynamic, high performing athletes competing as members of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard teams.”

As the exclusive coffee creamer, hot chocolate, functional mushroom, and ground, whole bean, and functional coffee sponsor, Laird Superfood can fuel an athlete’s day from sunrise to sunset. Start off the day with a cup of Laird Superfood’s functional Boost Coffee blend, which delivers 15% of one’s daily value of Vitamin D (when brewed according to directions), made with functional mushroom extracts and botanicals. Mix in the brand’s signature Superfood Creamers, a blend of sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients that includes Aquamin™, and you have a remarkably delicious and nourishing cup of coffee. Finish off the day with a cup of Laird Superfood’s Hot Chocolate, thoughtfully created to include real ingredients like organic cacao powder, organic cinnamon powder, and coconut milk powder along with extracts of three of nature’s nourishing mushrooms.

“Laird Superfood shares our commitment to fueling our athletes with real, quality nutrition,” said Michael O’Conor, Chief Revenue Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Their products are designed to enable people to perform at their highest level, which aligns with our mission of supporting ski and snowboard athletes in their pursuit of excellence on the slopes. We are thrilled to partner with Laird Superfoods for the next three years.” 

"We're honored and humbled to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes in their quest to perform at their peak by offering better-for-you ingredients in everyday beverages,” said Laird Hamilton, co-founder of Laird Superfood. “The stress they put themselves under day in and day out, whether training or competing, demands the world's best functional nutrition and we look forward to providing that for them in the coffee and coffee creamers category. The partnership that we are building with these dedicated athletes has inspired our Laird Superfood team.”

Laird Superfood will be providing the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes with functional, superfood products that support overall wellbeing, starting with the 2020-21 competition season that is currently underway. The brand will also host activations at select events throughout the season including the upcoming Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships set to take place at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. this March. Fans can cheer on and watch the 2020-21 competition season from home, broadcast and streaming listings will be available throughout the season at USSkiandSnowboard.org.

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About Laird Superfood
Laird Superfood, Inc. creates award-winning, plant-based superfood products that are both delicious and functional. Known for its highly popular coffee creamers, hydration products, supplements, roasted and instant coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and harvest snacks, the Company's products are designed to enhance your daily ritual and keep consumers fueled naturally throughout the day. The Company was co-founded in 2015 by the world's most prolific big-wave surfer, Laird Hamilton. Laird Superfood's offerings are environmentally conscientious, responsibly tested, and made with real ingredients. Shop all products online at lairdsuperfood.com and join the Laird Superfood community on social media for the latest news and daily doses of inspiration.

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

Comcast announced today that it will continue to be the official cable television and communications partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard through 2023. As part of the renewed, multi-year commitment, Comcast will support America’s Olympic skiers and snowboarders through a robust domestic events program, enabling U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes stay at the top of their game with opportunities to compete on home snow at world-class venues.

The partnership will feature the Xfinity brand as the title sponsor of the formidable Xfinity Birds of Prey men’s alpine ski racing events at Beaver Creek, Colo. The Birds of Prey track has been a favorite stop on the FIS World Cup tour for two decades and features downhill, super G and giant slalom races during the first week of December. Comcast will be heavily involved with the Visa Big Air series, of which it was a founding member, the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix series and the Homelight Killington Cup. Through these events, Comcast will have a direct impact on athletes’ Olympic qualification process during the 2021-22 season.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes will don the Xfinity brand on their uniforms, representing the partnership in global broadcast coverage. In addition, fans at home across the country will be able to watch their favorite athletes from the comfort of their own home through extensive programming in coordination with NBC Sports television and streaming platforms.

Comcast is also renewing their commitment to athletes with ancillary sponsorship opportunities around the Beijing Olympic Winter Games with some of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s most prominent figures and rising stars.

"Our continued partnership with Comcast reflects the reputation our athletes and events held domestically and in markets across the world with global broadcast coverage,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer Michael O’Conor. “Communication is more important now than it has ever been and we are thrilled to be working with such a prominent partner in that space. Comcast’s strategic approach in supporting our athletes and the events in which they compete demonstrates a comprehensive, continued commitment to our organization and our athletes. We are proud to keep Comcast in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family.”

“We are proud to extend this partnership and continue to support Team USA and the incredible U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President, Branded Partnerships at Comcast. “U.S Ski & Snowboard plays an integral role in growing the sport and helping athletes of all levels realize their dreams, and we feel privileged to continue to be part of that journey.”

The action begins for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes at the upcoming 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International FIS Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort. The Feb. 6 Aerials event marks the first domestic Olympic qualifier for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes. Fans can catch all of the high-flying excitement on NBC, NBCSN, The Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA and Peacock Premium.

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Media Contacts
Lara Carlton
Corporate Communications Manager, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
lara.carlton@usskiandsnowboard.org

Kate Finn
Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Comcast
Kate_Finn@comcast.com

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
 

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
 

The 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International World Cup is scheduled to return to Deer Valley Resort Feb. 2 – 6 and marks the 23rd year that Deer Valley will host elite-level freestyle competition. This event will be the first domestic World Cup level competition on U.S. snow for the 2020-21 season and will feature the first domestic Olympic Winter Games qualifier for any of our athletes with Aerials on Feb. 6. We are thrilled to be back home at Deer Valley!

Due to COVID-19 event and resort operations protocols and taking into consideration the health and safety of resort staff, event staff and the athletes, this year’s event will look different from year’s past. Events will be held during the day and venue access is limited to essential personnel only. There will be no spectator access and all media coverage must be conducted remotely. 

We are working through the logistics of shifting our media operations to a virtual experience with access to photography and video assets each day of training and competition, as well as remote access to athletes. More details will be provided in the coming weeks. Those interested in having virtual access to the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International should register here: https://www.deervalley.com/media-center/media/press-accreditation-form. 

Find updates throughout the week at our online media center here: https://usskiandsnowboard.org/media-center/2021-intermountain-healthcare-freestyle-international-media-center

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Please reach out with any questions, we want to ensure you have what you need to cover the event. Without valuable media partners such as yourself, we would not be able to tell the stories of our athletes as successfully. 

The 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International is contingent on local and state health department approvals based on existing and future COVID-19 rules and regulations. FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the local organizing committee, and Deer Valley Resort are taking a unified approach consistent with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities.  We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. 

Virtual media accreditation for the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International: https://www.deervalley.com/media-center/media/press-accreditation-form

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lara Carlton
Freestyle Communications Manager, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
lara.carlton@usskiandsnowboard.org

Fidelity Investments®, Official Sponsor of U.S. Ski & Snowboard since 2019, has extended its sponsorship through the creation of two new programs as athletes embark on their qualifying process for Beijing 2022. 

Beginning this 2020-21 season, athletes from across all U.S. Ski & Snowboard disciplines will shift their focus to the Fidelity Path to Qualify during select domestic elite-level events. Each team has their own specific process for qualifying for the largest sporting event in the world, and the Fidelity Path to Qualify will guide fans and viewers through the milestones. In addition, stay up to date with the latest rankings by following updates on U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s website and social channels for the Fidelity U.S. Ski & Snowboard Qualifying Rankings. The Qualifying Rankings will reference existing points lists relevant to each sport and highlight the latest and most critical results to the qualification process.

The two new Fidelity programs will debut at the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International FIS Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort. The Feb. 6 Aerials World Cup marks the first domestic Olympic qualifying event for American ski athletes. U.S. aerial skiers who perform well will be one step closer to representing their nation in Beijing in 2022. 

“We are thrilled to work with Fidelity Investments on these new programs,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer Michael O’Conor. “Fidelity has been a key sponsor for us since 2019 and we are grateful for their continued commitment to our athletes as they push the boundaries of their sports. Through these programs we will be able to bring the excitement of the qualifying process to our fans and supporters as we ramp up to Beijing 2022 despite not being able to celebrate at domestic events together this season.”

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About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s mission is to inspire better futures and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $9.8 trillion, including discretionary assets of $3.8 trillion as of December 31, 2020, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping more than 35 million people invest their own life savings, 22,000 businesses manage employee benefit programs, as well as providing more than 13,500 institutions with investment and technology solutions to invest their own clients’ money. Privately held for more than 70 years, Fidelity employs more than 47,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/aboutfidelity/our-company.

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

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has officially announced a new two-year partnership with RISE Brewing Co., the organic nitro cold brew coffee. Spanning from coast to coast through 2023, through this partnership, RISE will help America’s top skiers and snowboarders fuel their adventure all year long.

The partnership will officially kick off Feb. 4 with the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International at Deer Valley Resort. RISE will be featured at domestic elite-level skiing and snowboarding events moving forward.

“The mountains are unique in that they pull people together from all around the world to do the same thing; spend time with friends and family, experience an unrivaled side of nature and push themselves to be better,” said Grant Gyesky, RISE Brewing Co. CEO. “At RISE we are all about people pushing ourselves to get better, whether it’s in the gym, with our passions or on the mountain. Our team has always felt a draw to the mountains. We could not be more stoked to partner with the world’s most talented skiers and snowboarders to inspire us all to RISE from within."

“Through this new partnership, our athletes will RISE to the occasion of competing on the world’s greatest stage,” said Michael O’Conor, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer. “We value RISE’s commitment to creating products using the best ingredients as our athletes train to be Best in the World. We are excited to welcome RISE into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family.”

As part of the partnership, RISE Brewing Co. will continue to support health care workers by donating products through the U.S. Ski & Snowboard partnership with Intermountain Healthcare in Utah.

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About RISE Brewing Co.:
RISE Brewing Co. brews nitro cold-brew coffee kegs and shelf-stable cans for grocery stores, convenience stores, offices, bars/restaurants, and cafes. Our flagship, award-winning Original Black coffee is organic, non-GMO, non-dairy, and 0 calories. Think a super light, refreshing stout beer meets iced coffee with a frothy head. An infusion of nitrogen gives RISE its distinctive, creamy cascade. We also have a line of organic dairy and non-dairy lattes -- including our multi-award-winning Oat Milk Latte, and Oat Milk Mocha.

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

New England based luxury Alpine Sportswear label Alps & Meters has joined in partnership with the Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team. This new collaborative relationship, forged to support the tradition of American alpine excellence, will develop a licensed collection of elevated sportswear garments which will include select apparel pieces and suiting separates. Alps & Meters will return a portion of all sales proceeds generated by this specific collection to the athletes of U.S. Ski & Snowboard to help foster the next generation of American alpine athletes and enthusiasts.

Founded with a mission to uphold the classic traditions of alpine sport, Alps & Meters is known worldwide for its luxury garments that are designed by tradition. Alps & Meters Forged Performance Product Creation Philosophy combines the world’s best natural materials, classic construction techniques, and contemporary technologies to craft high performance sportswear that is tailored, technical, and timeless.  A story telling brand regaling the narratives of people, places, memories, and moments connected to life in the mountains, Alps & Meters may be found at luxury sportswear retailers in North America and within its flagship boutiques at the St. Regis Resort Deer Valley, Utah, and in Boston, Massachusetts.

“As an American brand built upon skiing tradition, Alps & Meters holds the deepest respect for the Land Rover U.S. Ski Team, an organization which has been at the forefront of alpine sport development and competitiveness for more than 100 years, “ said Alps & Meters Founder/CEO, Louis Joseph, former Global Director of Strategy & Innovation at PUMA/Kering.  “To join in partnership with the U.S. Ski Team is an honor.  At Alps & Meters we look forward to collaborating with all U.S. Ski Team stakeholders in Park City, Utah, and around the world to further champion the great tradition of American skiing while co-creating a series of luxury sportswear assortments that will allow athletes, supporters, trustees, retail partners, and passionate skiers to join us in further fostering the tradition of American alpine excellence.”

“The Alps & Meters brand is passionate about ski tradition, a notion shared by the U.S. Ski Team,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer Michael O’Conor. “Without recognizing and learning from our storied history, we cannot innovate into the future as we prepare our athletes to be the best in the world year after year. Creating this menswear collection with Alps & Meters will provide a way for our fans and supporters to share in our traditions, as well impact the future of the U.S. Ski Team with a portion of all sales directed back to the Team. We are excited to welcome Alps & Meters into the U.S. Ski Team family.”

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About Alps & Meters:
Alps & Meters is a luxury sportswear brand headquartered in New England, USA.  Founded upon a mission to uphold the classic traditions of alpine sport, Alps & Meters’ products combine the world’s best natural materials, classic construction techniques, and contemporary technologies which craft high performance garments that are tailored, technical and timeless. 

#DesignedByTradition

To learn more about Alps & Meters visit www.alpsandmeters.com

Follow Alps & Meters on Instagram @alpsandmeters

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

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today a partnership with award-winning non-profit health education innovator TeachAids to provide members cutting-edge concussion education resources as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to athlete health and wellness. 

More than 2.5 million young people suffer concussions in the United States each year. With proper care, most concussions can heal within 10 days, but the overwhelming majority suffering from concussion symptoms are unaware of the latest science around prevention and treatment. TeachAids’ Crash Course Education initiative sets out to solve this problem with an innovative platform.

CrashCourse is a video-based interactive learning experience developed alongside a world-class team of academics, researchers, doctors, and athletes. CrashCourse utilizes virtual reality and other interactive online technologies, taking an individual through real-life scenarios, a Brain Fly-Through, a Concussion Story Wall, as well as a series of short films with respected athletes who raise awareness and thereby reduce stigma. 

“CrashCourse will not only enhance our ability as an organization to educate athletes and coaches, but thanks to TeachAids’ extensive network, it will also allow U.S. Ski & Snowboard to collaborate with some of the country’s top sports organizations,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Sport Education Gar Trayner.“ Between the groundbreaking technology and extensive network of teams, athletes, and medical professionals that TeachAids brings to the table, we look forward to improving our internal health education processes as well as creating greater concussion awareness within the ski and snowboard community.”

"It's been incredibly inspiring to work with the leadership at U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Dr. Piya Sorcar, founder and CEO of TeachAids. “They care deeply about identifying research-based and highly impactful methods to make sport safer. "

For more information on CrashCourse by TeachAids, its partners, and to view their free curricula, visit www.CrashCourse.TeachAids.org.

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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 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 CrashCourse by TeachAids
TeachAids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social venture that creates breakthrough software addressing numerous persistent problems in health education around the world, including HIV/AIDS, concussion, and COVID-19 education. CrashCourse is the second free health education program launched by TeachAids in collaboration with Stanford University, following the global success of its award-winning HIV/AIDS interactive software, which is used in 82 countries around the world. For more information on TeachAids visit TeachAids.org or follow us on Twitter @TeachAids, Facebook @TeachAids, YouTube at TeachAids, and Instagram at @teachaids.

OGIO Inc., a leading innovator of sports and travel bags, backpacks, and golf bags, announced today their partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, becoming the exclusive travel gear partner for some of the world’s most elite winter athletes. As an official partner, OGIO will work closely with the organization’s athletes, coaches, and equipment managers to produce travel and equipment bags built to the specifications that teams, skiers, and snowboarders demand throughout the global competition season and beyond. This includes wheeled ski and snowboard bags, on-mountain backpacks, and special travel gear that incorporates the key characteristics OGIO is known for – durability, protection, thoughtful organization, and comfort.

"OGIO has worked hard to earn its reputation as the most durable and functional travel gear for athletes and professionals of all types,” said Gregg Hemphill, OGIO’s General Manager. “We are thrilled to have earned the trust of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard teams’ athletes, coaches, team managers, and staff to carry all of their essential equipment and gear as they compete around the world. It has been very exciting to work hand-in-hand with such a passionate organization in creating our new winter sports gear bags, and we can’t wait for skiers and snowboarders around the world to get their hands on these bags as well.”

“Our athletes are innovators of their sports and we are excited to partner with an innovative company like OGIO for such an important need for our teams,” said Michael O’Conor, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Chief Revenue Officer. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and teams crisscross the globe chasing snow and competitions, and OGIO will provide peace of mind when it comes to transporting required gear and equipment. We are thrilled to bring the U.S. Ski & Snowboard OGIO line to life and know skiers and snowboarders of all abilities will appreciate the features and details this collection has to offer. Whether you’re an amateur weekend warrior or seasoned powder hound, you can count on OGIO to get you where you need to go, just as our elite teams do.”

Throughout the partnership, OGIO will unveil a variety of winter sports gear bags and backpacks, including U.S. Ski & Snowboard team-issue wheeled ski and snowboard bags, rolling duffels, backpacks, and a RIG 9800 wheeled gear bag specifically designed for winter sports. This collection will launch at the beginning of the ’21 winter season.

More information on U.S. Ski & Snowboard can be found at www.usskiandsnowboard.org. For more information on OGIO and to stay up to date on their latest product releases, please visit www.ogio.com.

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ABOUT OGIO
Founded in 1987, OGIO is an award-winning global leader in gear bag design and manufacturing, recognized for fusing performance, sports and lifestyle in every collection. Today, the company aims to make the world’s most ingeniously designed, expertly constructed and technologically unrivaled personal storage products.

The innovative brand produces gear-focused bags with durable materials, long shelf lives and a plethora of pockets for storage. In all production, OGIO operates on the pillars of organization, durability, protection, ergonomics, mobility and sustainability.

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