U.S. Snowboard Team member Chris Corning (Silverthorne, Colo.) kicked off the FIS Snowboard World Cup big air in Modena, Italy, with a second-place finish in front of a huge crowd Saturday. Takeru Otsuka (Japan) won the event, as Kalle Jarvilehto (Finland) was third.

On the women’s side, the podium mimicked an impressive Japanese performance at the first Big Air World Cup of the season in Cardrona, New Zealand with Reira Iwabuchi (Japan) and Miyabi Onitsuka (Japan) taking the top two spots, followed by PyeongChang big air gold medalist Anna Gasser (Austria) in third.

Corning was the lone American in the top 10 for finals and he came out firing with a flat spin frontside 1440 melon. As Corning’s U.S. Freeski Teammates Caroline Claire (Manchester Center, Vt.) and Mac Forehand (Winhall, Vt.) were cheering relentlessly from the crowd, he watched as he posted the highest score in the first round. Many riders took a relatively safe run on their second jump, but Corning took a very different approach, performing a backside triple cork 1440 melon landing almost at the flat bottom. His perfect landing matched his first run score of a 92.50 putting him in second place. Heading into the third and final round, Corning hinted at the fact he may go for the quad cork 1800 if it was necessary to claim the top spot.

After qualifying first overall moving into finals, Corning had the chance to watch the entire field before dropping in on his third and final jump. Trying to overtake Otsuka and holding nothing back, Corning went absolutely massive going for his signature quad cork 1800 which won him the opening World Cup big air of the season in Cardrona, but he simply ran out of real estate on the landing and settled for his is his second-consecutive World Cup big air podium.

U.S. Freeski athletes Claire, Colby Stevenson (Park City, Utah), Alex Hall (Park City, Utah) and Forehand, the 2018 Freeski Big Air Junior World Champion, will battle for podium positions Sunday as the SkiPass Modena big air continues. Other American athletes competing include Quinn Wolferman (Missoula, Mont.) and Ryan Stevenson (Washington, N.J.).

RESULTS
Men
Women

HOW TO WATCH
*All times EST

FREESKI
SUNDAY, NOV. 4
11:00 a.m. - World Cup big air, Modena, ITA - The Olympic Channel
 

Tess Johnson, the youngest moguls skier to ever be named to the U.S. national team in 2014, dishes on juggling school, family, friends and her sport. Park City Magazine caught up with Johnson during training in Zermatt, Switzerland, to find out how she finds balance, stays motivated and what it takes to push herself to new heights. 

Read the full story on Park City Magazine's website

U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Team athletes will compete in their second FIS World Cup big air this week in Modena, Italy, on Nov 3-4. Among the athletes competing is the 2018 New Zealand Winter Games FIS World Cup snowboard big air winner, Chris Corning (Silverthorne, Colo.), as well as the 2018 Freeski Big Air Junior World Champion Mac Forehand (Winhall, Vt.).

In addition, the U.S. athletic field will include U.S. Snowboard Pro Team members Ryan Stassel (Anchorage, Alaska), Lyon Farell (Haiku, Hawaii) and Grant Giller (Salt Lake City, Utah). The U.S. Freeski Team of heavy hitters includes Caroline Claire (Manchester Center, Vt.), Colby Stevenson (Park City, Utah), Alex Hall (Park City, Utah), and Americans Quinn Wolferman (Missoula, Mont.) and Ryan Stevenson (Washington, N.J.).

U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes have a chance to make history as this is the first ever FIS World Cup in Modena on the largest jump of its kind ever built in Italy, according to FIS. This Modena event replaced the originally scheduled Milan competitions. Also, the atmosphere should be something special with the Italian Metropolis Skipass Winter Sport and Tourism Festival happening simultaneously. Snowboard competition will take place on Nov 3, while freeski competition will take place on Nov 4.

HOW TO WATCH
*All times EST

SNOWBOARD
SATURDAY, NOV. 3
1:30 p.m. - World Cup big air, Modena, ITA - The Olympic Channel

FREESKI
SUNDAY, NOV. 4
11:00 A.M. - World Cup big air, Modena, ITA - The Olympic Channel

Temperatures are dropping and resorts have flipped the switch on their snow guns. Most importantly, we are only one month out from the world’s best halfpipe freeskiers and snowboarders descending on Copper Mountain, Colo., for the 2018 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix.

The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain will kick off the 23rd year of the Grand Prix with four back-to-back days of international freeski and snowboard competition in the resort’s 22 foot superpipe Dec. 5-8. Since 2008, the Grand Prix at Copper has welcomed the world and traditionally served as the season opener for FIS World Cup freeski and snowboard halfpipe competition in the northern hemisphere. Halfpipe athletes consider Copper Mountain as a staple on their early season competition tour.

“It has become a routine to start the season off in Copper. But that is not something that we take for granted. It is a privilege to be able to start the season off and get our momentum going on home soil in a state of the art superpipe.”
    - David Wise, 2017 Copper Grand Prix Winner.

The Copper Mountain Resort Grand Prix partnership is one that is incredibly important to U.S. Ski & Snowboard. By creating a world-class venue for freeski and snowboard halfpipe competition in early December, athletes are able to train and launch their competition season in an environment that fosters progression and a high level of competition. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Copper Mountain.

“This year is a milestone for the Copper and U.S. Grand Prix partnership as we’ve been collaborating and working together for a decade,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Event Director Nick Alexakos. ”In those 10 years, we have included Olympic Qualifiers and FIS World Cups in both halfpipe and big air, the Paul Mitchell Progression Sessions, and witnessed both freeskiing and snowboarding develop to the insane level they’re at today. If the past is any representation, we all have a lot to look forward to this December.”

Jesse True, Interim President and General Manager of Copper Mountain also believes this year’s event will be something special.

“Copper continues to pride itself on being the premier resort for progression and with the earliest superpipe opening in the country,” said True. ”We’re thrilled to welcome home Olympians Chloe Kim (Torrence, Calif.), Arielle Gold (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) and David Wise (Reno, Nev.) for the annual Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain. It’s a privilege to be one of the first U.S. ski areas to showcase world-class competition in halfpipe freeskiing and snowboarding especially coming off the legendary PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.”

In addition to Kim, Gold, and Wise, returning Olympic halfpipe medalists include freeskiers Maddie Bowman (S. Lake Tahoe, Calif.) and Brita Sigourney (Carmel, Calif.). The U.S. Freeski and Snowboard Halfpipe Teams are coming off of an incredibly successful training camp in Saas-Fee, Switzerland and are getting ready to take advantage of their time at Copper in the superpipe.

“Favorable early season snow is making for excellent pipe building in anticipation of the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix,” said Woodward Copper Terrain Park and Progression Manager Noah Schwander. The 22-foot high, 68-foot wide superpipe, positioned front and center of Copper’s base area offers spectators easy access to watch some of the world’s elite freeskiers and snowboarders.”

In snowboarding, look out for Kim and Maddie Mastro (Wrightwood, Calif.) coming out of camp as the only two girls competing right now who have landed frontside double corks on snow. For the men, Toby Miller (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) is coming in hungry after successfully linking a front double cork 1260 to back double cork 1260 in Switzerland. Toby had more on his to-do list for Saas-Fee, but mother nature forced Miller to hold off until Copper. This should make for an exciting debut for World Cup halfpipe competition this season.

"My number one goal heading to the Saas Fee camp was to link two tricks together that I learned last spring," said Miller. "I was able to accomplish that and I can't wait to add them to my run at the Grand Prix."

Joining the athletes at Copper Mountain is a new addition to U.S. Ski & Snowboard coaching staff - Sochi Olympic Halfpipe Silver Medalist and now U.S. Freeski Halfpipe Pro Team Coach Mike Riddle. As a former athlete, Riddle offers an interesting perspective on early season competition.

"I'm really excited to be coaching the U.S. squad heading into the 2018-2019 competition circuit,” said Riddle. “The Grand Prix in Copper always sets the tone for the season. It's the event where everyone gets to see what all the other athletes have been working on all summer and see where you stack up against the competition. As a coach, my role will be to help the athletes get up to speed on their runs as quickly as possible and make the transition into comp season as seamless as possible."

The Toyota Grand Prix’s second and final stop will be at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area March 4-9, 2019. Mammoth Mountain’s Unbound Terrain Park consistently delivers a world-class slopestyle and halfpipe venue for both training and competition. Freeski and snowboard competition will commence on March 6 and finish on March 9. 

TOYOTA U.S. GRAND PRIX - COPPER MOUNTAIN
Event Schedule
*subject to change

Dec. 6: Freeski Halfpipe qualifications
Dec. 7: Snowboard Halfpipe qualifications
Dec. 8: Freeski Halfpipe Finals
Dec. 9: Snowboard Halfpipe Finals

HOW TO WATCH
*All Times EST

FREESKI
December 7, 2018
1:00 p.m. - U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Copper Mountain - NBC Sports - Live

December 8
4:30 p.m. - U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Copper Mountain - NBC - Next-day broadcast

SNOWBOARD
December 8, 2018
1:00 p.m. - U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Copper Mountain - NBC Sports - Live

December 9
12:30 p.m. - U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe, Copper Mountain - NBC - Next-day broadcast
 

Temperatures have fallen, snow is coming down, and the snow guns have been blasting at Copper Mountain for the last few weeks. Winter is here! That means it's almost time for the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain to open its doors to the best alpine ski racers in the country. Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Ted Ligety are among the Olympic champions, World Cup winners and World Champions that plan to descend on the amazing facilities Copper Mountain provides.

En route to the World Championships in Are, Sweden, the Team is amped for the 2019 season. To celebrate the upcoming season, and for the second year in a row, we're opening the doors for 50 fans to come to a private meet-and-greet with the U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes training at Copper. For each winner, we'll provide bibs to be signed, as well as U.S. Ski Team stickers and pins. 

To enter:

1. Like @usskiteam and @coppermtn on Instagram (we’ll be checking!)
2. Like this photo we've posted
3. Tag a friend you’d like to join you for the event, and share a question you have for your favorite U.S. Ski Team athlete.

We’ll pick the winners and see you at Copper Mountain!

--------

IN ORDER TO ENTER THIS CONTEST YOU MUST AGREE TO ALL THE RULES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS LISTED BELOW:

1. No Purchase Necessary To Enter Or Win. A Purchase Will Not Increase Your Chances Of Winning.

To Enter: Like the U.S. Ski Team and Copper Mountain’s Instagram pages and submit a comment tagging one other Instagram account, including a question you have for the Team. 1. The sweepstakes is open between October 29 and November 7, 2018. Limit one entry per person. 2. Drawings: 50 winners will be selected in random drawings from among all eligible entries received, by the U.S. Ski Team and Copper Mountain, whose decisions in all matters relating to this sweepstakes are final. Winners will be notified via both public and private message, and instructed on how to receive their prize. Should winner not comply with instructions in a timely manner, alternate winners may be selected. Odds of winning are dependent upon the total number of eligible entries received. 3. Prizes: Entrance into a private autograph signing session with U.S. Ski Team athletes. Prizes may not be transferred or redeemed for cash. No substitution for prizes. Each winner is solely responsible for all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes on the value of his/her prize. 4. Eligibility: the sweepstakes is open to all entrants. If under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present at venue. Must provide own transportation to specified venue. Void where prohibited by law or regulation. Not open to employees and their families of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Copper Mountain, their subsidiaries, affiliates, participating retailers, prize suppliers, advertising and production agencies. All Federal, State, and local laws and regulations apply. 5. Limitation of Liability: sponsor and judging organization are not responsible for typographical errors in any sweepstakes related materials; for technical, hardware, software, or telephone failures of any kind; or for lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled, or delayed computer transmissions that may limit or interfere with a participant’s ability to take part in the sweepstakes. Entrants agree that the Sponsor, its promotional partners, related companies, agencies, respective employees or officers shall not be liable for losses, injury, death, damages or costs of any kind resulting from participation in this sweepstakes or acceptance of or use or misuse of a prize or parts thereof. By entering, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules. 6. Disclaimer of Correspondence: we value your privacy. We do not sell or provide any of the information you provide us to unaffiliated companies, marketers, magazines or any other unaffiliated third parties. By officially entering you consent to be contacted by U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Copper Mountain and/or our affiliates to include (but not limited to) the prize providers.
 
If you do not wish to accept these Terms & Conditions do not enter the contest. Your data will not be saved.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes are fortunate enough to personally talk with and thank supporters that change their athletic careers throughout the season. But do they ever have the chance to thank the supporters of the country that make it all possible in the first place?

Eighteen-year-old U.S. Rookie Team snowboarder Jason Wolle (Winter Park, Colo.) was granted that opportunity. Ahead of the winter season, on September 28th Wolle traveled to Fort Carson, Colorado to visit multiple military bases and meet members of AM300 Solutions. He was invited earlier in the summer by retired Army Ranger and former Commander of the Charlie Troop, Task Force 300, Jesse Stewart.

“I interviewed Jason and quickly realized he was special,” reflected Stewart, “I invited him to Colorado Springs to execute a base visit to various military-related facilities and the USOC Headquarters.”  

During the visit, Wolle was able to meet with leaders of the military, complete the Task Force 300 workout, and participate in an entry-level tactical weapons class with Ranger and weapons tactics’ trainer, Seth Lewis. Although Wolle was impressive in his shooting and training skills, his favorite part was being able to talk to the members and veterans of the military.

“Talking with them and sharing our experiences has really motivated me to do better not only as a snowboarder but as a person. Over the course of the weekend I have received amazing advice that I plan to carry with me my entire life.”
    - U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team member Jason Wolle

In addition to sound advice, Wolle enjoyed a perspective athletes often don’t have the chance to experience or try to understand. Not by any fault of their own, but because of the very different environments they inhabit. By tying each individual to a common goal, it resulted in mutual understanding and a catalyst moving forward whether in athletics or serving in the armed forces.

“We sacrificed for this nation in order to see it prosper in every sense. If I can contribute to our Olympic success, then I'm honored for the opportunity to serve my country again,” said former Charlie Troop and Task Force 300 member Seth Lewis.

Wolle was also able to take part in a tour of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) headquarters alongside Stewart and Lewis. The USOC were gracious hosts, showing their guests around their first-rate campus. Wolle left excited for the competition that lies ahead for him after witnessing a high energy USA Wrestling practice before their departure.

Although the trip was only a few days, Wolle was able to learn more about the military, form relationships with some of the most notable military men in the country, and show his appreciation for their service.

“I have met some genuinely impressive and mentally tough people and it is through their efforts in the military that I am able to travel the world and snowboard safely and with peace of mind,” he said.

Alongside his supporters, both from the slopes and from the military, Wolle is ready to take on the season and perform well for his country. “Seth told me that he carried out his duty in the military and represented the United States overseas and that now it was my turn to do my part in the athletic community.”
 

The popular Swiss tabloid publication "Blick" recently featured Mikaela Shiffrin (Avon, Colo.) in an exclusive article from this past summer when Mikaela was training in France, and spending time with French National Team giant slalom skier and boyfriend, Mathieu Faivre. 

With alpine skiing being one of the premier sports in Switzerland, Blick often covers the sport. In the piece, which is entitled, "I want to be like Federer: Wins, records, milestones: Mikaela Shiffrin (23) is the best skier in the world. And refreshingly open...And reveals: 'Maybe I'll quit before 30.' If German is not your native language, you can read the google translated article. 

On her toughest competition this upcoming season, Shiffrin said, "Wendy Holdener and Michelle Gisin are getting better at speed; they are dangerous. Ilka Stuhec is also likely to be a tough opponent if she has recovered well from her cruciate ligament tear."

Read the full article on Blick.com. 

As an athlete for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, travel is part of the job. Whether it’s for a training camp or competition, our athletes are constantly crisscrossing the globe.

For a few weeks each fall, the U.S. Moguls Team makes their home away from home in Zermatt, Switzerland, for their first pre-season on-snow training. When not skiing on the glacier, this team likes to take advantage of their surroundings and explore. We’ve compiled their favorite eats, sights, and to-dos to help inspire your next trip to this idyllic ski resort town.

Cafes

• Homemade - “It’s so comfy and has really good soups and sandwiches, as well as a cute little shop downstairs!” Jaelin Kauf, U.S. Moguls Team athlete

• Klein Matterhorn - Located at the top of the town by the gondola station. “This is where the coaches gather for lift delays and or closures” Matt Gnoza, U.S. Moguls Team Head Coach

Eats

• You can’t go wrong with pizza or crepes here - Jaelin Kauf

• Don’t miss a chocolate croissant from Fuck’s Bakery - Nessa Dziemian, U.S. Moguls Team athlete

• A favorite snack is what they call a hot dog - it’s just a hot dog wrapped in a croissant and you can find them in most bakeries - Brad Wilson, U.S. Moguls Team athlete

• All of the various cheese fondues and the Raclette. My favorite is the potato rösti at Du Pont - Matt Gnoza

Hikes

• Team favorite: Via Ferrata. “This is one of the coolest adventures/hikes. You basically scale the side of the mountain. It’s scary and long but well worth it for the views!” - Jaelin Kauf

• Edelweiss - about a 45-minute hike up from town, offers great views of Zermatt and tasty food - if you can catch it when it’s open. - Olivia Giaccio & Hunter Bailey, U.S. Moguls Team athletes

• Hangebruckenweg Furi Suspension Bridge - you can get here by hiking or taking the gondola at the south end of Zermatt to the Furi exchange station. - Olivia Giaccio

• Zmutt high loop - best to do this with a stop for apple strudel and coffee. - Matt Gnoza

• 5 Lakes Hike - has the best views of the Matterhorn. - Brad Wilson

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced it has agreed on a new partnership deal with John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) in the hair products category.

JPMS’ partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard will highlight their product lines at domestic Freeski and Snowboard events, most notably the 2019 FIS Snowboard, Freeski and Freestyle World Championships, to be held in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s own backyard of Park City, Utah, in February 2019. Freeskiing and snowboarding competitions celebrate an athlete’s unique style, as JPMS products empower those of all backgrounds to embrace their differences and celebrate their individual creativity. Freeski and Snowboard events will provide JPMS direct access to engage U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s large audience of Millennial and Generation Z snowsports fans with these exciting products through unique branded social, digital and broadcast assets, as well as direct-to-consumer opportunities within partner villages at U.S. Ski & Snowboard events. The JPMS event activations will also highlight the company’s commitment to anti-bullying, a cause JPMS champions.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to partner with JPMS, a company that shares similar values of integrity, passion, community and excellence. JPMS not only provides the highest quality of hair care available but is also dedicated to making the world a better place. As the first professional beauty company to stand up against animal testing, JPMS’ commitment to caring for people and for the planet is something U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to be a part of.

“JPMS’ commitment to our athletes and events has been an outstanding asset for U.S. Ski & Snowboard for 20 years, so our partnership is very exciting,” said Dan Barnett, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our two organizations share very similar values, and enabling the JPMS brand to engage with our young, aspirational fan-base is hugely compelling for all involved.”

“As a long-time partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, we are delighted to be back on the slopes with them for another season of impeccable style,” said JPMS’s Vice President of Lifestyle Sports, Julie Solwold.  “The passion U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes have to push the boundaries of performance and creativity through their sports aligns with our philosophy of encouraging individuals to celebrate their own unique style on their canvas of choice. We look forward to a fun and colorful season with U.S. Ski & Snowboard this year!”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s slopestyle, big air, halfpipe, and snowboardcross athletes are coming off a very successful two-week Saas-Fee Training Camp in Switzerland, and are ready to travel the world in search of World Cup podiums.

The U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team are the lone representatives left on the glacier for U.S. Ski & Snowboard as they continue training until November 2. Armed with a new bag of tricks, the rest of U.S. Freeski and Snowboard athletes look forward to second FIS World Cup event of the season with snowboard and freeski big air in Modena, Italy on Nov 3. The FIS Snowboardcross World Cup kicks off in Montafon, Austria, Dec. 14-16.

Mother nature was clearly cooperating throughout U.S Ski & Snowboard’s stay in Saas-Fee. WIth nine days on snow and five sunny days in a row, there was plenty of opportunities for athletes to find their stride.

“We just wrapped up training and it went really well,” said defending FIS Snowboardcross World Champion Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, Vt.). “We had good weather which sometimes doesn’t happen on the glacier. Weather tends to roll in and get stuck here, so we were very fortunate.”

With the weather door wide open, numerous athletes took advantage of this opportunity and reached personal milestones and even completed world firsts. PyeongChang Olympic halfpipe gold medalist, and five-time World Cup winner, Chloe Kim (Torrance, Calif.), became the first woman to land a frontside double cork 1080 in the halfpipe. Also adding excitement to the halfpipe was Maddie Mastro (Wrightwood, Calif.) working on perfecting the double crippler. Mastro was the first female to land the trick in the halfpipe last May at Mammoth Mountain, where she stomped it twice during a training session. Mammoth Mountain is an official training ground for U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Among the standout performances was U.S. Snowboard Rookie Slopestyle Team member Sean Fitzsimons (Hood River, Ore.), who had himself quite a camp, landing a switch backside triple 1620 and a frontside triple 1440. However, Fitzsimons got by with a little help from his friends.

“I was definitely feeding off Jake (Canter) and Dusty (Henricksen),” said Fitzsimons. “They knew I wanted to try these tricks and they were hyping me up all day long. That was huge because I was super nervous and their support helped me ‘man up’ and send it. The coaches were also a huge help. They were taking video that helped me visualize the trick and reassured me with confidence throughout the day.”

The feeling was mutual between U.S. Snowboard Rookie Team members Henricksen (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) and Canter (Evergreen, Colo.). Henricksen went on to land his first clean backside triple 1440 and Canter with his first cab double 1260 followed by a cab double 1440 shortly after. The snowboarders simply could not slow down. Lyon Farrell (Haiku, Hawaii),  Luke Winkelmann (Blowing Rock, N.C.), Ryan Stassel (Anchorage, Alaska) and Jamie Anderson (S. Lake Tahoe, Calif.) all added new and significant tricks to their arsenal at the Stomping Grounds Park.

Additionally, it was hard to ignore Chris Corning (Silverthorne, Colo.) as he continued to dial in his backside quad cork 1800. This trick was Corning’s signature jump from his inaugural win of the season at the 2018 New Zealand Winter Games FIS World Cup big air.

“The Glacier in Saas-Fee watched in awe as Chris displayed full ownership of this trick. In many many cases, athletes just heard rumors of Corning and were astonished as he often landed the trick while many riders were still getting their morning coffees.”

    - U.S. Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Pro Team Coach Mike Ramirez

For the U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Team, the ladies were a force to be reckoned with. The time spent in the off-season reaped real benefits for Maggie Voisin (Whitefish, Mont.) and Julia Krass (Hanover, N.H.). Voisin landed her first double 1260 and Krass landed her first double 1080, both on their second attempts.

“I have been thinking about doing that double for a couple years now and this summer I lived it out in Utah at the airbag,” said Krass. “My goal was to do it on snow in Saas-Fee, so I’m super stoked it worked out. It was an amazing day and everyone was feeding off each other’s energy with Maggie doing her double 1260 and Darian (Stevens) doing her first switch bio 1080.”

Voisin also took advantage of the airbag this summer and it paid off.

“I spent three weeks total this summer in Park City working it on the airbag,” said Voisin. “I for sure had times throughout the summer where I’d find myself getting very nervous over the idea of trying it on snow. It’s in times like that where you really test your strengths and I knew if I pushed through the fear I would prove my doubts wrong.”

U.S. Freeski Head Slopestyle Coach Skogen Sprang couldn’t be happier about the contribution these ladies will be making to the sport of freeskiing. “They will both be pushing the sport by adding these tricks to their competition runs this season. We are all stoked to see the progression from all the ladies this year!”

For the male slopestyle freeskiers, the focus was on variety. With the level of slopestyle freeskiing being at an all-time high, it is crucial that athletes offer a balanced and stand out run. This includes spinning in multiple directions and separating yourself from the pack with unique grabs and tweaks. This was a strategic focus at camp for the male slopestyle freeskiers.

With no lack of experience on the U.S. Freeski Halfpipe Team, athletes and coaches took a strategic approach in Saas-Fee. This was the first time back in the halfpipe for most of the athletes this season, so it was imperative everyone got comfortable again before trying new maneuvers. With returning Olympic halfpipe medalists Brita Sigourney (Carmel, Calif.), Maddie Bowman (S. Lake Tahoe, Calif.), and David Wise (Reno, Nev.), they took a longer-term approach focusing on competition tricks and less on progression. However, Brita Sigourney showed no signs of slowing down coming off her Olympic bronze medal performance in PyeongChang.

“She was skiing with serious confidence, locking in good grabs, and spinning on great axes,” said U.S. Freeski Team Halfpipe Head Coach Andrew Woods. “Her back to back 900s were legitimately 10-15 feet out of the halfpipe and I’ve never seen her ski better.”

There were many highlights at Saas-Fee training camp, but perhaps none greater than reuniting an athlete with his team members. Brock Crouch (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) broke his back in an avalanche in Whistler, Canada last April and Saas-Fee camp was the first time he got back on his snowboard with his teammates.

“He was looking good on his board and seemed to be back where he let off,” said U.S. Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air Pro Team Coach Dave Reynolds. “We are happy to have him back in action.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard off-season training resources, mixed with skilled and dedicated athletes and an amazing coaching staff resulted in an incredibly successful training camp. Many of these new tricks will make their competition debut this season, be sure to tune in as the hard work from Saas-Fee pays off. 

Following the Modena World Cup, U.S. Freeski Team athletes will head to the Stubai World Cup slopestyle competition Nov 22-24, while U.S. Snowboard Team athletes will move onto Beijing, China for the air & style big air World Cup event Nov 23-24. Both teams then head to Copper Mountain, Colo. for the first halfpipe competition of the season at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix Dec. 6-8, which also serves as a FIS World Cup event. The FIS World Cup snowboardcross season kicks off in Montafon, Austria, Dec. 14-16 and alpine snowboarding in St. Moritz, Switzerland Dec. 8-9.