Breakpoints

No Retina
Retina
XS Screen (480px)
SM+ Screen
SM Screen (768px)
SM- Screen
MD+ Screen
MD Screen (992px)
MD- Screen
LG+ Screen
LG Screen (1200px)
LG- Screen
XL+ Screen (1600px)

U.S. To Host 11 FIS World Cups in 2023-24 Season – Most In History

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
October, 6 2023
Broken Ice
(Mike Dawson - U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

PARK CITY, UTAH (October 6, 2023) – FIS confirmed 11 FIS World Cups in the United States for the 2023-24 season—the most World Cups hosted on U.S. soil in history. 

The U.S. World Cup circuit begins in November and goes through early March, spanning coast to coast with four alpine events, one cross country World Cup, three freeski and snowboard events, two freestyle World Cups and one ski jumping World Cup. The calendar features two new World Cup locations: the first cross country World Cup in the states in more than 20 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota and an additional moguls World Cup in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. 

“We are so excited to have such a robust lineup of World Cups in the United States this season,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “We broke records when we announced nine World Cups last season, and having 11 this season shows our commitment to bringing elite skiing and snowboarding competition to the states to inspire audiences from coast to coast.”

Alpine
The 2023-24 U.S. FIS World Cup circuit will begin on the east coast in Vermont with the alpine women racing giant slalom and slalom at the Stifel Killington Cup over Thanksgiving weekend. 40,000 fans are expected to cheer on the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team women, including five-time Stifel Killington Cup champion and winningest skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin, and top seven in the world slalom ranked skier and former University of Vermont racer Paula Moltzan.

The week after Killington, the men head to Beaver Creek, Colorado for the annual Xfinity Birds of Prey World Cup for a super-G and two downhills where the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team men will lay it down on home snow. The team will be highlighted by 2022 Olympic silver medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle and local favorite River Radamus who are sure to put on a show for the domestic crowd. 

The men’s World Cup tour returns to the United States at the end of February for the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup giant slalom and slalom at the famed 1960 Winter Olympics venue. Palisades Tahoe is known for its challenging terrain and for producing a number of current and past Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team members. 

To conclude the U.S. circuit, the men’s tour will head to Colorado at the beginning of March for the Stifel Aspen Winternational presented by United where fans will cheer on Colorado natives Jett Seymour and Radamus into the finish. Aspen Snowmass has hosted more than 100 World Cup races for both men and women over the years, including the World Cup Finals in 2017 and the Stifel America’s Downhill™ downhill and super-G races last season. Differing from last season, the 2024 event will be a giant slalom and slalom.

Freeski & Snowboard 
Freeskiers and snowboarders will once again descend on the slopes of Copper Mountain for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota Dec. 13-16. The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix will feature halfpipe competition and the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota will showcase athletes debuting their latest tricks on a massive scale big air jump at “The Athlete’s Mountain.” The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, which has been held at Copper Mountain since the early 2000s, is recognized as the longest running winter action sports tour. 

The best of the best slopestyle and halfpipe freeskiers and snowboarders from across the globe will return to North America for a week of action at Mammoth Mountain’s Unbound Main Park for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix Jan. 31-Feb. 3. Top Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athletes scheduled to appear will include Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall, Olympic silver medalist Colby Stevenson, and 2023 World Championship gold medalists Hanna Faulhaber and Troy Podmilsak. 2023 FIS Crystal Globe winner Dusty Henricksen, 2023 World Championship bronze medalist Chris Corning and two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim will be among the riders representing the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team.

Freestyle 
The FIS Freestyle World Cup calendar has two stops in the U.S. this season. New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort, known as the birthplace of freestyle skiing, will host their first World Cup moguls and dual moguls World Cup Jan. 26-27—the mountain’s first freestyle World Cup in its history. Fans will be able to cheer on native New Englanders and Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team skiers Kasey Hogg and Hannah Soar in the competitions. 

Competition continues with the Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley Feb. 1-3 for aerials, moguls and dual moguls. This event is a staple on the freestyle schedule and brings in a big crowd of fans year after year. 2022 Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf is expected to compete, as are 2022 Olympic champions Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld. 

Cross Country
For the first time in more than 20 years, the U.S. is proud to host a COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup with the Stifel Loppet Cup in Minneapolis, Minnesota over Presidents Day Weekend. This World Cup will bring the best cross country athletes in the world to Wirth Park, a unique venue in the heart of the city. Three-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins, a native of nearby Afton, Minnesota and the first American athlete to win a cross country gold medal in the Olympics, will lead a strong Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team in front of a sold-out crowd. 

Ski Jumping 
The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit will head to Lake Placid for the second time since 1990 Feb. 9-12. The event will feature two men’s individual competitions and a team event. Thousands are expected to show up to cheer on the world’s best ski jumpers in the historic location of the 1980 Olympic Games. 

ALPINE
Nov. 25-26, 2023: Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, Vermont; women’s slalom/giant slalom
Dec. 1-3, 2023: Xfinity Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, Colorado; men’s super-G/downhill/downhill
Feb. 24-25, 2024: Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, Palisades Tahoe, California; men’s slalom/giant slalom
March 2-3, 2024: Stifel Aspen Winternational presented by United, Aspen, Colorado; men’s slalom/giant slalom

CROSS COUNTRY
Feb. 17-19, 2024: Stifel Loppet Cup, Minneapolis, Minnesota; sprint/distance 

FREESTYLE
Jan. 26-27, 2024: United Airlines Waterville Freestyle Cup presented by ID One USA, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire; moguls/dual moguls
Feb. 1-3: Intermountain Health Freestyle International, Deer Valley, Utah; aerials/moguls/dual moguls 

FREESKI AND SNOWBOARD 
Dec. 13-16, 2023: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Copper Mountain, Colorado; halfpipe
Dec. 13-16, 2023: Visa Big Air presented by Toyota, Copper Mountain, Colorado; big air
Jan. 31- Feb. 3, 2024: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, Mammoth Mountain, California; slopestyle/halfpipe 

SKI JUMPING
Feb. 9-12: FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, Lake Placid, New York; large hill/super team large hill

Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Set to Compete at Schutzenski Festival Oct. 14-15

By Leann Bentley
October, 5 2023
Solider Hollow

(OCT 6, 2023 – PARK CITY, UT) The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation is set to host the annual Schutzenski Festival Oct. 12-15, 2023 at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Unique to this year, nearly the entire Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team roster is slated to compete in the sprint and distance rollerski races, including three-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins, 2023 FIS Rookie of the Year Ben Ogden and 2023 World Championship medalist Julia Kern.

Over the weekend, the festival will attract all levels of biathlon and cross country ski athletes for an entire weekend of racing, community building, sponsor activations and the opportunity to watch some of the world's best athletes compete before they begin the 2023-24 season. 

“Schutzenski is our way to share our excitement for the forthcoming winter with our community,” said Luke Bodensteiner, Solider Hollow general manager and chief of sport development. “We show off the best of ski racing and biathlon with trailside access to watch elite racing throughout the day, hear from pro athletes and their suppliers about the latest equipment available for the ski season, take part in open running and rollerski races, socialize with world champions and weekend warriors, and enjoy the beauty of Soldier Hollow as we glide into another season of world-class skiing and programs for all ages and interests.”

Outside of racing, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athletes will be trailside for a meet and greet and autograph session on Saturday, Oct. 14 before they head off to Europe for another exciting season of World Cup racing. 

More information on the Schutzenski Festival can be found here, along with the full schedule of events. 

Cross Country Event Schedule 

*Schedule subject to change

Saturday, Oct. 14

  • 10:45 a.m. // 10k classic, individual start, elite men
  • 11:30 a.m. // 10k classic, individual start, elite women 
  • 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. // elite awards 
  • 1:15 - 1:30 p.m. // meet and greet

Sunday, Oct. 15 

  • 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. // skate sprint qualifiers, men/women
  • 9:45 - 11:45 a.m. // sprint rounds, men/women
  • 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. // elite awards, men/women

###

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Leann Bentley
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Communications Manager; Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Press Officer
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org

Brennan Smith
Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF)
UOLF Marketing Manager
Bsmith@uolf.org


 

FESTIVAL

Masters Remembers "Gate" Gaetano DeMattei

By Lauren Beckos
October, 3 2023
Gate holding a microphone and addressing the crowd at his 90th birthday celebration at the 2019 FIS Masters Cup in Aspen
Gate celebrated his 90th birthday with his family and the FIS Masters at the 2019 FIS Masters Cup in Aspwn

Gate will surely be missed! Racing with joy and tenacity all the way up through multiple years as a Class 14 (90+) racer.

"Our beloved, admired and forever role model, Gate DeMattei passed away Tuesday, September 26th. Gate was born February 9th, 1929 in San Francisco. He attended his first ski competition when he was a student at Santa Clara University while on a College trip to Badger Pass ski area in Yosemite National Park. Interestingly enough, Gate’s first competition was not racing through gates, but in ski jumping!..." See the most recent Far West Newsletter for the full tribute and more photos.

Gaetano had a decorated masters career - we are likely missing a few in our records but here are some of his regional/national/international level accomplishments:

- 7x Overall Combined 1st place National Champion

- 48 National Championship Medals

- 12x Western Region Champion

- 15x Belt buckle winner over the 22 years of the NSS

- 4x FIS Masters Cup globe winner (2x1st, 1x2nd, 1x3rd)

- 2019 Al Sise Outstanding Masters Award Winner

 

Obituary: Dr Gaetano A. DeMattei, MD  (Sierra Sun)

 Dr Gaetano A. DeMattei, MD  (legacy.com)

Funeral service and memorial gathering for Gate will be held on Thursday Oct. 12.

  • 10am - viewing
  • 11am - rosary and Mass - Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Tahoe City CA
  • 2pm-6pm - memorial reception - Bar One - Olympic House, 1990 Olympic Valley Rd. Olympic Valley CA

U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Class

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
September, 29 2023
shannon bahrke
Shannon Bahrke celebrates winning a bronze medal at the Winter Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 (Getty Images - Kevork Djansezian)

The U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum, not affiliated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, announced its eight member Hall of Fame Class of 2023. The class will be inducted at the Snowsports History Celebration in March, which will be held in Park City, Utah.

The class is headlined by two-time Olympic medalist freestyle moguls skier Shannon Bahrke, snowboarding pioneer Jeff Brushie and Olympic champion Billy Demong.

The mission of the U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is to honor and celebrate the athletes, pioneers and visionaries of the United States who have significantly enriched the global sports of skiing and snowboarding, and to showcase their stories and historic memorabilia in a national museum located at the birthplace of organized skiing in America, Ishpeming, Michigan.

The 2023 inductees are listed below, with courtesy to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.  

Ross Anderson – (Albuquerque, New Mexico) A Native American speed skier, Ross Anderson holds the record as the fastest American on skis, hitting a speed of 154.060 mph in 2006 at Les Arcs, France. A native of Durango, Colorado, he grew up as a ski racer and ski jumper, discovering speed skiing in 1994. He became one of the top athletes on the U.S. Speed Skiing Team, winning bronze at the 2005 World Championships and is an eight-time national champion.

shannon bahrke - 2010 olympics

Shannon Bahrke – (Reno, Nevada) Lake Tahoe native Shannon Bahrke is one of only five women to win multiple Olympic medals. Known for her pink hair and as the exuberant face of moguls skiing, Bahrke won Olympic silver at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, then came back from injuries to win Olympic bronze in 2010. In a 12-year career with the U.S. Ski Team, Bahrke won the 2003 World Cup title, claimed 27 World Cup podiums with seven victories and earned six U.S. titles. She competed in three Olympics and was on six World Championship teams.

Jeff Brushie – (Burlington, Vermont) Vermont’s Jeff Brushie had one of the greatest and most successful contest careers for any American snowboarder. In an era before the X Games and Olympics, he thrilled millions of fans around the globe and became the most commercially successful pro snowboarder of his generation. He won over 20 major contest wins including three world championship titles. In the 1990s, his crossover appeal to mainstream media on MTV and ESPN was America’s first real look into snowboarding style and culture, also serving as a role model for future stars including Shaun White.

 billy demong

Billy Demong – (Vermontville, New York) As an athlete and a team leader, Olympic champion Billy Demong won the first gold medal by an American nordic skier, inspiring Team USA to an unprecedented four medals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. He grew up in the Olympic region of Lake Placid, inspired by the culture emanating from the 1980 Games. In an international racing career that spanned 16 seasons, he won Olympic gold and silver, four World Championship medals including one gold and earned 21 World Cup podiums with nine wins.

Jake & Dave Moe – (Seattle, Washington) Skiing was just entering a dynamic phase of growth in 1971 when Jake and David Moe introduced the world to POWDER Magazine. Under the mantra “Powder to the People,” the brothers offered a new, more independent look at the sport with the photos and words on their pages, literally changing the direction of skiing, pushing skiers to discover their own independence on the mountain. As publisher and editor, the Moe brothers had a knack for finding the wordsmiths and photographers to tell the story of skiing in a new way. The magazine continued its mission with continual publication for nearly a half-century.

Les Otten – (New York, New York) Resort developer Les Otten had a profound impact on the entire industry as an innovator and visionary. He parlayed a college gig as a ski instructor to build a career in the industry, eventually owning nine ski areas and building American Ski Company into a publicly traded resort leader. Otten’s hallmark was finding ways to do things better. He innovated teaching techniques to make sport entry easier, focused on quality for snow making and was one of the first to recognize the benefits of shaped skis. Never satisfied with the status quo, his pioneering efforts transformed the industry of today. 

Mike Porter – (California) In a career that spanned a half century, Mike Porter left an indelible mark as one of the world’s most influential ski educators. He served the PSIA National Alpine Team as both a member and later its longest standing head coach. Porter was also one of the founders of the American Teaching System. Through his long-time leadership, he became a key mover in bringing global recognition to the PSIA-AASI worldwide, overseeing much of the U.S. content presented every four years at Interski. With his in-depth research on ski racing, he also served a pivotal role in bringing coaches and instructors together.

hank kashiwa

Hank Kashiwa – (New York, New York) After winning the 1975 World Pro Skiing Championship, Olympic ski racer Hank Kashiwa parlayed his success and passion for skiing into a thriving career as an entrepreneur in the ski industry. Together with brother Bucky, he founded Volant which went on to become the largest American ski manufacturer with its innovative stainless-steel cap. After the sale of Volant to Atomic, he went on to help lead marketing efforts for Montana’s Yellowstone Club as the world’s first private ski and golf community. which now boasts 875 families in its private membership.

McCann Hired as U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Sport Education

By Libby Arganbright
September, 29 2023
Mountain Scene

(PARK CITY, UTAH - September 29, 2023) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced David McCann as its new Director of Sport Education. With a distinguished background spanning across several prominent sports organizations, McCann is a celebrated sports education leader.

McCann is no stranger to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, having acted as the organization’s Director of Educational Services from 2003-08. His journey has also included leadership roles at various other Olympic National Governing Bodies, including USA Volleyball, USA Rugby and USA Boccia, as well as within leadership at the University of Illinois, where he taught classes and provided consulting services and crucial resources to sports organizations across the state. McCann also served as the Director of Coaching Education for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Throughout his career, McCann has personally trained over 3,000 sport coaches and instructors in clinics and workshops, making a lasting impact on the field. 

During his previous tenure at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, then the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, McCann developed numerous award-winning educational materials, generating over 1 million dollars in revenue for the organization. In his current role, McCann will continue to enhance the comprehensive coaches education experience for our domestic and international coaches. He will also collaborate closely with our club development program to ensure that our youth and elite athletes have access to a world-class pipeline for their growth and success. 

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 2023, competing in ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, Para snowboard, Para alpine, 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
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org 

 

David McCann Headshort

Protect Our Winters Honors U.S. Ski & Snowboard with Jake Burton Award

By Libby Arganbright
September, 28 2023
Snowboarder in Stubai
Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Athlete in Stubai (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

(PARK CITY, UTAH - Sep. 28, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed Jake Burton Award by Protect Our Winters (POW). The award, won previously by companies like Burton, Strava, New Belgium and more, was presented to U.S. Ski & Snowboard at POW's Leadership Summit in Reno, Nevada in September. 

Named in honor of snowboarding legend Jake Burton, the Jake Burton Award recognizes partners who have demonstrated leading the charge in creating cultural shifts needed to take on climate as a community. The criteria for the award include influencing the cultural shift through brand platforms, a willingness to challenge the status quo and integrating climate action into the DNA of the brand.

“Jake Burton’s passion and dedication built a movement in snow sports. He challenged the status quo every step of the way paving the path for a new sport, lowering barriers to entry and instilling the ethos that we should preserve the outdoors for all future generations,” said Torrey Udall, Executive Director of POW. “This year, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team honored Jake’s legacy by bringing the urgency of climate to the forefront and using its voice and influence to affect change. We are grateful to U.S. Ski & Snowboard for their partnership, collaboration and dedication.”

POW nominated U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Aspen Snowmass for their collaborative efforts at the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen, at which the organization and resort worked to champion sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, and the 2023 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships. U.S. Ski & Snowboard collaborated with POW and Kappa to create climate change-themed alpine race suits for the World Championships, designed to bring attention to the melting glaciers around the world. The suits were worn on the sport's biggest stage by the sport's biggest stars to show the organization’s commitment to furthering the fight against climate change. 

"We are deeply honored to receive the Jake Burton Award from POW," said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "This recognition reaffirms our dedication to mitigating climate change's impact on our winter sports and we look forward to continuing our efforts, knowing there is still so much more we could do."

This recognition reiterates U.S. Ski & Snowboard's commitment to combating climate change and protecting our winter playgrounds. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and POW will continue to collaborate on initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action within the winter sports community and beyond. 

 

###

About Protect Our Winters
Protect Our Winters (POW) was founded in 2007 by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones to address the impact of climate change on outdoor sports. It has since grown into a global network of over 130,000 supporters, including athletes, individuals, resorts, and brand partners. POW aims to give a national voice to the outdoor sports community, highlighting the economic significance of an industry that supports 7.6 million jobs and generates $887 billion in revenue. With a focus on relevance and authenticity, POW mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to combat climate change, recognizing that the future of the environment, jobs, and the economy depends on their actions. https://protectourwinters.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 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 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Early Bird Registration Deadline Oct. 15

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
September, 26 2023
Early Registration Deadline

Don’t delay! The early bird registration deadline is 5 p.m. (MDT), Sunday, Oct 15. Register now to beat the rush!  

Price increases go into effect beginning Oct. 16. Members may renew online at my.usskiandsnowboard.org today! This deadline only applies to individual members.

Important reminders:

• Please remember to check the cart on the right to see if the membership has been pre-populated based on the membership held last season.

• Membership information including categories, descriptions, pricing and benefits may be found here

• A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Family Membership cap of $500 is provided for immediate family members registering at once. If your family’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships total more than $500, please contact Member Services for a rebate by email, chat or phone with the names and membership numbers for your family. A refund check will be sent via mail. (Division dues, FIS registration and merchandise not included.) 

• Add additional U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships for only the cost of the highest membership. For example, a freestyle competitor may add an alpine competitor membership at no additional charge. An alpine coach may add an alpine master’s membership at no additional charge. (Division dues and FIS registration not included.)

We encourage you to reach out to Member Services for assistance. We're here to help! 

Member Services
435.647.2666
membership@usskiandsnowboard.org
www.usskiandsnowboard.org

                                                                                                                                   

U.S. Ski & Snowboard St. Louis Fundraiser Raises Over One Million Dollars

By Sierra Ryder
September, 25 2023
Dierks Bentley on the main stage at the Stifel U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser in St. Louis. (@westrichphotography)
Dierks Bentley on the main stage at the Stifel U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser in St. Louis. (@westrichphotography)

For the seventh year, Ron Kruszewski, who serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stifel Financial Corp. and a trustee of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, hosted his annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser. The event broke records, raising over $1 million.

This year's theme was "Mikaela's Roadhouse," designed to celebrate Mikaela Shiffrin's record-setting 88 World Cup wins, complete with Route 88 signs throughout the venue.

It was a star-studded night with country sensation Dierks Bentley as the night’s primary entertainer alongside Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin and 2022 world champion Hanna Faulhaber and two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira, both of the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. Many key St. Louis sports figures were in attendance, including Blues, Cubs and Cardinals players.

“Thank you so much,” said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Hanna Faulhaber “The St. Louis event was a blast and I know the team is incredibly grateful for the support.”

Mikaela Shiffrin also thanking the St. Louis community for showing up to the event in her recent post, "Thank you to the St. Louis community for showing up once again," said Shiffrin "The event was just so much fun and I’m excited we were able to raise so much money for all sports and disciplines at U.S. Ski & Snowboard!"

One highlight of the evening included Shiffrin joining Bentley on stage for a surprise performance in front of U.S. Ski & Snowboard trustees and guests.

The event, hosted by Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, along with support by U.S. Ski & Snowboard partner Textron Aviation, has quickly become one of the organization's largest fundraisers. Trustees, long-time supporters and guests were in attendance to break the all-time fundraising record at this event, with all proceeds directly benefiting the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes as they begin their 2023-24 competition season. 

Meet the Athletes That Make Up the Most Decorated Para Snowboard Team in the World

By Ryan Odeja
September, 25 2023
U.S. Para Snowboard athlete pushes out of the gate during a snowboardcross race

Since snowboarding became an official Paralympic sport in 2014, no country has won more Paralympic medals than the U.S. team. The American athletes have won more than double the next-closest country - 21 medals compared to China, who has won 10. 

Members of the current U.S. Para Snowboard Team have won 15 of those 21 medals, and several U.S. snowboarders added more hardware to their resumes at the World Championships this past March in La Molina, Spain. Four current members of the men’s team sit in the top five of the overall Paralympic medal rankings, and Brenna Huckaby leads the way for the women. 

Get to know the team before the season starts as they come under U.S. Ski & Snowboard!

Brenna Huckaby

Huckaby didn’t grow up a snowboard athlete; rather, she was an avid gymnast in a city not known for snow-covered peaks - Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When she was 14, she had her right leg amputated due to bone cancer, and she made the move to Salt Lake City, Utah and decided to try a new sport - snowboarding. Just one month after her amputation, Huckaby received her first prosthetic leg and set her eyes on the slopes. The same passion she had for gymnastics, she quickly realized she had for snowboarding, and by 2013, she was competing with the National Ability Center in Park City. Before she knew it, she became one of the most talented athletes in the sport. A few years later, she took home three golds and a silver medal in her first two World Championships appearances, cementing herself as one of the best Para snowboardcross athletes in the world. 

Her World Championship success set her up for a dominant showing at the PyeongChang Winter Paralympic Games, where she won gold in the snowboardcross and banked slalom events. She later defended her banked slalom title at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing and took home a bronze in the snowboardcross competition. On top of her four Paralympic medals, the 27 year old has racked up nine World Championship medals, including a gold, silver and bronze in Spain earlier this year. She is a four-time Paralympic medalist (three gold, one bronze) and four-time world champion. Huckaby is a two-time ESPY Award nominee (2018, 2022) and one-time winner (2018) of the “Best Female Athlete with a Disability." When she isn’t snowboarding, you can find Huckaby hiking, biking, playing with her daughters, watching Shameless, or volunteering as a gymnastics judge in Utah.

Darian Haynes

Haynes was born with a Brachial Plexus injury and felt that most sports were unreachable for her while growing up, but after moving to Hawaii in 2010, she found an adaptive surfing program and the rest was history. Soon after discovering the sport, she started surfing competitively, soaring through the ranks. She became one of the best adaptive surfers in Hawaii and competed at national and international-level events, eventually joining Team USA. In 2021, she decided to trade the ocean for the mountains and moved to Silverthorne, Colorado to start her professional snowboarding career. Haynes began training with Adaptive Action Sports and became the 2022-23 FIS World Cup overall Para banked slalom champion within two years of training. In 2023, she took home the 2023 banked slalom overall Crystal Globe following another successful year on the World Cup and then topped it off with two bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships. 

Outside of snowboarding, Haynes is a competitive skateboarder who still loves surfing as much as possible. Throughout her three sports, she is dedicated to bringing opportunities to participate in adaptive sports to those who haven’t been exposed, especially young women like herself.

Evan Strong

Strong is one of the only athletes on the Para team to have competed in all three Paralympics since snowboarding was formally added in 2014. The Haiku, Hawaii native led a U.S. medal sweep in the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games in snowboardcross, joined on the podium by teammates Mike Shea (silver) and Keith Gabel (bronze). 

Strong followed up his Sochi Games success with a silver medal in the banked slalom at the PyeongChang Paralympics. Along with his two Paralympic medals, Strong has won five World Championship medals, including a gold in snowboardcross LL2 in 2012. Since moving from Hawaii to Lake Tahoe, California in 2007, Strong has earned every title in Para snowboarding, from the X Games to the Paralympics.

Outside of snowboarding, Strong's hobbies include skateboarding, mountain biking, surfing and photography. He credits his family, along with Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale, the founders of Adaptive Action Sports, as the most influential individuals in his career.

Joe Pleban

Pleban, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, has made a mark in the Para snowboarding world, on and off the snow. He is known worldwide for the “please cut here” tattoo he got on his leg in 2014 before his amputation, calling it the first non-permanent permanent tattoo. In 2017, his snowboarding journey began when he started training with Adaptive Action Sports, and soon enough, he made his international debut. 

Pleban just missed out on making the roster for the Beijing Paralympic Games last March, but soon after, he and his wife welcomed their daughter to the world. In his career, he has snagged top World Cup results and earned a 10th and 13th place results at World Championships. Outside of snowboarding, he attended Christopher Newport University and spends most of his time outside hiking and paddleboarding.

Keith Gabel

Gabel initially discovered his passion for snowboarding back in 2000, and although he loved to ride, he didn’t start formally competing until after an industrial accident in 2005 that crushed his left foot and led to an eventual amputation. Just three months post-op, Gabel returned to his snowboard; however, it wasn’t until the 2010-11 season that he found competitive Para snowboarding and began training with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. He progressed quickly and soared through the international ranks, eventually earning a spot on the 2014 Paralympic Team for the Games in Sochi, Russia. In his Paralympic debut, he earned a bronze medal in snowboardcross, becoming a part of the iconic U.S. medal sweep. At the Paralympic Games in 2018, Gabel improved on his 2014 results by finishing with a silver medal in the snowboardcross event. Outside his Paralympic experience, Gabel earned two World Championship medals, becoming the snowboardcross world champion in 2019, and finished second in snowboardcross team alongside teammate Noah Elliott in 2023. 

Now 38, Gabel hopes to make his fourth trip to the Paralympics in 2026. Outside of snowboarding, you’ll find Gabel hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, cliff diving, camping, playing and writing music, and hanging out with his dog, checking nearly every outdoor activity box. 

Mike Minor

Minor was born missing part of his right forearm, but that did not stop him from competing. He competes in the UL classification for athletes with upper limb deficiencies. He grew up skiing, skiing, wrestling, skateboarding, four-wheeling and participating in mixed martial arts, but decided to start snowboarding at age seven, inspired by those snowboarding around him. While working as a lift attendant at Copper Mountain in Colorado, he was invited to start practicing and competing competitively with Adaptive Action Sports. His talent was evident, and those around him began to take notice. Not long after, he made his international debut at a World Cup event in 2015, and after an impressive opening season, Minor still continues to dominate the competition on both the national and international stage.

Since making his international debut in 2015, Minor has competed in two Paralympic Winter Games, winning a gold and a bronze medal, and two World Championships, winning two golds and two silvers. The 32 year old now lives in Finland with his fiancée. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding and spending time with his two dogs, Halo and Dinky.

Mike Schultz

In 2008, while competing in a snowcross race, Schultz drifted off course, flying off his snowmobile and landing on his left leg. He sustained a severe compound fracture to his knee and, after multiple surgeries, had his leg amputated above the knee. Throughout his entire life, Schultz has always been heavily involved in action sports, and after his amputation, he found that the prosthetics on the market weren’t suitable for the activity he wanted to continue to pursue. Knowing this, Schultz took matters into his own hands and engineered his prosthetic knee, which got him back in the position to get back out into the action sports world. Not long after, Schultz won the adaptive motocross silver medal at the X Games, then switched gears and started snowboarding in 2009. Following his achievements, Schultz quickly realized that others could benefit from his engineered prosthetic design and decided to start BioDapt, Inc., in 2010. His company pushed the boundaries for high-impact adaptive sports. 

The success never slowed. In 2010, Schultz became the first person to win a gold medal at both the Summer and Winter X Games. His love of action sports and enjoyment of new challenges led him to become competitive in snowboarding after already successful careers in snowcross and motocross. He rose through the national ranks, joined the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2015, and showed impressive results on the World Cup circuit. Schultz competed in his first World Championships in 2017, taking home a silver in the banked slalom LL1. A year later, he won silver in the same event and a gold in the snowboardcross at the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games. Schultz added three World Championship medals from two more appearances — including a bronze in the snowboardcross this past March — and another Paralympic silver at the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games to his resume. The 41 year old is coming off a dominant World Cup season that saw him reach eight podiums and finish tied for the most points in banked slalom LL1.

Schultz’s hobbies include motocross, snowmobiling, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing and, of course, working in his shop. In 2010, he was inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Network Hall of Fame, along with being a published author and public speaker who has even given a TEDx Talk on adapting to golden opportunities.

Noah Elliott

Elliott burst onto the international stage as a 20 year old at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, where he won gold in the banked slalom and bronze in the snowboardcross LL1 competition - only three years after his left leg was amputated due to bone cancer.

After winning the world title in dual banked slalom in January 2022, the St. Charles, Missouri, native battled through injuries at the Beijing Paralympic Games and just missed medaling in the banked slalom. Elliott, now 25, returned healthy this year and earned five podiums on the World Cup circuit, and two silvers at the 2023 World Championships. 

Elliott takes pride in hard work and dedication and enjoys sharing stories with others and learning new things. Outside of snowboarding, Elliott’s hobbies include skateboarding, snowboarding, fishing, camping, hiking, traveling, cooking, being outdoors, playing guitar, hanging out with family, and simply enjoying life. 

Peggy Martin

Martin is one of the first competitive snowboarders in the world, between able-bodied and adaptive snowboarding. Along with being the first, she is also one of the oldest competitors active on the Para snowboard circuit. Despite her age, Martin continues to push boundaries and win events. 

Martin started snowboarding in 1986 while working as a ski instructor in Colorado. She used borrowed and homemade equipment to start her snowboard journey and quickly was up on her feet, flying down the slopes. As the snowboarding world expanded, competitive events became more popular; in 1988, just two years after starting, Martin began racing competitively. 

In 1996, she seriously injured her arm in a snowmobile crash and started snowboarding with her arm in a sling to be pain-free while riding. In 2015, Peggy learned that she qualified to compete in Para snowboarding events due to her arm injury and the rest is history. Despite her success on the Para snowboard circuit and the sport being included in the Paralympics for the first time in 2014, Martin wasn’t able to compete at the 2018 or 2022 Paralympic Games because her category was not yet included; however, that is something she hopes to help change. 

At the 2023 Para Snowboard World Championships in La Molina, Martin took home two silver medals in dual banked slalom and dual banked slalom team, a testament to her dedication and perseverance in the sport. Martin is a trailblazer in able-bodied and Para snowboarding and has helped to grow the sports to where they are today.

Zach Miller

While Miller is the youngest national team member, he doesn’t lack international experience. Only two weeks after turning 20, the Silverthorne, Colorado, native won bronze in snowboardcross at the 2019 World Championships in Pyha, Finland.

Daniel Gale recruited Zach to join Adaptive Action Sports at age 13 and helped him become an elite athlete. Miller credits him as the most influential person in his athletic career as he offered him so much support and taught him how to be an ambassador, not just a snowboarder. 

Miller quickly moved through the international ranks and earned a spot on the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2018. He is a two-time world champion, five-time World Championship medalist and Paralympian (2022). Miller’s goal is to “be a guy you always want out on the hill with you. Maybe [to win] a Paralympic gold medal too.” His favorite sports memory is winning his second World Championship title with Mike Minor. Recently, Zach was awarded the 2023 “Best Athlete with a Disability” ESPY Award, a testament to the impact he has beyond the sport. He wrapped up last season with three medals at the 2023 World Championships in La Molina in banked slalom team (gold), dual banked slalom (silver), and snowboardcross (bronze). 

Miller describes himself as a massive nerd, a huge gamer and highly competitive; his favorite thing about snowboarding is how fast he can go. He's also a big motorcycle rider. Additionally, he works as a coach at Adaptive Action Sports, teaching new development athletes to snowboard and start racing; he also set up some new PCs in the office so they can start building a local adaptive eSports Program.

FOLLOW THE U.S. PARA SNOWBOARD TEAM

Instagram: @usparaskisnowboard 

Facebook: U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team

Twitter: @usskiteam

TikTok: @usskiandsnowboard

Masters Racers Post Great Results at Catedral

By Lauren Beckos
September, 22 2023
Masters waiting at the start of the 2023 FIS Racers waiting at the Start of Masters Cup event September 17-19, 2023 at Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina
View from the start of the 2023 FIS Masters Cup event September 17-19, 2023 at Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina

The FIS Masters Cup officially kicked off in September with 5 races at Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina - look at all the USA medalists! See the link for a wrap-up video from Lisa Densmore Ballard's camp and the races!

2023 Masters Catedral USA Results

https://youtu.be/PtXAi83SS1U?si=Om2oqKnGsT_1pL-m

Full race results at: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/masters/calendar-results.html

Masters at the 2023 FIS Event in Catedral, Arg