Release courtesy of NASJA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has partnered with GMTM to create the U.S. Ski Freestyle Showcase, a groundbreaking athlete recruitment program. It's a pipeline that offers athletes from all corners of the globe, regardless of their competition level or sports background, a chance to showcase their talents. With GMTM as our partner, we've made the process even more accessible, allowing athletes to submit their information and video highlights for evaluation and recruitment by our esteemed National Team Coaches.

Last year's showcase was a testament to its success, propelling two athletes from GMTM to World Cup competition. This is a clear indication of the potential and opportunities that the U.S. Ski Freestyle Showcase can offer to aspiring athletes.

This summer, the freestyle showcase is once again open, inviting athletes from all backgrounds to participate in the virtual offerings. Your submission can be a highlight reel, a video of your highest sporting achievement, or anything that sets you apart as a top athlete - even if it isn’t skiing. Your unique talents will be reviewed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard and partner clubs staff, and opportunities to participate in camps will be awarded. For more information and to submit, please visit the U.S. Ski Freestyle Showcase at GMTM’s website. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elected Council Members

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

PARK CITY, Utah (June 4, 2024) – The International Federation of Skiing & Snowboarding (FIS) has officially confirmed 11 FIS World Cups in the United States for the 2024-25 season, headlined by the first ever back-to-back men’s and women’s FIS Alpine World Cup speed races on the historic Birds of Prey track at Beaver Creek and the FIS Alpine World Cup Finals at Sun Valley Resort.

In addition to the men’s Birds of Prey that has been hosted by Beaver Creek since 1997, the women will have the chance to race the renowned speed track in December the weekend after the men at the women’s Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines. It will be the first time the women have raced on the iconic Birds of Prey course. The race will mark the first time many of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women will race a World Cup on home snow, including top speed athletes Lauren Macuga and Bella Wright. The resort is also poised to welcome back the winningest alpine skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin as she chases her 100th World Cup win just a few miles from her home in the Vail Valley. 

“I love racing in the States—racing at Killington has been so important for our sport, and now the women get to have several stops in North America,” said Olympic champion and 97-time World Cup winner Mikaela Shiffrin. “I have a lot of great memories skiing in Beaver Creek, particularly from World Champs in 2015. It’s an iconic World Cup speed track with a best in the world course crew – the Talon Crew – and the surface is always incredible. It’s so great we’ll be closing the season at Sun Valley with Stifel Sun Valley Finals too. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of the next generation of skiers seeing and experiencing the World Cup in our country. It is so impactful and essential for the growth of our sport here at home.”

The men will race at Beaver Creek the weekend prior, kicking off their speed season with the annual Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines, racing super-G, downhill and giant slalom. The giant slalom race is back in Beaver Creek for the first time since Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Tommy Ford found his first World Cup victory on the track in 2019. The races will highlight local favorite River Radamus, top downhill skier Bryce Bennett and Olympic silver medalist Ryan Cochran-Siegle.

“The opportunity for women to race speed on the historic Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek is thrilling!” said Olympic gold medalist and most successful U.S. downhiller in history Lindsey Vonn. “I love that the women will be racing on the same track as the men, and I can’t wait to cheer them on in a place that is very special to me.”  

The alpine World Cup Finals are also returning to the U.S. for the first time since 2017 with Idaho’s Sun Valley Resort hosting the Stifel Sun Valley Finals. The event invites the top 25 athletes from each alpine discipline, likely including Swiss phenoms Marco Odermatt and Lara Gut-Behrami, Italian force Sofia Goggia, Brazil’s Lucas Braathen, and many Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes.

“Bringing the World Cup Finals back to the U.S. and to a storied resort like Sun Valley is exciting for the U.S. fan base,” said six-time Olympic medalist Bode Miller. “As someone who grew up with World Cup races nearby, having U.S. Ski & Snowboard continue to host events like this and raise the level of competition regularly is crucial for the continuation of our sport and inspiring the next generation of skiers. I can’t wait to watch.”

“Finally a World Cup Finals on home soil!” said two-time World Cup winner Bryce Bennett. “I’m excited to have the Finals in Sun Valley Idaho this season! It couldn’t be in a better location with a community that values and supports World Cup skiing with the same enthusiasm as the Europeans.”

The 2024-25 U.S. FIS World Cup circuit will again begin on the east coast in Vermont with the alpine women racing giant slalom and slalom at the Stifel Killington Cup. 40,000-plus fans are expected to cheer on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women, including six-time Stifel Killington Cup champion and winningest skier of all time Shiffrin, and tech podium stars AJ Hurt and Paula Moltzan. 

In addition to the four alpine events, the United States will have three freestyle World Cups. An aerials World Cup heads to the historic 1980 Olympic site of Lake Placid Jan. 18-19 for the first time since 2019. New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort, known as the birthplace of freestyle skiing, will host a moguls and dual moguls World Cup Jan. 25-26. This comes after the mountain’s successful first freestyle World Cup last season. Competition continues with the fan favorite Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley Feb. 6-8 with moguls, aerials and dual moguls World Cups. This event is a staple on the freestyle schedule and draws an enormous crowd year after year. Both events will be headlined by the strong women’s Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, who regularly finished on the podium throughout the 2023-24 season.

The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit will head to Lake Placid for the third time since 1990, Feb. 8-9. For the first time, the event will feature both men and women for mixed team and individual jumps. The women’s event will be an addition to last season’s calendar. Top U.S. athletes to watch include Erik Belshaw and Josie Johnson, both silver medalists at the 2024 Junior World Championships. 

Additionally, there will be three freeski and snowboard World Cups in the U.S. this season, with locations to be confirmed. 

“We are thrilled to have a robust domestic World Cup calendar once again,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “To have 11 events on home snow spanning across the country, is a testament to the growth of our sports and the fanbase following our athletes. Plus, the addition of two alpine events, including a two-weekend Birds of Prey with both men’s and women’s races and the Stifel World Finals in Sun Valley, showcases the significant value in bringing the world’s best to the U.S.” 

“As a proud supporter of the skiing community, we are thrilled to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to bring more World Cup events to the United States,” said Ron Kruszewski, chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial, the title sponsor of all four alpine events this coming season. “These events not only showcase the incredible talent of athletes from around the globe but also provide an opportunity for American fans to experience the excitement of world class competition on home soil. We are committed to fostering the growth of winter sports in the U.S. and are honored to play a role in making that happen.”

2024-25 U.S. WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

ALPINE
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2024: Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, Vermont; women’s slalom/giant slalom
Dec. 6-8, 2024: Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines, Beaver Creek, Colorado; men’s super-G/downhill/giant slalom
Dec. 14-15, 2024: Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines, Beaver Creek, Colorado; women’s super-G/downhill
March 22-27, 2025: Stifel Sun Valley Finals, Sun Valley, Idaho; men’s and women’s downhill/super-G/giant slalom/slalom

FREESTYLE
Jan. 18-19, 2025: FIS Freestyle World Cup, Lake Placid, New York; aerials
Jan. 25-26, 2025: Waterville Freestyle Cup, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire; moguls/dual moguls
Feb. 6-8, 2025: Intermountain Health Freestyle International, Deer Valley, Utah; moguls/aerials/dual moguls 

FREESKI AND SNOWBOARD 
Dec. 14, 2024: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, TBC; halfpipe
Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025: Visa Big Air presented by Toyota, TBC; big air
Feb. 2-5, 2025: Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, TBC; slopestyle/halfpipe 

SKI JUMPING
Feb. 7-9, 2025: FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, Lake Placid, New York; individual large hill HS 128/super team large hill HS 128. 

###

(PARK CITY, Utah) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announces the 2023-24 Snowboard Awards recipients.

Nominated and voted on by the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athletes and staff, the awards highlight a standout team member in four categories: Athlete of the Year, Best Comeback, Rookie of the Year, and Staff Member of the Year. The pool of candidates is drawn from both pro and rookie teams across all three disciplines, including slopestyle, snowboardcross, and halfpipe. 

“The winners of each category represent the best of the best from the 2023-24 season,” said Hydro Flask Snowboard Team Sport Director, Rick Bower. “The nomination and voting process was tight for each award, which shows the incredible amount of respect athletes and staff have within the team. We are so proud of the culture this team has established across all three disciplines and are excited to watch as they continue to build on this upward momentum.”

Congratulations to the following athletes and staff!

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Red Gerard

• 2024 Aspen X Games; gold (slopestyle)
• Edmonton World Cup; third place (big air)
• Visa Big Air presented by Toyota; third place (big air)

Maddie Mastro

• 2023-24 FIS women's halfpipe World Cup rankings; second overall
• 2024 Dew Tour; gold
• Calgary World Cup; second place
• Secret Garden World Cup; third place
• Toyota U.S. Grand Prix; third place (Copper Mountain)
• Toyota U.S. Grand Prix; third place (Mammoth Mountain)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Alessandro Barbieri

• Youth Olympic Winter Games; silver
• Winsport Calgary Nor-Am Cup; first place

Rebecca Flynn

• FIS Junior World Championships; first place (big air)
• FIS Junior World Championships; third place (slopestyle)
• Youth Olympic Winter Games; silver (big air)
• Sun Peaks Nor-Am Cup; first place (slopestyle)
• Sun Peaks Nor-Am Cup; second place (big air)
• Stoneham Nor-Am Cup; second place (big air)

BEST COMEBACK

Chase Blackwell

Showing consistent improvement and skill progression throughout the season, Blackwell put down the "best run of [his] career" at the prestigious Laax Open and walked away with a career-best fourth-place finish.

Maddie Mastro

Sidelined by a crash in Calgary, Alberta at the end of the 2022-2023 season, Mastro battled back to display some of the best halfpipe riding of her career, earning a spot on the podium in every competition she entered throughout the 2023-24 season.

MOST IMPROVED

Bea Kim

In only her first season at the pro level, Kim earned her first World Cup podium at the Laax Open and finished third overall in the 2023-24 FIS women's halfpipe World Cup rankings.

Levko Fedorowycz

Along with first-place results at two Nor-Am Cups and a National Championship win, Fedorowycz improved 10 spots in the FIS halfpipe World Cup rankings over the course of the 2023-24 season.

STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Missy Konig - Team Manager

From booking flights to organizing schedules and everything in between, Konig is a well-loved Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team staff member. Her dedication to athlete's well-being and commitment to the organization's success doesn't go unnoticed.

Release courtesy of Outside. 

DENVER, CO  – Outside Festival, the inaugural outdoor gathering featuring incredible music,
immersive experiences, and inspiring films and speakers, coming to Denver June 1-2, is thrilled to announce an
extra day with THE SUMMIT presented by Outside For Business, an inspirational event for outdoor industry
professionals taking place on Friday, May 31.

“Outside and partners see a future where the inaugural festival can not only be the premier annual destination
for the everyday outdoor enthusiasts, but also for industry global outdoor thought leaders that are working on
new ideas to cultivate creativity and build a better, and more inclusive future for the outdoors, " said Robin
Thurston, CEO of Outside.

Acting as a true kick-off to one of the most anticipated events of the summer, THE SUMMIT will take place at the
Denver Art Museum and serve as a day of inspiration and education for seasoned and aspiring outdoor industry
professionals to join critical conversations that are paramount to the future of the outdoor industry.

“The outdoor industry is at a pivotal moment where, given the right resources and connections, it has the
potential to flourish into a powerful force in not only economic development and conservation but also in
stewardship, workforce development, and the intersection between public health and wellness, ” said Luis
Benitez, Trust for Public Land’s Chief Impact Officer. “The Outside Festival and THE SUMMIT are building a
framework where combined voices and interests can blossom.”

Attendees can expect a robust line-up of speakers from political and business sectors aimed at educating and
inspiring across three critical tracks: sustainability (climate and conservation), inclusion (access and equity), and
creativity (marketing, leadership, and trends). Conor Hall, leading the charge for Colorado's Outdoor Recreation
Industry, underscores the vital economic contribution of the outdoors to the state, “(the outdoor industry)
amounts to over $62 billion and provides employment for more than 500,000 individuals, constituting 18% of
Colorado's workforce. The necessity of amplifying the industry's voice, in the Outside Festival and now THE
SUMMIT serves as a platform to unite and empower both industry players and the community they serve.”
Early-bird tickets to THE SUMMIT that include all meals and a two-day GA pass to the Outside Festival start at
$495 for a limited time. In addition, also held on the same day, Friday, May 31, industry retailers, media, and
other VIPs won’t want to miss The Big Gear Show and (e)revolution Show industry day to check out up-and-
coming gear, attend industry-specific education sessions and stick around for an industry social gathering.
Attendance is FREE. For more information and to register, please visit e-revolution.bike or thebiggearshow.com.
Sponsors for THE SUMMIT include the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, the Denver Art Museum,
The Conservation Alliance, and the Trust for Public Land.

# # #

Media Contact:
Austyn Dineen, Backbone, Austyn.dineen@backbone.media
Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About Outside Festival
The first-ever Outside Festival will take place in downtown Denver from June 1-2, 2024. This new event is a one-of-a-
kind celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, and gear. The festival is designed for beginners
and experts alike, with experiences and inspiration for climbers, hikers, cyclists, skiers, and the everyday recreationist.
The Outside Festival is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive Inc, The State of Colorado’s Outdoor
Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared desire to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive.
For more information, including tickets, please visit festival.outsideonline.com

About Outside Interactive Inc.
Outside Interactive Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and reward. Each month, Outside
reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its network of 25 media, digital, and technology
platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to
get everyone outside. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews,
mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more to help people experience healthy, connected, and
fulfilling lives. Learn more at outsideinc.com.

2018 Olympian and long-time Stifel U.S. Ski Team member Alice Merryweather has officially announced her retirement from alpine ski racing. 

“After much grief, deliberation, anger, and ultimately, acceptance, I have decided to retire from World Cup ski racing,” said Merryweather in a recent social media post. “Saying this breaks my heart. But without the support of the U.S. Ski Team moving forward, I don’t see a realistic path towards achieving my World Cup and Olympic dreams.”

Merryweather joined the team in 2015 after earning a spot on the junior world championship team in 2014 and 2015. After skiing to impressive results, she quickly made her World Cup debut in 2016. She then raced on home snow at the Killington Cup the following season; the rest is history. In 2017, Merryweather was crowned the Junior Worlds downhill champion. 

In 2018, Merryweather was selected to represent the United States of America for the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, where she competed in the alpine combined and slalom events. Merryweather was also a member of the 2019 World Championships team. In her career, Merryweather overcame a large leg injury she sustained in a summer training camp in 2019. This injury kept her out of the starting gate for two seasons but Merryweather was determined to return to the World Cup start gate. She fully recovered and skied an entire World Cup speed season in the 2023-24 season. 

“Thank you first and foremost to my family. To my parents, who drove me around New England throughout my childhood so that I could pursue this crazy sport, and to my brother, who instilled in me a drive and competitive spirit that I still cherish today, every opportunity I have had in this career is because of you guys. Looking forward to starting a new chapter."
 

Eastern Region staff has aggregated some summary notes from this year's USSS Congress. This isn't intended to be an overview of some of the more major topics that were discussed. For a more exhaustive set of meeting minutes, agendas, and proposals, please see the USSS Congresss FTP site.

FTP site: https://media.usskiandsnowboard.org/Athletics/Alpine/Congress-2024

Congress Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j3DpHWG21kmSRdOstvTYz5MhQMb_wZohtLyzuDbQOvg/edit