The FIS Cross Country World Cup is making its way back to the States over Presidents' Day weekend, Feb. 17-19, 2024 and it's time to reserve your tickets! The Loppet Cup will offer three unique viewing options to experience all of the action and excitement at Wirth Park in Minneapolis, MN, and thanks to our co-host Share Winter, general admission tickets are free, with registration required. Loppet Cup attendees may reserve or purchase up to six ticket types per event day.

It's been over two decades since the last World Cup event in the U.S., but get ready to witness the best skiers in the world race not once but twice at the adrenaline-pumping Wirth Park, just minutes from the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins is coming back stateside to race a World Cup in her home country for the first time in her career, along with fellow National team athletes, including Minneapolis resident Zak Ketterson. 

How to Secure Your Loppet Cup Tickets

There are three ticket options for the Loppet Cup: general admission, grandstand and VIP spectator experience. You must reserve your tickets, even if they are free general admission.

Tickets:

1. General Admission (free): Provides entry into the park during the event and multiple viewing opportunities around the course. No seating is provided. Thanks to Share Winter, general admission is free and open to the public.

2. Grand Stand ($75 for adults, $35 for youth): Provides entry into the park during the event plus access to bleacher seating near the finish line. 

3. VIP Spectator Experience ($500): Provides access to grandstand seating plus a heated suite, full food and beverage service, and more. Click here for more information.

Check out the ticket options and frequently asked questions, here. 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s recent fundraiser in Vail, Colo. raised upwards of $229,000 for alpine team programming. The event was hosted by long time trustees Karen and John Arnold.

The night was filled with enlightening conversations, cocktails and warm summer weather bringing in some of the team’s top athletes including Tommy Ford, Bridger Gile, Katie Hensien, Breezy Johnson, Paula Moltzan, Kyle Negomir, and  Nina O’Brien. 

“Going to school in Vail and training on gold peak every day I got a lot of support from the people of Vail,” said Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Bridger Gile. “The people of Vail love ski racing and love to help kids achieve their dreams in the sport of skiing, to see the support that the Vail Valley has for ski racing makes it all worth it.”

Thanks to the Arnold’s matching gifts, the event exceeded its original goal of $150,000. The list of donors included trustees of the team, local ski fans, parents of athletes and alumni. A great representation of the strong alpine community. 

These gifts further develop the team’s mission of developing our talented athletes in their pursuit of excellence in skiing, and to compete at the highest level and represent our country on the international stage. The support helps provide the necessary resources, training opportunities and coaching to allow our athletes to reach their full potential on and off the mountain.

Well that's all folks! What a weekend it was for the 2023 Summer Fun Nationals Grand Finale! Running from 1989-2023, the Summer Fun Nationals was the highlight of the summer for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Masters. You could transition from boots to bikes to bikinis all in the same day!

The Summer Fun Nationals started 1989 under the leadership and grit of Meri Stratton. Throughout that time Knut Olberg, Joseph Mucci, Ann Ozuna, Dave Prochazka and Ollie Lajoie have been there for the whole ride putting in countless hours and immeasurable effort along the way. Organizing a race event requires a lot of moving pieces, equipment, and volunteers. Organizing a race on a glacier with no lodge, electricity, permanent race buildings or dedicated wiring is an amazing feat of organization and manpower. Race days start at 4am with snowcat loads of people and equipment and often end after midnight recharging batteries and replenishing supplies and packing crew lunches for the next day.  Then of course you can't overlook the social gatherings! Planning food, beverages and party space for 100+ people in a small town with few large gathering spaces and limited grocery and restaurant options requires a whole lot of advanced shopping, planning, and coordination!

Thanks to Meri, the crew, and all the racers that have supported the event over the years!

2024 Note: The Pacific Northwest Division is looking at taking over hosting the event for 2024. Stay tuned for more information and dates if it will be possible.

Tim Baucom, a wax technician for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is moving onto the next chapter. For years, Tim’s expertise has played an integral role in the teams’ success on the World stage, including World Cups, World Championships and the Olympics. His meticulous attention to detail and knowledge has undoubtedly contributed to the countless victories and remarkable skiing from our athletes. Beyond his technical prowess, his positive attitude, unwavering support and friendliness has been a constant motivation for not only the athletes, but everyone involved in the sport. As he embarks on the next chapter, there are many things to miss and we thank him for the hundreds - if not thousands - of hours he devoted to the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. 

Now, we welcome another pro to our wax technician team. Leading the charge with the U.S. Snowboardcross Team for several seasons, Paul Choudoir has “been a friend to the team for many years,” said Chris Grover, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team program director. Bringing years of experience, which included several World Cups, World Championships and the Olympics, Paul’s knowledge of the industry and ski racing will be invaluable as he joins our crew. "He brings a high level of experience in ski waxing, ski selection, and grinding coupled with professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and passion for the sport," said Grover. "We are looking forward to the 23-24 season with Paul as an integral part of this program.” 

Thank you, Tim for your years of service and we look forward to Paul joining the team!

Quotes for Tim from current and former athletes, coaches and wax techs:

“While Tim’s departure will be a big loss for us, what he added to our team over the last eight years remains. He upped our professionalism, and helped develop our staff’s team culture into an environment people don’t want to leave. But there’s no doubt, I will miss his ever-smile and willing singing voice.” Matt Whitcomb, Head Coach of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

“I worked with Tim for the past two seasons and I had nothing but positive and fun times with him. Like all of our wax techs, he worked his ass off every single day and did everything he could to help the athletes he was working with have the best days and skis possible. He always kept a great attitude no matter the outcome and I feel truly grateful to have worked with him these past couple years and to have him as a friend now. I can't thank him enough for the impact he's had on our team.” JC Schoonmaker, athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team 

“It will be hard to adjust to not having Tim’s presence  Seems like there was more than one of him, he was always there. In the middle of it all. Helping, humble, calming, listening, and just always there. Yolanda will miss you as you drove her expertly and with care!” Eli Brown, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team wax technician. 

"Our XC team (i can say “OUR” by now) grew big in terms of number of athletes, and we needed to have more techs to take care of them, and that is when Tim came along. They were perfect duo in many ways and they brought fun and knowledge to our team. Throughout the years, Tim opened up even more - he was/is good balancer in many ways and the best bench mate I ever had. Yet, what is most important, is he gave everything he had, doing what he loved to do at that moment. I'm very grateful for that time/journey when Tim was part of our crew. I really hope that our paths will cross agin some day. Would be that on the same “road” or different one." Oleg Ragilo, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team wax technician.

“From the first time I met Tim when he was helping lead a trip when I was a U16, to spending four World Cup Seasons with him as my wax tech, Tim has always lead with kindness and generosity, followed by top tier waxing skills. Life on the road away from loved ones for an entire winter brought plenty of challenges for me, but I always knew I could count on Tim to show up with positivity and a calm energy, no matter the situation. Tim consistently shows up for many people on our team as a safe person—someone you know you can talk to about anything and feel accepted. It was Tim’s secure attitude and relaxed energy that got me through some of the tough races at the Beijing Olympics. He always has a way of making the most stressful situations feel under control—even when I’d cut it a little close with last minute wax changes, nearly missed my start, or had an awful race and just needed a hug. He always seemed to know what I needed as an athlete- though most importantly, as a human being, and that went a long way in getting me to the start line feeling prepared. The team is incredibly lucky to have Tim as a staff member, mentor, friend and leader. And don’t forget that he’s a wizard on the guitar with the voice of an angel.” Hailey Swirbul, former athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team 

Paralympian Zach Miller of the U.S. Para Snowboard Team has won an ESPY for “Best Athlete with a Disability” at the 2023 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California. 

The ESPY Awards, known as the Oscars of sports, celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes from around the world each year. Miller was nominated alongside sled hockey player Erica McKee, wheelchair racing and cross country athlete Aaron Pile and wheelchair racer Susannah Scaroni. 

Miller’s stellar performance in the 2022-23 season played a pivotal role toward winning the ESPY, having brought home three medals in three different disciplines at the 2023 World Championships in Georgia: gold in banked slalom, silver in dual banked slalom and bronze in snowboardcross. He now has five World Championship medals in total and is at the top of his game going into the 2023-24 season. 

Miller, a snowboarder in the SB-LL2 classification who specializes in dual banked slalom, has been an elite Para rider for years. First named to the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2019-20, Miller may be one of the youngest members of the national team but has already made a name by podiuming on the World Cup, at the World Championships and attending the 2022 Paralympics. 

“We are so excited for Zach for taking home an ESPY Award tonight,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Just recently, we re-introduced Para under our wing at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and it’s athletes like Zach that make me so excited for the future. What an incredible win tonight for him and the team—I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

"It’s an honor to receive such a prestigious award, and to be among some of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen! I want to thank everyone that rallied and voted for me; I’m very fortunate to have so much support. Without it, I would never have been able to live my dream and pursue snowboarding" Miller said after accepting his award. "I’ve been snowboarding for over 15 years now, and it’s been so awesome to see my dedication and perseverance finally paying off. These past few years have been very good to me and I’m excited for what the future holds!"

Just a few weeks ago, Miller could not even put being nominated for an ESPY into words—now he is walking away as a winner. His remarkable journey to the stage at the Dolby Theatre is one of perseverance, determination and strength and serves as an inspiration to any athlete who is chasing their dreams. 

Fellow U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athlete and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin also walked away with the Best Athlete - Women's Sports ESPY Award. 

Congratulations, Zach!

Two-time Olympic champion, seven-time World Champion and greatest skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin was awarded an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Award for "Best Athlete - Women's Sports" on Wednesday, July 12, at the annual award ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. It was Shiffrin’s first ESPY Award.

Shiffrin has elevated women’s ski racing globally—both on and off the mountain. The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete is coming off a record-setting season, where she reset the record for most World Cup wins, surpassing long-time record holder and Swedish ski legend Ingemar Stenmark, who held the record since 1989. Shiffrin now holds 15 globes from her 13 seasons competing, along with winning five overall FIS Crystal Globes and ten discipline titles. On top of that, her 10 discipline globes lead all active skiers and her seven slalom titles hold the all-time record for a single discipline. 

Held annually, the ESPYs recognizes the top sport performances and athletes of the year. Millions of viewers tuned in to celebrate the best of the best in sport and celebrated the moments that rewrote history. Shiffrin beat out three other top athletes for the “Best Athlete - Women's Sports” award, including U.S. Women’s National Team and Portland Thorns soccer athlete Sophia Smith, star Polish tennis player Iga Świątek and Las Vegas Aces basketball player A’ja Wilson. 

"It's such a pleasure and such an honor to be part of this event. Thank you ESPN again for putting on such a great show - it's been so great to meet everybody," said Shiffrin in her speech after accepting the award. "I just honestly... I have a whole stack of people that I would have to thank for literally getting me to where I am today, through failure and through success, it's been a long journey, and it's not over yet. But I really have to say thank you to my family, my friends, Aleks, my brother, my sister in law who are here tonight as well, my team and coaches. 

"This season was incredible and there was a lot of talk about records... but I was thinking, why is a record actually important? I just feel like it's not important to break records or reset records, it's important to set the tone for the next generation and to inspire them."

“This ESPY award is so well deserved for Mikaela,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO. “After an astonishing record-setting season, seeing her honored at this level in front of millions tuning in at home is a perfect celebration. We are so proud of her accomplishments on and off the snow, and we know that she will only continue to impress us in seasons to come.”

Jessie Diggins, a three-time Olympic medalist, six-time World Championship medalist and the most decorated American cross country skier, was named a semifinalist for the prestigious AAU James Sullivan Award. As the only cross country skier on the list of semifinalists, Diggins has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sports landscape.

Diggins' journey to becoming a semifinalist for the AAU James Sullivan Award is one filled with immense dedication and countless hours of training. Hailing from Afton, MN., she discovered her passion for cross country skiing at an early age. Since then, she has relentlessly pursued her dreams, continually pushing herself to new heights of achievement.

Diggins' breakthrough moment came at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Alongside her teammate Kikkan Randall, she secured a historic Olympic gold medal in the team sprint event, marking the first ever Olympic medal for the United States in cross country skiing. Their stunning victory not only propelled Diggins to the forefront of the sport but also inspired countless young athletes across the nation.

Beyond her Olympic success, Diggins has consistently showcased her exceptional skills on the international stage. She has earned 14 World Cup victories, six World Championship medals, including an individual gold medal in the 2023 World Championships - the first ever for an American cross country skier. Diggins' determination and passion for cross-country skiing have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Diggins' impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She is an advocate for important causes such as environmental conservation, mental health and getting young athletes involved in sport. 

The AAU James Sullivan Award is presented annually to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States. Being named a semifinalist for this esteemed award further solidifies Diggins' place among the nation's athletic elite. The award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, leadership, character and sportsmanship throughout their careers. Past winners include Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Jessica Long, Shawn Johnson and more. 

Diggins' selection as a semifinalist not only recognizes her remarkable achievements but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring cross-country skiers and athletes. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the snow, showcases the true essence of sportsmanship and determination.

Voting is LIVE from July 12 through July 19. You are allowed ONE vote, per day. 

VOTE FOR JESSIE 

Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Chief of Sport, has been selected as one of Outsports' top 100 most powerful and influential LGBTQ people in sports in the prestigious 2023 Outsports Power 100. 

The Outsports Power 100 recognizes influential LGBTQ people in sports in the U.S. Executives, college and pro athletes, coaches, members of the media and people from every professional sports league were considered. 

This significant accolade highlights Patty's unwavering commitment to both her career and the LGBTQ+ community, making her a trailblazer in her field. As Chief of Sport at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Patty has been instrumental in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality within winter sports, fostering an environment that welcomes athletes of all backgrounds and identities.

Patty's recognition as one of Outsports' most powerful and influential LGBTQ individuals in sports is a reflection of her tremendous impact on the industry. As the sporting world continues to evolve, leaders like Patty play a crucial role in driving progress and shaping a more inclusive future. Her selection in the 2023 Outsports Power 100 not only recognizes her individual achievements but also highlights the collective efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive and accepting sporting community.

Patty was also named among Out Magazine's Out100 Honorees Changing the Game in Sports in 2022.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the broader sporting community are fortunate to have leaders like her leading the way, blazing a trail towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The world of sports is filled with remarkable athletes who continuously push the boundaries of human performance. Among them are Mikaela Shiffrin of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team and Zach Miller of the U.S. Para Snowboard Team. Formally announced on June 21, Shiffrin and Miller were both nominated for ESPYs, a testament to their outstanding athletic achievements. 

Shiffrin, who this season became the winningest alpine skier of all time, has been nominated for two ESPY Awards. The first nomination comes in the category of "Best Athlete in Women's Sports," a well-deserved recognition of Shiffrin's dominance in alpine skiing, including her 88 World Cup victories - this is her third nomination in the category. Shiffrin's second nomination comes in the category of "Best Record-Breaking Performance." Over the course of her career, she has shattered numerous records, leaving a lasting impact on the sport of skiing. From her remarkable amount of World Cup victories, World Championship medals, Olympic medals and dominance in every discipline in alpine skiing, Shiffrin's ability to push the limits and set new standards is nothing short of extraordinary.

On the other hand, Miller of the U.S. Para snowboard team has also been recognized for his remarkable talent and determination. Miller has been nominated for the coveted title of "Best Athlete with a Disability." Miller, who has won five World Championships medals (two gold, one silver, two bronze) is at the top of his game and last year represented the USA at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. 

"Being nominated for an ESPY is hard to put into words," said Miller. "I fell in love with snowboarding 15 years ago simply because I loved the freedom and the feeling that it gave me. To see my name now on the list of nominees, next to so many other great athletes is surreal, and something I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life!"

The ESPY Awards, known as the "Oscars of Sports," celebrate the best of the best in the world of athletics. Each year, athletes from various sports disciplines are recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to the sporting world. This years' nominees include names like LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Candace Parker, Nikola Jokić and Lionel Messi, to name a few. The nominations for Shiffrin and Miller highlight their exceptional achievements and acknowledge the impact they have had on their respective sports.

Your vote helps decide the winners! Cast it now and tune in July 12, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

VOTE FOR SHIFFRIN AND MILLER

(PARK CITY, UT - June 20, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the extension of its long-standing partnership with USANA, a global nutritional supplement company, as the organization’s Official Nutritional Supplement, Vitamin and Minerals Partner for the next three years.

A leader in global health and wellness, USANA has been an official partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard since 2011 and has provided nutritional support and high-quality health supplements to all athletes and coaches. 

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with USANA,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Their support and commitment to keeping our athletes healthy with the highest quality nutritional supplements is key to everything we do. Together, we are empowering our athletes to reach new heights.” 

As part of the extended partnership, USANA will continue to hold the official naming rights of the USANA Center of Excellence, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s high-performance headquarters in Park City, Utah. USANA’s continued involvement ensures that athletes have access to world-class resources, including top-of-the-line equipment, a full gymnasium, ski and snowboard ramps, trampolines, a nutrition center, recovery and rehabilitation facilities and a full sports science lab. 

In addition to USANA retaining the status of the official Nutritional Supplement, Vitamin and Minerals Partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, it will also continue its patch placement on the uniforms of all Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athletes. 

“USANA has been partnered with U.S. Ski & Snowboard for over a decade and I am so happy to see this legacy partnership continue into the future,” said Dan Macuga, USANA’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. “Our relationship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard has been a great asset for us as a company and for our Associates to share the message that the world’s best athletes trust USANA. We are excited to have our partnership continue through the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics so we can provide high-quality nutritional support to these athletes on their quest for Gold.” 

To learn more about USANA and its award-winning supplements, visit usana.com.

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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 2023, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding 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.

About USANA
USANA (NYSE:USNA) prides itself on providing consumers the highest quality nutritional products in the world. From its award-winning supplements to its innovative Celavive skincare and Active Nutrition lines, USANA has proven for more than 30 years why it’s a company you can trust. How about giving us a try? Shop at USANA.com or learn more about USANA’s sustainability efforts here.