Aaron Blunck and Brita Sigourney led the U.S. Freeski team in first and third respectively in halfpipe on the final day of the 25th anniversary Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. 

Sunday’s Grand Prix was the first Olympic tryout event for athletes vying for their chance to make the U.S. Team for the  2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games.

Adversity has been no stranger to Blunck this season, especially Sunday, battling varied spring conditions and taking a brutal slam on his first run. In true Blunck fashion, the two-time World Champion dominated the stage with his third run, floating five double cork hits to secure the top spot. Blunck was joined on the podium by Canada’s Brendan Mackay in second and New Zealand’s Nico Porteous in third.

“After my first run fall, I needed to completely regroup and remember that, honestly, I wasn’t supposed to be skiing until this month,” said Blunck, who is rebounding after a bone-crushing crash during training camp last October in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. “I reminded myself to be grateful. After that, I knew my second run wasn’t the best run. So third run, I knew what I had to do. I knew that I had to land. And I honestly couldn’t be more stoked that I landed my third and final run and came out on top.”

Teammate David Wise finished in fourth among a talented field of riders. The two-time Olympic gold medalist made his presence known on his first run landing a switch right 1080 and back-to-back double cork 1260’s to raise the energy level in what was a slow start to the competition.

Birk Irving, who earned World Championships bronze last week, also made a strong appearance finishing in fifth-place after styling a consistent switch 1080 on his first hit to a double flat spin. Aspen local Alex Ferreira took sixth, Lyman Currier seventh, Hunter Hess 10th, and Aspen local Tristan Feinberg took 11th competing in his first World Cup final.

“I am super hyped to be in my first finals,” said Feinberg.” I am a little bummed that I couldn’t put down my run due to speed, but happy to be here. I’m looking forward to the next one and am hungry as ever. I am happy with my performance in qualifiers and super happy that I am here. It’s surreal.”

In the women’s finals, two-time Olympic medalist and halfpipe veteran Sigourney finessed all three runs which included her signature alley-oop mute grab and an off-axis 720. Teammate Devin Logan also completed three consistent runs to earn fifth. Sigourney shared the podium with Canada’s Rachael Karker in first place and Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin in second place. Karker’s win marks her first-ever World Cup victory.

“Obviously, there is a lot of pressure going into this event knowing it’s an Olympic qualifier,” said Sigourney. “I am just really happy to put down three runs to have improved each time. I am stoked to walk away with third place. I think we’re looking really solid (for the Beijing 2022 Olympics). There is a lot of progression happening right now, especially on that younger side.”

RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Halfpipe
Women’s Freeski Halfpipe
 

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST
 

Monday, March 22
3:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
5:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

Tuesday, March 23
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
4:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

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The U.S. Freeski Team dominated in the slopestyle finals on Saturday with Colby Stevenson taking the victory and Mac Forehand claiming second at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix World Cup at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo.

The Grand Prix 25th Anniversary served as the first Olympic tryout event for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. With sunshine and spring conditions on full display, U.S. athletes battled it out to get one step closer to the U.S. Snowboard Olympic Team.

Two-time X Games Gold Medalist Colby Stevenson led the men throughout the day putting down his first and third runs. On his first run, Stevenson ran with a solid rail section including a right 270 to right 630 and back-to-back double corks into the finish. Stevenson improved on his third run with an aggressive rails section and massive third air. “To get the win and get one step closer to the Olympics, which obviously is one of my goals, is amazing,” said Stevenson. “So I am stoked.”

U.S. Freeski Team member Mac Forehand showed his perseverance while competing at the Grand Prix, continuing his momentum from a fourth-place finish at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships last week.  Forehand landed his first run complete with a strong rail section and a double cork 1440 Tail to Japan grab to close it out. His score held throughout the entire event to secure a spot on the podium.

“I am super happy. I had a pretty bad practice because I couldn’t put my run down,” said Forehand. “Just to be able to get up there, focus, and put my first run down took a lot of weight off my shoulders. Colby is just the king. He’s on top killing it every single year, so huge congrats to him.”

Sweden’s Henrik Harlaut found redemption following a difficult week at the World Championships, earning third place to round out the podium. 

Alex Hall, who claimed bronze at World Championships last week, also fought to the finish among a steep field of talent, ending the day in fifth place. Hall showcased consistent skiing throughout his three runs, including a stylish nose-butter in the rails and a double cork 1620 double seatbelt grab on the final air. Teammate Cody LaPlante finished the day in seventh.

Two-time Olympian and U.S. Freeski Team member Maggie Voisin, who just returned to competition after her second ACL surgery in two years, put on an impressive performance, finishing in a respectable fifth place. She put down runs full of effortless style including her signature rodeo on the final air. 

“More than anything, I am grateful to be back skiing,” said Voisin. “Having knee surgery in August and back-to-back knee surgeries the past few years has mentally been really tough. So I’ve worked really hard! All these girls out here are inspiring me to push myself. This is what I love to do and I couldn’t ask for anything better.” 

France’s Tess Ledeux took first, Great Britain's Kristy Muir second, and Russia’s Anastasia Tatalina earned third. U.S. Freeski Rookie Team members Marin Hamil and Rell Harwood finished in sixth and seventh respectively.

Tomorrow concludes the competition at the 25th Anniversary of the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix with freeski and snowboard halfpipe finals.

WATCH REPLAY ON PEACOCK

RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Slopestyle
Women’s Freeski Slopestyle 

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Sunday, March 21
11:30 a.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock

Monday, March 22
3:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
5:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

Tuesday, March 23
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
4:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

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U.S. skiers and riders put up a fight at the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover finals on the last day of the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo., Tuesday. U.S. Freeski Team member Mac Forehand led the way for the Americans finishing fourth and U.S. Snowboard Team member Judd Henkes was seventh.

Forehand put on an impressive performance just missing the podium in his second competition back from sustaining a knee injury at the 2019 Visa Big Air at SunTrust Park in Atlanta.

“It feels super good to be back.” said Forehand. “I just really wanted to put something down. I didn’t really care where I ended up, but that was probably the best switch mute 18 I have ever done. I am so excited to be back competing at the level I was at before. The level of skiing out here today was insane and the future of skiing is looking bright.”

In the final run of the men’s freeski Visa Big Air finals, the field began heating up. Forehand was no exception, landing a switch left double cork 1800 mute, putting him into third. He, unfortunately, got bumped to fourth after Canada’s rising star Edouard Therriault landed a massive and stylish switch left double 1800 tail grab. 

Sweden’s Oliwer Magnusson of Sweden earned gold, Therriault claimed silver, and Switzerland’s Kim Gubser rounded out the podium with the bronze. U.S. Freeski Team member Alex Hall finished seventh. 

In the women’s field, Russia Ski Federation's Anastasia Tatalina made history putting down mirrored dub 12s to please the judges and hold down the top spot, becoming the first RSF woman and athlete to be crowned as a FIS Freeski World Champion.

“I know that I have these tricks, and I just wanted to land it," said Tatalina. “I worked so hard for that and I finally made it. It feels amazing.”

She was followed by teammate Lana Prusakova taking silver and China’s Eileen Gu earning the bronze. Gu’s finish marked her third podium of the Aspen 2021 World Championships

The final of day of World Championships competition continued with U.S. Snowboard Team member Judd Henkes earning seventh place.

“I definitely wanted some more on that last one, but I am stoked to put down two tricks and to have some momentum moving into the next contest,” said Henkes. “Big air snowboarding is insane right now. People are so talented and it’s become a game of inches. You’ve got to land perfectly.”

Henkes completed a backside triple 1620 Weddle, but the judges docked him for a small hand-drag in his landing. He then landed a switch 1440 Stalefish on his final run. Canada’s Mark McMorris found redemption from a tough performance in slopestyle taking the gold, while countryman Max Parrot earned silver, and Norway’s Marcus Kleveland took bronze.

For the women, Canada’s Laurie Blouin topped the podium earning gold, New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott took silver - her second medal of the World Championships - and Japan’s Miyabi Onitsuka earned bronze.

The U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Teams will remain in Aspen for the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix slopestyle and halfpipe World Cup. The U.S. Grand Prix is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, so  it’s only fitting the competition will serve as the first U.S. Snowboard and Freeski Olympic tryout event. 

RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Big Air
Women’s Freeski Big Air
Men’s Snowboard Big Air
Women’s Snowboard Big Air

WATCH REPLAY ON PEACOCK
Snowboard Big Air Finals
Freeski Big Air Finals

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Saturday, March 20
11:30 a.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Sunday, March 21
11:30 a.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Monday, March 22
3:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
5:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

Tuesday, March 23
3:00 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Freeski Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
4:30 p.m. Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix Snowboard Halfpipe - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN

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U.S. Freeski Team members Colby Stevenson claimed the slopestyle silver and Alex Hall took the bronze at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo., Saturday. Sweden’s Andri Ragettli won the gold.

Despite variable conditions with increasing winds and cloud coverage throughout the morning, the U.S. Freeski Team battled it out on the course. U.S. Freeski Team Head Coach Skogen Sprang agreed the athletes put on a show. “They skied amazing and powered through the challenging conditions with the wind today,” Sprang said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. They laid down their runs and skied great.”

In his second World Championship start, Stevenson, who qualified third for Saturday’s final, put down a solid first run with clean airs and rails although leaving plenty of room for improvement. On his second run, he did just that and stepped it up a notch with two switch doubles and a double cork 1620, moving him from eighth place to the top seat and bumping Britain's James Woods to second. Stevenson held on to the top spot until Ragettli slid into the gold medal position on his third and final run.

“Any day I come out and land a run, that’s a win for me,” said Stevenson. “Especially for Alex (Hall) to be on the podium with me too in these conditions. There is a lot more pressure when there are elements involved other than the run ahead of you — you’ve got the wind, maybe snow coming in, and flat light. Definitely a lot of added pressure. Really stoked to come out and stomp a run.”

Hall, who was the top qualifier, had a different story of triumph following his first two runs. Hall struggled uncharacteristically with the first rail feature, which resulted in a throwaway for his first two runs. By the third and final run, even with increasing and undesirable winds, Hall gritted his way to bronze medal position with two switch doubles and a double 1620 Buick on his final air.

“I couldn’t make it past the first rail which was a little frustrating,” said Hall. “I was struggling with that rail all day. So I switched it up for the last run since I was pretty down the drain mentally, but once I got past the first rail I got a little more hyped to do the rest of the run. I am stoked it worked out for the last one!”

Marin Hamill, U.S. Freeski Rookie Team member made her World Championship debut by qualifying second and finishing in fifth place overall. She has already earned seven World Cup top-10 finishes, and continues to improve every event. Saturday, Hamill proved her strength all throughout her runs, steadily improving her jumps and rails.

“I didn’t ski that well in my runs as I wanted to, but I still had a blast until the wind came,” said Hamill. “This definitely boosted my confidence, knowing that I can land a run here.”

China’s Eileen Gu won the gold, Swiss Mathilde Gremaud took the silver and Canada’s Megan Oldham claimed the bronze.

The U.S. Freeski Team will resume competition Monday at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, with the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover qualification round.

RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Slopestyle
Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle
 

START LISTS
Men’s Freeski Halfpipe
Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe
 

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Sunday, March 14
12:00 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
11:55 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Women’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC
2:10 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying, heat 1 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
4:25 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying, heat 2 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Monday, March 15
11:55 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Women’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
2:10 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying, heat 1 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
4:25 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying, heat 2 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Tuesday, March 16
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock
1:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
3:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, April 11
2:00 p.m. World Freestyle Championships Event Recap, Aspen, Colorado, Broadcast NBCSN

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

Snowboard:
March 14 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

Freeski:
March 15 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals
 

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U.S. Freeski Team member Birk Irving took halfpipe bronze at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover. Alex Ferreira and Hanna Faulhaber each finished fourth for the U.S.

The day presented difficult spring pipe conditions for athletes, including an icy left wall and soft sun-splashed right wall. Regardless, the U.S. Team made an impressive showing of style across women's and men's teams.

"I didn't put down all the runs I wanted to, but for my first run to hold all the way through, with this level of skiing, is so insane," said Irving. "I couldn't have asked for a better day, the pipe was so good, and the level of skiing right now is so gnarly."

Twenty-one-year-old Irving was able to show a true sense of confidence competing in the pipe, with the best skiing we've seen from this young man. While his second and third runs did not prove as strong, Irving came out of the gate on his first run with a left double 1440, reserving his spot on the podium.

Defending his home turf, Alex Ferreira took home fourth place with a solid second run, including a clean left double 1080 and right double 1080.

"It was awesome to do the contest today and I think everyone is having a great time," said Ferreira. "What more could you ask for? Obviously, I am biased: I think Aspen is the greatest place in the world."

Teammates Aaron Blunck came in fifth, David Wise in 10th, and Lyman Currier in 11th.

On the women's side, Faulhaber - a sixteen-year-old and Basalt local - put on an impressive show of amplitude while claiming fourth in women's halfpipe in her first World Championships. All three runs for Faulhaber included immense airtime and back-to-back flairs showcasing her best in her hometown pipe. 

"It was amazing to be with the U.S. Freeski Team and compete against them, " said Faulhaber. "I've always looked up to my teammates growing up, so competing against them at such a big event is amazing."

Teammates Brita Sigourney and Devin Logan were fifth and sixth respectively.

RESULTS
Men's Freeski HP Finals
Women's Freeski HP Finals

START LISTS
Men’s Freeski Halfpipe
Women’s Freeski Halfpipe

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Saturday, March 13   
11:30 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Slopestyle - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC
1:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - same-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel
3:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, March 14
12:00 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
11:55 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Women’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC
2:10 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying, heat 1 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
4:25 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Snowboard Big Air Qualifying, heat 2 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Monday, March 15
11:55 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Women’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
2:10 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying, heat 1 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
4:25 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualifying, heat 2 - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock

Tuesday, March 16
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock
1:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
3:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, April 11
2:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Championships Event Recap, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC

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

Snowboard:
March 13 - Halfpipe finals
March 14 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals

Freeski:                      
March 13 - Slopestyle finals
March 15 - Big air qualifications
March 16 - Big air finals
 

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It’s officially on at the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, featuring the Visa Big Air presented by Land Rover. 

U.S. skiers and riders alongside a stellar international field will compete in seven days of consecutive slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air competition at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo., followed by another week of World Cup competition at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix. 

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 and that has not been missed by the athletes. Back-to-Back FIS World Champion Aaron Blunck is grateful for the opportunity to compete on home soil once again. 

“It’s a special feeling to be from Colorado and to have the chance to compete in World Championships in my home country, nevermind my home state,” said Blunck. “It’s definitely nice to get the home state vibe. The travel was minimal compared to other World Championships, and generally, it’s really nice to be out here in Aspen. Aspen Snowmass does an amazing job of hosting events and Aspen is just a legendary mountain town.  The last time I competed here in the springtime was the Aspen Snowmass Open when I was a kid, so this place also brings back a ton of great memories for me.”

There is also a certain prestige that comes with the World Championships. Despite an impressive career, two-time Olympic medalist and four-time X Games gold medalist Nick Goepper has yet to achieve the title of World Champion. 

“It would be great to be able to call myself a World Champion," said Goepper. “We have a lot of events in our sport, but this is the only one that allows any athlete to claim that title. It would be great to add this one to the list and it’s definitely a goal of mine.”

Both the World Championships and the Grand Prix are an integral part of the U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Olympic Team selection process. Each competition’s results will apply to the respective sports rankings lists and factor into the selection process. As a veteran, Goepper also had some thoughts on how to handle the pressure.

“I think having done this a couple of times now, I’m not thinking about the Olympics,” he said. “I’m thinking about what I’m going to do on the course over the next two weeks. I’m going to think about the here and the now. After a lot of experience, you learn that future tripping is never too productive.”

While there are valuable Olympic selection points on the line, many athletes are just grateful to compete. U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member and Olympian Maddie Mastro shared her thoughts on what has been an unconventional season. 

“This past season has been full of unknowns,” said Mastro. “We usually are in a routine of contest after contest, but with fewer opportunities this season, having a chance to compete in Aspen for World Champs has been incredibly motivating. It’s also going to be nice to have a sense of normalcy being surrounded by the snowboard community.”

Competition kicks off on Wednesday, March 10 with snowboard slopestyle and freeski halfpipe qualifications. Be sure to tune in and follow @USFreeskiTeam and @USSnowboardTeam on Instagram, as well as @USSkiandSnowboard on Facebook to action all the action. 
 

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Friday, March 12
11:30 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock 

Saturday, March 13   
11:30 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Slopestyle - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC
1:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - same-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel
3:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, March 14
12:00 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC

Tuesday, March 16
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock
1:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
3:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, April 11
2:00 p.m. World Freestyle Championships Event Recap, Aspen, Colorado, Broadcast NBCSN

Other News:

• Event Announcement: Aspen Snowmass to Host World Championships, Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix
• Team Announcement: 2021 U.S. Snowboard and Freeski World Championship Teams Announced
• Opening Press Conference: Freeski - Blunck, Goepper, Hoefflin | Snowboard - McMorris, Gerard, and Mastro

MEDIA ACCREDITATION
 

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U.S. Ski & Snowboard has named 35 athletes to the U.S. Freeski and Snowboard World Championship Teams.

American freeskiers and riders are ready to throw down on home soil at 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. 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.

“It’s great to be able to host back-to-back World Championships on home soil,” said U.S. Snowboard & Freeski Director Jeremy Forster. “The depth and talent across slopestyle, halfpipe, and big air for both sports is second to none and should make for an exciting event for those tuning in all over the globe. The 2020-21 competition season has had no shortage of challenges, so we are beyond grateful to Aspen Snowmass, FIS, and the greater Aspen community for the opportunity to host the world’s top riders at an iconic venue.”

The snowboarders will field 18 riders, 14 of whom have World Championship experience. Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim will be defending her title from 2019. Kim hasn’t skipped a beat following her hiatus from competition during the 2019-20 season to pursue an education at Princeton University. She’s taken home the gold at both events she has entered this season, including the Laax Open World Cup and X Games Aspen 2021. Seven-time Crystal Globe Winner Chris Corning will also be defending his title in slopestyle from 2019.

The U.S. Snowboard World Championship Team also includes 2018 Olympic slopestyle gold medalists Red Gerard and Jamie Anderson. Anderson has been on a tear this season winning the Laax Open and two gold medals at X Games Aspen. Fellow X Games Aspen 2021 double-gold medalist Dusty Henricksen will make his World Championship debut as he looks to add to his rapidly growing list of accolades. 

“I’m so stoked to be heading back out to Aspen for more competitions,” said Henricksen. “I have never ridden at such a crazy fun venue and I can’t wait to get back. I am extremely stoked to be competing in my first world championships and I’m super excited to see what goes down.”

The freeskiers will make their way to Aspen with no shortage of talent. The team includes 17 athletes, 13 of whom have World Championships experience. Back-to-back FIS World Champion Aaron Blunck will be aiming for the three-peat supported by an impressive cast including two-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper, double-Olympic gold medalist David Wise, and Olympic bronze medalist Brita Sigourney. We also can’t forget hometown favorite and two-time X Games gold medalist Alex Ferreira, who has historically performed very well in the Buttermilk superpipe.

A friendly face will also return to the competition scene in Aspen. Maggie Voisin will rejoin her fellow Americans for the first time this season following her second ACL surgery in two years. Voisin is familiar with returning to competition at Buttermilk. Last season, Voisin displayed incredible resilience earning bronze in X Games Aspen slopestyle in her first competition back from surgery.

2021 U.S. Snowboard and Freeski World Championship Teams
(Name, Hometown, Club, USASA Series, Birthdate, World Champs Teams)

SNOWBOARD
Halfpipe
Men

• Taylor Gold - (Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 11/17/93; 2011, 2013)
• Chase Josey - (Hailey, Idaho; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; Big Mountain West Series; 3/31/95; 2015, 2019)
• Chase Blackwell- (Longmont, Colo.; Jim Smith Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/27/99; 2017, 2019)
• Toby Miller - (Truckee, Calif; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; North Tahoe Series; 2/14/00; 2017, 2019)**
• Joey Okesson - (Southbury, Conn.; Okemo Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/23/02)*

Women

• Chloe Kim - (Torrance, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/23/00; 2019)
• Maddie Mastro - (Wrightwood, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/22/00; 2017, 2019)
• Tessa Maud - (Carlsbad, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 10/10/03; 2019)
• Zoe Kalapos (Avon, Colo.; Ski and Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/17/97; 2017)
• Alexandria Simsovits - (Calabasas, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 9/30/04)*

Slopestyle/Big Air
Men

• Chris Corning - (Silverthorne, Colo.; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/7/99; 2017, 2019)
• Red Gerard - (Silverthorne, Colo.; Rocky Mountain Series; 6/29/00; 2019)
• Dusty Henricksen - (Mammoth Lakes, Calif; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/2/03)*
• Judd Henkes - (La Jolla, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/3/01; 2017, 2019)
• Lyon Farrell - (La Jolla, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/3/01; 2015, 2017, 2019)

Women

• Jamie Anderson - (S. Lake Tahoe, Calif.; South Tahoe Series; 9/13/90; 2019)
• Julia Marino - (Westport, Conn.; Southern Vermont Series; 9/11/97; 2015, 2019)
• Hailey Langland - (San Clemente, Calif.; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Tahoe Series; 8/2/00; 2019)
• Ty Schnorrbusch - (Monroe Township, N.J.; Tru Snowboarding, Rocky Mountain Series 5/15/02)*

FREESKI
Halfpipe
Men

• Aaron Blunck - (Crested Butte, Colo.; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/12/96; 2013, 2017, 2019)
• Birk Irving - (Winter Park, Colo.; Winter Park Freeride Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 7/26/99; 2017, 2019)
• David Wise - (Reno, Nev.; 6/30/90; 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019)
• Lyman Currier - (Boulder, Colo.; Winter Park Freeski Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 8/28/94)*
• Alex Ferreira - (Aspen, Colo.; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Aspen/Snowmass Series; 8/14/94; 2019)

Women

• Brita Sigourney - (Carmel, Calif.; Intermountain Series; 1/17/90; 2011, 2017, 2019)
• Devin Logan - (West Dover, Vt.; Mount Snow Academy; Southern Vermont Series; 2/17/93; 2011, 2017)
• Abigale Hansen - (June Lake, Calif.; Mammoth Mountain Freeski Team; Unbound Series; 5/26/98; 2019)
• Hanna Faulhaber - (Carbondale, Colo.; Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/04/04)*

Slopestyle/Big Air
Men

• Mac Forehand - (Winhall, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/4/01; 2019)
• Colby Stevenson - (Park City, Utah; Park City Ski and Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 10/3/97; 2015)
• Nick Goepper - (Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Cork Technologies and Consulting; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/14/94; 2013, 2019)
• Alex Hall - (Salt Lake City, Utah; Park City Ski and Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 9/21/98; 2017, 2019)

Women

• Caroline Claire - (Manchester Center, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 2/2/00; 2019)**
• Marin Hamill - (Park City, Utah; Park City Ski and Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 4/5/01)*
• Rell Harwood - (Park City, Utah; Park City Ski and Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 6/1/01)*
• Maggie Voisin - (Whitefish, Mont.; Park City Ski and Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 12/14/98; 2017, 2019)
• Darian Stevens - (Missoula, Mont.; Missoula Freestyle Ski Team; 10/29/96; 2017)

*Denotes first World Championships team
**Sidelined with injury, but met team criteria

HOW TO WATCH 
All times EST

Friday, March 12
11:30 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock
3:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock 

Saturday, March 13   
11:30 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Streaming Peacock
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Slopestyle - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC
1:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - same-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel
3:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast Olympic Channel, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, March 14
12:00 a.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Halfpipe - next-day broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBC

Tuesday, March 16
12:00 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock
1:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Freeski Slopestyle - delayed broadcast, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN
3:30 p.m. FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships - Snowboard Big Air - LIVE, Aspen, Colo., Broadcast NBCSN, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, April 11
2:00 p.m. World Freestyle Championships Event Recap, Aspen, Colorado, Broadcast NBCSN

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

MEDIA ACCREDITATION
 

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In partnership with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), U.S. Ski & Snowboard is working to combat mental health issues prevalent in elite sport. Both organizations are taking a three-step approach to create awareness, remove stigma, and effectively communicate the resources available. The mental health concerns surrounding athletics have heightened following the release of Podium Pictures’ HBO film, Weight of Gold, which showcases the highs and lows of elite athletes’ mental health. Director Brett Rapkin, explained, “I started researching post-Olympic depression and was blown away when I discovered how common it was. My intention was to talk about this rollercoaster and the struggles faced by athletes. The reaction was incredibly powerful and served as an inspiration to me to do more of this kind of work.”

In addition to the complimentary Weight of Gold viewing access provided to all U.S. Ski & Snowboard national team athletes by Podium Pictures and HBO, U.S. Ski & Snowboard held a panel webinar on Dec. 30 in collaboration with the USOPC, Podium Pictures, and the Speedy Foundation. The panel discussed the film and provided resources for athletes seeking help. One of the panel members, Dr. Alex Cohen, Senior Sport Psychologist at the USOPC, who works closely with U.S. Ski & Snowboard out of the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah shared, “There is no wrong door to go through, and there should not be a dozen steps to get the resources needed. We are more than happy to help athletes navigate these resources.” Along with sharing resources, the panel provided an honest discussion on the topic with the hopes of decreasing some of the stigma surrounding mental health. 

Recent efforts of U.S. Ski & Snowboard include requiring Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Training for all staff members. QPR Training teaches three simple steps to help save a person from committing suicide. In addition to having all staff trained on this topic, U.S. Ski & Snowboard plans to require QPR training of all athletes prior to the start of competition next year. The USOPC has also taken strides to combat mental health issues with the hiring of Dr. Jessica Bartley as its Director of Mental Health Services. Dr. Bartley now serves as both an advocate and a resource for any athlete struggling with mental health. “I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a resource for athletes, and it is my mission to build an infrastructure that athletes can access at all times.”

Although both organizations are taking steps to improve mental health resources, there is still more to be done. “Raising awareness, decreasing stigma and providing best practice mental health resources to U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes is a top priority,” said  U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Director of High Performance and Co-Chair of its Mental Health Committee,Troy Taylor. “Research shows that more than 35% of professional athletes suffer from a mental health crisis, so it is imperative that we create an environment where we can talk about mental health openly, honestly and ensure everyone gets the support they need, when they need it.” Over the coming months, U.S. Ski & Snowboard plans to further improve the organization’s understanding of the main obstacles for athletes and create feasible solutions to support athletes in the best ways possible.

Mental Health Resources
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee: www.teamusa.org/mentalhealth
The Speedy Foundation: https://www.thespeedyfoundation.org
Michael Phelps Foundation: https://michaelphelpsfoundation.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org
Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org  
 

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health issue, we encourage you to text HOME to 741741, or call (800) 273-8255 to speak to a mental health professional. In the process of helping yourself, you may be inspiring courage in others to seek help as well.

If you are a U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete, member, or staff, and feel you need support or would like to talk, don’t hesitate to reach out to USOPC Sr. Sport Psychologist Alexander Cohen or USOPC Director, Mental Health Services Jessica Bartley as resources.
 

Alexander Cohen, Ph.D., CMPC
Sr. Sport Psychologist
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
alexander.cohen@usoc.org
(M) +1 719-216-6376

Jessica Bartley, Ph.D., CMPC
Director, Mental Health Services
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
jessica.bartley@usopc.org
(o) +1 719-866-2125
 

The 2020-21 Freeski and Snowboard season has faced many delays, with most athletes just recently getting back into competition for the first time in nearly a year. U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Pro Team athlete, Toby Miller, usually trains on snow year-round. After an early end to the 2019-20 season, Miller was unable to train on snow between March and July of 2020.

“It was very difficult not being on snow, but it taught me a lot about the work I can put into my snowboarding off of the mountain,” said Miller. “I was able to kick up my offseason training by working out at the gym, learning about nutrition, and taking on new hobbies like road biking. I now feel that I am the strongest I have ever been.”

Miller admits to missing the competitive aspect to snowboarding, confessing that he has been making small household chores into a competition. He stated, “I have found myself creating little battles with myself, whether it is cooking, or cleaning the house, the competitive drive is always there.”

U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Pro Team athlete, Maggie Voisin had a bit of a different offseason recovering from her second ACL surgery in just two years. Voisin completed most of her recovery in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana, spending time with family and in the outdoors backcountry skiing, hiking, and camping. Throughout her recovery, Voisin focused on becoming stronger physically, but also mentally. She referenced the last year as a “mental reset,” taking the time to slow down, learn about herself, and appreciate the small victories.

Voisin shared valuable advice on how to stay positive during the pandemic, “Everything in life is perspective. Our brain is so powerful. If we focus on the more positive things, more positive things will come into your life.” She claimed that these tough moments make her stronger, and she is extremely eager to get back to competition in 2021. 

Although multiple competitions were either postponed or cancelled this season, the U.S Freeski and Snowboard teams only had to cancel one training camp prior to the season. This was largely due to the tireless efforts from the Official U.S. Ski and Snowboard Training Sites of Timberline Resort, Copper Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, Utah Olympic Park, and Woodward Park City. 

U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Head Coach, Mike Jankowski weighed in, “The time away from the team was tough last year, but it sparked a heightened sense of gratitude among athletes. They have all taken this time to capitalize on every opportunity possible and are coming into this season hungrier than ever.”

There are four more events on the calendar for the U.S. Freeski and Snowboard teams. Domestically, the Aspen 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. are set for March 10-16, followed by the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix March 18-21. The final freeski and snowboard World Cups of the season are set to take place March 25-27, with the freeskiers heading to Corvatsch, Switzerland and snowboarders to Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic.                                          

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