Park City, Utah (June 13, 2023) – Former U.S. ski jumping athlete and Olympian Patrick Gasienica passed away Monday night, June 12, 2023, at the age of 24.

Gasienica grew up ski jumping at the Norge Ski Club and made his FIS Ski Jumping debut in 2015. Gasienica represented the United States at two FIS Junior World Ski Championships in 2016 and 2017, the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld, as well as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.

USA Nordic Sport and U.S. Ski & Snowboard's thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the ski jumping community. Patrick Gasienica’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family.

Park City, UT (June 6, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard is thrilled to announce the roster of 54 athletes nominated to represent the U.S. Snowboard Team in halfpipe, slopestyle and snowboardcross for the upcoming 2023-24 season. These nominations have been based on predetermined selection criteria. 

The 2023-24 roster is filled with talent, coming from seasoned veterans to promising newcomers. After a year off, two-time Olympic gold medalist halfpipe rider Chloe Kim will return to the competition circuit. X Games champion and two-time Olympian Maddie Mastro will also continue to represent the U.S. for the 2023-24 season on the pro team. Olympic champions Nick Baumgartner and Lindsey Jacobellis will again return to the pro snowboardcross team and 2022-23 slopestyle Crystal Globe winners Julia Marino and Dusty Henricksen are back. 

Along with Kim and Mastro, 2022 Olympians Chase Josey, Lucas Foster and Joey Okesson will return to the halfpipe pro team, along with veteran Chase Blackwell, who had his first World Cup podium at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain earlier this year. Bea Kim and Sonora Alba made the move from rookie to pro after a solid 2022-23 season, where both consistently made the finals on the World Cup. 

“We have diverse teams with a strong mix of young raw talent paired with seasoned Olympic gold medalists like Chloe Kim, Red Gerard and Lindsey Jacobellis,” said Snowboard Sport Director Rick Bower. “I am excited to see what our teams are capable of this season!”

On the slopestyle team, 22 athletes will complete the roster. Courtney Rummel, Jake Canter and Rebecca Flynn made the jump from the slopestyle rookie team to pro, a nod to their consistent growth, while athletes like Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard and 21-time X Games gold medalist and two-time Olympic champion Jamie Anderson will represent their country again on the pro U.S. Snowboard Team. 

In addition to Baumgartner and Jacobellis, 16 athletes in total are named to the snowboardcross team. Brianna Schnorrbusch, who had her first top-10 World Cup result in the 2022-23 season, will move from the rookie team to pro, along with 2022 Olympian Cody Winters and Maine’s Tyler Hamel. Named to the team for the first time are Nathan Pare, Boden Gerry and Theodore Mclemore on the snowboardcross development team. 

14 FIS Snowboard slopestyle, big air and halfpipe World Cups are officially scheduled for the 2023-24 season, with the season officially kicking off in Chur, Switzerland Oct. 20-21, 2023. Three World Cups will be held in the states: the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Copper Mountain Dec. 13-16, 2023 and the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain Feb. 31-March 3, 2024. For the snowboardcross 2023-24 season, 10 World Cups are scheduled, with the season starting on Dec. 1-3, 2023 in France at the Les Deux Alpes World Cup. 

2023-24 U.S. SNOWBOARD TEAM

(Hometown; club; USASA series; birthdate)

HALFPIPE

PRO TEAM

Women

• Sonora Alba* (San Pedro, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 7/16/2006)
• Bea Kim* (Palos Verdes, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 1/25/2007)
• Chloe Kim (Torrance, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/23/2000)
• Maddie Mastro (Wrightwood, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/22/2000)

Men

• Chase Blackwell (Longmont, CO; Summer Action Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/27/1999)
• Chase Josey (Hailey, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; Big Mountain West Series; 3/31/1995)
• Lucas Foster (Telluride, CO; Jim Smith Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/17/1999)
• Joey Okesson (Southbury, CT; Okemo Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/23/2002)

ROOKIE TEAM

Women

• Rochelle Weinberg* (Steamboat Springs, CO; Summit Action Sports; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/13/2009)
• Kinsley White* (Santa Clarita, CA; Mammoth Mountain Ski & Snowboard; South Tahoe Series; 6/19/2003)

Men

• Noah Avallone (Montauk, NY; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 5/16/2007)
• Alessandro Barbieri (Portland, OR; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Mt. Hood Series; 10/5/08)
• Levko Fedorowycz (Topanga, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 8/21/2004)
• Kade Martin (Bellyache Ridge, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/21/2006)
• Sumner Orr (Manchester, VT; Okemo Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 3/22/2006)
• Elijah Pyle* (Bend, OR; Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation; Central Oregon Series; 12/24/2004)

SLOPESTYLE / BIG AIR

PRO TEAM

Men

• Chris Corning (Avon, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/7/1999)
• Jake Canter* (Evergreen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Aspen Snowmass Series; 7/19/2003)
• Brock Crouch (Mammoth Mountain, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 8/22/1099)
• Sean FitzSimons (Hood River, OR; Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation; Central Oregon Series; 9/22/2000)
• Red Gerard (Silverthorne, CO; Rocky Mountain Series; 6/29/2000)
• Judd Henkes (La Jolla, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/3/2001)
• Dusty Henricksen (Mammoth Lakes, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/2/2003)
• Luke Winkelmann (Blowing Rock, NC; Kirk’s Camp; Rocky Mountain Series; 12/18/2000)

Women

• Jamie Anderson (South Lake Tahoe, CA; South Lake Tahoe Series; 9/13/1990)
• Rebecca Flynn* (Victoria, MN; G Team; Upper Midwest Snow Series; 7/24/2006)
• Hailey Langland (San Clemente, CA; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Tahoe Series; 8/2/2000)
• Julia Marino (Westport, CT; Southern Vermont Series; 9/11/1997)
• Courtney Rummel* (West Bend, WI; Wisconsin Advanced Ski & Snowboard Program; Midwest Best Series; 11/12/2003)

ROOKIE TEAM

Men

• Fynn Bullock-Womble (Mebane, NC; One Team LLC; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/3/2005)
• Brooklyn Depriest** (Rocklin, CA; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; North Lake Tahoe Series; 2/21/2006) 
• Liam Johnson (Savage, MN; G Team; Upper Midwest Snow Series; 11/26/2004)
• Lucas Ferry (Pennington, NJ; American Snowboard Training Center; Southern Vermont Series; 6/16/2004)
• Evan Wrobel** (Bozeman, MT; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 12/30/2005) 

Women

• Kaitlyn Adams (Silverthorne, CO; Worldwide Snowboarding; Rocky Mountain Series; 09/16/2005)
• Hahna Norman** (Truckee, CA; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; North Lake Tahoe Series; 10/26/2004)
• Ty Schnorrbusch (Monroe, NJ; Tru Snowboarding; Rocky Mountain Series; 05/15/2002)
• Jade Thurgood (Salt Lake City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 1/27/2002)

SNOWBOARDCROSS

PRO TEAM

Women

• Acy Craig (Morrisville, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Big Mountain West Series; 12/3/2002)
• Faye Gulini (Salt Lake City, UT; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/24/1992)
• Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/19/1985)
• Meghan Tierney (Rumson, NJ; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/5/1997) 
• Stacy Gaskill (Golden, CO; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 5/21/2000)  
• Bri Schnorrbusch* (Monroe Township, NJ; Gould Academy Competition Program; Maine Mountain Series; 1/30/2006

Men

• Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, MI; Superior Series; 12/17/1981)
• Tyler Hamel* (Bethel, ME; Gould Academy Competition Program; Maine Mountain Series; 7/12/2004)
• Hagen Kearney (Norwood, CO; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 11/6/1991)
• Senna Leith (Vail, CO; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/8/1997)  
• Connor Schlegel (Edwards, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/13/2002)
• Jake Vedder (Pinckney, MI; International Snowboard Training Center; Great Lakes Snow Series; 4/16/1998)
• Cody Winters (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/20/2000)

DEVELOPMENT

Men

• Nathan Pare** (Bethel, ME; Gould Academy Competition Program; Maine Mountain Series; 2/1/2005)
• Boden Gerry** (Carrabassett Valley, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; Maine Mountain Series; 3/9/2006)
• Theodore Mclemore** (Pittsburgh, PA; International Snowboard Training Center; Appalachian Series; 12/30/2002)

*promoted to Pro Team
**newly named to the U.S. Snowboard Team

STAFF

• Snowboard Sport Director: Rick Bower
• Head Coach, Halfpipe: Danny Kass
• Co-Head Coach, Slopestyle: Mike Ramirez
• Co-Head Coach, Slopestyle: Dave Reynolds
• Head Coach, Snowboardcross: Rob Fagan
• Pro Team Coach, Halfpipe: Maddy Schaffrick
• Pro Team Coach, Snowboardcross: Nathan Park
• Rookie Team Coach, Halfpipe: TBD
• Rookie Team Coach, Slopestyle: Eric Beauchemin
• Team Manager: Missy Konig 

FOLLOW THE U.S. SNOWBOARD TEAM

Instagram: @ussnowboardteam

Facebook: @usskiandsnowboard

TikTok: @usskiandsnowboardteam

Twitter: @usskiteam

Park City, UT (June 5, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard is thrilled to announce the roster of 40 athletes nominated to represent the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team in both halfpipe and slopestyle for the upcoming 2023-24 season. These nominations have been based on predetermined selection criteria. 

The freeski and slopestyle roster consists of a talented group of athletes, combining experienced individuals who have proudly represented the United States on the global stage for years, as well as promising newcomers. 

The halfpipe team boasts an abundance of talent, featuring two-time Olympic champion David Wise, 2022 Crystal Globe winner Birk Irving, 2023 World Champion Hanna Faulhaber, and emerging star Svea Irving. On the slopestyle side, the talent pool includes 2022 Olympic champion Alex Hall, 2022 Olympic silver medalist Colby Stevenson, 2023 X Games gold medalist Mac Forehand, three-time Olympian Maggie Voisin, and 2022-23 U.S. National Champion Grace Henderson.

Previous members of the halfpipe rookie team Svea Irving and Tristan Feinberg were promoted to the pro team. Svea Irving had a remarkable season, securing an X Games bronze medal and the National Champion award. Meanwhile, Colorado native Feinberg made a successful transition to the pro team after an impressive 2022-23 season and is eager to showcase his unique style at a higher level.

The slopestyle pro team has added a few new names to its roster, including Troy Podmilsak, the 2023 World Champion in big air. Podmilsak had an outstanding season, highlighted by a World Cup podium in Chur, Switzerland and his World Champs gold. Joining him is Konnor Ralph, who is excited to take the next step by joining the pro squad. 

Nick Goepper, a three-time Olympic medalist, will be making his return to the slopestyle team after announcing his retirement from slopestyle competition. He plans to compete in a new discipline—freeski halfpipe.

The freeski rookie halfpipe team will see the debut of Colorado athlete Nick Geiser, who will represent the national team for the first time in the 2023-24 season.

On the rookie slopestyle team, James Kanzler, Henry Townsend, Walker Woodring, Tanner Blakely and Ellie DeRosier will make their Stifel U.S. Freeski Team debut, proudly representing their country on the biggest stage of their careers. Kate Gray is also a newly named athlete to the slopestyle team as well as a returning member of the halfpipe team.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome numerous young, up-and-coming athletes to complement our already successful team," said Freeski Sport Director Skogen Sprang. "I look forward to seeing the entire team come together, learning from each other and pushing one another on and off the slopes."

The 2023-24 World Cup calendar is packed with excitement, featuring a total of 15 FIS Freeski World Cup competitions, including five halfpipe, six slopestyle and four big air events. Three World Cups will be held in the United States: the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Copper Mountain and the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain.

2023-24 STIFEL U.S. FREESKI TEAM

(Hometown; club; USASA series; birthdate)

HALFPIPE 

Pro Team 

Women

• Hanna Faulhaber (Carbondale, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/04/2004)
• Svea Irving* (Winter Park, CO; Winter Park Freeski Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/27/2002)
   

Men

• Aaron Blunck (Crested Butte, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/12/1996)
• Lyman Currier (Boulder, CO; Winter Park Freeski Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 8/28/1994)
• Tristan Feinberg* (Aspen, CO; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/23/2003)
• Alex Ferreira (Aspen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Aspen/Snowmass Series; 8/14/1994) 
• Hunter Hess (Bend, OR; Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation; Central Oregon Series; 10/01/1998)
• Birk Irving (Winter Park, CO; Winter Park Freeride Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 7/26/1999) 
• Cassidy Jarell (Aspen, CO; Rocky Mountain Series; 8/31/1999)
• Dylan Ladd (Lakewood, CO; Winter Park Freeski Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 8/29/2001) 
• David Wise (Reno, NV; 6/30/1990)

Rookie Team

Women

• Kate Gray (Crowley Lake, CA; Mammoth Mountain Freeski Team; Unbound Series, 06/29/2006)
• Riley Jacobs (Oak Creek, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 8/14/2003)

Men   

• Ben Fethke (Boise, ID; Big Mountain West Series; 04/14/2006)
• Nick Geiser*** (Carbondale, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Aspen/Snowmass Series; 10/4/2004)
• Connor Ladd (Lakewood, CO; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/26/2003)
• Matt Labaugh (Avon, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 01/05/2004)
• Eugene (Kai) Morris (Aspen, CO; Pro Team Foundation; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/22/2004) 

SLOPESTYLE / BIG AIR

Pro Team

Women

• Caroline Claire** (Manchester Center, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 2/2/2000)
• Rell Harwood** (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 6/1/2001)
• Marin Hamill** (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 4/5/2001)
• Grace Henderson (Madbury, NH; Waterville Valley BBTS; New Hampshire Series; 4/28/2001)
• Maggie Voisin** (Whitefish, MT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 12/14/1998)

Men

• Mac Forehand (Winhall, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/4/2001)
• Nick Goepper (Lawrenceburg, IN; Cork Technologies and Consulting; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/14/1994)
• Alex Hall (Salt Lake City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 9/21/1998)
• Hunter Henderson (Madbury, NH; Waterville Valley BBTS; New Hampshire Series; 12/28/2002)
• Cody Laplante (Truckee, CA; Olympic Valley Freestyle and Freeride Team; North Tahoe Series; 2/15/2002)
• Troy Podmilsak* (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 8/23/2004)
• Konnor Ralph* (Helena, MT; Wy’East Mountain Academy; Mt. Hood Series; 1/27/2003)
• Colby Stevenson (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 10/3/1997) 

Rookie Team 

Women

• Bella Bacon** (Ellicottville, NY; Agenda Freeski; Western New York Series; 1/29/2004)
• Ellie DeRosier*** (Bend, OR; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 10/24/2006) 
• Kate Gray*** (Crowley Lake, CA; Mammoth Mountain Freeski Team; Unbound Series, 06/29/2006)
• Jay Riccomini (he/him) (Port Matilda, PA; Team Summit Colorado; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/12/2004) 

Men

• Tanner Blakely*** (Coeur d’Alene, ID; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Mount Hood Series; 5/24/2003) 
• Charlie Gnoza (South Londonderry, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/2/2003) 
• James Kanzler*** (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 10/15/2003) 
• Henry Townshend*** (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Big Mountain West Series; 2/16/2006) 

• Walker Woodring*** (Sun Valley, ID; Rocky Mountain Series; 3/13/2010) 

*promoted to Pro Team

**nominated by Injury Discretion

***newly named to the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team

STAFF

Freeski Sport Director: Skogen Sprang

Pro Team Head Coach, Halfpipe: Mike Riddle 

Pro Team Head Coach, Slopestyle/Big Air: Dave Euler 

Pro Team Coach, Halfpipe: Matt Margetts 

Pro Team Coach, Slopestyle/Big Air: Ryan Wyble

Rookie Team Coach, Halfpipe: Ryan Carey  

Rookie Team Coach, Slopestyle/Big Air: TBD 

Team Manager: Erin Doyle

FOLLOW THE STIFEL U.S. FREESKI TEAM

Instagram: @usfreeskiteam

Facebook: @usskiandsnowboard

TikTok: @usskiandsnowboardteam

Twitter: @usskiteam 

Here’s a breakdown of the events and the classifications featured in Para snowboarding.

By Luke Hanlon

Red Line Editorial

While you won’t see the halfpipe event at the Paralympics, Para snowboarding shares multiple events and a lot of the same skills that are showcased at the Winter Olympics every four years.

Snowboarding officially became a Paralympic sport for the Sochi Games in 2014. Now every four years, athletes from three different classifications compete in two different events to try to earn a spot on the podium.

Here’s a breakdown of the events and classifications that make up a Para snowboarding competition.

Events

Banked Slalom

The banked slalom is a race down a designed course that features one athlete competing at a time. Each snowboarder gets two runs on the course, with their best run being the time that is used to determine the winner.

Like the name implies, banked slalom courses feature wide, U-shaped turns, along with plenty of dips and bumps along the way.

While banked slalom is featured at the Paralympics, other variations of the race can be seen during the world cup circuit and at the world championships. Dual banked slalom follows almost the exact same structure as banked slalom except it features two athletes competing at the same time on adjacent courses. The competition acts as a bracket, as the winner of each race moves on until two are left to compete for the gold medal.

There is also a dual banked slalom team event, where two athletes from the same country compete together against a duo from another country. The times of the two athletes are combined to determine a winner.

Snowboardcross

The original Para snowboarding event, snowboardcross is a race that’s all about head-to-head racing, with no shortage of air, speed and exciting maneuvers as riders make their way to the bottom. The courses in snowboardcross feature ramps, bumps and turns that riders must navigate at high speeds — and against other competitors. During qualification, each snowboarder completes three runs down the course, with their best time determining their spot in the second round. From there, each heat features two to four snowboarders at a time.

The Paralympics includes the traditional snowboardcross event for individual athletes, but other competitions such as the world championships also feature a snowboardcross team event. In the team event, riders from opposing teams compete on the course at the same time. The rider who finishes first carries the amount of time they won by to the second rider on their team. The second rider then gets a head start based on that margin in the second run. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins. 

Classifications

To ensure that competitions are fair, each athlete is assigned a classification based on their level of impairment. There are three different classifications for Para snowboarding: UL, LL1 and LL2.

Athletes with any upper limb impairments compete in the UL classification. Two-time Paralympic medalist Mike Minor was born missing his right forearm, so he competes in the UL class.

LL1 is for athletes with slightly affected movement in the knees or legs, which can be caused by muscle deficiencies or nerve damage. Athletes with an above the knee amputation to one leg, or below the knee amputations to both legs, also compete in this classification. LL1 athletes have impairments that affect their balance and their ability to absorb the terrain they compete on. Three-time Paralympic gold medalist Brenna Huckaby regularly competes in the LL1 class because she had her right leg amputated. 

LL2 is designated for athletes with slight coordination impairment on one side of their body or in both of their legs. This classification is also for athletes with affected movement in one leg or both feet, as well as having one leg amputated below the leg. LL2 athletes can usually generate a lot of force onto the board to create speed, but their impairments can throw off the timing of their turns. Two-time Paralympic medalist Keith Gabel had his left leg amputated below the knee, so he competes in the LL2 class.

Luke Hanlon is a sportswriter and editor based in Minneapolis. He is a freelance contributor to USSkiandSnowboard.org courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.

Here’s a breakdown of the events and the classifications featured in Para alpine skiing.

By Luke Hanlon // Red Line Editorial

When the first Winter Paralympics took place in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, alpine skiing was one of two sports on the program, along with cross country skiing. Only standing skiers competed and they raced only in slalom and giant slalom at those Games.

Over the years, events were added for sit skiers and visually impaired skiers, and the program was expanded to include the five races familiar to fans of alpine skiing at the Olympic or World Cup level. As in Olympic skiing, the goal is to navigate a course by skiing around gates and crossing the finish line in the fastest time.

Here’s a breakdown of the events and classifications that make up Para alpine skiing competitions. 

Events

Slalom

The most technical of all alpine events, the slalom is all about having the agility to make quick, tight turns. Slalom features the shortest courses, but it has the most gates to pass through. Skiers compete over two runs on two differently set courses over one day to determine the winners.

Giant Slalom

It’s the slalom, but bigger and faster. However, even though the course is longer than a slalom course, it features fewer gates to pass through. Skiers like Thomas Walsh, who won silver in the giant slalom at the 2022 Games, compete in two runs on two different courses. The times are combined to determine the winner.

Super-G

Considered a speed event, super-G is faster than giant slalom while a little more technical than the downhill. Laurie Stephens showed her elite combo of speed and technical ability when she won gold in the super-G at the 2006 Paralympics. There is just one run in super-G and athletes can only inspect, or “slip,” the course prior to the race. 

Downhill

The fastest of the alpine races, skiers can reach speeds over 60 miles per hour while competing in the downhill. Downhill courses are steep and long and feature wide turns, all of which allow skiers like 2018 Paralympic downhill gold medalist Andrew Kurka to really get moving. Skiers complete one run down the course, with one training run down the course prior to the race.

Alpine Combined

Intended to test athletes for both their speed and technical ability, this event is made up of two runs — one run of either downhill or super-G and one run of slalom. The two times are combined to determine the winner.

Classifications

Alpine skiers are separated into three groups: sitting, standing and visually impaired skiers. There are additional classifications within each group that skiers compete under.

Those classifications are in place because there are athletes with varying severity of impairments competing in the same race. Times are adjusted accordingly based on classifications to make sure each race is fair for all the athletes.

Standing skiers have nine different classifications, since there are athletes with either upper or lower limb deficiencies. There is even one classification for athletes that have impalements to upper and lowers limbs.

Sitting and visually impaired skiers each have three separate classifications. Sitting skiers only have lower limb deficiencies. Like the name suggests, sit skiers compete in sleds — also called monoskis — in a seated position.

Visually impaired get classified based on their levels of vision. These skiers each compete with a sighted guide that verbally communicates to navigate them down a course.

Luke Hanlon is a sportswriter and editor based in Minneapolis. He is a freelance contributor to usskiandsnowboard.org courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.

Park City, UT (May 23, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the National Governing Body for skiing and snowboarding in the United States, is proud to announce the official integration of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and U.S. Para Snowboard Team onto its roster. This historic move marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities within winter sports and underscores the One Team mindset. 

Since the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) took over the management of Para alpine skiing in 2010, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization has been committed to creating a more unified approach to snow sports. The integration of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and U.S. Para Snowboard Team into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard landscape further solidifies the organization's dedication to providing comprehensive support and resources to all athletes, including elite coaching, sport science, sports medicine, high performance staff and education opportunities, along with access to the USANA Center of Excellence.

With this move, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team welcomes a remarkable group of Para athletes who have excelled in their respective disciplines. Among the key athletes on the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team are seven-time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens and two-time Paralympic medalist Andrew Kurka. In the realm of Para snowboarding, some of the winningest athletes in the sport will continue to represent the United States, including three-time Paralympic champion Brenna Huckaby, three-time Paralympic medalist Mike Schultz and two-time Paralympic medal winners Keith Gabel and Evan Strong.

“The integration of our internally managed Para alpine and snowboard teams within U.S. Ski & Snowboard is a monumental step for inclusion, development and growth of the sports,” said Julie Dussliere, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Chief of Paralympics & Internally Managed Sports. “We believe the governance transfer will serve as an important model for more National Governing Bodies to follow in the years to come.”

“These individuals have consistently showcased their extraordinary talent on the international stage, earning admiration and respect within the snow sports community and I am thrilled to welcome them onto our team here at U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “With these athletes on the team, we will continue to see more success on the world stage.” 

The U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team has consistently brought home numerous medals from the Paralympic Games and annual World Championships, showcasing their excellence on the slopes year after year. In 2018, the United States won a dominating six total medals, one gold, three silver, two bronze, and picked up another medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games. 

The U.S. Para Snowboard Team has also achieved remarkable success, with its athletes earning numerous Paralympic medals. At the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, Team USA won 13 medals, five gold, five silver and three bronze, showcasing their dominance on the world stage. In 2022, the U.S. grabbed four medals, one gold, two silver and one bronze, with Brenna Huckaby tying the record for the most career Paralympic snowboard golds.

The teams will be helmed by newly named Para Sport Director Erik Leirfallom. Leirfallom comes to U.S. Ski & Snowboard from Park City’s National Ability Center, where he has been the High Performance Para Alpine Race Coach since 2016. Prior to the NAC, he was the Alpine World Cup Race Director for the International Paralympic Committee and was a coach for the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team from 2007-10, working with the team that won 11 Paralympic medals in Vancouver and the team’s first Nations Cup victory.   

“The integration of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and U.S. Para Snowboard Team into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization's roster signifies a significant milestone in advancing inclusivity within winter sports,” said Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport. “By combining the management and resources for both the able-bodied and Para teams, we aim to enhance training programs, talent identification and grassroots development initiatives for all athletes.”

The U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization officially integrates the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and U.S. Para Snowboard Team onto its roster effectively immediately, fostering a new era of unity and excellence in winter sports. 

FOLLOW THE U.S. PARA ALPINE SKI TEAM & U.S. PARA SNOWBOARD TEAM

Instagram: @usparaskisnowboard

Facebook: U.S. Para Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team

Twitter: @usskiteam

TikTok: @usskiandsnowboard

DAY 3

REGIONAL SUBCOMMITTEE

There were reports from a number of different groups including each region and Masters.

There was a proposal to establish a $5 universal entry fee for entry level non-scored USSS races, with day-of registration available, and including USSS membership as part of the fee, while waiving sanction fees for the ROC, This may require modifying the rules for certified officials, and would attract participants and capture participant information to facilitate further participation. Currently, for a kid to enter a race it requires a minimum of $100 license or a short-term daily $35 membership plus an entry fee of $20-$35 per day. This proposal was tabled pending more research by the entry fees task force.

There was a proposal that the published race entry fees be separate from competitor lift ticket costs for non-passholders. There was a significant amount of discussion on this, and it was ultimately passed 11-3. Ultimately its not clear that this changes anything directly with the fees, just that there would be some transparency and a difference in how the information is published.

There was discussion about a proposal coming to the ASC which is resulting from a USOPC audit to reduce the size of the Alpine Sport Committee. The notable proposed changes are:

1. Utilize regional subcommittee chair as the representative of the regions, thereby reducing the number of regional reps from 6 to 1.
2. Include the possibility of industry or resort representation through At-Large representatives
3. Remove the verbiage describing an Executive Committee, since the proposed new committee would have the same makeup

ASC MEETING

There was a proposal from Technical Subcommittee to impose adders on two races that were flagged as exceptional. A women’s GS had 75% of the field improve their points by about 50, and a men’s SL had similar, though slightly lesser, metrics. This was approved unanimously and both events will have adders of about 30 imposed to the penalty, bringing the average point improvement to approximately 30. Still a good score. It was for a women’s GS at Sugarbush, and a men’s SL at Gunstock.

The Technical Subcommittee brought their proposal to allow TRS seeding at scored events, with the new minimum start intervals discussed previously. There was a proposal to split the proposal into two pieces: one to approve the use of TRS for scored races, and one to assess the minimum start intervals. After significant discussion and clarification, the TRS method was approved for scored racing, and the increased start intervals were not approved. THEN there was discussion about adding some education around start intervals and good communication with coaches at the start so that ROC’s, Juries, coaches, and athletes are aware of the fact that there can be conflicts on course if the start interval isn’t a good match for the different abilities on course.

FIS Subcommittee reported on a handful of topics covered above, plus some information about airbag systems and their use in ski races.

The Regional Subcommittee brought a proposal for a recommendation that lift+entry not exceed $75/day and that lodging not exceed $75/bed/night for all championship events (regional and national). The ASC passed this unanimously.

They also brought a proposal that the lift ticket be documented separately from the entry fee on race announcements and through the entry process. The ASC discussed the proposal at length and it ultimately passed with two no votes.

The Regional Subcommittee reported on the pending dissolution of the USSS Online Registration platform. That service will be supplanted by skireg.com, which is part of Outside Media - a brand partner with USSS. This is kind of a shock to West and R/C, but doesn’t really have an impact on the East. There was discussion of the headtax and a possible reduction to headtax now that we don’t have to support the online registration platform, but no action was taken.

There was discussion of the restructuring of the ASC, noted above. No action was taken.

The Development Subcommittee was a bit rushed but brought forth the slate of proposals noted in their section above, and they were all approved as a slate unanimously.

Athletes Subcommittee reported and had some discussion and kudos for changes to committee structures and memberships, and national staff. 

Park City, Utah (May 22, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced its U.S. Ski Jumping Team and U.S. Nordic Combined Team for the 2023-24 competition season, as well as the hiring of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sport Director Anders Johnson. Nominations include those active athletes who qualified based on U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s selection criteria. 

“We are delighted to be reintegrating the nordic combined and jumping national teams within U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Both these teams have a storied history and we’re excited about what the future holds under the leadership of newly announced Sport Director Anders Johnson. We also look forward to continuing to work closely with USA Nordic Sport throughout the coming seasons to see these athletes achieve top results.” 

“I am excited for the upcoming year, and we are looking forward to building off of the success from last season,” said USA Nordic Sport CEO Adam Provost. “We have a great group of athletes on both nordic combined and ski jumping and believe that this team will be very competitive this season.”

The ski jumping team is highlighted by Annika Belshaw, who scored individual World Cup points nine times throughout the 2022-23 season and took home two national titles at the USA Nordic National Championships, and her brother Erik Belshaw, who had his best season with three individual World Cup point scores. Belshaw, along with his teammates Decker Dean, Casey Larson and Andrew Urlaub were also part of a historic eighth place finish at the 2023 World Championships—the best World Champs finish for the U.S. since 1985.

On the nordic combined side, Annika Malacinski headlines the women’s squad, scoring nine times on the World Cup tour last season and winning a national title. 2022 Olympian Steven Schumann and two-time Olympian Ben Loomis showed consistency throughout the season with multiple points scores.

With the integration of ski jumping and nordic combined into U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the organization has announced the hiring of new Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping Sport Director Anders Johnson. A three-time Olympic ski jumper, Johnson was the youngest U.S. Olympic ski jumper in history when he qualified for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games at 16 years old. He has been coaching for the USA Nordic Sport women’s ski jumping team and now will head up both sports as they return under U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

"I am very excited and proud to be named the Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sport Director,” said Johnson. “Over the past several years, our teams have done some amazing things internationally and I believe that with my skill set, passion and determination, I will be able to bring our athletes to the top of the podium. The ski jumping and nordic combined community has been in my life since I was a child, so to be put in this position is a huge honor."

“These athletes are really progressing and starting to make a move on the World Cup,” said Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “With Anders as Sport Director, I am excited to see the leaps these teams will make.” 

After a successful 2022-23 season, athletes are motivated, training hard and looking forward to the upcoming FIS Summer Grand Prix circuit. The official U.S. Ski Jumping Team and U.S. Nordic Combined Team will be announced in the fall. 

2023-24 SKI JUMPING NATIONAL TEAM
(Hometown; club; birthdate)

Women

• Annika Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 6/13/2002)
• Anna Hoffmann (Madison, WI; Blackhawk Ski Club; 3/28/2000)
• Josie Johnson (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 10/3/2006)
• Paige Jones (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 8/30/2002)
• Sam Macuga (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 2/17/2001)

Men

• Erik Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 8/23/2004)
• Decker Dean (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 8/8/2000)
• Casey Larson (Barrington, IL; Norge Ski Club; 12/16/1998)
• Andrew Urlaub (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; 4/12/2001)

2023-24 NORDIC COMBINED NATIONAL TEAM
(Hometown; club; birthdate)

Women

• Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 10/8/2004)
• Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 5/9/2001)

Men

• Grant Andrews (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 12/3/1997)
• Carter Brubaker (Anchorage, AK; Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage; 12/21/2003)
• Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; 6/9/1998)
• Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 12/7/2003)
• Stephen Schumann (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 3/14/2000)
• Jared Shumate (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 3/6/1999)

For those that like to push their skiing to the absolute max, the Masters National Speed Series is a highlight of every season. Sponsored by A Racer's Edge, the 2023 National Speed Series included 21 DH and SG races at 11 venues across the country. As per usual, a few were lost to mother nature with the final results including 14 completed races at 7 different venues. A total of 355 racers pulled out their long boards with ages ranging from 18 to 87 years old. 

After the final 2 SG races at Mt. Bachelor, the 2023 A Racer's Edge National Speed Series age class belt buckles were awarded to the top three competitors based on total world cup points accumulated in the 14 races of the series. Competitors must have at least three starts to be eligible for series awards. Group Champions also claimed their overall champions awards for Group D (men 65+), Group B (men under 65), and Group C (all women).

See full results at usalpinemasters.org/2023/nss

Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athlete Novie McCabe has been honored with the 2023 Gold Rush Award. The U.S. NOW Gold Rush Award is given annually to a Nordic Olympic woman who has represented the U.S. in cross country skiing and has demonstrated outstanding qualities of grit and grace throughout the year.

"I am very honored to be a part of such a great group of women who have recieved this award in the past, as I have looked up to so many of them for so long," said Novie McCabe. 

McCabe was selected for this award from previous winners, including current Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athletes Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern and retired athletes, Sadie Maubet Bjornsen and Sophie Caldwell Hamilton,

Release courtesy of U.S. NOW

Selecting the Gold Rush Award Recipient

The past recipients of the award are tasked with choosing this year's recipient.  They include: Rosie Brennan, Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, Sophie Caldwell Hamilton, Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern and have chosen Novie McCabe, along with writing the following.

Novie has quickly been climbing the ranks in the cross country ski circuit after many years of hard work, dedication, and humble attitude. We are proud to recognize not only some of her career best results this season, but her grit and grace in bouncing back from many challenges, time and time again over the years and for always being a team player. This season Novie achieved her career best World Cup results near the end of the season with a 14th place, shortly after becoming a double NCAA champion this year.

Novie started her first World Cup last season and proceeded to qualify for her first Olympic team last year, despite having shoulder surgery in the start of the training year. One year later she raced into the Top 15 in a World Cup despite another year of challenges along the way. This winter brought on repetitive illness throughout most of the season that prevented Novie from not only racing, but interacting with the team for a lot of the World Cup season. It was challenging enough to make the smart but tough decision to sit out races, but Novie also put the team first above all else and aired on the side of caution in any moment she felt “on edge”, following our team health protocol in order to protect the team’s health. Novie handled the frustrating situation with grace, always putting the team before herself and keeping a positive attitude despite the challenges. Novie continued to work smart and hard throughout the season, keeping belief that she can be a top collegiate and World Cup skier, finishing strong both on the collegiate and World Cup circuit! Novie’s resilience and humble attitude inspires us to never give up or make excuses, and she brings such a positive and caring atmosphere to the team.