U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced a partnership with Align Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGN), makers of the Invisalign® clear aligner system, making the Invisalign brand the Official Smile of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the Olympic national governing body of ski and snowboard sports in the United States. The multi-year, worldwide sponsorship includes development of original Invisalign branded content across social media channels and for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website. As part of the agreement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard will launch a program for athletes to join the Invisalign Smile Squad and receive Invisalign treatment and then share their Invisalign treatment experiences on their social media profiles.

“Smiles, skiing, and snowboarding go hand-in-hand, so we’re excited to connect with athletes from the U.S. Ski, Snowboard, and Freeski teams and their fans around the world,” said Kamal Bhandal, Align Technology vice president, Global Brand and Consumer Marketing. “Our purpose is transforming smiles and changing lives, and we admire these talented and inspirational athletes and their commitment to being the best in the world.  We look forward to working with U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes on the Invisalign Smile Squad and supporting their Invisalign treatment journeys as they come to life in their stories and experiences shared across media platforms.”

“We’re all smiles in announcing Align’s Technology’s Invisalign brand as our first-ever Official Smile Partner,” said Michael O’Conor, chief revenue officer for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Smiling confidently is a feeling our athletes know well, whether on the slopes or the top of the podium. We are excited to partner with a brand committed to using technology to change lives for the better, just as we are committed to supporting our athletes in their pursuit of excellence. We look forward to sharing our Invisalign Smile Squad stories and introducing the Invisalign brand to our fans around the world.”

“We welcome U.S. Snowboard Team athletes Jamie Anderson, Maddie Mastro and Red Gerard, and U.S. Freeski Team athlete David Wise to the Invisalign Smile Squad and are excited to support their Invisalign treatment journey as they join over 9.6 million patients around the world who have used the Invisalign system to improve their smiles,” said Frank Quinn, Align Technology vice president and general manager, U.S. “We’re proud to be the Official Smile of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and to help Invisalign trained doctors transform the winning smiles of these great U.S. athletes.”

At 30-years-old, Jamie Anderson continues to raise the bar in women’s competitive snowboarding and beyond. Anderson is a double-Olympic gold medalist, earned silver in the inaugural 2018 Olympic big air, and is the winningest female X Games athlete of all time, with 19 medals. Most recently, Anderson has proven herself in the world of backcountry snowboarding competing in events like the Natural Selection event and filming her own movie Unconditional. Anderson is thrilled to partner with the Invisalign brand to bring her smile to the next level. “My smile is a reflection of my best self!” said Anderson. “I’m excited to partner with the Invisalign brand so I can give my smile that extra boost. Invisalign treatment will help elevate my confidence on and off the snow.”

Maddie Mastro was an Olympian at the age of 17 and has since medaled at two World Championships. She is the first woman to ever land the "double crippler" both in and out of halfpipe competition, putting her at the forefront of women’s snowboard progression. As an elite athlete always in the spotlight, Mastro is excited to partner with Invisalign in making her smile podium-ready. “I absolutely love my Invisalign treatment and am super excited to be a brand athlete ambassador!” Mastro said. “Invisalign clear aligners work great for an active lifestyle and you can’t even tell you are wearing them, which makes for a winning smile.”

Red Gerard became a household name at the 2018 Olympics where he became the youngest male U.S. Olympian to win a gold in 90 years at the age of 17 with his win in snowboard slopestyle. Gerard went on to earn gold at the 2019 Burton U.S. Open and Bronze at X Games Aspen 2020. Gerard is more than a competition snowboarder, his film Joy won Movie of the Year at the 2020 Snowboarder Awards, and he's a star of the 2020 Burton team video "One World." “My partnership with the Invisalign brand is ideal due to my heavy travel schedule competing and filming all year,” said Gerard. “It’s a quick and simple program that allows me to focus on riding while it focuses on my teeth.” 

David Wise is a husband, father, and the only male freeski halfpipe gold medalist in Olympic history winning the inaugural contest at the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games. Wise also has four X Games gold medals, 16 World Cup podiums, and a World Championship victory to his name. Invisalign clear aligners will provide a perfect solution to help Wise work on his smile while keeping up with his busy home and competitive life. “Looking your best helps give you that extra bit of confidence,” Wise said. “In my sport, confidence is everything. While I’ve always wanted a less crooked smile, I’ve been reluctant to use traditional orthodontics. I’m excited to begin Invisalign treatment because it fits my chaotic lifestyle and won’t make me hide my teeth along the way. I look forward to breaking out a new winning smile.”

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About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and offers the Invisalign® system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, iTero® intraoral scanners and services, and exocad CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 200 thousand doctor customers, and is key to accessing Align’s 500 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Align has helped doctors treat over 9.6 million patients with the Invisalign system and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero systems and services, please visit www.itero.com. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.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 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 announces the pending resignation of its President and CEO Tiger Shaw effective March 1, 2022, following the Beijing Winter Olympics. Shaw will be named CEO Emeritus upon his resignation and will join the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board as a Trustee focusing on several key fundraising priorities including Athlete funding, an initiative that has been a central focus during his eight-year tenure as CEO. The Board will begin a search for its next CEO immediately with the objective of having a new CEO in place in time to overlap with Shaw prior to his departure next March.

Shaw joined U.S. Ski & Snowboard in October 2013 and during his tenure, he will have served through three Olympic Games and 12 World Championships. In addition to many notable athletic accomplishments under his watch, Shaw led U.S. Ski & Snowboard to 32 Olympic and 64 World Championship medals representing 60% of the US medals won across all Winter Olympic sports. Shaw led efforts to dramatically improve athlete funding, to support coach professional development, and to improve the athlete experience thus driving important organizational culture initiatives that will have an impact for years to come. During Shaw’s tenure, the Foundation endowment grew from $36MM to nearly $60MM, enabling $3MM in annual athlete funding, and organizational debt has declined by more than $10MM.

“We have had great leadership under Tiger during his tenure, guiding the organization through both good and difficult times. He leaves a legacy of achievement and change with permanent benefit,” said Board of Directors Chair Kipp Nelson. “While we are saddened by his future departure, we understand his desire to pursue other endeavors and wish him the very best. We are so pleased Tiger will continue his close involvement with U.S. Ski & Snowboard as CEO Emeritus and as a Foundation Trustee undoubtedly championing many of the key initiatives he launched as CEO,” continued Nelson.

“While I look forward to new career challenges, I know I will leave this organization, which I care for so deeply, in great shape with an incredible management team and supportive boards,” said Shaw. “I am excited to manage a seamless transition and to stay very involved as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Trustee and CEO Emeritus. I am proud of my accomplishments over the past eight years and our future looks bright. I have a world-class team and know their accomplishments will continue to be amongst the best in the world.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the Olympic national governing body of skiing and snowboarding in the United States, today announced a new four-year partnership with the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS). Founded in 1973, the NBS promotes winter sports among minorities and seeks to develop elite-level minority winter sport athletes. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NBS will work together to increase participation of minorities in elite-level skiing and snowboarding competition. 

“We are extremely pleased to partner and work hand in hand with U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said National Brotherhood of Skiers President Henri Rivers. “Their goal and the goals of the National Brotherhood of Skiers clearly focus on the same path of being the best in the world and making snowsports and elite-level competition more inclusive to African Americans and people of color. Elevating an African American to a World Cup podium in skiing and snowboarding would bring the United States to a new level of being the best in the world.”

“We are honored to officially partner with the National Brotherhood of Skiers,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “I regret we have not done so sooner, as our missions are aligned in making the U.S. Best in the World at Olympic skiing and snowboarding. We cannot truly be the best until we are more inclusive and accessible to all. We recognize the economic and geographical barriers to our sports and in partnering with NBS know we will be better equipped to engage with minority and underrepresented communities. The mountains are a place we can find common ground, recognize our similarities and appreciate our differences. We look forward to working with NBS over the next four years, and well into the future, in creating a more inclusive winter sports community.”

This new partnership seeks to establish a comprehensive program involving outreach efforts, training, funding and other resources aimed at achieving athletic excellence and furthering the mission of the NBS and developing a pipeline of elite-level minority winter sport athletes. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will provide NBS coaches access to its Sport Education programs as well as provide training opportunities to NBS athletes commensurate with their level of athletic accomplishment and qualifications. Both organizations will facilitate access to resources for minority athletes who have experienced economic barriers to the entry into and continued participation in winter sports. 

To kick off the partnership U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce its title sponsorship of the NBS 2021 Virtual Black Ski Summit. Traditionally held on the slopes, the Summit is one of the largest gatherings of skiers and riders in the United States bringing together over 5,000 people from across the country. Due to COVID-19 this year’s Summit will be virtual. The primary purpose of the Summit is to fundraise to support the NBS’ Olympic Scholarship Fund, designed to provide financial support for exceptional athletes of color who excel in winter sports. Ski and snowboard fans and supporters can participate in the public online auction, live at http://auction.nbs.org through Feb. 28, 2021. 

As a leader in the snowsports community domestically and abroad, U.S. Ski & Snowboard recognizes the opportunity it has in fostering, cultivating and maintaining a culture of inclusion and diversity in the mountains. In working with NBS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard hopes to grow the visibility of winter sports in underrepresented communities, as well as increase engagement with those populations. 

Over the next four years U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NBS will work together on efforts to dismantle stereotypes and discrimination and promote racial inclusion and equity throughout the winter sports industry.

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About National Brotherhood of Skiers
Founded in 1973, the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) is comprised of over 50 clubs throughout the United States. Membership includes approximately 3,500 snow sports enthusiasts. Each year, the organization hosts the NBS Black Summit, the largest gathering of skiers and snowboarders in the nation. The annual Summit attracts attendees of all ages and includes a wide range of events on and off the slopes. Due to covid restrictions, this year’s Black Summit will be held virtually February 26-28, 2021. The event supports the NBS Olympic Scholarship Fund and its mission to identify, develop and support athletes of color who will WIN Olympic and international winter sports competitions, representing the United States, and to increase participation in winter sports. The event also serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser, supporting aspiring winter sports athletes and local NBS club programs. The NBS is managed by an all-volunteer board and is volunteer driven. Henri Rivers currently serves as the organization’s national president.

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 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

The U.S. is primed to make history by hosting the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover, 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. Aspen Snowmass will also take on the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix March 18-21, marking back-to-back weeks of elite ski and snowboard park and pipe competition at Buttermilk.

Following the cancellation of the 2021 FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Championships, originally scheduled to take place in Zhangjiakou, China, Feb. 18-28, U.S. Ski & Snowboard in partnership with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and Aspen Snowmass, found a new home for two events which are key to the overall 2020-21 FIS freeski and snowboard calendar as well as the 2022 U.S. Olympic Team selection process.

“We are truly grateful for our valued resort partners at Aspen Snowmass for their willingness and flexibility to host what should be two spectacular weeks of competition,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “This season has been incredibly challenging for event organizers across the globe, we are fortunate to be able to host World Championships, which will feature the Visa Big Air, and the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix on home snow at a famed venue like Buttermilk. We are thrilled to be able to keep these events on the calendar and provide competition opportunities for the world’s top skiers and riders.”

Aspen Snowmass is no stranger to world-class competition. Buttermilk has been home to X Games Aspen for two decades and hosts the Aspen Snowmass Open annually, now a stop on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Rev Tour. Snowmass served as an Olympic tryout event at the 2018 U.S. Grand Prix and Aspen Mountain even played host to the 1950 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity during a very unique season to add to Aspen Snowmass’s winter sports legacy by hosting the World Championships and another Grand Prix event,” said John Rigney, Senior Vice President of Aspen Snowmass. “Buttermilk has long been a proving ground for the very best skiers and riders in the world thanks to X Games, so while we’ll be mobilizing quickly to support these amazing athletes and our valued partners at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS – we’re proud to offer a world-class venue for these prestigious competitions.”

The Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships will include slopestyle, halfpipe, as well as the second annual Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover, originally scheduled Dec. 18-19 at Copper Mountain, Colo. Following show-stopping performances in Atlanta’s SunTrust Park in December of 2019, it’s only fitting the Visa Big Air found a new arena fit for big air progression. 

The Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup slopestyle and halfpipe competitions will serve as the first snowboard and freeski Olympic tryout events and will replace the originally scheduled competitions at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Calif., from Feb. 3-6. The Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain originally scheduled from Dec. 13-19 is officially canceled. 

To encourage social distancing, there will not be spectator zones for both the World Championships and World Cup competitions, fans are encouraged to tune in to watch or stream on the networks and streaming platforms of NBC. 

Specific event information will be forthcoming as the local organizing committee works through its detailed protocols with local and state health officials. The World Championships and the 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. 

SCHEDULE

Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships
Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Big Air
March 10-16

Snowboard:
March 10 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 11 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 12 - Slopestyle finals
March 13 - Halfpipe finals
March 14 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

Freeski:
March 10 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 11 - Slopestyle qualifications 
March 12 - Halfpipe finals                                
March 13 - Slopestyle finals
March 15 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

 
Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup
Slopestyle and Halfpipe
March 18-21

Snowboard:
March 18 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 19 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 20 - Slopestyle finals
March 21 - Halfpipe finals

Freeski: 
March 18 - Slopestyle qualifications
March 19 - Halfpipe qualifications
March 20 - Slopestyle finals
March 21 - Halfpipe finals

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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.

About Aspen Snowmass
Established in 1946, Aspen Snowmass owns and operates four mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - creating premium, sustainable and transformative experiences in recreation, culture and nature. In addition, the company runs the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen Snowmass, Four Mountain Sports rental and retail shops, and a collection of sustainably-sourced on-mountain food & beverage outlets. Aspen Snowmass works to drive positive social change through climate, community, and minority group advocacy and investment. For more information about Aspen Snowmass, visit www.aspensnowmass.com. Follow @aspensnowmass on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced on Feb. 8, 2021 that the national governing body will not field a team at the 2021 FIS Freestyle, Snowboard, and Freeski Junior World Championships in Krasnoyarsk, Russia March 18-28.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Board of Directors approved a Strategic Panel tasked with determining whether to withdraw the U.S. Junior World Championships Team from the event in accordance with its responsibilities as a national governing body, as detailed in the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. The Strategic Panel includes one-third athlete representation and their input was included throughout all levels of the review.

After significant evaluation of circumstances specific to the region including the COVID-19 landscape, travel challenges, additional safety and medical concerns, as well as potential quarantine situations, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Strategic Panel unanimously decided to withdraw from the event. The health and safety of all U.S. Ski & Snowboard members, athletes, and staff remain our highest priority. U.S. athletes will not be able to participate independently.

While no U.S. athletes will compete, U.S. Ski & Snowboard wishes the International Ski Federation (FIS), the local organizing committee, and all athletes a successful event.

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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.
 

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