MINNESOTA SET TO BRING THE WORLD TO WIRTH - HOSTING THE 2024 LOPPET CUP, THE COOP FIS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP IN MINNEAPOLIS

The Loppet Foundation will host the Loppet Cup over President’s Day weekend in February 2024 in Theodore Wirth Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release courtesy of The Loppet Foundation

MINNEAPOLIS, February 15, 2023  — The Loppet Foundation, Share Winter Foundation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard will welcome the best cross country ski racers in the world to Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Wirth Park for the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup over President’s Day weekend, Feb. 17-19, 2024.* The Loppet Foundation and Share Winter will serve as hosts of the Loppet Cup, taking place on the Loppet’s world class cross country ski trails - setting the stage for one of the only World Cups to be held in a major metropolitan area - and the first on U.S. soil in two decades. 

The FIS Cross Country World Cup Tour is the annual global tour for elite athletes, comprised of a series of distance and sprint races over the course of each winter season. Expected to be present at the Loppet Cup is three-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins. Diggins is a native of nearby Afton, Minnesota and was the first American athlete to win a gold medal in Olympic cross country ski competition. She was key to securing this international competition for Minnesota. Other U.S. and Minnesota-local athletes will also be representing the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team in the Loppet Cup, a unique chance to ski in front of a hometown crowd. 

“I’m excited to give ski fans from around the U.S. a chance to see the action up close for the first time in over 20 years,” said Diggins. “I am so proud to represent Minnesota as one of the first American athletes to win Olympic gold in cross country, and now to bring the sport I love to the state I call home.”

The Loppet Foundation was ready to host a World Cup in mid-March 2020. The event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Loppet Foundation looks forward to hosting in 2024 while building on the preparation for the event in 2020.

The 2024 Loppet Cup, hosted by Share Winter Foundation, will be free and open to the public, with races held on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18 and a free community ski day on President’s Day, Monday, February 19.  

“The Loppet is thrilled to bring the world to Wirth Park and to showcase on an international stage the work this organization is doing to expand access to the sport of cross country skiing and the outdoors,” said Claire Wilson, executive director of the Loppet. “While it is unusual for an event of this size and scope to be hosted by a small nonprofit, we believe it is important to shine a light on our unique venue in the heart of a city where the wellbeing of all is promoted through outdoor adventure. We look forward to sharing our vision for a just and equitable winter sport environment with the world - while also cheering on our favorite athletes on the same trails where hundreds of Minnesotans have learned to love cross country skiing.”  

“We are thrilled to work with the Loppet Foundation and Share Winter Foundation to bring back a cross country World Cup to the states,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “We know that this event will be a huge success and allow our athletes to showcase their incredible talent in front of a community that has always supported this sport.”

“Share Winter is excited to partner with the Loppet Foundation to bring this spectacular event to the community and we  hope it will inspire the next generation of skiers,” said Constance Beverley, CEO of the Share Winter Foundation.

“The Loppet Cup is yet another in a string of world-class sporting events Minnesota is hosting,” said Executive Director for Explore Minnesota Lauren Bennett McGinty. “We are proud to be a four season destination for sports enthusiasts from all over the world, and no one does winter quite like Minnesota. With more than 2,000 miles of groomed cross country ski trails, skiing is a highly accessible sport which can be done in every corner of the state. Winter sports and related businesses are integral to driving and sustaining Minnesota’s tourism economy, and we cannot wait to share our great state with the world. We encourage residents and visitors alike to start planning their 2024 President's Day Weekend now!”

Preceding their arrival in Minneapolis, World Cup athletes will descend on Alberta, Canada to complete two sprint races and two distance races from February 9-13 as part of their North American visit. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Minneapolis organization in helping raise the profile of cross country skiing as we get set to host two North American stops for the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cups.” said Norbert Meier, Events Chair, Alberta World Cup Society.

Come learn more and see some of the nation’s top racers on the course at the announcement celebration event on Saturday, February 18 at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis) at 11am. Remarks will be made by former Minneapolis mayor RT Rybak, Share Winter Foundation, the Loppet Foundation, and Explore MN. More information on the World Cup event will be available on the event’s official website, www.loppetcup.com, or on Facebook and Instagram @loppetcup.

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ABOUT THE LOPPET FOUNDATION

The Loppet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. Since 2002, the Loppet Foundation has worked to create high-quality public events, youth education, and outdoor recreation programs for the local community. Learn more at loppet.org.

ABOUT SHARE WINTER:
Share Winter Foundation (Share Winter) is a non-profit grantmaking organization working to improve the lives, health, and fitness of youth through winter sports, and create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming winter sports community. Share Winter works closely with carefully selected grantees to build efficient, effective, sustainable winter sports programs and pipelines to ongoing winter sports participation. Through our partnerships, we strive to make winter sports accessible to a broader, more diverse community and share winter with 100,000 youth by 2028. Learn more at www.sharewinterfoundation.org.

ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding 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.

*Pending final date confirmation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Limited-edition frames celebrate ski heritage ahead of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

Release courtesy of Vaurnet. 

Park City, UT; Paris, France (February 8, 2023) – To commemorate a year of partnership and celebrate alpine heritage and excellence, Vuarnet and U.S. Ski & Snowboard have collaborated on a limited-edition frame, to be released in conjunction with the beginning of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, France.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard dresses the now iconic Legend 02 Original model in the colors and marks of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and features a line of stars along the temple. The glasses are equipped with SkilynxTM mineral glass lenses specifically designed for exceptional depth perception against intense snowy, alpine conditions.

“Vuarnet has a strong American history,” explains Vuarnet Creative Director Boramy Viguier. “Our founder Jean Vuarnet launched the brand after winning the Winter Olympics in 1960 at now Palisades Tahoe. When the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team approached us to make official shades for the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, it came naturally to dress our LEGEND 02 with the Star-Spangled Banner. I love the Alps, but I also cherish U.S. geology so much: Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming ... each mountain has its own flavour... its own folklore and legends.”

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to release the new, limited-edition frame alongside our partner Vuarnet, in conjunction with the start of the 2023 Alpine Ski World Championships in Courchevel and Meribel,” said Tom Horrocks, Director of Commercial Partnerships. “Vuarnet has a rich history within our community and we look forward to showcasing the history of our two brands into a tangible item that our fans can wear on the snow.”

Vuarnet’s alpine heritage and Olympic legacy run deep. Founded in 1957, Vuarnet’s legend was born when French ski racer Jean Vuarnet won the Olympic downhill at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games wearing the original 02 model with SkilynxTM lenses, a disruptive new lens technology. It became an instant icon, favored by such tastemakers as Mick Jagger and Zendaya, and remains a best-seller of the brand.

Vaurnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard brings together two storied brands across the decades and continents in dedication of craft and pursuit of excellence. A portion of all Vuarnet sales will be directed back to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team to support American athletes’ Olympic dreams. 

Offering the highest level of protection, Vuarnet mineral glass lenses are scratch resistant and provide pure optical clarity in intense lighting conditions. Passionate about quality and innovation, Vuarnet is proud to protect athletes’ sight when it matters most.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard drops exclusively Thursday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. Paris Time on Vuarnet.com and at Vuarnet boutiques. A very limited number will be available at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe World Cup Feb. 25 & 26, as well as the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen World Cup March 3-5.

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About Vuarnet

Vuarnet is the iconic French eyewear mountaineering brand, founded by Jean Vuarnet and optician Roger Pouilloux in 1957.

Jean Vuarnet, a talented French skier, won the Olympic downhill gold medal at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics. A great lover of mountains and nature, he notably created the Avoriza ski resort in 1966, the first French resort without cars, with an avant-garde vision of eco-responsibility.

Today, Vuarnet produces its mineral glass lenses in its own French factory, using traditional manufacturing methods unchanged since its inception. Vuarnet mineral glasses, 100% natural and recyclable, provide the best protection against sunlight sunflection thanks to LynxTM technology. Since 1957, the brand has offered timeless classic iconic frames that are still best sellers. Vuarnet embraces its roots in 1960s skiing, nostalgia for craftsmanship, and the art of living in the French mountains. 

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding 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.

For more information, please contact:

Lara Carlton, Vuarnet, carlton.lara@usskiandsnowboard.org

Courtney Harkins, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

PARK CITY, Utah (Jan. 17, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Stifel Financial (“Stifel”) (NYSE:SF) announced today a broadening of its partnership to include the sponsorship of a number of elite-level and development events, as well as new and enhanced financial awards for top performers.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Stifel-U.S. Ski & Snowboard partnership now includes:

• World Cup Naming Rights: In a season with the most World Cups on U.S. soil, Stifel now has naming rights of three FIS Ski World Cup alpine events in the United States, becoming the title sponsor of the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup and Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen, and the Stifel Killington Cup.
• Stifel U.S. Alpine Series: The partnership debuts the Stifel U.S. Alpine Series, which encompasses a series of U.S. alpine events from development to elite levels, including the U.S.-based World Cups, the Stifel Success NorAm Tour and Toyota U.S. Championships presented by Stifel. 
• Increased Prize Money: The partnership also includes the addition of prize money for American podium finishers at the Stifel Success NorAm Tour and increased prize money for American podium finishers at the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships. 
• Stifel Alpine Awards: Stifel is now the title sponsor of the Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Athlete, Best Comeback, Athlete of the Year and Coach of the Year awards, and the firm will provide monetary gifts for alpine athletes and coaches as part of the re-named awards.

“We are very excited to have Stifel’s financial support for our alpine program, from the title sponsorship of three U.S. World Cups to increasing prize money for our athletes,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “The announcement of the naming of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team beginning this season through 2026 was the most significant alpine partnership in U.S. Ski & Snowboard history and we could not be more thrilled to already be building upon the initial relationship. Having Stifel’s support allows us to invest further in multiple areas moving forward.” 

The new partnership marries two brands that share common values, including precision, success and partnership. As the title sponsor of the Stifel Success U.S. NorAm Tour and the presenting partner of the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel all the way up to the World Cup level, Stifel is committed to supporting athletes at every milestone of their careers, helping them find the tools to be successful in their futures. 

“Stifel is a firm where success meets success,” said Stifel Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski. “Since investing in the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, we have seen incredible success from our U.S. athletes and could not be more thrilled to support all levels of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine programs, as well as the World Cups in the states.”

“Stifel has supported our team immensely this season and is now showing that it is supporting our team and our sport at almost every level,” said 2022 Olympic silver medalist and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Ryan Cochran-Siegle. “I want to thank Stifel for helping our sport reach new heights at both the development level and elite level.”

The remaining alpine World Cups in the United States will be held on February, Feb. 25-26, 2023 in Palisades Tahoe and March 3-5, 2023 in Aspen. 

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About Stifel
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Courtney Harkins
Director, Marketing & Communications
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Stifel
Neil Shapiro
Head of Corporate Communications
shapiron@stifel.com

Three U.S. resorts to host the next generation of freeskiers and snowboarders for 2023 Revolution Tour

PARK CITY, Utah (Jan. 11, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the return of the U.S. Revolution Tour (Rev Tour) for the 2023 season to three world-class resorts: Copper Mountain, Colo., Mammoth Mountain, Calif., and Aspen Snowmass, Colo. The Rev Tour is an annual competition tour for up-and-coming freeskiers and snowboarders in halfpipe, slopestyle and big air.

For 19 years, the Rev Tour has served as a stepping stone for athletes transitioning from competing at the grassroots level to the elite level of freeskiing and snowboarding. At each stop of the Tour, some of the world's most promising competitors have the opportunity to compete at professional-level venues and terrain parks. 

To earn a spot on the Rev Tour, athletes must pre-qualify based on criteria for each contest. The Tour is focused on skiers and riders aged 13-19 years old and awards the top athletes with invitations to elite competitions, including the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, FIS Junior World Championships and USASA Nationals, and Project Gold camps. 

Competition formats vary based on location and event, but skiers and riders compete in open class unless otherwise specified. Athletes must be 13 years of age or older to be eligible to compete at the Rev Tours and athletes must hold a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor membership and FIS license. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard also continues the Tour with the support of long-standing partnerships, including working with USASA and The Futures Tour, a joint venture between USASA and U.S. Ski & Snowboard. USASA provides an avenue for athletes to qualify for the Rev Tour, as well as solidify their prequalified spot for the 2023-24 season. 

2023 Revolution Tour Stops

Copper Mountain – Jan. 23-27, 2023

The Rev Tour season will kick off at the Athlete’s Mountain the last week of January. Skiers and boarders will compete on venues in the Woodward Mountain Park including the large jump line in Central Park and the 22-foot Superpipe. The Rev Tour at Copper Mountain will be the first stop of the 2023 U.S. NorAm calendar for snowboard and freeski slope and pipe. Copper is the Official Training Center for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team, facilitating training for athletes who are competing for FIS points and NorAm standings. 

Aspen Snowmass – Feb. 8-14, 2023 

The Rev Tour has partnered with the Aspen Open for the fourth time to host a Rev Tour at Buttermilk in Aspen, Colo. The Rev Tour at Aspen Open will kick things off with halfpipe and slopestyle contests. Athletes will compete on the X Games Aspen courses, providing a taste of what it takes to compete at top freeski and snowboard competitions. 

Mammoth Mountain – March 16-21, 2023

For the third stop of the Rev Tour, athletes will travel to the west coast to compete at one of the nation’s premier ski and snowboard resorts, Mammoth Mountain. Mammoth will host contests in halfpipe, slopestyle and big air on the same course as the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, a FIS World Cup. Mammoth Mountain has long served as a training ground for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes, providing world-class slopestyle, big air and halfpipe venues. This year, athletes will compete in the world-renowned Unbound Main Terrain Park and the 22-foot pro halfpipe. 

SCHEDULE

Copper Mountain, Colo.

Jan. 23-27, 2023 - slopestyle, halfpipe 

Tuesday, Jan. 24
Freeski slopestyle 

Wednesday, Jan. 25
Freeski halfpipe

Thursday, Jan. 26
Snowboard slopestyle

Friday, Jan. 27
Snowboard halfpipe 

Aspen Snowmass, Colo.

Feb. 8-14, 2023 - slopestyle, halfpipe

Thursday, Feb. 9
Snowboard halfpipe 

Friday, Feb. 10

Snowboard slopestyle

Saturday, Feb. 11
Freeski halfpipe 

Sunday, Feb. 12
Freeski slopestyle 

Mammoth Mountain, Calif.

March 16-21, 2023 - slopestyle, halfpipe and big air 

Friday, March 17
Snowboard halfpipe

Saturday, March 18
Snowboard slopestyle 

Sunday, March 19
Snowboard big air
Freeski halfpipe 

Monday, March 20
Freeski slopestyle

Tuesday, March 21
Freeski big air 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team has announced the 17 athletes who will represent the United States in the 2023 FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in St. Anton, Austria from Jan. 19-25, 2023.

The 2023 squad is comprised of Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes from the B, C and D teams, as well as top U.S. Ski & Snowboard club program athletes from across the nation. The U.S. has a history of strong results at the Junior World Championships. Last season, Isaiah Nelson took home gold in the super-G, Ava Sunshine a silver in super-G and Lauren Macuga a bronze in downhill. 

Many of the athletes named already have had successful seasons so far. On the women’s side, both Sunshine and Zoe Zimmerman scored slalom World Cup points, and Lauren Macuga also scored World Cup points. Stella Johansson took second in a Europa Cup giant slalom and Mary Bocock, Kjersti Moritz and Tatum Grosdidier have all had podium results in NorAm Cup competition. On the men’s side, Cooper Puckett had a recent NorAm slalom win and Jay Poulter snagged a NorAm slalom podium.

“This year’s Junior World Championship team is a remarkable group of athletes who have already achieved tremendous results at the World Cup, Europa Cup and NorAm levels in their young careers,” said Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Development Director Chip Knight. “With half of the team returning from last year and two medalists among them, we are looking forward to going to St. Anton to compete for medals, top-10 results and the Marc Holder overall team title.”

The 2023 Junior Worlds will once again include downhill, team alpine combined and mixed team events, along with super-G, giant slalom and slalom events for both men and women. Live timing will be provided by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

2023 FIS ALPINE JUNIOR WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM

Name, Hometown; Club (Birthdate)

Women:
Mary Bocock – Salt Lake City, UT; Rowmark/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (07/10/2003)
Tatum Grosdidier – Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (07/24/2004)
Stella Johansson – Aspen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski Club (09/02/2003)
Lauren Macuga – Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (07/04/2002)
Kjersti Moritz – Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (11/28/2004)
Liv Moritz – Vail, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (11/28/2004)
Dasha Romanov – Thornton, CO; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (03/05/2003)
Ava Sunshine – Edwards, CO; Burke Mountain Academy/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (06/20/2002)
Zoe Zimmerman – Gilford, NH; Burke Mountain Academy/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (05/16/2002)

Men:
Justin Bigatel – Park City, UT; Burke Mountain Academy/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (04/29/2003)
Finnigan Donley – Anchorage, AK; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (02/28/2005)
Camden Palmquist – Eagan, MN; Buck Hill Ski Team/Team Summit Colorado/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (04/15/2003)
Oliver Parazette – Jackson, WY; University of Utah (03/06/2002)
Jay Poulter – Stratton, VT; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club/Stratton Mountain School, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (07/01/2003)
Cooper Puckett – Steamboat, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (03/31/2003)
Hunter Salani – Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (02/25/2005) 
Ryder Sarchett – Ketchum, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation/Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team (07/28/2003)

ST. ANTON 2023 COMPETITION SCHEDULE

January 17 – Downhill Training
January 18 – Downhill Training
January 19 – Men’s and Women’s Downhill
January 20 – Men’s and Women’s Super-G
January 20 – Men’s and Women’s Team Alpine Combined
January 21 – Women’s Giant Slalom
January 22 – Men’s Giant Slalom
January 23– Mixed Team Parallel
January 24 – Women’s Slalom
January 25 – Men’s Slalom 

More event information can be found here.