U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced their full support for Dexter Paine in his candidacy for the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council. 

As a visionary leader with a deep commitment to skiing and snowboarding and its athletes, Paine has been involved in governance at both the national and international levels for decades. He served as a member of the FIS Council Executive Committee from 2014-22 and has acted as an ex-officio honorary member from 2022 to the present. Throughout his time with FIS, Paine focused on transparency, communication and inclusivity, including championing for female representation on the Council, longer terms for athlete representatives and the inclusivity of Paralympic sports. 

Paine currently serves as a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors (2021-present), is on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board (2002-24) and is actively involved in the Salt Lake City 2034 Olympic Winter Games bid. Previously, Paine was Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors (2006-19) and was on U.S. Biathlon’s Board of Directors (2020-24). He has extensive experience in event delivery as an Executive Committee member of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado and the 2019 Freestyle, Freeski & Snowboard World Championships in Park City, Utah. 

Paine is the chairman at Paine Schwartz Partners and has more than 25 years of investment experience and 35 years in the private equity industry. In addition to his professional achievements, Paine is widely respected for his integrity, vision and dedication to the sport. His collaborative approach and strategic mindset have positioned him as a trusted leader within the skiing and snowboarding community.

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors firmly believes that Paine’s extensive experience and unwavering passion make him the ideal person to represent the interests of athletes and federations worldwide, unanimously putting forward his candidacy. 

"Dexter Paine's dedication to the advancement of skiing and snowboarding is unparalleled,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “His leadership has consistently propelled our sports forward, and we know he will bring that same level of commitment and expertise to the FIS Council. We are proud to endorse Dexter and are confident in his ability to advocate effectively for the interests of athletes and federations around the world."

Gene Sykes, Chairman of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, also voiced his support. "As an organization committed to supporting American athletes on the global stage, we recognize the importance of strong leadership within international federations,” said Sykes.
“Dexter’s proven track record of leadership and advocacy aligns perfectly with the values of the Olympic movement. We fully endorse Dexter's candidacy for the FIS Council and believe he will be an outstanding representative for skiing and snowboarding on the international level."

Olympic champion Kikkan Randall, who has served on the IOC Board, USOPC Board and FIS Council, echoed the sentiments: “Dexter has been an incredible leader and advocate for skiing and snowboarding across all levels. He understands the complex needs of all stakeholders and has always championed the athletes' voices in the process. He brings a wealth of experience, tremendous passion and dedication to making sport fair, safe and positioned for growth. Dexter is well respected across the sports universe and has been an excellent collaborator between organizations. I am proud to endorse Dexter’s candidacy.”

The election for the FIS Council takes place at FIS Congress on June 5, 2024. 

Four U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team members brought home new season’s bests in today’s giant slalom World Cup Finals in Sella Nevea, Italy. Laurie Stephens led the team, finishing in second place. 

Conditions today in Italy have been described as the “most interesting conditions” skiers have experienced all year. It was warm, sunny, mushy and everything in between, leading to an extremely high number of DNFs and DSQs. 

On the women’s side, Stephens stayed on course, which was all she needed to earn her best giant slalom finish of the season, second place in the women’s sitting classification. Allie Johnson did not finish run two. 

The day's theme was earning new personal bests, and the men took that idea and ran with it. Jesse Keefe, Patrick Halgren and Spencer Wood all earned new season’s bests, finishing sixth, eighth and 13th, respectively, in the men’s standing event. Ravi Drugan was disqualified in the second run of the men’s sitting class, and Matthew Brewer did not start. 

Along with today's second place, Laurie Stephens also finished third in the overall season giant slalom standings alongside Anna-Lena Forster of Germany in first and Barbara Van Bergen from The Netherlands in second. 

Next, on March 25, the U.S. will take on the final race of the season, super-G finals in Sella Nevea. The race will begin at 5:00 a.m. ET and can be streamed on FIS TV. 

RESULTS
Women
Men

On the first day of the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup Finals in Sella Nevea, Italy, Laurie Stephens led the way for the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team, finishing on the podium in third. 

Warm weather and sunny conditions hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit threatened to cancel the second run, but course workers and volunteers were able to keep the hill in running order. The first run led to an unusually high 13 DNFs across the field, indicating the difficult course set and weather implications. 

Laurie Stephens earned her third podium of the season on the women's side, landing in third in the women’s sitting event. Allie Johnson rounded out the women’s side, finishing sixth in the women’s standing classification. 

The men encountered some trouble in run one, with Patrick Halgren, Spencer Wood and Andrew Kurka skiing out. Jesse Keefe and Ravi Drugan led the way for the men’s team, both finishing ninth in the men’s standing and sitting events, respectively. Just outside of the top 10 was Matthew Brewer, who finished 11th in the men’s sitting classification. Andrew Haraghey finished 13th in the men’s standing event. 

The team has a day off before they take on the second giant slalom in Sella Nevea on Thursday, March 21. The action begins at 4:00 am ET, followed by run two at 7:00 am ET. 

RESULTS
Women
Men 

The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team kicked off the second phase of their season in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, where Laurie Stephens landed on her first podium of the season in the giant slalom. 

The event brought the largest field of athletes seen so far this season, increasing the level and depth of the competition. It was an overcast day on the course, causing flat light and shadows throughout, which proved challenging for many competitors, seeing a high number of DNFs and DSQs.

Seven time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens led the way for the U.S. women, finishing third in the women’s sitting event. This is Stephens' first World Cup podium of the season, adding to her impressive repertoire of achievements. In the women’s standing event, Allie Johnson finished ninth. 

On the men’s side, Ravi Drugan finished 14th in the men’s sitting event. Patrick Halgren was 16th in the men’s standing event, followed by Spencer Wood in 18th. Andrew Haraghey, Andrew Kurka and Matthew Brewer did not finish.

The team takes on another giant slalom in Veysonnaz on Tuesday, Jan. 23, slated to begin at 3:30 a.m. ET. 

RESULTS
Women
Men

The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team wrapped up their second World Cup of the season in Steinach am Brenner, Austria, gaining valuable experience against fierce competition and conditions. 

The team started the event on Wednesday with the first super-G race of the season. Despite challenging conditions and course sets, the team had a couple of solid finishes. The day featured two separate super-G races, with Andrew Kurka leading the team in the first race, finishing eighth in the men’s sitting event. Andrew Haraghey finished 11th in the standing event. 

During the second super-G of the day, Jesse Keefe improved upon his first finish, snagging ninth place in the standing event. Matthew Brewer was the only American to finish in the sitting event, finishing 10th. 

Next up for the team was the first giant slalom of the season. Andrew Kurka once again led the U.S. in the men’s sitting event, in sixth, while Jesse Keefe was eighth in the men’s standing event. On the women’s side, Allie Johnson finished sixth in her first World Cup appearance of the season. 

Unfortunately, Friday's second giant slalom race was canceled due to heavy winds. The team was preparing to head to La Molina, Spain for their next World Cup, but the races there have been canceled due to lack of snow and unfavorable weather forecasts, per FIS Para Snow Sports. One canceled downhill race is to be rescheduled for the World Cup in Cortina, Italy, while a super-G race will be rescheduled in Veysonnaz, Switzerland. 

The team now has an extended training break before their next World Cup stop in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, Jan. 22-25. 

RESULTS:
Men’s super-G 1
Men’s super-G 2
Men’s giant slalom
Women’s giant slalom

The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team kicked off their season this weekend in St. Moritz, Switzerland, with solid results throughout the team during two days of downhill races. 

There were sunny but blustery conditions during both races this weekend, proving challenging for many competitors, with multiple DNFs and DSQs both days. 

On day one, the men’s standing class was led by Jesse Keefe, who finished in fifth, followed by Spencer Wood in 11th. Wood has overcome many challenges recently, including a change to his classification, leading him to be allowed to compete with only one pole, which is different from previous years. Despite having only a few weeks on snow with one pole, he has taken to the change and is continuing to find confidence.

On the men’s sitting side, Andrew Kurka led the team with a fast run, finishing fourth, followed by Ravi Drugan in eighth and Matthew Brewer in ninth. Patrick Halgren and Andrew Haraghey did not finish day one. 

Day two had similar but slightly warmer conditions for the racers. Jesse Keefe once again led the U.S. standing men, finishing in sixth, followed by Spencer Wood in 10th and Andrew Haraghey in 12th. Ravi Drugan had the best finish for the men’s sitting class, landing in eighth. Patrick Halgren and Andrew Kurka did not finish. 

The team is headed to Steinach am Brenner, Austria next for two super-G and two giant slalom races Dec. 20-22. 

RESULTS
Men

PARK CITY, Utah (Oct. 16, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announced the 12 athletes who have accepted their nomination to the 2023-24 U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team across all classifications and disciplines. 

The team is highlighted by multi-time Paralympic medalists Laurie Stephens and Andrew Kurka, alongside seasoned athletes such as Andrew Haraghey and Jesse Keefe.

The 2023-24 FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup season begins in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in December with a set of downhill races and the team will spend the majority of their season in Europe. Beyond World Cup races, the team will be back stateside for the Winter Park Open in January, the Huntsman Cup in February and National Championships in early April. 

“I am confident that the team will be bringing home some great results this season,” said Erik Leirfallom, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Para Sport Director. “This team had a productive off-season with a month-long camp in Chile and two strength testing sessions in Colorado Springs, so I’m excited to see their hard work pay off.” 

You can find the finalized FIS World Cup schedule here.

2023-24 U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team

(Hometown; Club; College/University; Birthdate)

A Team

Women

• Laurie Stephens (Wenham, MA; University of New Hampshire; 3/5/1984)

Men

• Andrew Haraghey (Enfield, CT; National Ability Center; Westminster University; 12/16/1995)
• Andrew Kurka (Palmer, AK; Alyeska Ski Club; Purdue University; 1/27/1992)
• Jesse Keefe (Sun Valley, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; University of Colorado Colorado Springs; 3/26/2004)
• Spencer Wood (Pittsfield, VT; National Sports Center for the Disabled; University of Colorado Boulder; 1/17/1997)

B Team

Women

• Allie Johnson (Chicago, IL; National Sports Center for the Disabled; Colorado State University; 12/23/1994)
• Saylor O’Brien (Woodland, UT; National Ability Center; 4/28/2003)
• Audrey Crowley (Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; 3/1/2007)

Men

• Matthew Brewer (Huntington Beach, CA; National Ability Center; Saddleback Community College; 5/8/1975)
• Connor Hogan (Foxborough, MA; National Sports Center for the Disabled; 6/6/1997)
• Ravi Drugan (Eugene, OR; Oregon Adaptive Sports; 12/19/1989)
• Patrick Halgren (Tolland, CT; National Sports Center for the Disabled; 6/24/1992)

COACHES AND STAFF

• Anouk Patty - Chief of Sport
• Erik Leirfallom - Para Sport Director
• Ryan Pearl - Head Coach, Para Alpine
• Lyndsay Strange - Assistant Coach, Para Alpine
• Sawyer Mattsson, Assistant Coach, Para Alpine
• Brian Neff - Athletic Development Coach, Para Alpine & Para Snowboard
• Ryan Odeja - Para Press Officer

FOLLOW THE U.S. PARA ALPINE SKI TEAM

Instagram: @usparaskisnowboard
Facebook: U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team
Twitter: @usskiteam
TikTok: @usskiandsnowboard
Threads @usskiteam 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Ryan Odeja - U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team Press Officer
ryan.odeja@usskiandsnowboard.org