Park City, UT & Ventura, CA (June 27, 2024) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games announce a strategic partnership for the world’s best action snow sports athletes. This unique collaboration will unite two prominent organizations to create The Winter X Games Series, including the U.S. Ski & Snowboard-hosted FIS World Cup events, the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air presented by Toyota, alongside Winter X Games.

X Games and U.S. Ski & Snowboard aim to further elevate snowboarding and freeskiing competition, including creating an athletic pathway to the Winter X Games. Winners of the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air events will receive guaranteed invitations to Winter X. The next podium place will be invited if the winners have already secured an invitation. Additionally, the next generation of the nation’s best freeskiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to rise to the X Games based on results from the Revolution Tour, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s development series, which will also be co-branded with X Games. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games will also collaborate on the calendar and events, including adding X Games-specific disciplines like knuckle huck and street style to the U.S. World Cup weekends, which already include FIS-level halfpipe, slopestyle and big air. 

The collaboration will also involve co-branding and co-promotion efforts, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to enhance the visibility and engagement of athletes and their stories. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games will also share content, ensuring comprehensive coverage and extending the reach for all events and athletes.

"Collaborating with X Games is an exciting step forward in our mission to provide more world class competitive opportunities for freeskiers and snowboarders," said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO. "With the recent announcements from X Games regarding their expansion to include more events in various locations and Shaun White’s Snow League, these sports have unmistakable momentum in the market and we are enthusiastic to work together to see them grow.”

Added Scott Guglielmino, X Games President and COO, “As we build toward the X Games League format, this partnership will allow us to deliver on the promise of more world class competitions and a more consistent schedule for the athletes. Working with U.S. Ski & Snowboard will ensure we support and grow the athlete pipeline, which will benefit the entire industry.”

Stay tuned for further announcements regarding event locations, dates and additional details.

For more information, please contact:
Courtney Harkins
Director of Marketing & Communications, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

Grace Coryell
Event Communications Director, X Games
grace.coryell@xgames.com

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD 
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic 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 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 X GAMES
Since its inception in 1995, X Games has been the leading action sports competition and lifestyle brand, spotlighting the world’s best action sports athletes against the backdrop of each individual host city. Over the past 29 years, X Games has organized the world’s premier action sports events around the globe, complemented by top musical performances, year-round content and fan experiences.  A major expansion of the brand — X Games League (XGL) — will debut in 2026. XGL will introduce a new global, team-based format and a consistent, year-round international competition calendar. In 2022 MSP Sports Capital (MSP) acquired a majority interest in X Games. ESPN televises X Games and remains a minority partner. 
 

Release courtesy of NASJA.

Manchester Center, Vermont, June 20, 2024—Recreational cross-country skiing pioneer Bill Danner is the 2023-24 recipient of the Carson White Snowsports Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA).

Danner, along with his partner Hans Woitschatzke, is credited with expanding Nordic skiing from a niche, expert-oriented sport to an easily accessible, family friendly experience. They did so beginning in 1970 through the introduction of Trak Skis, a wax less fiberglass Omnitrak cross-country ski. This revolutionary technology allowed for forward gliding and grip on climbing without the need for the intensive preparation and maintenance required on the previous generation of wooden, waxable cross-country skis.

In addition to the Carson White Award, NASJA also honored freelance travel writer and former Aspen Magazine editor-in-chief Cindy Hirschfeld and Boston Herald ski writer Moira McCarthy with the Harold S. Hirsch Awards of Excellence, which recognizes creativity and excellence in editorial and artistic content in both print and broadcast journalism.

Hirschfeld was recognized for a standalone article in 5280 Magazine titled, “Can Steamboat Springs Save the Sport of Nordic Combined?,” while McCarthy was recognized for her recurring "Ski Wednesday” column, which has appeared in the newspaper for more than two decades.

Filmmaker Mark Kristofic was honored with the Hirsch Award in the Images category based on a body of work that includes documentaries on figure skating, hockey, speed skating and soccer, as well as the adventure sports series Ascend, which appears on Outside TV. 

In the Hirsch Awards Podcast category, Tom Kelly was recognized for hosting Last Chair: The Ski Utah Podcast, which features storytelling sessions with athletes, resort leaders and icons of snowsports culture.

Emily Summers, senior communications manager at Utah’s Deer Valley resort, was honored with the Bob Gillen Award, which recognizes an individual NASJA corporate member for contributions to the advancement of snowsports and exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism in public relations and communications. 

Last but not least, NASJA named a pair of snowsports competitors as co-winners of the Paul Robbins Outstanding Competitor of the Year award, given to North American snowsports participants who have distinguished themselves in amateur or professional competition during the current ski season. 

The 2023-24 winners of the Paul Robbins Award are Jessica “Jessie” Diggins, the most accomplished U.S. cross-country skier in history with two World Cup overall titles, three Olympic medals (including a gold), six World Championship medals, and numerous other event championships; and extraordinary Canadian freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury, winner of both silver and gold medals in Olympic competition as well as the all-time leader in career World Cup moguls victories, with 87. 

"One of the highest responsibilities and greatest pleasures of NASJA affiliation is ensuring that the most important and superlative work of our membership is celebrated not only within our professional community, but also recognized by the greater snowsports public,” said NASJA President Charlie Sanders.  

“The excellence demonstrated by this year's awardees is fully representative of the best that our members deliver year after year in writing, investigating, reporting on, and advancing the issues and ideals of the entire outdoor community.

Sanders continues, “Each winner truly has the right to take pride in this level of peer recognition and achievement, just as the NASJA board and membership may rightfully share in the joy of recognizing the tremendous accomplishments of our colleagues and the athletes we cover. We send our most heartfelt congratulations to all.”

The winners of the Harold S. Hirsch Awards of Excellence were chosen from a pool of nominees by judges Adam White, executive director of communications at the University of Vermont who formerly was a reporter at the Burlington Free Press, worked at Ski Vermont, and was Vail Resorts’ Northeast communications director; and Dave Meeker, editor of Ski Area Management Magazine and former ccommunications manager and marketing director of Mount Snow.

The winners of the other awards were selected via online voting by the NASJA membership.

About NASJA
The North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA) is a professional group of over 200 press and corporate members. Press members include writers, photographers and other communicators who report on ski, snowboard and Nordic related news, information and features via various media outlets. Corporate members include media contacts or employees of ski resorts, convention and visitor associations, manufacturers and others who have a commercial interest in the journalistic coverage of winter sports. 

NASJA is committed to encouraging and increasing diversity and inclusivity in snowsports, and welcomes these unique perspectives and experiences, since clearly, the winter playgrounds are for everyone.

PARK CITY, UT (June 7, 2024) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard proudly announces Dexter Paine's election to the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council. This decision, made at the FIS Congress meeting on June 5, 2024, is a testament to Paine's unwavering dedication and significant contributions to snowsports. 

“I am honored to be elected to the FIS council,” said Paine. “I plan to work collaboratively to ensure the growth and prosperity of our sports, always putting our athletes first. With my experience in the Olympic and Paralympic world and connections within the U.S. network and the FIS council, I feel confident I can provide a unique perspective moving forward and continue to uphold the council's values while acting on the tremendous potential we have.” 

Paine, a trailblazing figure in skiing and snowboarding, has dedicated more than 30 years to national and international governance. He currently serves as a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board of Directors, is on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board and is involved in the Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games bid, a preferred host for 2034. Paine was also Chairman of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors for 13 years, was on U.S. Biathlon’s Board of Directors for four years and has been involved as an Executive Committee member of three FIS World Championships. He was previously a member of the FIS Council from 2014-22. Beyond the snowsports realm, he boasts 25 years of investment experience and 35 years in the private equity industry, demonstrating his leadership and expertise that transcends industries. 

“Dexter is known for his vision, dedication and knowledge of snowsports and is highly respected for his commitment to the athletes and their futures,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “I’ve seen what Dexter can do in this world and the leadership and trust he provides. I am grateful to have him on the FIS Council and look forward to working with him as we chase the momentum and continue advocating for the interest of our athletes and federations worldwide.”

“Dexter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FIS Council,” said Kipp Nelson, Chairman of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors. “He is well respected in the industry and we know that he will continue to bring positive change to our sports, which he is also very passionate about.”

Effective immediately, Paine will serve on the FIS Council and work alongside existing and newly elected council members, upholding the mission, vision and values of FIS and the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

Elected Council Members

• Deidra Dionne (CAN) – reelected 
• Tove Moe Dyrhaug (NOR) – new member 
• José María “May” Peus España (ESP) – new member 
• Anna Harboe Falkenberg (DEN) – new member 
• Michael Huber (AUT) – new member 
• Freddy Keirouz (LBN) – new member 
• Karin Mattsson (SWE) – new member 
• Tzeko Minev (BUL) – reelected 
• Aki Murasato (JPN) - reelected 
• Alexander Ospelt (LIE) – new member 
• Dexter Paine (USA) – new member 
• Jean-Philippe Rochat (SUI) – new member 
• Flavio Roda (ITA) – reelected 
• Fabien Saguez (FRA) – new member 
• Enzo Smrekar (SLO) – reelected 
• Franz Steinle (GER) – reelected 
• Fiona Stevens (NZL) – reelected 
• Martti Uusitalo (FIN) – reelected