Stifel U.S. Ski Team alpine skier Liv Moritz is making her mark in the world of professional ski racing, both on the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup and Europa Cup circuit. A Colorado native and standout from Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, Moritz has been a steady rising star on the alpine team with several World Cup starts and NorAm Cup success. 

A rising threat in the technical disciplines, Moritz continues to push and build on her talent. A dual-sport athlete, Moritz competes in two sports: alpine skiing and soccer. Representing both the USA and University of Denver, Moritz is an NCAA Division 1 soccer player and ski races at the highest level of the sport. 

Moritz is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

We caught up with Moritz to dive into her background, reflect on a season of milestones and look ahead to her goals for 2025-26.

Q: What initially drew you to this sport?

 LIV MORITZ: I was introduced to ski racing by my parents, who also competed in the sport when they were younger. Growing up, my twin sister Kjersti and I alternated between ski racing and freeskiing, and enjoyed competing in slopestyle and halfpipe. However, I ultimately chose ski racing because most of my friends were doing it and because I found the incremental improvements during this time to be rewarding versus the subjectivity of the freeski scoring system. My favorite thing about alpine skiing now is the travel to new places and cultures. 

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

LM: When I was younger and first getting into the sport, my main goal was just to have fun and improve a little every day. Competing with my identical sister definitely added extra motivation. As it got more serious and I started to see some good results, I dreamed of becoming a professional skier, a soccer player and going to the Olympics. 

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

LM: My biggest accomplishment has been winning the slalom NorAm Cup title this past year. Some other big accomplishments that I am proud of are the two team parallel podiums at World Juniors and a couple of top five runs at World Juniors. And a fun one from earlier on, when I was a U14, my twin sister and I tied for first place at the Central/Rocky Championships in Steamboat.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

LM: My goal is to take skiing as far as I can and enjoy the moments of fun and accomplishment along the way. I also want to continue playing soccer at a high level, and perhaps play professionally in the future. Ultimately, I want to stay happy and loving both of my sports while pushing myself to reach my highest potential. Specifically, I would love to compete at the Olympics and be competitive on the World Cup circuit.   

Q: Who are your heroes? 

LM: Mikaela Shiffrin, Trinity Rodman, Alexia Putellas, Carissa Moore, Serena Williams and Allyson Felix  

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

LM: If I won $5,000 in prize money I would set aside a small portion for personal spending on a fun trip that doesn’t require me to bring my skis along. I would invest the rest because investing offers the potential for higher returns over time. 

Q: Do you have a budget or follow a spending structure?

LM: Yes, I use a savings and checking account to manage my budget and finances, as well as a brokerage account for my investments. 

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?

LM: I try to shop with the intention to avoid impulse purchasing, and try to buy only what I “need.” I also try to avoid fast fashion because environmental impact is something I care a lot about. 

Follow Liv on social media. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team. Nominations include athletes who qualified based on the published selection criteria. 

The 2025-26 roster is filled with veteran talent ready to continue their climb to the top in various races, including the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup circuit and the marquee event of the year, the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games held in Val di Fiemme, Italy Feb. 6-22.

The team is led by veterans Ben Loomis, Niklas Malacinski, Annika Malacinski and Alexa Brabec, all returning after impressive performances during the 2024-25 season, including strong results in Trondheim, Norway at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Brabec ended the season ranked in the top 10 in the world and had breakout results, highlighted by a fourth place at the World Championships. Meanwhile, Annika Malacinski returns to the team ranked top 20 in the world, while her brother Niklas Malacinski sits in the top 30. 

“I am really excited to announce this year’s Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team,” said Anders Johnson, Sport Director of the Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team and Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team. “This group of athletes continues to improve year-over-year, and the momentum they’re building is exactly what we want heading into an exciting Olympic season.”

2025-26 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined National Team
(Hometown; Club; College; Birthdate)

A Team
Women

• Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of North Dakota; 10/8/2004)
• Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 5/9/2001)

Men

• Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; DeVry University; 6/9/1998)
• Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Colorado Mountain College; 12/7/2003)

B Team
Men

• Stephen Schumann (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Arizona State University; 3/14/2000)

C Team
Men

• Carter Brubaker (Anchorage, AK; Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage; Arizona State University; 12/21/2003)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stephanie Wilson – Press Officer, Nordic Combined USA
[email protected]

U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announced the 13 athletes named to the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team. The athletes named to the team qualified based on predetermined criteria.

Annika Belshaw returns to the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team A team, after a consistent and strong 2024-25 season, where she secured 14 top-30 finishes and a 29th-place ranking in the overall World Cup standings. Alongside Belshaw is teammate Paige Jones, who secured several top-30 World Cup results during the 2024-25 season.

Tate Frantz, Kevin Bickner and Andrew Urlaub headline the men’s roster A team roster. Frantz had a breakout 2024-25 season, with a silver medal at the Junior World Championships, several top-10 World Cup results and a top-25 world ranking. Bickner continued his strong form, closing the season within the top 30 world standings.

“This year’s team really shows the consistency and strength we’ve been building over the past few seasons,” said Anders Johnson, Sport Director of the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team and Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team. “Everyone’s worked hard to prepare for a big year and we’re going in with a great attitude and excitement for what’s ahead.”

The 2025-26 season will see the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team build on last year’s success as athletes prepare for the upcoming FIS World Cup circuit and the road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Feb. 6-22, 2026. 

2025-26 Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team
(Hometown; Club; College; Birthdate)

A TEAM
Women

• Annika Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Utah; 6/13/2002)
• Paige Jones (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; University of North Dakota; 8/30/2002)

Men

• Kevin Bickner (Wauconda, IL; Norge Ski Club; 9/23/1996)
• Tate Frantz (Lake Placid, NY; New York Ski Education Foundation; 3/28/2005)
• Andrew Urlaub (Eau Claire, WI; Flying Eagles Ski Club; University of Utah; 4/12/2001)

B TEAM
Women

• Josie Johnson (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 10/3/2006)

Men

• Erik Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; University of Utah; 8/23/2004)
• Jason Colby (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 3/30/2006)

C TEAM
Women

• Estella Hassrick (Madison, WI; Blackhawk Ski Club; 5/21/2006)
• Samantha Macuga (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; Dartmouth College; 2/17/2001)
• Sandra Sproch (Chicago, IL; Norge Ski Club; 11/9/2007)

Men 

• Decker Dean (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 8/8/2000) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cara Larson - Media Manager, Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team
[email protected] 

U.S Ski & Snowboard has officially announced the six athletes who have accepted their nominations and been named to the 2025-26 Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team roster across all classifications and disciplines.

Noah Elliott will lead the team into the season as the 2024-25 banked slalom and overall Crystal Globe winner and 2025 “Best Athlete with a Disability” ESPY award winner, alongside 2025 snowboard cross Crystal Globe winner Brenna Huckaby. Also headlining the team is three-time  Paralympic medalist Mike Schultz. Kate Delson is new to the team after finishing the 2024-25 season ranked second in the world. 

“This team is the best in the world, taking home both the men’s and women’s Nations Cups for the last four years,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Para Sport Director Erik Leirfallom. “I’m excited to see what the seasoned athletes and newcomers alike can accomplish.” 

The 2025-26 World Cup circuit kicks off Nov. 27-28, 2025, in Landgraaf, Netherlands, for a set of banked slalom events. The team has 10 more World Cup events scheduled across Europe and North America before concluding the World Cup season in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on Feb. 9-10, 2026. The events at Steamboat will serve as the final chance for athletes to qualify for the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games in March. 

2025-26 Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team

(Hometown; Club; College; Birthdate)

A TEAM
Women

• Brenna Huckaby (Baton Rouge, LA; Team Utah Snowboarding; 1/22/1996)

Men

• Noah Elliott (St. Charles, MO; DeVry University; 7/12/1997)
• Keith Gabel (Ogden, UT; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; 7/20/1984)
• Mike Schultz (Kimball, MN; 8/27/1981)

D TEAM
Women

• Kate Delson (San Diego, CA; Team Utah Snowboarding; 5/5/2005)

Men

• Zach Miller (Silverthorne, CO; Adaptive Action Sports; DeVry University; 3/10/1999)

2025-26 TOYOTA U.S. PARA SNOWBOARD COACHES AND STAFF

Chief of Sport: Anouk Patty
Para Sport Director: Erik Leirfallom
Para Snowboard Coach: Graham Watanabe
Para Snowboard Coach: Lane Clegg
Athletic Development Coach: Brian Neff
Lead Para Snowboard Service Technician: Jon Haaversen
Para Press Officer: Ryan Odeja

FOLLOW THE TOYOTA U.S. PARA SNOWBOARD TEAM

Instagram: @usparaskisnowboard 
Facebook: @usskiandsnowboard
TikTok: @usskiandsnowboard
Twitter/X: @usskiteam
YouTube: @usskisnowboardteam 
Threads: @usskiteam 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Ryan Odeja - Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team Press Officer
[email protected] 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announces the 56 athletes who have accepted their nomination for the 2025-26 Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team in the halfpipe, slopestyle and snowboard cross disciplines. The athletes named to the team qualified based on predetermined selection criteria. 

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Halfpipe Team

The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team is led by two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim, who has already pre-qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, 2024-25 FIS Crystal Globe winner Maddie Mastro, who looks to build on her success last season, and Bea Kim, who returns to competition after an injury kept her off the snow last season. 

On the men’s side, Olympic veterans Chase Josey and Lucas Foster bring leadership and steady top-10 World Cup results to the men’s roster and are joined by young talent including the likes of 18-year-old Alessandro Barbieri, who earned his first World Cup podium last season and Levko Fedorowycz, who makes his anticipated return from a season-ending injury, to round out a roster that blends experience with promising next-generation talent.

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Slopestyle/Big Air Team

On the men’s side, the slopestyle and big air roster features a mix of Olympic veterans and rising stars for the 2025–26 season, led by 2018 Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard, who, like Kim, has already qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Ollie Martin makes his pro roster debut after a breakout year that included two World Championships bronze medals and a FIS World Cup slopestyle win. Olympian Sean FitzSimons looks to build on the momentum after a third-place podium performance in last season’s Visa Big Air presented by Toyota.

For the women, two-time Olympic champion Jamie Anderson makes her highly anticipated return to competition after welcoming her second child and 2022 Olympic silver medalist Julia Marino looks to build on a strong comeback season.

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Snowboard cross Team

The dynamic blend of experienced leadership and rising talent extends to the snowboard cross women’s roster. Both returning from maternity leave, Olympians Faye Thelen and Meghan Daniel are set to return to the start gate for the first time in two years, while 18-year-old Hannah Percy makes the jump straight to the pro team in her first national team roster appearance. Olympic champion Lindsey Jacobellis of the snowboard cross team will elect to stay on maternity leave this season after welcoming her first child in July.

In his fifth Olympic cycle, Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner leads a hungry men’s roster. The 43-year-old is joined by 2023-24 FIS Rookie of the Year Nathan Pare, 2022 Olympian Jake Vedder and dual sport Olympian Cody Winters, who also competes in the alpine snowboard disciplines.

The 2025-26 FIS Snowboard World Cup calendar will kick off in Secret Garden, China, Nov. 27-29, with a round of big air in Beijing, China. Snowboard cross action takes off Dec. 12-14 on the storied Cervinia course and the halfpipe squad will join the FIS circuit on home soil Dec. 17-19 for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix in Copper Mountain, Colorado, after forgoing the Secret Garden halfpipe season opener.

HYDRO FLASK U.S. SNOWBOARD TEAM

(Hometown; Club; USASA Series; College; Birthdate)

HALFPIPE
Pro Team
Women

• Sonora Alba (San Pedro, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 7/16/2006)
• Bea Kim (Palos Verdes, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 1/25/2007)
• Chloe Kim (Torrance, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/23/2000)
• Maddie Mastro (Wrightwood, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/22/2000)
• Maddy Schaffrick (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/29/1994)

Men

• Alessandro Barbieri (Portland, OR; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Mt. Hood Series; 10/5/2008)
• Chase Blackwell (Longmont, CO; Summer Action Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/27/1999)
• Levko Fedorowycz (Topanga, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 8/21/2004)*
• Lucas Foster (Telluride, CO; Jim Smith Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/17/1999)
• Chase Josey (Hailey, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation; Big Mountain West Series; 3/31/1995)

Rookie Team
Women

• Aimee Wilde (Steamboat Springs, CO; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/15/2011)**
• Rochelle Weinberg (Steamboat Springs, CO; Summit Action Sports; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/13/2009)

Men

• Noah Avallone (Montauk, NY; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 5/16/2007)
• Toranosuke Komiyama (Mammoth Lakes, CA; Mammoth Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 4/5/2011)**
• Kade Martin (Bellyache Ridge, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; Colorado Mountain College; 1/21/2006)
• Sumner Orr (Weston, VT; Okemo Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 3/22/2006)

SLOPESTYLE 

Pro Team
Women

• Jamie Anderson (South Lake Tahoe, CA; South Lake Tahoe Series; 9/13/1990)
• Lily Dhawornvej (Frisco, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series 8/14/2009)*
• Rebecca Flynn (Victoria, MN; G Team; Upper Midwest Snow Series; University of Utah; 7/24/2006)
• Hailey Langland (San Clemente, CA; Tahoe Select Snowboard Team; Tahoe Series; 8/2/2000)
• Julia Marino (Westport, CT; Southern Vermont Series; 9/11/1997)
• Hahna Norman (Truckee, CA; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 10/26/2004)*

Men

• Jake Canter (Evergreen, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Aspen Snowmass Series; 7/19/2003)
• Chris Corning (Avon, CO; Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/7/1999)
• Sean FitzSimons (Hood River, OR; Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation; Central Oregon Series; University of Utah; 9/22/2000)
• Red Gerard (Silverthorne, CO; Rocky Mountain Series; 6/29/2000)
• Dusty Henricksen (Mammoth Lakes, CA; Mammoth Mountain Snowboard Team; Unbound Series; 2/2/2003)
• Ollie Martin (Wolcott, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 6/15/2008)*
• Luke Winkelmann (Blowing Rock, NC; Kirk’s Camp; Rocky Mountain Series; 12/18/2000)

Rookie Team
Women

• Kaitlyn Adams (Silverthorne, CO; Worldwide Snowboarding; Rocky Mountain Series; 9/16/2005)
• Gabriella Boday (South Lake Tahoe, CA; Northstar; North Tahoe Series; 6/12/2010)**
• Giada Brienza (Frisco, CO; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 11/3/2010)**
• Jessica Perlmutter (Millburn, NJ; Killington Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 12/2/2009)**
• Courtney Rummel (West Bend, WI; Wisconsin Advanced Ski & Snowboard Program; Midwest Best Series; University of Utah; 11/12/2003)

Men

• Fynn Bullock (Mebane, NC; One Team LLC; Rocky Mountain Series; Full Sail University; 2/3/2005)
• Brooklyn DePriest (Rocklin, CA; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; North Lake Tahoe Series; 2/21/2006)
• Liam Johnson (Savage, MN; G Team; Upper Midwest Snow Series; 11/26/2004)
• Evan Wrobel (Bozeman, MT; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; 12/30/2005)

SNOWBOARD CROSS

Pro Team
Women

• Acy Craig (Morrisville, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Big Mountain West Series; 12/3/2002)
• Meghan Tierney Daniel (Rumson, NJ; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/15/1997)
• Stacy Gaskill (Golden, CO; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; University of Colorado Boulder; 5/21/2000)
• Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT; Stratton Mountain School; Southern Vermont Series; 8/19/1985)
• Hanna Percy (Truckee, CA; Gould Academy Competition Program; North Tahoe Series; 07/07/2007)**
• Bri Schnorrbusch (Monroe Township, NJ; Gould Academy; Maine Mountain Series; University of Utah; 1/30/2006)
• Faye Thelen (Salt Lake City, UT; Ski & Snowboard Club Vail; Rocky Mountain Series; Westminster College; 3/24/1992)

Men

• Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, MI; Superior Series; 12/17/1981)
• Tyler Hamel (Bethel, ME; Gould Academy; Maine Mountain Series; 7/12/2004)
• Theodore Mclemore (Pittsburgh, PA; International Snowboard Training Center; Appalachian Series; 12/30/2002)*
• Nathan Pare (Bethel, ME; Gould Academy; Maine Mountain Series; 2/1/2005)*
• Jake Vedder (Pinckney MI; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/16/1998)
• Cody Winters (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 4/20/2000)

Development Team
Women

• Virginia Boyd (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Rocky Mountain Series; 2/18/2007)
• Madeline Lochte Bono (Durango, CO; International Snowboard Training Center; Rocky Mountain Series; 1/7/2003)

Men

• Boden Gerry (Carrabassett Valley, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; Maine Mountain Series; 3/9/2006)

* Promoted to Pro Team
** Newly named to the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team

Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Coaches and Staff:

• Snowboard Sport Director: Rick Bower
• Pro Team Halfpipe Head Coach: Danny Kass
• Pro Team Slopestyle & Big Air Head Coach: Mike Ramirez
• Snowboard Cross Head Coach: Rob Fagan
• Pro Team Slopestyle & Big Air Coach: Stan Wu
• Snowboard Cross Coach: Nathan Park
• Rookie Team Halfpipe Coach: Mike Lund
• Rookie Team Slopestyle & Big Air Coach: Ryan Conway
• Rookie Team Slopestyle & Big Air Coach: Eric Beauchemin
• Snowboard Athletic Development Coach: Calvin Chapman
• Medical Lead: Joe Cataudella
• Team Manager: Missy Konig
• Snowboard Press Officer: Sadie Texer
• Development Director: Ashley Diebold
• Development Coordinator: Julia Flake

Follow the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team:

Instagram: @ussnowboardteam
Facebook: @usskiandsnowboard
TikTok: @usskiandsnowboardteam
Twitter: @usskiteam
Threads @ussnowboardteam 

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For More Information Contact:
Sadie Texer
Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Press Officer // Social Media Manager
[email protected]

Kate Delson made an immeasurable impact on the World Cup during her first full season on the circuit. Between her first podiums, first World Cup wins, and a World Championships silver medal, Kate was unstoppable. Delson got her start as a skier before transitioning to snowboarding, where her passion was in the park. Growing up in Mammoth Lakes, California, it was only a matter of time before Delson found herself on the snow. 

Delson is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport of snowboarding?

KD: Snowboarding always looked way cool. My whole family rode, and I skied, because that is what the disabled sports organization I was learning with thought was best for those with disabilities at that time. Those ideas have changed since. As soon as I got onto a snowboard, it was the freedom of movement that drew me. Being able to get around on the board free of the constraints I felt getting around on my own two feet. 

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

When I was younger, my goals were all based in the park. All I wanted to do was board slides, spins and get big air off jumps! 

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment yet has been becoming a part of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team. Starting the process of turning snowboarding (one of my greatest loves) into a career. And with that being welcomed into the extraordinary Para snowboard community.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

I cannot declare an ultimate goal at this time, as I believe it is beyond my current imagination. But I hope to never stop improving my riding and take it to places I never thought possible. I am confident that it will pay off in competition.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?

Within snowboarding, my teammates Brenna Huckaby and Noah Elliott are two humans I really look up to. They both took their riding to levels that were unheard of at that time in Para snowboarding. Despite having no clue what was possible, they did not let that stop them from demolishing barriers! Outside of sport, I have been blessed with amazing parents, coaches, mentors and friends who have all been heroes to me in a variety of ways.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

For now, probably save it and eventually spend it on snowboards! 

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

I do my best to track my monthly spending on living costs and then compare it to how much I made that month. That way, I’m aware if I am losing or gaining. But I’ve got lots to learn. 

Q: What's one money habit you follow?

In the past, I’ve spent my summer making as much money as possible. It has been more difficult recently as my training/traveling needs over the off-season have increased.
Follow Kate on social media. 

The 2024-25 season was nothing short of spectacular for Kylie Kariotis. Despite previously starting in only six World Cups, Kariotis took the circuit by storm this year and earned personal bests week after week, traveling across the world when she previously thought she was going to be competing in NorAms. Her steady rise in results led her to a fourth-place finish at the Beidahu World Cup, which was enough to earn a spot on her first World Championships team. This was not an opportunity she took lightly, and she ended up finishing fourth in dual moguls at World Championships. Off the circuit, Kariotis is also a student at Boston College studying finance and brings the same passion she has for moguls skiing to everything she does. 

Kariotis is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to moguls skiing? 

KK: I was first drawn to moguls skiing because of my older siblings; they competed, and I thought they were so cool. I did my first moguls competition when I was five years old, and I instantly loved the excitement of competing. Being there with my family made it even more special, and that combination of fun and challenge made me immediately hooked on the sport. 

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

KK: When I was younger, I dreamed of qualifying for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and representing my country on the international stage. The skiers on the national team were the absolute best, and I wanted nothing more than to be part of that. I also dreamed of traveling the world to compete at the different stops on the World Cup circuit; it always felt like such a unique and inspiring experience.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

KK: My biggest accomplishment so far is qualifying for World Championships this past season and finishing fourth in dual moguls. At the start of the year, I thought I would be competing on the NorAm tour, but I was unexpectedly pulled up to the World Cup and then had the opportunity to qualify for such a prestigious event. That whole experience felt surreal, and I’m really grateful for how it unfolded.

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

KK: My ultimate goal is to win a World Cup and one day compete in the Olympics. The Olympics are the pinnacle of our sport, and being able to represent my country on that stage would be the ultimate honor. I know how difficult it is to qualify, but I find joy in the process of becoming the skier who is capable of competing there.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in and out of the sport?

KK: Growing up, two of my biggest heroes were Jonny Moseley and Ann Battelle. Both are icons in the freestyle skiing community with incredible accomplishments. Jonny was especially inspiring since he grew up in the same town as me, went to the same high school, and skied at the same program. Ann has always struck me as one of the coolest people I’ve met, and the fact that she continues to give back to the freestyle community as a coach is really special. Outside of skiing, my heroes are my parents. They taught me how to ski, believed in me every step of the way, and provided me with all the tools I needed to grow into the athlete I am today. I’m forever grateful for their support. 

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it? 

KK:  I would probably buy a new mountain bike, since I love the terrain around Salt Lake and biking is excellent cross-training for moguls skiing. I’d also consider putting part of it toward my education at Boston College, which is another big priority in my life.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

KK: I don’t currently keep a strict budget, as I’m fortunate to receive support from both my parents and the team. That said, I try to stay mindful of how I spend and make sure I focus on the essentials that support my skiing and education.

Q: What is one money habit you follow?

KK: I always review my credit card statements monthly to ensure there’s no fraudulent activity. It’s a simple habit, but it gives me peace of mind and helps me stay on top of my spending.

Follow Kylie on social media.

In its 10th year, Ron Kruszewski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stifel Financial Corp. and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Trustee, hosted the annual Stifel U.S. Ski Team fundraiser in St. Louis. The yearly event broke previous records, raising $1.375 million for all ski teams under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard umbrella, including alpine, cross country, freestyle, freeski, ski jumping, nordic combined and Para alpine. 

This year’s theme was “Una Notte Bianca a Cortina,” a nod to the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, providing guests with a touch of Italy around every corner. A beautiful evening played host to several athletes, a live band, a silent auction, food, drinks and dancing, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Stifel U.S. Ski Team as they prepare for the upcoming season. 

“The amount of time, effort, love and support this community—and that starts with Ron and Amanda (and Stifel!)—has put into our sports and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is otherworldly and something very special. Thank you,” said Olympic gold medalist and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin in a recent Instagram post. 

“This was my first time attending this event in St. Louis and it exceeded all expectations! Ron and Amanda worked so hard on this fundraiser and it was such a beautiful night with everyone,” said 2022 Olympian and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Bella Wright. 

It was a star-studded event filled with U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin, Alex Ferreira, Lauren Macuga, Alli Macuga, Jaelin Kauf, Noah Elliott and Bella Wright. In addition to the winter athletes, highly regarded sportscaster Joe Buck was also in attendance to cheer on the fundraising efforts. 

“Going into the Olympic season knowing we have so many people behind us athletes really make a difference. So thankful and looking forward to more Stifel events in the future,” said Wright. 

The event, hosted by Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, has become one of the organization's largest fundraisers, bringing together the community in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Those in attendance included U.S. Ski & Snowboard trustees, long-time supporters and ski and snowboard guests. 

2024 was a big year for Henry Townshend and he’s just getting started. During the 2024-25 season, Townshend earned his first World Cup start, second in slopestyle at Junior World Championships and brought home the gold in slopestyle at the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, Korea. He finished the season second overall for the North American Continental Cup.

Born and raised in Park City, UT, a town that consistently produces remarkable park skiers, it was only a matter of time before Townshend joined the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. Following a successful last season and a summer spent training on the airbag and in the gym, we are excited to see what Townshend has to offer this winter.

Townshend is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport of freeskiing?

A: My parents put me on skis when I was three. By the time I was six, I had found out about park skiing and was hooked. I grew up following a family friend through the park and he was a big inspiration to me. 

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

A: I’ve always dreamed of going to the Olympics and competing at X Games. I want to be good enough to have no limits on what I can try.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment so far has been winning a gold medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games. It felt so great to put that run down.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

A: I would love to become one of the best slopestyle skiers, to compete for as long as I can, and eventually transition into film skiing. I hope to continue skiing and finding joy in it for as long as possible.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?

A: In all aspects of my life, my mom is definitely a hero for me. Within the sport, there are so many skiers who have inspired me, and I’m super lucky to get to ski with so many of them on the team.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

A: If I were to win $5,000 in prize money, I would probably splurge on a trip. I’d love to go surfing or skiing in a new place. Maybe somewhere in South America?

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

A: Not really, I try to be cognizant of how much money I’m spending, and I try not to spend too much on things I don’t actually need. I’m really lucky to have a lot of help from my mom funding my skiing.

Q: What’s one money habit you follow?

A: I like to invest any extra money I have.

Follow Henry on his social media channels. 

Kate Oldham did not come onto the scene quietly; it was as if she had been there all along. During the 2024-25 season, Oldham had her fair share of success, with a U.S. Championship victory, her World Cup debut that led to a top-20 right out of the gate, top-15 results at the Junior World Ski Championships and a spot on the coveted World Championships women's team. For Oldham, this was always part of the plan. 

Growing up in Colorado, training with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club—a program that produces some of the world's best snowsports athletes—it was only a matter of time before Oldham was representing the stars and stripes on the circuit. Now, a recent graduate from Montana State University, Oldham is a full-time professional ski racer, training out of Bozeman, MT with the Bridger Ski Foundation Pro Team. With her first nod to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team this 2025-26 season and a summer of training behind her, we are excited to see what Oldham achieves, with a heavy race calendar just over two months away. 

Oldham is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Q: What initially drew you to the sport of cross country skiing?

A: My parents introduced me to skiing, and I was hooked by the structure and challenges of cross country training, something that still draws me to the sport today. Growing up in Colorado, I was lucky to be surrounded by beautiful places every day, and now ski racing gives me the chance to travel to incredible destinations that keep me motivated and grateful.

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

A: When I was younger, my dream was to qualify for Junior Nationals. I remember my freshman year of high school; it was my ultimate goal, and achieving it felt like such a huge milestone in my development as a junior. Later in high school, my goals shifted to qualifying for international trips like the Scandinavian Cup and World Juniors, both of which play pivotal roles in an athlete’s growth.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

A: My biggest accomplishment so far has been qualifying for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. It has opened doors to incredible travel and racing opportunities, but even more importantly, it’s connected me with people who have offered invaluable expertise, guidance and genuine kindness.

Q: What is your ultimate goal? 

A: My ultimate goal is to have a fulfilling ski career that I’m proud to walk away from happy, healthy and still loving the sport. I want to carry that love of skiing forever and be in a position to give back to the community that has shaped my life in such profound ways.

Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?

A: Sam Benzing is one of my heroes! Sam was one of my coaches at Montana State University during my senior year and was an incredible source of support while I navigated my first year on the World Cup, my first World Championships and my final NCAA season. She embodies unconditional support and encouraged me to follow my own unique path, not just as an athlete, but as a person and as a lifelong lover of skiing.

Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?

A: If I were to win $5,000 in prize money, I would use it to support my life in Bozeman, where I love living and have access to excellent training resources. This may not be the flashiest answer, but as an American cross country skier without a salary, chasing my dream of representing the U.S. internationally means finding creative ways to fund essentials like rent, high-quality nutrition and training expenses.

Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?

A: Yes, my weekly routine naturally creates a structure around spending. Training, grocery shopping and filling up my gas tank all happen on a set rhythm, which helps me keep track of what I need and where my money goes.

I set aside a small portion of every paycheck into a simple IRA, allowing me to build my retirement fund gradually over time.

Follow Kate on her social media channels.