Aspiring podcaster and current Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Teamer Jimmy Krupka will welcome fans to "Arc City," coming soon to a podcast provider near you. The podcast will be brought to you by longtime U.S. Ski Team sponsor, Spyder Active Sports.

Jimmy says, "Here, we talk with anyone and everyone who has a love of ski racing’s ‘arc.’ From gold-medalists to career-coaches, this podcast will tell their high-acceleration stories: the successes, the failures, the gritty details, and the humor of it all."

In his first episode back in the booth, Jimmy talks with Olympian extraordinaire Julia Mancuso. They touch on everything from Julia’s early years in Tahoe to the relationship between surfing and skiing. They discuss Julia’s incredible talent for winning medals and go in-depth on the mental and emotional side of competition. Jimmy and Julia talk retirement, what Julia’s up to now, and finally get a good explanation of her and Lindsey Vonn’s complicated, but strong, friendship. Jimmy also rolls out a couple of new segments, including a Skiing History segment.

When asked if he has anything to share about his excitement for re-launching his podcast, Jimmy wants the world to know, "I guess I would just say that we’re back and live!! I love ski racing and I love talking to ski racers and I love making podcasts for people who love ski racing. It’s a win-win-win."

The podcast will officially go live for your listening pleasure on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at midnight MST on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. You may be wondering who Arc City's mayor is? Jimmy says, "Constantly changing. I would never proclaim myself mayor." Follow along to find out. 

Subscribe to the Arc City Podcast

More than eight months since the abrupt end of last season’s FIS Cross Country World Cup season, 13 members of the Davis U.S. Cross Country Team are more than ready to get back on snow and kick off the 2020-21 World Cup tour in Ruka, Finland. Friday’s classic sprint will mark the first event of the season, and open the three-day Ruka Mini Tour, which includes classic distance races Saturday, and a freestyle pursuit Sunday.

“I'm just feeling really lucky that we still have an opportunity to race,” said Katharine Ogden, who returns to the team this season after racing for Dartmouth College on the NCAA circuit the past two seasons. “I think that's amazing, and I know how much work has gone into it.”

Indeed, everything from social distancing, to face masks, multiple COVID-19 tests, and tips for safe international travel have all played a part in not only keeping the athletes and staff safe, but keeping events on the FIS World Cup schedule for the upcoming season. 

 

 

 

 

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“All smooth,” noted U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Program Director Chris Grover on the team’s trip to Finland. “All athletes and staff had a negative COVID test before getting on the plane, a negative test upon arrival, and here in Ruka we’re staying isolated from the public, from other teams, and even from each other.”

After enduring a 30-hour travel day to get to Finland, including multiple flights, the team is really happy to finally be on snow and put their summer training to the test against the best in the world.

“The Alaskans of course have been on snow for a few weeks, so they are likely more prepared for this weekend’s races than those coming from the East or Midwest who haven’t been on snow since last spring,” Grover added. “I anticipate that some athletes are ready to compete, while the others will be better prepared by the time we get to the World Cups in Davos, Switzerland (Dec. 12-13).”

 

 

 

 

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Gus Schumacher is one of those Alaskans who was able to jump on snow before departing last week for Finland. Gus made his World Cup debut in Quebec at the end of the 2018-19 season, and after storming through last season, including winning the first gold medal for an American male at the Junior World Championships, and anchoring the gold-medal-winning men’s Junior World Championships relay team for the second-consecutive season, he is stoked to start in what feels like the ‘regular season’ World Cup.

“I'm definitely a little nervous, mostly because of my expectations for myself (top 30, maybe better), but I'm trying to manage that by just focusing on the process,” he said. 

Like the rest of the team, Gus stayed close to home this past summer after all U.S. Ski & Snowboard Davis Cross Country Team on-snow and dryland camps were cancelled. But, sometimes something different is a good thing!

“My summer and fall training had a lot of positives; a lack of travel made it easy to follow a really strong, structured plan, and I've been able to be on great snow at home, and for that, I'm very thankful,” he said. 

“I like traveling and I love racing, but when it comes down to it, I'm kind of a homebody,” added Katharine, who trained alongside her Stratton Mountain School Elite Team teammates, which included Davis U.S. Cross Country members Julia Kern, Sophie Caldwell Hamilton, Simi Hamilton, and Jessie Diggins. “Just being in Vermont all summer and training consistently with my teammates has just been a blessing. We've done some simulated camps, and some team bonding camps, and it was a really great summer.”

 

 

 

 

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“The absence of travel this summer has given me the gift of consistency,” added Jessie. “My training has been so dialed in...same time trials, same roads, and I get to see my coach every single day. Plus, we have a great group of athletes, Sophie, Simi, Julia, Katharine to train with.”

Jessie and her East Coast teammates did enjoy an early-season taste of winter prior to departing for Europe. “It snowed in Stratton and I got to crush some hard intervals on the snow,” Jessie said. “I was so happy...and it really made me realize I was built for this sport. That feel of the skis sliding under your feet, it is amazing!”

With the entire World Cup remaining in Europe this season - with the exception of the World Cup finals in Beijing in March - the big challenge for the team will be staying healthy throughout the five-month season. “We are in good hands with a carefully thought out, flexible plan, that will mitigate risks,” Jessie said. “We know the routine, but the key for us will be our ability to remain  flexible throughout the season.” That flexibility has already been put to the test as the second event of the season scheduled for Lillehammer, Norway, has been cancelled. So the team will enjoy a rare off-race week prior to the Davos events.

Of the 13 American’s set to start on Friday, Jessie, Simi, Sophie, Rosie Brennan, Scott Patterson and Caitlin Patterson are the most experienced with numerous World Cup seasons to their credit. Julia, Katharine, Hailey Switbul, Gus, Kevin Bolger, Logan Hanneman, and JC Schoonmaker, will all be looking up to their veteran teammates for advice and guidance as they kick off a very different World Cup season for the first time.

 

 

 

 

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One teammate who will be missed at Ruka is Sadie Maubet Bjornsen - the Queen of Ruka - who became the first American to lead the overall World Cup standings last year following a third-place finish in the classic sprint, and a fourth-place result in the 10k classic. Sadie is taking a different approach to this season and looks forward to joining her teammates in Europe later this season.

The U.S. Moguls Freestyle Ski Team is back in action after wrapping up competition at the FIS Open in IdreFjäll, Sweden, Nov. 21-22. It’s been eight months since American mogul skiers have been able to get back into a full course due to travel restrictions from COVID-19, and the team brought it full circle beginning their season in Sweden, where it abruptly ended in March earlier this year. These athletes usually clock about 30 days on a moguls course before the start of a season, but this year have only had eight, including the two days of competition.

“[Saturday] was the first day back out in the cold, standing and looking up at the hill since March and, wow,” reported Head Moguls Coach Matt Gnoza. “It felt like a minor miracle. [I woke up on Saturday] and could see the horizon and it was kind of cloudy but blue, and I thought, ‘Wow this is really going to happen.’ I reflected back on all of our COVD challenges, and it makes it more unreal. That we would have that limited amount of prep and this team would return to where all ended to get it started again - crazy absolutely crazy. Getting here was no easy task.”

Competing at the FIS Open provides a preseason opportunity to dust the cobwebs off before getting in the gates at the World Cup level. After being thwarted by Mother Nature the past couple of years, it was a relief for everyone to have the event go off, and the cherry on top in the results accomplished. 

Tess Johnson led the Americans both days, podiuming in second on Saturday and first on Sunday. Saturday’s performance marked a pivotal moment in the 20-year-old’s career as she debuted a brand-new run, including a flip on the top air with a backflip iron cross and a never-been-done bottom air - a backflip venom grab.

“It’s been kind of weird the past eight months not skiing,” said Tess after Saturday’s event. “I felt a little displaced. So to get back in the start gate was a mix of nerves and excitement and a lot of fun. All of the training and work that I put in over the summer in water ramps was the reason I performed so well today.”

“The backflip venom grab, no other woman and no other mogul skier has done that before. It’s an opportunity to bring something new and the judges really liked it. I have competed a 360 to backflip since I was 13 years old. For seven years, the majority of my career, I competed that run. Today was the first day that I didn't compete a 360, and a lot of other women made that step as well. It speaks to how women's moguls skiing is progressing. I was impressed with courage and creativity and am happy to be a part of that.”

 

 

 

 

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Tess shared the podium with France’s Perrine Laffont in first and Japan’s Yuki Kajiwara in third. Jaelin Kauf came in fourth, Sabrina Cass in sixth, Hannah Soar in ninth, Kasey Hogg in 10th and Avital Carrol in 15th. 

“I’m very thankful that with everything going on, the U.S. Ski Team was able to provide us with sufficient training to be successful for this upcoming season,” reflected Sabrina. “We spent a ton of time ramping that definitely helped me improve my jumps, which has been my main goal. Since we’ve been on-snow, I’ve been working on different drills to continue to better my skiing. I’m super excited that I was able to put down two solid top-to-bottoms today and to be back on snow and competing!”

France claimed the top two spots for the men on Saturday, with Martin Suire in first and Ben Cavet in second. Kazakhstan’s Dmitriy Reikherd rounded out the podium in third. Nick Page had a strong showing in 12th, Jesse Andringa placed 15th and Landon Wendler, in his first event as a U.S. Ski Team member, came in 16th. 

Sunday’s event brought blue skies and prime conditions for the second day of competition. The women of the U.S. Moguls Team came out strong and showed us a preview of what they hope to accomplish on the World Cup level - a podium sweep. Tess Johnson earned the top spot, Jaelin Kauf came in second and Hannah Soar in third. 

"I went into today aiming to improve upon the mistakes I made yesterday with the same aggressive, performance-oriented mentality," said Tess about Sunday's event. "This weekend’s results gives me tremendous confidence going into the first World Cups in December. My skiing and training all week is where my confidence is actually coming from, and I’m stoked to continue building on what I’ve learned here!"

“I think people took Saturday as either a positive note or learning experience and some made adjustments from Day One to Day Two, which was our design to this whole approach,” said Matt.  “[Saturday wasn’t what each athlete necessarily hoped for] but it wasn't because of the skills they didn’t have, or tricks they needed to learn. They just needed to believe and perform. We had a bunch of athletes make some mental adjustments between Day One and Day Two and that made a huge difference.”

"I’m really stoked to get a result under my belt before the World Cup season starts and really great to do it with my teammates!!" said Jaelin on the sweep. "I’m happy to have another trick going, it needs more time and work on snow but it’s a start... we’ve had a very short time to prepare on snow and so this event was really just more numbers and training for my jumps. Still some time to get things where I want them before Ruka!"

"The podium was a nice start but I still have more to do before I’m back to 100%," explained Hannah. "It’s been a bit of a struggle to get back into skiing again, but it’s coming together. I’ve struggled with getting back to a good mental mindset but each day I’m getting closer! Moving forward I will use each training opportunity to be better, push myself to go bigger, and ski faster. Each day is another opportunity to improve."

The rest of the American women had another strong day with Kasey in sixth, Sabrina in seventh, Avital Carroll in 10th and Madison Hogg in 13th. 

On the men’s side Sweden’s Ludvig Fjallstorm claimed first, Japan’s Taketo Nishizwaw came in second, and Switzerland's Marco Tade came in third. Alex Lewis led the American men with a fifth place, Nick Page came in 10th and Jesse Andringa came in 13th. 

"I’m feeling happy about this result," said Alex. "It was a nice step forward from yesterday’s performance. The biggest difference was my mental attitude from Day One to Day Two. It was a more aggressive mindset and I know I have more to offer with some more difficult tricks to bring to competition."

Moguls kicks off their official season with the FIS World Cup Opener on Dec. 5. “Everything is charging forward, our plan is unfolding,” explained Matt. “The grass was green and the temperatures hadn’t dropped below freezing when we got here. Every day feels more and more like winter. We’re building into our season as the season is building, that’s our theme here. By the time December 5 comes around I expect it will be full on winter here in Scandinavia, and we will be rocking and rolling.”

“All of us are really grateful to get back in the gate and test things out before the real deal with Ruka with the World Cup Opener,” said Tess. “It was really nice for us to have the opportunity. 
 

RESULTS
Nov. 21 Women’s Moguls
Nov. 21 Men’s Moguls
Nov. 22 Women’s Moguls
Nov. 22 Men’s Moguls

To support the U.S. Moguls Ski Team, please click here for more information. 

After her triumphant return to the podium in Saturday’s slalom, Mikaela Shiffrin put together another stellar result in Sunday's slalom, skiing into fifth place in Levi, Finland.

The race was held under the lights in the dark Finnish Lapland and a light fog settled in throughout the day. Petra Vlhova continued her dominance, taking her fifth slalom victory in a row and second of the weekend. Michelle Gisin of Switzerland was second and Katharina Liensberger, who was third on Saturday, finished third again.  

Mikaela admitted she was tired after Saturday’s emotional result and jet-lagged from the overseas travel but still put together two solid runs. She sat in fourth place after the first run and while she didn’t make any major mistakes, had trouble finding the next gear to land her on the podium again. But she wasn’t disappointed with a fifth-place finish. “It’s incredible to be here,” said Mikaela. “I had two really solid races and it was an incredible weekend. I feel really grateful that I’m able to do these races and I was able to participate again.” Sometimes, the simple act of stepping into the start gate can be a victory. In that sense, she was also victorious today. 

She also took a moment to thank her mom, as she did on social media. "My entire career I wouldn’t be here without her—especially right now and this year," said Mikaela. "She’s just the strongest person that I know and the kindest and most caring and smartest. She’s my best friend and my mom and my favorite coach—and I have a lot of really great coaches!"

Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Paula Moltzan, who started the season strong with a career-best 10th place finish in Soelden, continued her points-scoring trend, taking 23rd place—even with a major mistake. Expect to keep seeing this woman in the points all season long; she’s skiing fast!

Lila Lapanja was also thrilled to put down a strong race to start the season, finishing 25th—her first slalom points since 2016. “I had a lot of fun skiing that course today," Lila said after the race. "My equipment felt great, and body felt strong, especially on the top flats. Levi did an incredible job with the slope preparation. I think these conditions were the best I’ve ever experienced in a World Cup. I feel like I came full-circle with Levi in so many ways. It’s been over four years since I scored my first World Cup points in Flachau so the result tonight is extra special for me. This step back into the Top 30 was a huge win for my team and their belief in what I am doing. This one was for them as much as for me.”

Nina O'Brien was having a solid first run before she straddled and DNFed, while Resi Stiegler did not qualify for the second run.

Next up, the women take a charter flight back to Europe for some training before the men and the women head to Lech, Austria for parallel races November 26-27.

RESULTS
Women's slalom

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After 300 days away from the World Cup circuit, Mikaela Shiffrin barely missed a beat, stepping back on the podium in second place at the FIS Ski World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland.

The weather was chilly in the Finnish Lapland, with the second run taking place under the lights to make up for the lack of sunlight 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in December. Conditions were ideal for Mikaela, who finished just .18 seconds behind Slovakian rival Petra Vlhova. Katharina Liensberger of Austria was third. (Fun fact: The last 27 World Cup slaloms have been won by Mikaela or Petra. Frida Hansdotter was the last female to win a World Cup slalom apart from the pair…in 2017!)

Saturday’s slalom in Levi was the much-anticipated return of Mikaela, who had not had a World Cup start since her last win in Bankso, Bulgaria on January 26, 2020. Shortly after, her father died unexpectedly and she took a leave of absence from the World Cup to be with her family. By the time Mikaela decided to race again, COVID-19 was taking hold and ultimately canceled the rest of the FIS season. And while she had looked forward to racing the opening giant slalom in Soelden, she tweaked her back and sat out the weekend.

Mikaela kept expectations low of Saturday's race, warning reporters to not anticipate much of her skiing, but those caveats proved unnecessary, as Mikaela set down two aggressive runs to take her seventh podium in Levi.

As important as a result, Mikaela said she found the joy in ski racing again. “It felt like my first victory,” she said. “It’s a really special day.”

“I think a good thing was that a lot of the feeling today was similar to what I felt in the past,” Mikaela continued. “Maybe that means I didn’t lose it all—my ability to ski fast or to try to be strong and come back and be hungry and competitive. One of the big reasons I wanted to come back and race was to see if this was something I could still do. And we’re here and it was okay. I still enjoyed it. That’s good.”

While she’s looking forward to seeing what else she can do, Mikaela did acknowledge that her mindset is different after her father’s death.

“When I was nervous, I would think what’s the worst that could happen when I don’t win,” she mused. “The media or my friends and family are disappointed? Or they’re happy because they’re cheering for someone else? Those aren’t bad things. I know that now. I’d like to get back to the point where I care enough to be really fired up when I’m second by .18, but I’m pretty happy right now and pretty proud.”

Lila Lapanja, Resi Stiegler and Land Rover U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien all started first run, but finished just out of the top 30 and did not make second run.

The women get another go on the same track in Levi on Sunday with a second slalom race.

RESULTS
Women's slalom

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST

Sunday, Nov. 22
12:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom - Same Day Delayed Broadcast, Levi, FIN, Broadcast, NBCSN
4:15 am - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom first run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock
7:00 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Broadcast Olympic Channel
7:15 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom second run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock

Check out the full alpine streaming and broadcast schedule.

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Learn more about how you can support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes this season at KeepTheFlameAlive.org.

The U.S. Freeski Team came out strong at the first FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup of the season in Stubai, Austria. Under a blue sky and with fresh snow blanketing the surrounding peaks, two-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper led the way for the U.S. finishing just off the podium in fourth place. 

“Competing with all the skiers again felt great, even though we were six feet apart," said Nick. "It’s hard times for a lot of people right now, but the first World Cup of the season went off gracefully. Hopefully we keep this momentum going and have a safe and successful rest of the season!” 

Consistency was the name of the game for the U.S. athletes in the season opener with Nick, Colby Stevenson, and Willie Borm all putting together two complete runs. U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Pro Team Head Coach Skogen Sprang believes the competition should serve as a great building block moving into the heart of the 2020-21 season. 

“I’m stoked on the landed runs and healthy bodies that came out of today’s competition,” said Skogen. ”They stuck with their runs through mistakes and improvised really well. I didn’t expect too much here with the lack of skiing throughout the spring, summer, and fall. All the athletes had great attitudes and we will continue to build on their performances.”

Defending, and three-time FIS Slopestyle Crystal Globe, winner Andri Ragettli from Switzerland took top honors for the men. Norway’s Christian Nummedal and Ferdinand Dahl finished in second and third respectively.

For the women, France’s Tess Ledeux topped the podium, Norway’s Johanne Killi finished second, and China’s Eileen Gu rounded out the podium in third. U.S. Freeski Team veteran Darian Stevens qualified for the finals but was unable to compete due to a fall during training the previous day.

The U.S. Freeski Team will resume the FIS Freeski World Cup season in Kreischberg, Austria, Jan. 7-8 with big air competition followed by the second slopestyle competition of the season in Font Romeu, France Jan. 14-18.

RESULTS
Men’s Freeski Slopestyle
Women’s Freeski Slopestyle 

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Learn more about how you can support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes this season at KeepTheFlameAlive.org
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2020, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

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

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

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

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

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

FIS Ski World Cup action returns this weekend, with a double-header slalom for the women on Nov. 21-22 in the Finnish Lapland of Levi, Finland. Not only are Santa and his reindeer excited, but the athletes are anxious to get back into the swing of things up here, 110 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Brrr, it’s cold up here...and the anticipation for World Cup action is rising, along with the stoke levels. 

Two-time Olympic champion and Land Rover ambassador Mikaela Shiffrin will return to the World Cup start gate for the first time in 300 days. Yes, you read that correctly. The last time Mikaela stepped into the start gate was January 26, 2020, in Bansko, Bulgaria. She walked away from that weekend amassing an impressive 250 World Cup points, with a downhill victory and a fourth place, as well as a super-G victory...on a speed track that was new to her before the weekend. That was win number 66, just one shy of Marcel Hirscher’s 67 victories (who sits third on the all-time win list). Shortly thereafter, Mikaela’s father Jeff tragically passed away. Mikaela returned to competition in Åre, Sweden, for the final race of the season, only to have it cancelled due to COVID-19. 

Despite missing nine races, Mikaela ended up second in the overall standings, second in the slalom standings (by just 20 points), third in the giant slalom standings, fifth in the downhill standings, and seventh in super-G standings. For the fourth-straight season, (again, despite missing nine races), Mikaela was the top earner in prize money on the World Cup circuit, among the men and women. During the offseason, Mikaela and her family (mother Eileen, and brother Taylor) worked with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and six generous families to launch the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund, in her father’s honor. This fund will help all athletes across all sports at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. After sitting the Soelden, Austria World Cup giant slalom out due to a back injury, Mikaela had a solid slalom training block at Official Training Site, Copper Mountain, Colo., and is looking forward to returning to World Cup action. 

The theme for Mikaela now is not only resilience, but also gratitude. When asked about her expectations for this weekend in a press conference on Thursday, she reminded media that she tries to "keep expectations really low, but my standards for the level of skiing that I want to bring are high. I want to ski well, which includes skiing fast." She continued, "No matter what, if I ski well, if I put in a good effort but it doesn’t go as I hoped, it is hard to be disappointed with that after everything,” in regards to her approach to the weekend. 

Though last season ended abruptly, she's not angry and it's not about settling scores for Mikaela. “I am incredibly angry, but not about the way last season ended. I am angry that my dad died, I am angry how lonely I feel most days,” she said. “But on the flip side, I am incredibly grateful that I have my mom here with me so often. I have never been a person to be motivated by anger...If I learned something over the last 300 days, it is that you really have to take what life serves you. It might not taste good, but you have to eat it anyway.”

Paula Moltzan earned herself a career-best top-10 at Soelden, Austria in the giant slalom, making it loud and clear she shall no longer be deemed a “slalom specialist,” and teammate Nina O’Brien—who had a career-best 15th-place giant slalom result in Soelden, both had an excellent training block in Europe. Prior to their journey to the Arctic Circle, they trained in Soelden, Austria, Schnalstal, Italy, Solda, Italy, and then when Italian ski resorts closed due to COVID-19 precautions, traveled onward to Davolezza, Switzerland. While in Solda, Paula and Nina competed in Italian Nationals, and Nina snagged a win in giant slalom, while Paula won the slalom and Nina followed in second place. 

The World Cup Tour has a new look amidst the global pandemic—one that involves safety protocol including mask-wearing, a FIS charter flight for the circuit, testing prior to departure and upon arrival at the Kittilä airport, social distancing, creating a “bubble” and more. When arriving at Kittilä, athletes and staff were briefed by the organizing committee, then underwent COVID-testing, waiting for the results prior to departure to their hotels. The gratitude of athletes and staff to the local organizing committee for creating a safe environment for racing was palpable. 

Paula mentioned on Thursday after training in Levi, that Levi resembles Lutsen, Minnesota—a venue in northern Minnesota (Paula grew up racing at Buck Hill in Minnesota). Coach Magnus Andersson said the surface is looking good, and with colder temperatures and a solid weather forecast on its way, it will set up nicely for race day. Paula and Nina worked hard in the gym in the offseason, building muscle and confidence that has set them up nicely for the season, and their training and race pace speaks for itself. Paula said she’s “looking forward to our couple’s retreat after Lech,” as new fiance and technician Ryan Mooney and Nina’s boyfriend (and U.S. Ski Team alumnus) Drew Duffy—who is helping on-hill—are traveling together as a little family this winter. 

2020 NorAm slalom champion Lila Lapanja and three-time Olympian Resi Stiegler will also be starting in Levi this weekend, having earned their World Cup start spots for 2020-21 through their 2019-20 NorAm results. Both women are so happy to be back on the World Cup circuit, after focusing their efforts on NorAms with their eyes on the prize of those coveted World Cup start spots. Resi would like to add that she and her German boyfriend David Ketterer (2017 GS and Slalom National Champion GS with the CU Buffs), who was formerly on the German National Team, have been living out of their van (named "DSCHINGIS") to socially distance and stay safe while training across European glaciers this summer/fall.

With five starters this weekend, it’ll be a deep crew and everyone is excited to be back in action! Make sure to tune in on NBCSN and the Olympic Channel, as well as Peacock for live streaming, to catch all of the action. 

STARTERS
Lila Lapanja
Paula Moltzan
Nina O'Brien
Mikaela Shiffrin
Resi Stiegler 

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST

Saturday, Nov. 21
4:15 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom first run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock
7:00 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom - LIVE, Levi, FIN Broadcast Olympic Channel
7:15 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom second run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock

Sunday, Nov. 22
12:00 a.m. FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom - Same Day Delayed Broadcast, Levi, FIN, Broadcast, NBCSN
4:15 am - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom first run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock
7:00 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Broadcast Olympic Channel
7:15 a.m. - FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Slalom second run - LIVE, Levi, FIN, Streaming Peacock

Check out the full alpine streaming and broadcast schedule.

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Twitter - @usskiteam

Learn more about how you can support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes this season at KeepTheFlameAlive.org.

Update: Nov. 19, 2020- The first of a five-part 2020-21 FIS Freeski World Cup slopestyle saga is slated to begin on Nov. 20-21 in Stubai, Austria. Seven men and four women will represent the U.S., including 2019-20 World Cup slopestyle runner-up Colby Stevenson, two-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper, and U.S. Freeski Team veteran Willie Borm, who is back from injury and feeling better than ever. 

“I’m extremely stoked to be going back to Stubai for a World Cup,” said Willie. “I feel fortunate we’re about to compete in Austria with all of the craziness going on in the world. The last time I was in Stubai for the World Cup I ended up in fourth, just missing the podium by one spot. I’m healthy and in great shape, so I believe that I can get the job done and land on the podium this time around. I’m also stoked on this year as a whole. It’s been a while since I’ve gone into a season not recovering from an injury or being in pain. I look forward to what the season has in store for me.”

Americans Tim Ryan, Ryan Stevenson, Quinn Wolferman, and Peter Raich are also set to compete for the men. 

Olympians Caroline Claire and Darian Stevens will lead the way for the women alongside rookie team members Rell Harwood and Marin Hamill. Marin mirrored Colby’s World Cup slopestyle ranking last season finishing second overall. Coming out of successful training camps this off-season, these young freeskiers are ready to put the field on notice. 

"Stubai always delivers," said Caroline. "The course is in perfect shape and it's always a really progressive competition."
 

Despite increased restrictions imposed by the Austrian government due to COVID-19, the Stubai Zoo is still scheduled to host the world’s best. The Austrian government declared that elite-level sporting events, such as FIS World Cup events, would be exempt from the four-week partial lockdown imposed on the country. With the go-ahead from the Austrian authorities, the local organizers in Stubai were able to focus their efforts in preparing for a safe and successful competition.

“We are all very grateful to be returning to Stubai for the first World Cup Slopestyle of the season,” said U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Head Coach Skogen Sprang. “Just being able to kick off the season and get an event going under the current circumstances speaks to how much hard work has been put into pulling this off for the athletes and the sport. After the event was canceled last year due to 12 feet of snow falling in three days, we are very excited to get back to some of the sunny skies the Stubai Zoo is known for. The course preview looks awesome and the builders always do an amazing job there. The crew is hungry to get out and do what they love to do and we are looking forward to a great event.“

Due to weather concerns, the qualifying round of competition was moved up one day to Thursday, Nov. 19. This meant only one practice day to train on a tricky rail set up. That didn't stop U.S. Freeski Team members Colby Stevenson, Nick Goepper, Willie Borm, and Darian Stevens from stepping up and earning their spot in the finals. Stubai served as Darian's first competition back from two years of not competing due to injury, but she was not phased.  With a couple more days of training for the athletes, the finals are setting up to be a show. 

Tune in on Peacock to watch Colby, Willie, Nick, and Darian take a run at the podium in the first freeski World Cup of the season. 

HOW TO WATCH
All times EST.

Saturday, Nov. 21
5:30 a.m. - FIS Freeski World Cup Slopestyle Finals - LIVE, Stubai, AUT, Streaming Peacock

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Learn more about how you can support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes this season at KeepTheFlameAlive.org