Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team’s Cody Winters has steadily risen through the ranks of international competition on the FIS World Cup circuit in both snowboard cross and alpine snowboard disciplines. The Steamboat Springs native made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in the men’s parallel giant slalom and has his eyes set on making history in 2026 by becoming the first American to compete in both alpine snowboard and snowboard cross disciplines in one Olympic Winter Games.

The 2024-25 season was the strongest of Winter’s career thus far, earning his first World Cup podium in both parallel slalom and snowboard cross events only a few weeks apart. At the 2025 FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, Winters delivered solid individual performances in both disciplines, placing fifth in parallel giant slalom and advancing through the snowboard cross qualification rounds.

Winters’ is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

We caught up with Winters to dive into his background, reflect on a season of milestones, and look ahead to his goals for 2025-26.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport?
CODY WINTERS: Family, snowboarding started out as a family adventure for me. My dad and brother are the ones who taught me to do it. It’s how we spent our winter weekends as a family.

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
CW: My only goal was to be better than my older brother 😂 still working on that one and he retired 7 years ago. 

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
CW: Getting a podium in and two different disciplines within a month of each other. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
CW: To be a true professional snowboarder and make a living off of my true passion 

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport.
CW: Inside the sport of snowboarding, I draw inspiration across all the different disciplines. Some of my heroes include Jeremy Jones, Terii Hawkinson, Danny Davis. Benjamin Carl, and Eliot GrondIn. Outside of the sport, some of my heroes include Kobe Bryant, David Goggins, & the Dwane the Rock Johnson.

Questions sponsored by Zion's Bank.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
CW: I invest it all  back into snowboarding from buying flights paying for hotels, ski passes and hiring a coach. I can make $5000 move pretty quick.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
CW: No but I want to start, one of my new years resolutions was too have better organization of my spending. 

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?
CW: "Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” - Benjamin Franklin ... and "Don't spend money you don't have"

Keep up with Cody on Instagram HERE!

The best freestyle aerial skiers in the U.S. will battle it out at the 2025 U.S. Freestyle Ultimate Airwave at the Utah Olympic Park on Aug. 23rd.

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 12:45 pm-5 pm on Aug. 23rd, will feature the majority of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld, along with 2025 world champions Kaila Kuhn and Quinn Dehlinger. 

Qualification begins at 12:45 pm, where the top 12 finishers for men and women will advance. Finals are set to begin at 4:10 pm. 

Following the FIS 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, in a thrilling show format. 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.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and USPA to offer High Quality Flexible Education to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athletes

Elkins, N.H. – US Performance Academy is thrilled to announce that it has become an Official Online Academic Partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding.

"Our athletes spend a lot of time on travel and competition,” said Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue & Philanthropy Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “USPA's high quality, rigorous and flexible education aligns perfectly with their needs. In addition to USPA’s excellent education, this partnership offers our members exclusive discounts on tuition, collegiate eligibility guidance, and lifetime college counselling.”

USPA will offer online seminars to U.S. Ski & Snowboard members and attend select U.S. Ski & Snowboard events to provide in-person expert guidance from Family Advisors.

“USPA is thrilled to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. We have many junior skiers and snowboarders that currently attend USPA, and we know that our flexibility and custom support are a great benefit to competitive skiers and snowboarders. At USPA, school goes wherever your travel schedule goes, and our accredited program and experienced learning coaches ensure student athletes don’t have to choose between pursuing their dreams and pursuing their education,” said Aileen Hawkins, CEO of Inspired Online Schools USA.

USPA Elite’s unique online learning model empowers motivated student-athletes to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels in their chosen sport. Unlike other online schools, USPA is fully accredited and NCAA approved. It offers flexible school schedules, academic calendars, and a comprehensive support system for students in grades 6-12. Through this partnership, young athletes can pursue their goals in sport without compromising their education.

To learn more about USPA, visit www.gouspa.org/USSS.

Register for a virtual Open House or Connect with a USPA Family Advisor.

Follow USPA on social media:
Instagram: @usperformanceacademy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USPerformanceAcademy

Media Contact: Esther Clark, esther.clark@inspiredonlineschools.com

About US Performance Academy
USPA Live is open for enrollment with online classes starting August 2025, beginning with grades 6-10. USPA Elite is open for enrolment for middle and high school athletes and performers in grades 6-12. Through a comprehensive educational support program, USPA's teachers, learning coaches, counselors, and coaches create a community where online education and performance intersect with a human connection. For more information, visit: www.gouspa.org

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

Stifel U.S. Ski Team alpine skier Hunter Salani is making his mark on the professional circuit. A Colorado native and standout from Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, Salani had a breakout 2024-25 season with the national team, highlighted by a bronze medal in the Team Combined event at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships.

A rising star in multiple disciplines, Salani continues to push the limits of his potential. This fall, he will take the next step in his journey both academically and athletically, enrolling at the University of Colorado Boulder and joining the CU Buffs ski team.

Salani is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

We caught up with Salani to dive into his background, reflect on a season of milestones, and look ahead to his goals for 2025-26.

Q: What initially drew you to this sport?
HUNTER SALANI: During my first couple of years at the ski club, we would freeski in the mornings and begin to train gates in the afternoon. I loved free skiing, but when I would train gates, I fell in love with it. I thoroughly enjoyed skiing around the gates with my small giant slalom skis on and I became obsessed really fast. 

Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
HS:  After I realized I was very talented on skis I started to think about goals. When you are young doing a sport you don't think about goals you are just doing it and having fun. When it hit me that I could go places in skiing, I set out goals. A huge goal of mine is to race on the World Cup. The World Cup is the pinnacle of ski racing and to compete would be amazing.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
HS: My biggest accomplishment came last year at the Junior World Championships. During the super-G and slalom combine Stanley Buzek and I earned bronze. This was such an amazing experience and to do it with my teammate Stanley was special. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?
HS: My ultimate goal is to win World Cups. Aside from that, I would love to grow the sport and be a good mentor to the next generation. I looked up to ski racers when I was young and they were a huge part in my success. I want to be the person young skiers look up to and get inspired to race. 

Q: Who are your heroes?
HS: My heroes are Anthony Edwards and Bode Miller. Anthony Edwards has the mindset I strive to gain, he wants to be the best and he wants to beat everyone he goes against. He also does not care what other people think - he is just being himself. What  I loved about Bode was he was also fearless when it came to skiing, especially downhill.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
HS: I would save the money and spend it very carefully. I also have stocks right now so I would probably put some of it into those. 

Q: Do you have a budget or follow a spending structure?
HS: I don't have a budget, but I try to spend my money carefully. Since I am not working right now it is important to not blow through all my money. My grandfather is very good at saving his money and I have learned a lot from him. 

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?

HS: I try not to spend a lot of money on food, especially when it is not necessary. Food can add up very quickly, so I try to eat in when I can.

Follow Hunter on social media here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vonn Nominated for "Best Comeback"

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

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

Elliott Nominated for "Best Athlete with a Disability"

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

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

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

Follow THIS LINK to vote. 

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

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

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

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

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

See the recap video here.