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Masters Welcomes Coaches with a Complementary Membership

By Lauren Beckos
June, 8 2023
Willy Camp Coaches at the Masters Summer Fun Nationals Race on Mt. Hood
Willy Camp Coaches at the Masters Summer Fun Nationals Race on Mt. Hood

All U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Coaches can add a complementary Alpine Master membership to their cart when they renew their membership or contact member services to have it added. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in your sport! We hope you will check out the Masters schedules and events and join us for a race.

There are many benefits to participating in a masters race as a coach:

  • Participation in one masters race earns you 2 continuing education credits. This can be used once every two years. Submit using the continuing education request form after the race. See the framework instructions for more information about continuing ed credits that you are required to get to maintain a current coach's certification.
  • Practice what you preach. Doing what you teach your athletes gives you insights that you don't get from the sidelines. It is informative, valuable, and makes you a better coach.
  • It’s YOU time! Have fun! Remember how exhilarating it is to feel the speed, rhythm, and adrenaline of a ski race. Reconnect with why you first fell in the love with alpine ski racing.
  • Set a course and then get to race it! Contact the masters event organizer to see if a course-setter is needed if you would like to set. (The masters course-setting matrix is available here.)
  • No special gear needed besides a FIS-legal helmet! Masters do not have ski requirements. Throw down on those cheater GS skis or any other skis you've got in your quiver that you love!

Masters racing provides opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities to compete against their peers in alpine ski races across the United States. Masters is a multi-generational, passionate, fun-loving group. Come for the races, stay for the life-long friendships and love of the sport.

For more information about the Masters group in your area:

Division    Website
Central Division    midwestmasters.org
Eastern Division (New England)    nemsracing.org
Eastern Division (Mid-Atlantic)    mamasters.org
Eastern Division (Southern)    saraski.org
 Far West    farwestmasters.org 
Intermountain/Northern    intermountainmasters.org 
Pacific Northwest    pnwdivision.org/masters 
 Rocky    rmmskiracing.org  

 

For more information regarding the Masters program please visit usskiandsnowboard.org/masters.

Sustainability

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, a national and global leader in snow sports, is committed to addressing climate change and stewarding sustainability of winter sports. Millions globally are inspired by winter sports and enjoy healthy, active lifestyles in winter environments. Climate change threatens our winter environments with receding glaciers, rising sea levels, volatile weather cycles and less snowfall.

U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Class

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
September, 29 2023
shannon bahrke
Shannon Bahrke celebrates winning a bronze medal at the Winter Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 (Getty Images - Kevork Djansezian)

The U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum, not affiliated with U.S. Ski & Snowboard, announced its eight member Hall of Fame Class of 2023. The class will be inducted at the Snowsports History Celebration in March, which will be held in Park City, Utah.

The class is headlined by two-time Olympic medalist freestyle moguls skier Shannon Bahrke, snowboarding pioneer Jeff Brushie and Olympic champion Billy Demong.

The mission of the U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is to honor and celebrate the athletes, pioneers and visionaries of the United States who have significantly enriched the global sports of skiing and snowboarding, and to showcase their stories and historic memorabilia in a national museum located at the birthplace of organized skiing in America, Ishpeming, Michigan.

The 2023 inductees are listed below, with courtesy to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.  

Ross Anderson – (Albuquerque, New Mexico) A Native American speed skier, Ross Anderson holds the record as the fastest American on skis, hitting a speed of 154.060 mph in 2006 at Les Arcs, France. A native of Durango, Colorado, he grew up as a ski racer and ski jumper, discovering speed skiing in 1994. He became one of the top athletes on the U.S. Speed Skiing Team, winning bronze at the 2005 World Championships and is an eight-time national champion.

shannon bahrke - 2010 olympics

Shannon Bahrke – (Reno, Nevada) Lake Tahoe native Shannon Bahrke is one of only five women to win multiple Olympic medals. Known for her pink hair and as the exuberant face of moguls skiing, Bahrke won Olympic silver at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, then came back from injuries to win Olympic bronze in 2010. In a 12-year career with the U.S. Ski Team, Bahrke won the 2003 World Cup title, claimed 27 World Cup podiums with seven victories and earned six U.S. titles. She competed in three Olympics and was on six World Championship teams.

Jeff Brushie – (Burlington, Vermont) Vermont’s Jeff Brushie had one of the greatest and most successful contest careers for any American snowboarder. In an era before the X Games and Olympics, he thrilled millions of fans around the globe and became the most commercially successful pro snowboarder of his generation. He won over 20 major contest wins including three world championship titles. In the 1990s, his crossover appeal to mainstream media on MTV and ESPN was America’s first real look into snowboarding style and culture, also serving as a role model for future stars including Shaun White.

 billy demong

Billy Demong – (Vermontville, New York) As an athlete and a team leader, Olympic champion Billy Demong won the first gold medal by an American nordic skier, inspiring Team USA to an unprecedented four medals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. He grew up in the Olympic region of Lake Placid, inspired by the culture emanating from the 1980 Games. In an international racing career that spanned 16 seasons, he won Olympic gold and silver, four World Championship medals including one gold and earned 21 World Cup podiums with nine wins.

Jake & Dave Moe – (Seattle, Washington) Skiing was just entering a dynamic phase of growth in 1971 when Jake and David Moe introduced the world to POWDER Magazine. Under the mantra “Powder to the People,” the brothers offered a new, more independent look at the sport with the photos and words on their pages, literally changing the direction of skiing, pushing skiers to discover their own independence on the mountain. As publisher and editor, the Moe brothers had a knack for finding the wordsmiths and photographers to tell the story of skiing in a new way. The magazine continued its mission with continual publication for nearly a half-century.

Les Otten – (New York, New York) Resort developer Les Otten had a profound impact on the entire industry as an innovator and visionary. He parlayed a college gig as a ski instructor to build a career in the industry, eventually owning nine ski areas and building American Ski Company into a publicly traded resort leader. Otten’s hallmark was finding ways to do things better. He innovated teaching techniques to make sport entry easier, focused on quality for snow making and was one of the first to recognize the benefits of shaped skis. Never satisfied with the status quo, his pioneering efforts transformed the industry of today. 

Mike Porter – (California) In a career that spanned a half century, Mike Porter left an indelible mark as one of the world’s most influential ski educators. He served the PSIA National Alpine Team as both a member and later its longest standing head coach. Porter was also one of the founders of the American Teaching System. Through his long-time leadership, he became a key mover in bringing global recognition to the PSIA-AASI worldwide, overseeing much of the U.S. content presented every four years at Interski. With his in-depth research on ski racing, he also served a pivotal role in bringing coaches and instructors together.

hank kashiwa

Hank Kashiwa – (New York, New York) After winning the 1975 World Pro Skiing Championship, Olympic ski racer Hank Kashiwa parlayed his success and passion for skiing into a thriving career as an entrepreneur in the ski industry. Together with brother Bucky, he founded Volant which went on to become the largest American ski manufacturer with its innovative stainless-steel cap. After the sale of Volant to Atomic, he went on to help lead marketing efforts for Montana’s Yellowstone Club as the world’s first private ski and golf community. which now boasts 875 families in its private membership.

McCann Hired as U.S. Ski & Snowboard Director of Sport Education

By Libby Arganbright
September, 29 2023
Mountain Scene

(PARK CITY, UTAH - September 29, 2023) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced David McCann as its new Director of Sport Education. With a distinguished background spanning across several prominent sports organizations, McCann is a celebrated sports education leader.

McCann is no stranger to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, having acted as the organization’s Director of Educational Services from 2003-08. His journey has also included leadership roles at various other Olympic National Governing Bodies, including USA Volleyball, USA Rugby and USA Boccia, as well as within leadership at the University of Illinois, where he taught classes and provided consulting services and crucial resources to sports organizations across the state. McCann also served as the Director of Coaching Education for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Throughout his career, McCann has personally trained over 3,000 sport coaches and instructors in clinics and workshops, making a lasting impact on the field. 

During his previous tenure at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, then the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, McCann developed numerous award-winning educational materials, generating over 1 million dollars in revenue for the organization. In his current role, McCann will continue to enhance the comprehensive coaches education experience for our domestic and international coaches. He will also collaborate closely with our club development program to ensure that our youth and elite athletes have access to a world-class pipeline for their growth and success. 

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 ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, Para snowboard, Para alpine, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded 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 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org 

 

David McCann Headshort

Protect Our Winters Honors U.S. Ski & Snowboard with Jake Burton Award

By Libby Arganbright
September, 28 2023
Snowboarder in Stubai
Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Athlete in Stubai (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)

(PARK CITY, UTAH - Sep. 28, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed Jake Burton Award by Protect Our Winters (POW). The award, won previously by companies like Burton, Strava, New Belgium and more, was presented to U.S. Ski & Snowboard at POW's Leadership Summit in Reno, Nevada in September. 

Named in honor of snowboarding legend Jake Burton, the Jake Burton Award recognizes partners who have demonstrated leading the charge in creating cultural shifts needed to take on climate as a community. The criteria for the award include influencing the cultural shift through brand platforms, a willingness to challenge the status quo and integrating climate action into the DNA of the brand.

“Jake Burton’s passion and dedication built a movement in snow sports. He challenged the status quo every step of the way paving the path for a new sport, lowering barriers to entry and instilling the ethos that we should preserve the outdoors for all future generations,” said Torrey Udall, Executive Director of POW. “This year, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team honored Jake’s legacy by bringing the urgency of climate to the forefront and using its voice and influence to affect change. We are grateful to U.S. Ski & Snowboard for their partnership, collaboration and dedication.”

POW nominated U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Aspen Snowmass for their collaborative efforts at the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen, at which the organization and resort worked to champion sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, and the 2023 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships. U.S. Ski & Snowboard collaborated with POW and Kappa to create climate change-themed alpine race suits for the World Championships, designed to bring attention to the melting glaciers around the world. The suits were worn on the sport's biggest stage by the sport's biggest stars to show the organization’s commitment to furthering the fight against climate change. 

"We are deeply honored to receive the Jake Burton Award from POW," said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "This recognition reaffirms our dedication to mitigating climate change's impact on our winter sports and we look forward to continuing our efforts, knowing there is still so much more we could do."

This recognition reiterates U.S. Ski & Snowboard's commitment to combating climate change and protecting our winter playgrounds. U.S. Ski & Snowboard and POW will continue to collaborate on initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action within the winter sports community and beyond. 

 

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About Protect Our Winters
Protect Our Winters (POW) was founded in 2007 by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones to address the impact of climate change on outdoor sports. It has since grown into a global network of over 130,000 supporters, including athletes, individuals, resorts, and brand partners. POW aims to give a national voice to the outdoor sports community, highlighting the economic significance of an industry that supports 7.6 million jobs and generates $887 billion in revenue. With a focus on relevance and authenticity, POW mobilizes outdoor enthusiasts to combat climate change, recognizing that the future of the environment, jobs, and the economy depends on their actions. https://protectourwinters.org/ 

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 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 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
leann.bentley@usskiandsnowboard.org 

Early Bird Registration Deadline Oct. 15

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
September, 26 2023
Early Registration Deadline

Don’t delay! The early bird registration deadline is 5 p.m. (MDT), Sunday, Oct 15. Register now to beat the rush!  

Price increases go into effect beginning Oct. 16. Members may renew online at my.usskiandsnowboard.org today! This deadline only applies to individual members.

Important reminders:

• Please remember to check the cart on the right to see if the membership has been pre-populated based on the membership held last season.

• Membership information including categories, descriptions, pricing and benefits may be found here

• A U.S. Ski & Snowboard Family Membership cap of $500 is provided for immediate family members registering at once. If your family’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships total more than $500, please contact Member Services for a rebate by email, chat or phone with the names and membership numbers for your family. A refund check will be sent via mail. (Division dues, FIS registration and merchandise not included.) 

• Add additional U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships for only the cost of the highest membership. For example, a freestyle competitor may add an alpine competitor membership at no additional charge. An alpine coach may add an alpine master’s membership at no additional charge. (Division dues and FIS registration not included.)

We encourage you to reach out to Member Services for assistance. We're here to help! 

Member Services
435.647.2666
membership@usskiandsnowboard.org
www.usskiandsnowboard.org

                                                                                                                                   

U.S. Ski & Snowboard St. Louis Fundraiser Raises Over One Million Dollars

By Sierra Ryder
September, 25 2023
Dierks Bentley on the main stage at the Stifel U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser in St. Louis. (@westrichphotography)
Dierks Bentley on the main stage at the Stifel U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser in St. Louis. (@westrichphotography)

For the seventh year, Ron Kruszewski, who serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stifel Financial Corp. and a trustee of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, hosted his annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard fundraiser. The event broke records, raising over $1 million.

This year's theme was "Mikaela's Roadhouse," designed to celebrate Mikaela Shiffrin's record-setting 88 World Cup wins, complete with Route 88 signs throughout the venue.

It was a star-studded night with country sensation Dierks Bentley as the night’s primary entertainer alongside Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin and 2022 world champion Hanna Faulhaber and two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira, both of the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. Many key St. Louis sports figures were in attendance, including Blues, Cubs and Cardinals players.

“Thank you so much,” said Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Hanna Faulhaber “The St. Louis event was a blast and I know the team is incredibly grateful for the support.”

Mikaela Shiffrin also thanking the St. Louis community for showing up to the event in her recent post, "Thank you to the St. Louis community for showing up once again," said Shiffrin "The event was just so much fun and I’m excited we were able to raise so much money for all sports and disciplines at U.S. Ski & Snowboard!"

One highlight of the evening included Shiffrin joining Bentley on stage for a surprise performance in front of U.S. Ski & Snowboard trustees and guests.

The event, hosted by Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, along with support by U.S. Ski & Snowboard partner Textron Aviation, has quickly become one of the organization's largest fundraisers. Trustees, long-time supporters and guests were in attendance to break the all-time fundraising record at this event, with all proceeds directly benefiting the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes as they begin their 2023-24 competition season. 

Meet the Athletes That Make Up the Most Decorated Para Snowboard Team in the World

By Ryan Odeja
September, 25 2023
U.S. Para Snowboard athlete pushes out of the gate during a snowboardcross race

Since snowboarding became an official Paralympic sport in 2014, no country has won more Paralympic medals than the U.S. team. The American athletes have won more than double the next-closest country - 21 medals compared to China, who has won 10. 

Members of the current U.S. Para Snowboard Team have won 15 of those 21 medals, and several U.S. snowboarders added more hardware to their resumes at the World Championships this past March in La Molina, Spain. Four current members of the men’s team sit in the top five of the overall Paralympic medal rankings, and Brenna Huckaby leads the way for the women. 

Get to know the team before the season starts as they come under U.S. Ski & Snowboard!

Brenna Huckaby

Huckaby didn’t grow up a snowboard athlete; rather, she was an avid gymnast in a city not known for snow-covered peaks - Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When she was 14, she had her right leg amputated due to bone cancer, and she made the move to Salt Lake City, Utah and decided to try a new sport - snowboarding. Just one month after her amputation, Huckaby received her first prosthetic leg and set her eyes on the slopes. The same passion she had for gymnastics, she quickly realized she had for snowboarding, and by 2013, she was competing with the National Ability Center in Park City. Before she knew it, she became one of the most talented athletes in the sport. A few years later, she took home three golds and a silver medal in her first two World Championships appearances, cementing herself as one of the best Para snowboardcross athletes in the world. 

Her World Championship success set her up for a dominant showing at the PyeongChang Winter Paralympic Games, where she won gold in the snowboardcross and banked slalom events. She later defended her banked slalom title at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing and took home a bronze in the snowboardcross competition. On top of her four Paralympic medals, the 27 year old has racked up nine World Championship medals, including a gold, silver and bronze in Spain earlier this year. She is a four-time Paralympic medalist (three gold, one bronze) and four-time world champion. Huckaby is a two-time ESPY Award nominee (2018, 2022) and one-time winner (2018) of the “Best Female Athlete with a Disability." When she isn’t snowboarding, you can find Huckaby hiking, biking, playing with her daughters, watching Shameless, or volunteering as a gymnastics judge in Utah.

Darian Haynes

Haynes was born with a Brachial Plexus injury and felt that most sports were unreachable for her while growing up, but after moving to Hawaii in 2010, she found an adaptive surfing program and the rest was history. Soon after discovering the sport, she started surfing competitively, soaring through the ranks. She became one of the best adaptive surfers in Hawaii and competed at national and international-level events, eventually joining Team USA. In 2021, she decided to trade the ocean for the mountains and moved to Silverthorne, Colorado to start her professional snowboarding career. Haynes began training with Adaptive Action Sports and became the 2022-23 FIS World Cup overall Para banked slalom champion within two years of training. In 2023, she took home the 2023 banked slalom overall Crystal Globe following another successful year on the World Cup and then topped it off with two bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships. 

Outside of snowboarding, Haynes is a competitive skateboarder who still loves surfing as much as possible. Throughout her three sports, she is dedicated to bringing opportunities to participate in adaptive sports to those who haven’t been exposed, especially young women like herself.

Evan Strong

Strong is one of the only athletes on the Para team to have competed in all three Paralympics since snowboarding was formally added in 2014. The Haiku, Hawaii native led a U.S. medal sweep in the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games in snowboardcross, joined on the podium by teammates Mike Shea (silver) and Keith Gabel (bronze). 

Strong followed up his Sochi Games success with a silver medal in the banked slalom at the PyeongChang Paralympics. Along with his two Paralympic medals, Strong has won five World Championship medals, including a gold in snowboardcross LL2 in 2012. Since moving from Hawaii to Lake Tahoe, California in 2007, Strong has earned every title in Para snowboarding, from the X Games to the Paralympics.

Outside of snowboarding, Strong's hobbies include skateboarding, mountain biking, surfing and photography. He credits his family, along with Amy Purdy and Daniel Gale, the founders of Adaptive Action Sports, as the most influential individuals in his career.

Joe Pleban

Pleban, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, has made a mark in the Para snowboarding world, on and off the snow. He is known worldwide for the “please cut here” tattoo he got on his leg in 2014 before his amputation, calling it the first non-permanent permanent tattoo. In 2017, his snowboarding journey began when he started training with Adaptive Action Sports, and soon enough, he made his international debut. 

Pleban just missed out on making the roster for the Beijing Paralympic Games last March, but soon after, he and his wife welcomed their daughter to the world. In his career, he has snagged top World Cup results and earned a 10th and 13th place results at World Championships. Outside of snowboarding, he attended Christopher Newport University and spends most of his time outside hiking and paddleboarding.

Keith Gabel

Gabel initially discovered his passion for snowboarding back in 2000, and although he loved to ride, he didn’t start formally competing until after an industrial accident in 2005 that crushed his left foot and led to an eventual amputation. Just three months post-op, Gabel returned to his snowboard; however, it wasn’t until the 2010-11 season that he found competitive Para snowboarding and began training with the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. He progressed quickly and soared through the international ranks, eventually earning a spot on the 2014 Paralympic Team for the Games in Sochi, Russia. In his Paralympic debut, he earned a bronze medal in snowboardcross, becoming a part of the iconic U.S. medal sweep. At the Paralympic Games in 2018, Gabel improved on his 2014 results by finishing with a silver medal in the snowboardcross event. Outside his Paralympic experience, Gabel earned two World Championship medals, becoming the snowboardcross world champion in 2019, and finished second in snowboardcross team alongside teammate Noah Elliott in 2023. 

Now 38, Gabel hopes to make his fourth trip to the Paralympics in 2026. Outside of snowboarding, you’ll find Gabel hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, cliff diving, camping, playing and writing music, and hanging out with his dog, checking nearly every outdoor activity box. 

Mike Minor

Minor was born missing part of his right forearm, but that did not stop him from competing. He competes in the UL classification for athletes with upper limb deficiencies. He grew up skiing, skiing, wrestling, skateboarding, four-wheeling and participating in mixed martial arts, but decided to start snowboarding at age seven, inspired by those snowboarding around him. While working as a lift attendant at Copper Mountain in Colorado, he was invited to start practicing and competing competitively with Adaptive Action Sports. His talent was evident, and those around him began to take notice. Not long after, he made his international debut at a World Cup event in 2015, and after an impressive opening season, Minor still continues to dominate the competition on both the national and international stage.

Since making his international debut in 2015, Minor has competed in two Paralympic Winter Games, winning a gold and a bronze medal, and two World Championships, winning two golds and two silvers. The 32 year old now lives in Finland with his fiancée. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding and spending time with his two dogs, Halo and Dinky.

Mike Schultz

In 2008, while competing in a snowcross race, Schultz drifted off course, flying off his snowmobile and landing on his left leg. He sustained a severe compound fracture to his knee and, after multiple surgeries, had his leg amputated above the knee. Throughout his entire life, Schultz has always been heavily involved in action sports, and after his amputation, he found that the prosthetics on the market weren’t suitable for the activity he wanted to continue to pursue. Knowing this, Schultz took matters into his own hands and engineered his prosthetic knee, which got him back in the position to get back out into the action sports world. Not long after, Schultz won the adaptive motocross silver medal at the X Games, then switched gears and started snowboarding in 2009. Following his achievements, Schultz quickly realized that others could benefit from his engineered prosthetic design and decided to start BioDapt, Inc., in 2010. His company pushed the boundaries for high-impact adaptive sports. 

The success never slowed. In 2010, Schultz became the first person to win a gold medal at both the Summer and Winter X Games. His love of action sports and enjoyment of new challenges led him to become competitive in snowboarding after already successful careers in snowcross and motocross. He rose through the national ranks, joined the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2015, and showed impressive results on the World Cup circuit. Schultz competed in his first World Championships in 2017, taking home a silver in the banked slalom LL1. A year later, he won silver in the same event and a gold in the snowboardcross at the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games. Schultz added three World Championship medals from two more appearances — including a bronze in the snowboardcross this past March — and another Paralympic silver at the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games to his resume. The 41 year old is coming off a dominant World Cup season that saw him reach eight podiums and finish tied for the most points in banked slalom LL1.

Schultz’s hobbies include motocross, snowmobiling, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing and, of course, working in his shop. In 2010, he was inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Network Hall of Fame, along with being a published author and public speaker who has even given a TEDx Talk on adapting to golden opportunities.

Noah Elliott

Elliott burst onto the international stage as a 20 year old at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, where he won gold in the banked slalom and bronze in the snowboardcross LL1 competition - only three years after his left leg was amputated due to bone cancer.

After winning the world title in dual banked slalom in January 2022, the St. Charles, Missouri, native battled through injuries at the Beijing Paralympic Games and just missed medaling in the banked slalom. Elliott, now 25, returned healthy this year and earned five podiums on the World Cup circuit, and two silvers at the 2023 World Championships. 

Elliott takes pride in hard work and dedication and enjoys sharing stories with others and learning new things. Outside of snowboarding, Elliott’s hobbies include skateboarding, snowboarding, fishing, camping, hiking, traveling, cooking, being outdoors, playing guitar, hanging out with family, and simply enjoying life. 

Peggy Martin

Martin is one of the first competitive snowboarders in the world, between able-bodied and adaptive snowboarding. Along with being the first, she is also one of the oldest competitors active on the Para snowboard circuit. Despite her age, Martin continues to push boundaries and win events. 

Martin started snowboarding in 1986 while working as a ski instructor in Colorado. She used borrowed and homemade equipment to start her snowboard journey and quickly was up on her feet, flying down the slopes. As the snowboarding world expanded, competitive events became more popular; in 1988, just two years after starting, Martin began racing competitively. 

In 1996, she seriously injured her arm in a snowmobile crash and started snowboarding with her arm in a sling to be pain-free while riding. In 2015, Peggy learned that she qualified to compete in Para snowboarding events due to her arm injury and the rest is history. Despite her success on the Para snowboard circuit and the sport being included in the Paralympics for the first time in 2014, Martin wasn’t able to compete at the 2018 or 2022 Paralympic Games because her category was not yet included; however, that is something she hopes to help change. 

At the 2023 Para Snowboard World Championships in La Molina, Martin took home two silver medals in dual banked slalom and dual banked slalom team, a testament to her dedication and perseverance in the sport. Martin is a trailblazer in able-bodied and Para snowboarding and has helped to grow the sports to where they are today.

Zach Miller

While Miller is the youngest national team member, he doesn’t lack international experience. Only two weeks after turning 20, the Silverthorne, Colorado, native won bronze in snowboardcross at the 2019 World Championships in Pyha, Finland.

Daniel Gale recruited Zach to join Adaptive Action Sports at age 13 and helped him become an elite athlete. Miller credits him as the most influential person in his athletic career as he offered him so much support and taught him how to be an ambassador, not just a snowboarder. 

Miller quickly moved through the international ranks and earned a spot on the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2018. He is a two-time world champion, five-time World Championship medalist and Paralympian (2022). Miller’s goal is to “be a guy you always want out on the hill with you. Maybe [to win] a Paralympic gold medal too.” His favorite sports memory is winning his second World Championship title with Mike Minor. Recently, Zach was awarded the 2023 “Best Athlete with a Disability” ESPY Award, a testament to the impact he has beyond the sport. He wrapped up last season with three medals at the 2023 World Championships in La Molina in banked slalom team (gold), dual banked slalom (silver), and snowboardcross (bronze). 

Miller describes himself as a massive nerd, a huge gamer and highly competitive; his favorite thing about snowboarding is how fast he can go. He's also a big motorcycle rider. Additionally, he works as a coach at Adaptive Action Sports, teaching new development athletes to snowboard and start racing; he also set up some new PCs in the office so they can start building a local adaptive eSports Program.

FOLLOW THE U.S. PARA SNOWBOARD TEAM

Instagram: @usparaskisnowboard 

Facebook: U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team

Twitter: @usskiteam

TikTok: @usskiandsnowboard

Get Ready: 2023-24 Freestyle Domestic Season Preview 

By Leann Bentley
September, 22 2023
Photo of a moguls course in the sun

The highly anticipated 2023-24 freestyle moguls and aerials ski season is around the corner and the domestic and international competition schedule is officially set, with several competitions highlighting the best junior-level and professional-level athletes in the world on home snow. 

The 2023-24 event schedule includes more than the FIS Freestyle World Cup. U.S. Selection Events, the FIS Continental Cup (NorAm Tour) and the FIS Open events host the best junior athletes in the nation and world, including the up-and-coming talent from U.S. athletes representing five divisions across the nation: Eastern, Intermountain, Far West, Northern and Rocky Mountain divisions. 

Domestic Freestyle Schedule: NorAm Cup, Selection Events, World Cups
Selections

The domestic schedule kicks off for the moguls and dual moguls athletes at U.S. Freestyle Selections in Winter Park, Colorado on Dec. 13-17, 2023, where athletes competing can qualify to earn starts in the U.S. World Cups and NorAm competitions.

NorAm Cups

Next up after moguls Selections is the Deer Valley NorAm Cup, Feb. 4-8, 2024. The NorAm Cup is an elite competition that serves as another stepping stone to the World Cup circuit. To wrap up the domestic NorAm Cup season, men’s and women’s moguls and dual moguls athletes will head to Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort, Feb. 27-March 2, 2024. 

The aerials NorAm Cup event of the season will take athletes to the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, New York, March 1-March 2, 2024. Aerials athletes competing in the NorAms are hoping to land a spot on the World Cup circuit. 

World Cup

The moguls World Cup is headed to the east coast, with the best moguls skiers in the world competing at Waterville Valley World Cup, Jan. 26-27, for the first time. The weekend after, both moguls and aerials athletes will head to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International World Cup at Deer Valley for the ‘Superbowl of Freestyle Skiing.’ The event is back under the lights over the Feb. 1-3, 2024!

U.S. Junior National Championships

The 2024 U.S. Junior National Championships for both aerials and moguls will be hosted at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah, which brings together the top junior competitors from each division to compete head to head in their respective age groups – U15, U17 and U19, March 11-16, 2024. 

National Championships

On Jan. 21, 2024, U.S. aerial athletes will compete in the U.S. National Championship at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah, were athletes will compete for the National Championship title.

The domestic moguls competition continues in March with national championships. Athletes head back to Waterville Valley Resort for the highly-anticipated 2024 Toyota U.S. National Freestyle Championships, March 22-24, where the top overall regional moguls and dual moguls from each division, along with Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team moguls athletes, compete for national titles. 

FIS Open

The domestic aerials schedule begins on Jan. 20 2024, with the FIS Open, where athletes will compete against the world's best in a warm-up event for the Deer Valley World Cup. Then, the moguls team wraps up the freestyle season in Snowbird, Utah with a FIS Open event on April 20-21.

“Freestyle has a rich history in the U.S. and the elite-level domestic events help to support our developmental pipeline,” said U.S. Freestyle Sport Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard Matt Gnoza. “Knowing that we have a deep pool of freestyle athletes in the United States, we are excited to see the talent that comes through in these events. The current Stifel U.S. Freestyle Team looks to build on a hugely successful 2022-23 season, and I am looking forward to seeing our elite teams and developmental teams work together to continue being the best freestyle team in the world.”

Full domestic freestyle schedule below

List of the upcoming freestyle domestic events this season.

 

Must-See Freeski & Snowboard Film Trailers of the Season

By Libby Arganbright
September, 19 2023
Mountain Scene

Another year, another round of big mountain descents, waist-deep powder slashes, and gnarly park and urban skiing shots, all perfectly synchronized to high-quality music, featuring some friendly and familiar faces to get you excited for the upcoming season.

 

 

"Crescendo" - Good Company 

Early mornings, long days, and late nights. The Good Company crew spent the season shredding record breaking snowfall. Everyday searching out new spots, stacking blocks, and increasing our knowledge of the mountains around us. The full season of street and backcountry moments when compiled together is truly the “Crescendo” of an all time winter.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athletes Colby Stevenson, Maggie Voisin, Mac Forehand, Walker Woodring and alum Tom Wallisch + Tucker Fitzsimons, Tim McChesney, Quinn Wolferman, Jake Doan, Blake Wilson, Thayne Rich and more. 

 

"Abstract" - The Faction Collective 

Skiing is not art, and skiers are not artists. Unless, of course, skiing is art and skiers are artists? Faction's fourth feature film exhibits pure creativity through a series of freeski sequences—from the vibrant streets of Japan, to the powdery pillows of British Columbia, to the finely-manicured terrain parks of Switzerland and Italy. Each location provides a blank canvas for the team’s artistic expression. Because nothing screams “artist” like sending large cliffs and grinding the side of buildings.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athletes Alex Hall and Mac Forehand + Koga Hoshino, Antti Ollila, Vasu Sojitra, Micah Evangelista, Sophia Rouches, Brooklyn Bell, Mathilde Gremaud, Sarah Hoefflin, Margaux Hackett, Giulia Tanno, Tim McChesney, Duncan Adams, Blake Wilson, Elias Syrjä, Kadi Gomis, Tormod Frostad, Matěj Švancer, Štěpán Hudeček, Gianni Biello, Dan Hanka, and Dylan Deschamps.

 

"Legend Has It" - Teton Gravity Research

Ski lore is riddled with stories, sometimes of unknown origin, describing plausible but extraordinary past events. Often shared on chairlifts, the skintrack, or over a beer, these legendary tales, whether it be mythical storm cycles, heroic feats, or whispers of fantastical terrain, all contribute and shape our present experience. For 28 years Teton Gravity Research has been traveling the globe with the best athletes to the most incredible locations often based on this fabled history to uncover the experience…and sometimes creating legends of our own along the way.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athletes Maggie Voisin, Hunter Hess and Colby Stevenson + Kai Jones, Ian McIntosh, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Griffin Post, Nick McNutt, Tim Durtschi, Marcus Goguen, Jim Morrison, Christina Lustenberger, Colter Hinchliffe, Parkin Costain, Jim Ryan, Jake Hopfinger, Jeremy Jones, Alex Armstrong, Simon Hillis, McRae Williams, Jake Hopfinger, WeiTien Ho, and more.

 

"Flying High Again" - Teton Gravity Research

In a world, where the snowboard corporatocracy cares more about the next Instagram swipe, TGR and snowboard film director and pioneer, Mike Hatchett, have defied all odds to bring back the annual snowboard film. Featuring a crew of riders who need no introduction, Flying High Again celebrates what matters most: a bomber squad, rowdy soundtrack, and pure unadulterated riding action. TGR's new snowboard film, Flying High Again, premieres this October.

Featuring Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athletes Sean FitzSimons, Dusty Henricksen and Brock Crouch + John Jackson, Bode Merrill, Danny Davis, Jason Robinson, Brandon Davis, Elena Hight, Jeremy Jones, Antti Autti and others.

 

"The Land of Giants" - Matchstick Productions

The story of man vs. mountain is one that has captured our imaginations for centuries. But what if MSP flipped the script? What if, instead of focusing on the human element, we took a closer look at the mountains themselves? That's the premise of The Land of Giants, a new ski film that explores the most iconic mountains on Earth. From the Fjords of Norway to the spines of Alaska, we will get to know and understand the canvas that creates the most mind-melting moments in skiing. But most importantly, we'll come to appreciate their sheer beauty and power. Captured with revolutionary cinematography combined with genre bending music, The Land of Giants is not to be missed. The Land of Giants features the best skiers in the world, skiing unbelievable conditions and riding to the very edge and beyond. It's a celebration of the natural world, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit. It's a film that will leave you awestruck, inspired, and humbled. Join us on this journey into The Land of Giants.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Colby Stevenson + Mark Abma, Sammy Carlson, Logan Pehota, Tonje Kvivik, Nikolai Schirmer, Caite Zeliff, McKenna Peterson, John Collinson, Janelle Yip, Sam Kuch, Ari Tricomi, Karl Fostvedt, Coline Ballet-Baz, Craig Murray, Emily Childs, Dennis Ranalter, Xander Guldman, Hedvig Wessel, Lucy Sackbauer, Stinius Skjøtskift, Gen Sasaki, Sam Cohen, and Marcus Goguen.

 

"MAGMA 3" - Magma

Featuring U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes Alex Hall, Hunter Hess and Sean FitzSimons + thatyoungskibum and videographer Owen Dahlberg.

 

"Fortune Hunters" - Blank Collective Films

This winter, a fortune awaits.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Aaron Blunck + Stan Rey, Alexi Godbout, Josh Daiek, ABM, Emma Patterson, Jordy Kidner, Jess Hotter, Jonathan Rollins, Mali Noyes, Greg Hills, Wyatt Gentry, Tucker Carr, Tenra Katsuno, and Trevor Semmens.

 

"UNIFIED" - HEAD Freeskiing Team Movie

In HEAD Freeskiing's inaugural feature-length film, "Unified," the team explores the unifying bond around the sport we all cherish. From endless deep powder & staircases of heavenly pillows, to iconic spine filled peaks - this spirited & dynamic team takes you on a lighthearted journey through the 2023 season and the shared experiences that unite them. From Japan to Austria to Canada and beyond, watch the team's season unfold, showcasing not only their remarkable skills & irreverent humor but the incredible places their skiing adventures take them.

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Aaron Blunck + Jess Hotter, Jordy Kidner, Hedvig Wessel, Emil Granbom, Cole Richardson, Jenna Keller, Xander Gouldman, Tao Kreibich, Abel Moga, Ian Morrison, Evan McEachran, Blake Marshall, Jonathan Rollins, Jesper Tjader, Sabrina Cakmakli, Bolinger Brothers, Billy Lloyd Blainey, Luke Miele, and more.

 

"CAKE" - Nitro Snowboards

CAKE is a movie dedicated to showcasing the current level of “fun progression,” how pro snowboarders like to ride for fun, and hopefully motivating everyone to get out and go snowboarding with their friends.

Featuring Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete Hailey Langland + Eero Ettala, Marcus Kleveland, Elias Elhardt, Simon Gschaider, Jared Elston, Christy Prior, Dominik Wagner, Celia Petrig, Tom Tramnitz, Griffin Seibert, Sam Taxwood, Torgier Bergrem, Zenja Potapov, Benny Urban, Yanneck Konda, Knut Eliassen, Ludvig Billtoft, Gabriel Almqvist, Brantley Mullins, Sean Miskiman, Mateo Massitti, Dia Okajima, Toa Okajima, Yuto Yamada, Alexis Roland, Hunter Goulet, and many more!

 

"Hotdog Hans Fore"

Featuring Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Alex Ferreira

 

"Sequencer" - Quiksilver Snow

Featuring Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete Red Gerard 

 

“REFLECTIONS” - Jamie Anderson

Jamie is a professional snowboarder who has won 2 Olympic gold medals and 21 X Games medals. The movie follows Anderson’s life and career, as well as her personal outlook on life, her love of snowboarding, and her process of being so dominant. The film also features riding by Elena Hight. REFLECTIONS is a must-see for fans of snowboarding and action sports.

Featuring Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete Jamie Anderson