Giro Sport Design, the leader in high-performance snow helmets and goggles, today announced a new four-year commitment to support athletes of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard as an official competition supplier of race helmets and goggles. In addition, Giro announced that Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team alumnus Daron Rahlves will serve as Giro’s liaison to the U.S. Ski Team, providing the next generation of ski racers invaluable insight into competition strategy. 

“We’re proud to support such an incredibly talented team of skiers and snowboarders and really look forward to growing our relationship over the next several years together,” commented Jim Heeney, Global Sports Marketing Manager at Giro. “And, to that end, we’re particularly thrilled about the role that Daron Rahlves will be able to play in helping to cement this relationship, offering the whole team—particularly the newest members—his vast reserve of expertise on everything from race technique to off season training. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us and the racers to have Daron out there.”

“Giro has been synonymous with advanced snow performance for over 30 years and we are thrilled to have their continued partnership,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Director, Jesse Hunt. “Giro’s attention to detail and commitment to superior protection and high-quality products enables our athletes to ski to the best of their ability on the world’s highest stages. We look forward to the next four years with Giro.”

With sights set on the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China, the involvement of Daron Rahlves will be an incredible asset to the athletes competing in these high-profile events. As one of the most decorated downhill skiers in American history, racers will be able to leverage his deep knowledge of courses, conditions and competitors. 

The 2020-21 FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Cup events scheduled for Copper Mountain, Colo. Dec. 17-19 have been cancelled given the current, dynamic situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in Colorado. 

Copper Mountain’s priority is to provide guests the opportunity to safely enjoy skiing and riding this winter starting Nov. 30. Copper Mountain is focused on working through season readiness, risk mitigation, as well as executing an adaptable plan they can scale based on local and state health regulations. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is working closely with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and other domestic resort partners to secure replacement venues for the first stop of the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix as well as the Visa Big Air that were scheduled for Copper Mountain. 

“While it’s unfortunate that we are unable to host World Cups at Copper Mountain this season, we understand that the resort must prioritize regular ski and ride operations throughout the ever changing COVID-19 landscape,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard would like to express gratitude to everyone at Copper Mountain for their dedication, planning, and collaboration throughout the planning process for these events. We remain hopeful and confident in our ability to work with our resort partners for the remaining domestic World Cups planned for this season.”

Decisions for all other domestic FIS World Cup events, including the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare Freestyle International at Deer Valley Resort, Utah, planned for Feb. 4-6 and the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain, Calif., planned for Feb. 3-6, will be made independently and based on an assessment of each unique set of circumstances that include the risks and travel requirements related to every event, host county, and host state. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard recognizes that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted areas of the country in different ways, and therefore specific event information will be forthcoming as each local organizing committee works through its specific protocols with local and state health officials. All events are contingent on local and state health department approvals based on existing and future COVID-19 rules and regulations. FIS, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, local organizing committees, and host venues are taking a unified approach consistent with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities.

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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 2020, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. 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.

This year would have marked the 54th annual New York Gold Medal Gala and is the first time in the organization’s history that its marquee event was not hosted in person. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has shifted all fundraising efforts to virtual experiences and reimagined this year’s Gala as a live, virtual broadcast. On Thursday, Nov. 19, Olympic Champion and freestyle personality Jonny Moseley and X Games Gold Medalist Maggie Voisin hosted A Night At the USANA Center of Excellence.

Going virtual had its benefits as all ski and snowboard fans were invited to attend. Guests were treated to entertainment, antics, a behind-the-scenes look at what training is like for Olympic hopefuls, as well as a special appearance from two-time Olympic Champion Mikaela Shiffrin, all from the comfort of their own couches.  

The fun isn’t over as the online auction is open until Monday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. MST/ 12 p.m. There is time to still bid on exclusive team gear and one-of-a-kind experiences, such as a ski day with American actor and racecar driver Patrick Dempsey and Olympic Champion Hannah Kearney. New items have been added since the broadcast, including current U.S. Ski Team apparel.

“Although we were unable to kick off the season in New York City this year, A Night At The USANA Center of Excellence was an incredible success and a testament to how we have become a more nimble community in the face of uncertainty” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “I am humbled and amazed at the generosity of our supporters, especially during these difficult times. We couldn’t do what we do without them and we are so grateful for their support. The funds raised will have a direct impact on our athletes and their access to coaching, competition and training camps in this crucial season in the lead up to Beijing 2022.”

To support American Olympic dreams, consider bidding on exclusive experiences and team gear. The online auction closes Monday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. MST/ 12 p.m. EST. 

American actor and race car driver Patrick Dempsey has joined the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees. 

“I am thrilled to join the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Patrick. “I’ve been a passionate, lifelong skier and it was a childhood dream to make the U.S. Ski Team. I am excited to now be part of the team behind the team and support these athletes in their incredible endeavors.” 

To date, Patrick has competed in pro-am events such as the Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as the Baja 1000 and IMSA TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. In addition, his focus on motorsports extends beyond the driver’s seat. Patrick is the owner of Dempsey Racing, and is co-owner of the Vision Racing team in IndyCar. 

Patrick is also an avid cyclist. As a result of Patrick’s positive involvement in the sport, he was named an honorary captain of the U.S. Cycling Team in February of 2020. Patrick’s role is part of USA Cycling’s effort to help promote both the sport overall and the U.S. Team at the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 

In addition to Patrick’s work in sport and acting, his most impressive achievements have been philanthropic. He founded the Dempsey Center in Lewiston, Maine, an organization committed to making life better for those managing the impact of cancer. The Dempsey Challenge, an annual run, walk and cycling experience, is the primary fundraiser for the Dempsey Center, enabling the organization to provide its services at no cost. Patrick also serves as a national spokesperson for Positive Tracks, a national youth-centric nonprofit that helps the next generation get active and give back using the global power of sport.

As a child, Patrick dreamt of being a member of the U.S. Ski Team and pursuing the Olympic dream. This dream led him to win a Maine High School State Slalom Championship. However, his on-screen and other athletic pursuits took him in a different direction. Patrick never lost his love for the sport and makes sure to get on his skis regularly during the winter, averaging 24 days on the slopes. His favorite places to ski include the Austrian and Swiss Alps, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, and Sugarloaf in Maine. Last season Patrick added an impressive accolade to his name when he skied the Streif, considered to be one of the most challenging downhill courses on the FIS Alpine World Cup Tour, during the course inspection at the 2020 Hahnenkamm. 

His competitive spirit, passion, and respect for the pursuit of greatness are qualities that also resonate among U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes, members, staff, fans, and beyond. In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Patrick said, “there’s something very satisfying about training. Psychologically and emotionally, the process and the inner desire that it takes and the mental focus it takes to be competitive is far more satisfying to me in many ways than acting.”

As a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees, Patrick’s involvement will directly support the same dreams and pursuits of U.S Ski & Snowboard athletes that he shared as a child. Patrick’s experience in sport, philanthropy, as well as his extensive network of like-minded individuals, will help support our athletes’ Olympic dreams for years to come. Welcome to the team Patrick.

Patrick on Social Media
Instagram: @patrickdempsey
Twitter: @patrickdempsey
Facebook: @patrickdempseyofficial
 

On July 15, 2020, Henri Rivers, CEO, President and Founder of Drumriver Consultants, President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, hosted a virtual panel “Discussing Racial Diversity in Snowsports.” The panel brought industry leaders and participants together for a frank conversation about the current landscape of racial diversity in the snowsports industry and began to talk through ways we can create a more inclusive community. Panelists included Snowsports Industries America Board Chair, Wendy Carey; NSAA CEO, Kelly Pawlak; Ski Coach and National Competition Director, Forrest King-Shaw; Winter4Kids
 CEO & President, Schone Malliet; Share Winter Foundation
 CEO, Constance Beverley; as well as U.S. Ski Team alumna, Lauren Samuels.

Please join us on Monday, Nov. 23, for our second panel in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion event series: “Diversity in Ski Racing: The Athlete Perspective.” Henri (moderator) and Lauren (panelist) return and will be joined by a talented group of African American ski racers to dive deeper into the topic of diversity in snowsports from the athlete perspective. Panelists include three-time Paralympian and 11-year member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team Ralph Green, U.S. Ski Team alumni Andre Horton and Suki Miller, as well as Dartmouth College Ski Team alumnus and former U.S. Ski & Snowboard employee Justin Samuels. 

“Diversity in Ski Racing: The Athlete Perspective” sets out to shine a spotlight on issues we otherwise may ignore or fail to recognize as a predominantly white industry. This panel will seek to take the audience on an educational journey by creating awareness through shared athlete experiences, highlight  common themes of racism that existed throughout these athletes’ ski racing careers, as well as discuss ideas on how we, as a community, can address these particular issues and create a more inclusive space within the snowsports industry. The audience will get to know the athletes, and understand how their athletic achievements have translated into professional success in their current pursuits. The conversation will not be easy, but one that leads to positive discussion.

Please register here and join us for what should be an illuminating event and a unique opportunity for the snowsports community. 
 

Panelists

Henri Rivers (moderator):
Henri Rivers is a native New Yorker and an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast for over 45 years. He is a professional ski instructor, certified master teacher and children’s specialist as well as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine coach, jury advisor, referee and official. He coaches in the Alpine race program at Windham Mountain in the Catskill region of New York.

Henri attended Marist College and received a B.S. in Biology in 1982. He worked for several companies as a construction engineer and project manager before founding and managing the Drumriver Companies.

Henri became involved with the National Brotherhood of Skiers in 1996 and has held many positions within the organization. He started as a club president and moved on to become the mid-west regional competition director. In 2003 he became a coach for the national team of NBS and in 2008 was appointed the Olympic Scholarship Fund Administrator. During his tenure as OSF administrator, he grew the national team to 15 athletes. In 2016 he was appointed the National Competition Director and in 2018 was voted in as the Executive Vice President of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. He served for two years and was elected National President of the NBS in March of 2020.

Ralph Green:
Ralph Green is an 11-year member of the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and a three-time U.S. Paralympian (2006, 2010, 2014). While active as a ski racer he partnered with Cox, United Airlines, The Home Depot and Rocket Fuel as a sponsored athlete and brand ambassador. A former board member of Disabled Sports USA, Ralph is a motivational speaker with a strong emphasis on youth violence. He has an MBA with a marketing concentration from Keller Graduate School of Management. Currently, Ralph is a market sales manager at Frito Lay. His clients include King Soopers, Walmart, Safeway, Sam's Club, Target and the Air Force Academy. Ralph also serves on the Adaptive Spirit Board of Directors.

Suki Miller:
Suki Miller was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with degrees in journalism and mathematics. She started skiing at a young age at a very small ski area, Hilltop. Suki and her brother Andre qualified for the U.S. Ski Team with support from the National Brotherhood of Skiers. 

After ski racing, Suki worked in the private, government and non-profit sectors creating and communicating policies that promote healthy, culturally empowered communities. She is a passionate advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her time working on statewide initiatives cultivated an authentic appreciation for the vastness of Alaska, geographically, culturally and ideologically.

When not at work, Suki enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family, especially watching her toddler and the cousins “send it” down driveways and sledding hills. 

Andre Horton:
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, a quarter-mile from a nordic ski track, and a mile from a nordic ski jump and ski area, Andre Horton learned it all at a young age. He eventually focused on alpine racing and in his first out-of-state competition, finished on the podium. After graduating from high school Andre left for Wyoming to ski for the Jackson Hole Ski Club with his sister, Suki. Andre was named to the U.S. Ski Team and competed on the Nor-Am and Europa Cup circuits. He retired from the U.S. Ski Team in 2004 and joined the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors as an athlete representative through 2008. 

Andre has an MBA in entrepreneurialism from the University of Alaska College of Business & Public Policy - Anchorage. He launched his own software development company with a close friend, focused on Alaska’s prolific oil and gas industry. He launched various other companies before taking a mid-career detour from entrepreneurialism and executive consulting to become Firefighter/EMT in early 2019. Andre sits on the Board of Directors for Credit Union 1 still consults for various Alaska-based firms and ANC’s (Alaska Native Corporations). He is a talented photographer (www.andrehorton.net) and enjoys spending time with his family. 

Justin Samuels:
Justin Samuels was born and raised in Minneapolis and learned to ski at a very young age growing up in a ski family. Justin earned his BA in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College and his BE in Mechanical Design from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. He skied for Rowmark Ski Academy and competed in J2 Nationals (what is now similar to U16 Nationals). Justin also competed in NCAA Division 1 ski racing as part of the Dartmouth Ski Team. 

After earning his BE, Justin developed PointsStalker, an iOS app that makes it easy to access any athlete’s FIS data. His professional history includes working for U.S. Ski & Snowboard as mobile systems manager, Brydge Keyboards as product manager, and BodyGuardz as director of product development. Justin recently took a new position with Fictiv as senior product manager. 

Lauren Samuels:
Lauren Samuels was born and raised in Minneapolis and learned to ski at age two. She started racing with Team Gilboa out of Hyland Hills, MN, and developed as a ski racer until she was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s development team in 2009 after winning J2 Nationals Overall and Super-G titles. During the 2010 season Lauren was cut from the U.S. Ski Team but dropped everything and moved to Utah to ski and attend school with Rowmark Ski Academy and competed on the World Junior Championship Team. For the next two seasons Lauren competed as an invitee to the U.S. Ski Team’s C Team racing on the NorAm and Europa Cup circuits. From 2013-2017 Lauren skied for the University of Utah’s NCAA Division 1 Ski Team and became a National Champion her senior year, during which she was Team Captain. 

She earned a BS in Athletic Training and completed her medical school prerequisites. After finishing undergrad, Lauren coached for two years at Team Gilboa, then Rowmark. Currently Lauren is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Oregon - Lundquist College of Business, studying sports product management with the intentions of pursuing a career in the sports and outdoor industry. She is also a member of both the University of Oregon - Portland and U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committees.

For more information on U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion in snowsports, please visit usskiandsnowboard.org.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and leading protein and energy products company, Built Brands™ announced today a new multi-year partnership, making Built Brands™ the official protein bar and energy gel of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team through the 2022 season. Throughout the duration of the partnership, Built Brands’ diverse range of recovery and performance products - packed with protein and nutrients without compromising flavor - will help fuel some of the world’s top athletes. 

“As a brand committed to healthy, great-tasting protein and energy products to fuel an active lifestyle, a partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard was only a natural fit,” said Nick Greer, Co-Founder of Built Brands. “We look forward to keeping some of today’s most competitive athletes energized on and off the mountain through 2022.” 

Throughout the partnership, the Utah-based brand will keep U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Park City headquarters, the USANA Center of Excellence, fully stocked with delicious and nutritious products so athletes can train harder and recover faster. Built Brands will also ensure teams have access to its wide-ranging product portfolio wherever they are in the world training and competing, which this season includes World Championships events for each team. Access to Built Brands™ beloved protein bars, along with its energy and protein supplements Built Boost® and BuiltGO™, means athletes can continue to push what’s possible on the snow. The brand will also have a presence at various domestic competitions and events. 

“Built Brands is a standout among protein bars, protein gels and energy gels and this partnership reflects our shared goal of enabling our athletes to perform at their best,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue Officer Michael O’Conor. “Our athletes push their bodies to achieve exceptional feats and so require high-quality fuel to stay at the top of their game. We are excited to welcome Built Brands into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family and look forward to providing our teams the fuel they need to reach the top of the podium.”

Dermatone, which offers the highest quality skin protection in the most extreme environments, announced today that it has been named the official sunscreen, lip balm, and frostbite protection of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. The multi-year partnership extends through 2023 and includes providing U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes with Dermatone skin protection products to use throughout training and competition.

“Elite athletes spend countless hours training and competing in the coldest, windiest and brightest conditions in alpine environments,” said Doug Metchick, Dermatone CEO. “We are excited to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team as they prepare for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Dermatone will help protect their skin year-round and ensure that they are always ready to face the competition.”

Dermatone was founded in 1981 as the first product to provide cold weather protection along with sunscreen. The brand’s long-lasting, water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and broad-spectrum SPF formulas deliver unparalleled protection in high UV environments. Dermatone has been tested in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, including Mt. Everest, K2, Antarctica and Death Valley.

“Dermatone has been a trusted brand in mountain sports for decades and has a proven track record in intense environments,” said Michael O’Conor, chief revenue officer for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Our athletes train and compete under extreme mountain conditions and this partnership will make life on the road that much more comfortable. We are thrilled to bring Dermatone into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard family and are excited for the support they will provide our athletes, our teams and our community.”

You’re invited to an exciting night in with U.S. Ski & Snowboard on Thursday, November 19 at 5 p.m. MST / 7 p.m. EST. Shake up your favorite cocktail, glam up in your best event-from-home attire, grab your computer and join Olympic Freestyle Champion Jonny Moseley and X Games Gold Medalist Maggie Voisin for a live, 30 minute show you won’t want to miss. U.S. Ski & Snowboard presents the New York Gold Medal Gala Reimagined: A Night at the USANA Center of Excellence. 

This year would have marked the 54th annual New York Gold Medal Gala, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s marquee fundraising event. However, due to the ongoing global pandemic, with the health and safety of all athletes, staff, donors and supporters, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has shifted all fundraising efforts to virtual experiences. Going virtual has its benefits as all ski and snowboard fans are invited to attend - registration is free! 

Hosted by Jonny and Maggie, with a special appearance from two-time Olympic Champion Mikaela Shiffrin, A Night At the USANA Center of Excellence will seek to help raise $1 million to ensure athletes across all teams have access to coaching, training and elite competition for the 2020-21 season. All funds raised will directly benefit Olympic hopefuls on their road to Beijing 2022 and beyond. Go behind the scenes of what it’s like to train to be Best in the World, hear from some of your favorite athletes and gain insight into what the competitive ski and snowboard world will be like this season. Jonny and Maggie have been training all summer for this with a rigorous schedule of online meetings and look forward to spending some time with you from the comfort of your own home. 

Technology has the power to connect us during a time we cannot physically be in the same place. Fans and supporters are encouraged to show their support remotely by registering or donating. Now is your chance to get ahead of the game by bidding on the online auction, now live. Be a part of history with exclusive Team gear, sports memorabilia and incredible, immersive experiences. New items will be added in the lead in to the live show, so be sure to check back. The online auction will be available until Monday, November 23 at 10 a.m. MST / 12 p.m. EST. 

Join us for an amazing evening. After all, there’s nothing like relaxing on the couch after a long day of being stressed on the couch.

Register today at nightatthecoe.org or by texting "gold" to 243725!