PARK CITY, Utah (October 9, 2024) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced expanded partnerships with Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF) and Toyota (NYSE: TM). Stifel will become the official Team Naming Partner of the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and Toyota the official Team Naming Partner of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team. 

In addition to Stifel’s title sponsorship of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, which was established in October 2022, and the naming of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team in March 2023, the global investment banking and wealth management firm will also be the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. The partnership makes Stifel the Team Naming Partner of all ski teams under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization. 

Toyota rejoined U.S. Ski & Snowboard in August 2021 as the organization’s Official Mobility Partner and Official Vehicle, focusing on increasing athlete opportunities and successes on and off the snow. It is the brand’s first team naming partnership. The expanded naming rights for both Stifel and Toyota are effective immediately.

Para alpine and Para snowboard were reintegrated under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization in May 2023 and had an extremely successful first season back. Seven-time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens and two-time Paralympic medalist Andrew Kurka led the Para alpine team this year, earning a World Cup win and five podiums, respectively. Exciting newcomers like Audrey Crowley and Jesse Keefe offer promising talent leading into the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. On the Para snowboard side, three-time Paralympic gold medalist Brenna Huckaby and two-time Paralympic medalist Noah Elliott had standout seasons, each bringing home multiple FIS Crystal Globes. 

“We’re thrilled that Stifel and Toyota are expanding their partnerships to also invest directly into our Para sports,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel’s commitment to supporting all of our ski teams has been incredible. It’s a true partnership that has had such a meaningful impact on our sports and athletes. Toyota has consistently shown their commitment to supporting our athletes on and off the snow, and having them as a Team Naming Partner further demonstrates their dedication.”

Through this support, Para alpine and Para snowboard will receive more financial support, increasing the team's budget, allowing the programs to further develop.

“Having Stifel on board with our team is so exciting,” said Laurie Stephens, seven-time Paralympic medalist and Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team athlete. “The impact they have made with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team so far has been great, and I am thrilled to see what we can do together moving forward.” 

“I am really proud and excited to be representing U.S. Ski & Snowboard again this season and to have Toyota as our Team Naming Partner,” said Noah Elliott, Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team athlete and two-time Paralympic medalist. “Toyota’s motto is ‘Let’s Go Places,’ which is exactly what they allow us to do as our Team Naming Partner. Their support gives us the opportunity to get the proper training and support we need to be at our best for competitions and empowers us to get better and better every day.”

“The Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team is filled with stories of hard work and triumph, and we’re excited to support these inspiring athletes on their road to success,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the Paralympics continue to grow as a global sports event, we’re pleased to sponsor the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team through the next Paralympic Winter Games cycle in March 2026.”

“Toyota’s passion for innovation and commitment to empowering all people truly embodies the Paralympic spirit and we continue to support Paralympians by becoming the official Team Naming Partner of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team,” said Dedra DeLilli, Toyota VP Vehicle Marketing & Communications.

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org 

About Stifel Financial Corp.
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.

About Toyota 
Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America (more than 49,000 in the U.S.). Over the past 65 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 47 million cars and trucks in North America at the company’s 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.6 million cars and trucks (more than 2.2 million in the U.S.) in 2023, of which more than one quarter were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Courtney Harkins
Director, Marketing & Communications
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Stifel
Neil Shapiro
Head of Corporate Communications
shapiron@stifel.com  

Toyota
Sam Mahoney 
Marketing Communications 
samuel.mahoney@toyota.com 

The 2024-25 Freestyle World Cup season is almost upon us, with the first event slated for Nov. 30, 2024, in Ruka, Finland. This season includes new domestic events and more World Cups than athletes have seen in years. 

Use the table below to stay updated on events and how to watch information for both domestic and international races.

• All international races will be LIVE on skiandsnowboard.live and on-demand on skiandsnowboard.live (immediately).
• All domestic races will be LIVE on Outside Watch (for free) and on-demand (behind a pay wall). NBC and CNBC coverage is listed below. 

Full freestyle World Cup schedule:

*dates, times, and how to watch subject to change

Updated 10/9/2024 1:57 pm ET

Click here for more information regarding how to watch World Cup events.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today that Megan Smallhouse of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team is hanging up her aerials competition skis after five seasons with the team. 

Smallhouse, originally from Reno, Nevada, started her career as a successful gymnast before pivoting to aerials skiing in 2015. Prior to joining the national team in 2019, Smallhouse began her aerials training in Lake Placid at the Olympic Training Center and with Park City Ski & Snowboard at the Utah Olympic Park to build her skills and foster her love for the sport. Just four years into her career, Smallhouse made her first World Cup start, finishing 18th in the Lake Placid World Cup in her first appearance. 

Over the next four years, Smallhouse became a staple on the NorAm and World Cup circuits, earning 19 NorAm podiums and four wins. In 2021, she was named to the widely successful World Championships team, bringing home the second-best U.S. women’s aerials performance, finishing seventh overall. Across five seasons, Smallhouse made 19 World Cup appearances, finishing in the top 10 six times. During the 2023-24 season, Megan finished on top at the 2024 U.S. Freestyle Championships, alongside teammate Winter Vinecki in second. 

“My time with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team was some of the best of my life, said Smallhouse. “Over these five years, I had the honor of representing my country. I was able to grow both as a person and as an athlete, and I was able to overcome a major injury and return to competition. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by U.S. Ski and Snowboard to pursue my athletic career as well as my academic career. Although I am choosing to move on to the next chapter of my life, I will forever cherish the memories I made as an athlete.” 

Throughout her career, Smallhouse faced numerous challenges, including injuries and the intense pressure of competition. However, her resilience and determination allowed her to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing the boundaries of the sport has been a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for aerial skiing.

Smallhouse recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Kinesiology. She plans to continue her education while working in applied physical therapy settings to enhance her learning. Smallhouse noted that one of the biggest takeaways from her time as an athlete was the knowledge she gained from the strength coaches, trainers and therapists she worked with. “Their creativity and dedication to me and the other athletes they worked with have inspired me to pursue a similar career path. I am planning on pursuing my doctorate of physical therapy so I can give back to the athletes in generations to come.”

Congratulations, Megan, on an incredible career. We wish you all the best on your next adventure.

Connor Curran of Cincinnati, OH is an up-and-comer on the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team and one of the greatest young talents in the aerials world. After a few successful seasons on the NorAm tour, Curran started full-time on the World Cup circuit for the 2023-24 season and immediately made an impact. Throughout this season, he earned his first top 10, first super finals, first top five, and first podium. In February of 2024, Curran took home his first-ever podium in front of the rowdy Deer Valley crowd, placing second at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International. Additionally, he took home a third place at the 2024 FIS Junior Ski World Championships. Curran is an athlete to keep your eye on in the seasons ahead. 

We sat down with Connor to discuss his accomplishments and goals for the upcoming seasons.

Q: What initially drew you to aerials skiing?

Connor Curran: I was initially drawn to aerials because of the craziness of the sport, and I’ve always loved skiing and flipping.

Q: When you were younger, getting into the sport, what were your goals?

CC: My goal when I was younger was to make the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and go to the Olympics one day.

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far/what is your biggest accomplishment?

CC: My biggest accomplishment so far has been making the A team this year and getting second at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley last season.

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

CC: My ultimate goal is to walk away from the Olympics with a medal.

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didnt seem real?

CC: Getting second at a World Cup on home soil didn’t really feel real when it happened.

Q: Who were the athletes that you looked up to when you were younger, or who are they now? 

CC: I looked up to Justin Schoenefeld and Quinn Dehlinger the most when I was younger. Now, I look up to Justin Schoenefeld, Quinn Dehlinger and Chris Lillis.

Follow Connor on social media. 

Two-time Olympian and athlete on the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, Tricia Mangan, is once again teaming up with her brother, Andrew Mangan, to raise awareness for the High Fives Foundation - a cause close to Andrew’s heart. 

“I am so excited to be rowing in the Head of the Charles Regatta again this year with my brother Andrew in the Mixed Inclusion Doubles event and with my entire family (parents and five siblings) in the Directors Challenge to raise money for High Fives Foundation,” said Mangan.

After rowing competitively throughout high school Andrew suffered a spinal cord injury in 2016 that left him paralyzed from the shoulder down. He has since gained a new perspective and drive to get back into the sport, which led him to the High Fives Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization helping those with spinal cord injuries return to the world of outdoor sports. 

“I really admire Andrew and think his story is a true testament to the power of never-ending hard work and a positive attitude. It will be really special to be able to row with him and even more fun to row as an entire family,” said Mangan.

Mangan is not just a successful alpine athlete but has worked to support her brother in his recovery by teaming up at the Head of the Charles to raise money and awareness for the organization. 

“As the least experienced rower in the family, I’ll be doing my best not to slow down the boat, but I’m most looking forward to a really special event that always brings my family and our rowing friends together and to raise money for High Fives which is such an incredible organization that helps athletes, like my brother Andrew, get back to the sports they love after life-changing injuries.”

The sibling duo plans to race to raise awareness about the foundation and shed a positive light on its work. The regatta is set to take place in Boston, MA during Head of the Charles Oct. 18 - 20.   

PARK CITY, Utah (Oct. 1, 2024) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today nearly 60 companies will support the 240 athletes throughout the 2024-25 competition season with equipment, apparel and accessories as they strive for World Cup podiums around the world. Along with athletes, U.S. Ski & Snowboard members will receive discounts from many of the suppliers below through the Member Benefits portal. U.S. Ski & Snowboard also welcomes a host of new suppliers and licensees for the 2024-25 season. 

“Our suppliers and licensees are such an important part of our organization and we’re thrilled to continue working alongside them as we enter this season,” says Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue & Philanthropy Officer at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We’re committed to ensuring our athletes, partners, members and fans alike feel supported through our partnerships and with the over 60 companies we work with, we’re hitting that mark.” 

2024-25 SUPPLIERS

Equipment:

• Atomic (alpine skis, boots; nordic skis, boots) 
• Dalbello (boots)
• Dynastar (alpine skis)
• Fischer (alpine skis, boots, bindings; nordic skis, boots, bindings, OneWay poles)
• Head (alpine skis, boots, bindings)
• ID One (moguls skis, aerials skis, poles)
• Look (bindings)
• Lange (boots)
• Level Gloves (gloves)
• Marker (bindings)
• Madshus (skis, boots, poles)
• Nordica (skis, boots)
• Rossignol (skis)
• Salomon (alpine skis, boots, bindings; nordic skis, boots, bindings)
• Stockli (alpine skis)
• Sun Valley Ski Tools (wax, ski/snowboard tuning equipment)
• Swix (wax, ski/snowboard tuning equipment)
• Toko (gloves, wax, ski/snowboard tuning equipment)
• Vola (wax)
• Völkl (skis)
• Wintersteiger (wax, ski/snowboard tuning equipment)

Apparel:

• Bigtruck (headwear)
• Khombu (après footwear)
• SKIDA (neck gaiters, hats)
• Vix Protection (cut-resistant baselayers) 
• Wigwam (competition and lifestyle socks)

Accessories:

• Auclair (gloves)
• Giro (helmets, goggles)
• Hestra (gloves)
• Knockaround (sunglasses, goggles)
• Outdoor Master (helmets, goggles) 
• Pit Viper (sunglasses, goggles)
• POC (helmets, sunglasses, goggles, shin guards, arm guards, back protectors)
• Reusch (gloves)
• Rise Brewing Co. (coffee)
• Ski Metrix (booster strap)
• SMITH (helmets, sunglasses, goggles)
• Sweet Protection (helmets, sunglasses, goggles)
• Wildhorn (helmets, goggles, gloves, balaclavas)
• Zanier (gloves)

Medical Partners: 

• Barton Health 
• Intermountain Health 
• RAYUS Radiology
• The Steadman Clinic
• Vail Health

Medical Providers:

• Advanced Dentistry, Park City, UT
• Mammoth Hospital, Mammoth Mountain, CA
• Rebound Physical Therapy, Bend, OR
• Steamboat Orthopedics and Spine Institute, Steamboat Springs, CO

Medical Equipment Providers

• DJO Global (orthopedic devices)
• School Health 

 Official Education and Research Partner

• University of Utah

Industry:

• HKD Snowmakers (snowmaking equipment)
• Leitner-Poma (lift system)
• Prinoth (snow groomer)
• SKIDATA (ski lift access key cards)
• SkyTechSport (ski/snowboard simulator)
• World Cup Supply (event, race equipment, supplies)

For More Information Contact:
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org 

PARK CITY, Utah (Sept. 27, 2024) —The alpine Audi FIS Ski World Cup 2024-25 season is officially confirmed with four domestic World Cups on the docket.

First up in the United States is the Stifel Killington Cup Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2024. This will be the eighth World Cup held in Killington, Vermont – a venue that the winningest skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin has won six times. 40,000 fans are expected to show up and cheer on the best women tech skiers in the world. 

Immediately following the women's race, the men will open the speed season in Beaver Creek, Colorado at the annual Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines Dec. 6-8. This series will include a downhill, super-G 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. 

Then the women will head to Beaver Creek one week later Dec. 14-15, 2024. The famed Birds of Prey downhill track, known for being one of the most challenging stops on the men’s tour, boasts a vertical drop of 2,470 feet and an average gradient of 31 percent. The race will mark the first time many of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women will race a World Cup on home snow, and the first time the women will have run a downhill at the venue. 

Finally the alpine season will end in the United States in Sun Valley, Idaho for the Stifel Sun Valley Finals held March 22-27, 2025. It will be the first time the alpine World Cup Finals have returned to the U.S. since 2017. This event will bring in the top 25 competitors, both men and women, from each discipline as they fight for the final World Cup points of the season with overall and discipline FIS Crystal Globes awarded.

“We are thrilled that all four domestic alpine World Cups are now officially confirmed on the calendar this season,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We are confident that all of these events will continue to amplify the sport of alpine skiing in the U.S. and provide an excellent experience for fans and athletes.”

The exciting alpine line up officially commences in Sölden, Austria Oct. 26-27 with a giant slalom race for the men and women. 

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

QUOTES

“Sun Valley has a long and storied history in ski racing, for many years hosting the revered Harriman Cup, our first FIS World Cup in 1975, and most recently the U.S. Alpine Championships back-to-back. We’re proud of our mountain and believe it will provide a great test of the world’s greatest skiers, but we’re even more proud of our community and the way this small western town can rally around an event of this caliber. We’re thrilled for athletes, families, and travelers worldwide to come experience the best of Sun Valley.”

• Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley Resort GM and VP

“It is such an honor to continue the tradition of the Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek. In addition to hosting the annual men's tour with downhill, super-G and giant slalom races, this season we are excited to welcome the women back to Beaver Creek for a super-G and the first-ever women’s downhill on the Birds of Prey course. With these back-to-back World Cup weekends, we are thrilled to offer a 10-day festival of ski racing, live music, beer tastings, ski films, sponsor activations and more."

• Sarah Franke, Stifel Birds of Prey Event Director

"It's always a thrill to kick off the alpine season with the Stifel Killington Cup, especially in a World Championship year! Killington is proud to host the best in the world on Superstar year after year and we're looking forward to another exciting weekend of racing action,” 

• Amy Lamarie, Director of Marketing, Killington Mountain

For the ninth year, Ron Kruszewski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stifel Financial Corp. and trustee of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, hosted his annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser in St. Louis, Missouri. The annual event was wildly successful, raising $1 million for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization and athletes. 

Over 300 attendees showed up donning their best neon outfits to be on par with the 80s Aprés Ski theme. To complete the theme, 80s cover band “The Spazmatics” dazzled the crowd, along with food and drink that fit the bill. 

Three athletes, representing three Stifel U.S. Ski Team's joined in on the fun - winningest alpine skier of all-time Mikaela Shiffrin, two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira and two-time Olympian on the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Team Jaelin Kauf traveled to St. Louis for the event.

“It was a blast to be at this year’s Stifel U.S. Ski Team Fundraiser in St. Louis,” said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Alex Ferreira. “Ron, his family and his friends are incredibly gracious and wonderful to be around. Thank you Ron and thank you Stifel.”

Mikaela Shiffrin also thanked the St. Louis community for showing up to the event in her recent Instagram post, "Thank you, thank you, thank you St. Louis for showing up and showing out once again,” said Shiffrin. “One million dollars raised for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team on behalf of Stifel?! You’ve outdone yourselves, we had so, so much fun last night at the ninth annual Stifel fundraiser, which was an awesome 80s apres ski-themed party.” 

The event raises money through a silent and live auction and has quickly become one of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard's most successful fundraisers to date. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes as they begin their 2024-25 competition and World Championships season.