On a sunny yet frigid Saturday in Gurgl, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin won her 99th individual World Cup and 62nd career slalom victory. To wrap up a successful day on the track, teammate Paula Moltzan landed sixth, to complete another strong showing for the U.S. women’s tech team. 

“It was a spectacular day,” said Shiffrin. “I am so excited! It was two really good runs.” 

It was a frigid morning on the slope for the women’s slalom, which made it extra memorable outside of it being the debut slalom for the women in Gurgl.

On run one, Shiffrin did what she does best, was out of the gate first. Throughout the run, she never left the leaderboard position – she stayed in the green. Teammates Moltzan and Katie Hensien showed off strong skiing, going into seventh and 11th out of the first run, all qualifying through to the second.

As the day progressed, light on the slope turned dark, adding a new challenge for the athletes. First out was Hensien, who left the gate blazing but unfortunately straddled a gate just after the first interval and did not finish. Moltzan started just a few spots behind Hensien and skied clean and aggressively to come down into the finish area with the green light. 

“I am happy. I think it's nice to have four slalom runs under my belt now and most of them have been pretty consistent.” said Moltzan. “It’s nice to have some consistency and tempo in slalom as it can change day to day.” 

At the end of the day, it was the final five skiers that put on a show for the Gurgl fans. Skier after skier knocked each other out for the top spot and finally, the World Cup podium was set, with young Albanian phenom Lara Colturi in the top spot and Swiss skier Camille Rast in second. Yet, all eyes were on Shiffrin. She skied a strong, aggressive line, top to bottom, without hesitation to finish a half of a second ahead of the pace, officially claiming her 99th World Cup victory in the process. Colturi claimed her first podium in second and Rast, her first podium in third. 

“The second run was a big mental challenge because I was not sure how it would feel with the surface and it was getting darker. Sometimes, when I am not sure about the feeling under feet, I take too much time for the turn so I tried to push anyway and it was great,” said Shiffrin. 

The win is another notch in Shiffrin’s storied career as she is just one win away from the unprecedented 100th World Cup win – which will further solidly her as the greatest the sport has ever seen. Shiffrin is poised to take this momentum back stateside for the Stifel Killington Cup next holiday weekend.

“It's not impossible but so many things have to go right. So, from the outside, it looks like it is supposed to happen this way but it's certainly not easy–I am not taking that for granted, but I hope to do a good performance in front of the home crowd,” said Shiffrin. 

The men’s team will take on the Gurgl World Cup slalom Sunday, Nov 24.

RESULTS
Women's giant slalom

HOW TO WATCH 
4:30 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 1, Gurgl, Austria - peacocktv.com (live)
7:30 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 2, Gurgl, Austria - peacocktv.com (live)

The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team finished the first slopestyle World Cup of the season in Stubai, Austria, despite a week of challenging conditions, with USA at the top. Olympic silver medalist Colby Stevenson took the win, with teammate Mac Forehand just shy of the podium in fourth. Marin Hamill led the women, finishing fourth, another top result for the skier.

After two failed qualification attempts earlier this week due to weather, the men finally got the green light and were able to get through the start list. With that, due to the delays and cancelations, the final results were taken from qualifications.

Stevenson came out on top today with a score of 92.00 on his second run. Stevenson put down a fun run, a good mix of "creativity and technicality, highlighted by left and right nose butter takeoffs,” according to Head Coach Dave Euler. Stevenson was joined on the podium by Andri Ragettli of Switzerland in second and Norway’s Tormod Frostod in third, respectively.

Stevenson reflected on the day with, "Stubai World Cups are always challenging with weather, this year especially. It feels quite nostalgic having a victory here as this was where I had my first World Cup podium back in 2017 (3rd place). So, I’m glad to be healthy and skiing with everyone. Our team is slaying it right now! Stoked for a great season."

Reigning slopestyle crystal globe-winner, Forehand, had a strong performance today, finishing in fourth with an 89.00. Hunter Henderson showed up strong and finished seventh. Troy Podmilsak finished out the top Americans in 15th.

Stifel U.S Freeski Team rookies, Hugh MacMenamin and Henry Townshend both had their first World Cup starts this weekend, along with American Sean Jensen. 

On the women's side, Marin Hamill returned to competition for the first time since the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Hamill just missed the podium and ended fourth with an 80.00 from her first run. Tess Ledeux of France finished first, with Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud in second and Sarah Hoefflin in third. 

Euler expressed his excitement, saying he is "So stoked for Colby taking the win! Proud of the whole team and the way they performed after a challenging week of weather." 

Up next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team heads to Beijing, China for a Big Air event. Men's and women's qualifications will take place on Nov. 29, with finals on Dec. 1. Finals will be available to watch live and on-demand at skiandsnowboard.live at 1:00 a.m. ET.

RESULTS
WOMEN
MEN

On day two of the Levi World Cup weekend, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie posted a career best result in slalom, snagging a 13th place. He also took home the Stifel Bibbo Award, jumping from bib 48 to the 13th position. 

“I am really happy with the result today. I thought I skied very well,” said Ritchie. “Some mistakes here and there but that’s how it goes in racing.”

The crowd was noticeably larger and livelier on Sunday as the best slalom skiers in the world made their way to the Levi slope - the first time since 2019 for the men. The hill was also much icier than the day before, which meant it would be in great shape for racing toward the end of the men’s field. 

On the first run, all five of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men showed promising speeds however only one made it to the second run. Jett Seymour was blazing on the top until he straddled coming onto the pitch. Teammate Luke Winters also skied well until he got a bit late and could not complete the next turn. Ritchie however started his day right, making it down calm, cool and collected to give himself a strong chance on the second run. 

“There’s definitely a little extra nerves today in the first race of the year with new equipment and a new team around me,” remarked Ritchie. “We spent a lot of time skiing this summer and put in a lot of work.” 

The work paid off for Ritchie in the end as he skied an aggressive line all the way to the finish just a mere 0.16 off the leader at the time. Skier after skier did not come close to Ritchie’s overall time and he watched his name climb the leaderboard. Ritchie ended up 13th with his whole team cheering him on from the sidelines. 

“I think the training sessions have all been extremely competitive between the four of us so I think it's some good momentum for the slalom skiing and I think we will all bring our best skiing next weekend in Gurgl,” said Ritchie. 

The winner of the race was French skier Clement Noel, second was Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen and third place went to the Swiss Loic Meillard. 

It was also a first for up-and-comer Camden Palmquist who experienced his first World Cup this weekend. While he did not make a second run he was thrilled to get his first turns in on the professional circuit in front of family. 

“It felt alright, I did an ok job handling the nerves and I had a lot of fun. I could have been a lot faster in spots but it's good," said Palmquist. 

The alpine World Cup tour now heads to Austria for another dual weekend of racing with a women’s slalom Saturday and men’s slalom Sunday. 

RESULTS
Men's slalom

On a wet, rainy and snowy day in Finland, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete and the greatest alpine skier of all-time, Mikaela Shiffrin notched her 98th World Cup win at the Levi World Cup. Teammate Paula Moltzan was not too far off the mark in eighth place.

“It is a great start to the slalom season,” said Shiffrin, “I had two really strong runs so I am happy to fight on the second run in tough conditions!”

In what can only be described as the opposite weather from the frigid temperatures the year prior, the world’s best slalom skiers took to the Levi slope ready to showcase their skills in the first slalom event of the season. 

The tech women skied in top form on the traditionally icy course, with Shiffrin quickly taking a dominant lead on run one. Then, it was Moltzan’s turn – she skied a strong run, putting herself into fifth place on the first run. 

The weather then continued to have a mind of its own, raining one moment to snowing giant chunky snowflakes the next. But this did not seem to phase the world’s best as they prepared for the second run. 

It was a straightforward course set with some slick turns on the pitch that some women were having trouble with. But if you knifed the top pitch you were in for a successful day. Moltzan, running 26th on the second run, nailed the top section but quickly ran into trouble on the pitch. Moltzan, who is also known for her miraculous saves, made it down with a few notable mistakes to land in eighth place for the day. A result she was very pleased with. 

“I am very excited because I have never in my career had a successful race in Levi so to end up in the top 10 for me feels like a very big step forward,” said Moltzan. 

In the final minutes of the race, the competition was heating up after Katharina Liensberger of Austria skied a flawless run and positioning herself at the top of the standings. Shiffrin knew what to do. With reindeer on the line, she skied a clean and fierce run to ultimately win the race, her 98th World Cup and eighth reindeer. 

“I am racing almost every weekend from here on out until the end of the season so it's going to be a big push now and I was a little bit off on my mentality in Sölden so it was really important to start off strong here in slalom.” 

The podium was completed with Shiffrin on the top spot, Liensberger second and Lena Duerr of Germany in third.

“I don’t know what I will name the reindeer yet – I am going to wait and confirm with the team on ideas and see what everyone says,” said Shiffirn when asked what she will name the eighth reindeer to her herd. 

Katie Hensien and Nina O’Brien also raced the first run but did not finish, they are okay and ready for the next races. Independent U.S.  skier Kendahl Roufa also raced her first World Cup start Saturday and while she did not qualify for a second run she was very happy to experience the event. 

“I feel really great, very excited and just happy I got through the finish,” said Roufa. 

Overall, the women’s alpine team is feeling positive with the combination of the spirit of Christmas, the magic of the Levi reindeer and Santa in the finish. The women will now take this momentum and race slalom again the following weekend in Gurgl, Austria. A brand new venue for the women racers. 

On Sunday Nov. 16, the men will take on the Levi track for their first slalom World Cup of the season. 

RESULTS
Women's slalom

HOW TO WATCH 
4:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 1, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)
7:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 2, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team member Matt Labaugh is on the rise this season. The Rye, NY native ended the 2023-24 season sitting 14th in the world. Labaugh finished last season with three top twelve finishes (out of the five events in the season) and his career-best fifth place finish at Mammoth Mountain for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix. We chatted with Matt to discuss his passion for halfpipe skiing and what inspires him.

Q: What initially drew you to halfpipe skiing?

Matt Labaugh: I grew up skiing slopestyle on the East Coast before moving to Vail, where everyone skied both slope and halfpipe. I started halfpipe as well, so I could be like everybody else and wanted to prove I could do it too. I really fell in love with the process of working through tricks in the pipe, and here we are years later.

Q: What are your biggest goals around halfpipe skiing? What about beyond skiing?

ML: The Olympics have always been my number one goal. After that, I want to make the X Games, compete under those lights, and find sponsors I really connect with. Outside of skiing, I want to make sure I graduate from college and one day I would really like to own a home.

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

ML: One of my proudest moments was during the FIS Freeski Junior World Championships in Leysin, France, in 2022. I took home second in both halfpipe and slopestyle, which felt huge. I also walked away with a fifth in big air. Since Junior Worlds, I’ve been competing mainly on the World Cup circuit, which is serious competition. Last season, I feel like things really clicked for me, and I am proud of the drive I found to work hard and push myself, even on tough days.

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ML: I was on the alternate list for the 2022 Beijing Olympics and that felt pretty crazy. I never thought that would happen. Also every single time a brand sends me skis...that never gets old.

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

When I was younger, I always looked up to Tom Wallisch and Bobby Brown. One year, Smith sent me Bobby Brown’s pro model goggles. I was riding Breckenridge one day, and both of them were there. I was the weird little kid following them. I finally got on the lift with them, and Bobby was like, “Oh, sick goggles,” and it made my whole year. These days, Alex Hall is definitely someone I look up to; he has such a great perspective on skiing and building runs in general. Outside of skiing, I have always admired Tiger Woods and his grit. 

Follow Matt on Instagram here

Zach Williams of Madera, CA, is a newcomer to the Para alpine scene, skiing for the first time just six years ago. Williams is the newest member of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team following an impressive 2023-24 season, during which he became the U.S. super-G champion. He found himself on the podium eight additional times last season, cementing himself as a name to remember on the circuit. 

We sat down to ask him about his background, most recent successes, and goals for the coming seasons. 

Q: What initially drew you to skiing?

Zach Williams: I saw an announcement for an adaptive ski event called “Ski-Able” at the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, AZ.  I was curious to try out a new sport, and now we’re here.  

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

ZW: I skied for the first time in my life at age 39. I was immediately hooked. Surfing has come close throughout my life, but nothing has ever let me move my body with the kind of freedom, speed, and control that skiing does. It wasn’t long before I started asking my adaptive instructors if the Paralympics were possible for me. They told me it would take a lot of work, but it was possible. 

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

ZW: I left a career as a Prosthetist/Orthotist and sold my home in California to train full-time to make the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. That dream came true a few month ago when I got the call from coach Ryan Pearl inviting me onto the team. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

ZW: To be “the best skier on the mountain.” I want to see how far I can develop my abilities and ski against the best athletes in the world on the World Cup and the Paralympics.  

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ZW: Becoming the super-G National Champion last season was a real surprise. GS is my favorite event, and I’m newer to the speed disciplines, but it all came together for me in that race.  

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

ZW: I’m inspired by the other U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes. Seeing them day after day, week after week, working hard at the USANA Center of Excellence Powered by iFit to make gains and prepare for the upcoming season.  Their commitment to “the grind” helps motivate me to keep pushing. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1. I love the mindset of the drivers and teams looking for every little thing they can do to shave tenths and thousandths off a lap time in the pursuit of speed. I’m pulling for Williams Racing to work their way back to their former glory days.

Follow Zach on social media. 

Amongst the sun, a loud Austrian fanbase and long-awaited comebacks from the men’s tour, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes River Radamus landed in 11th place and Tommy Ford 21st on day two of the first FIS World Cup of the season. 

It was a picture-perfect day in Sölden for the men’s giant slalom on Sunday in the heart of Austrian ski racing fandom. The race started out with a major shock. The reigning giant slalom, super-G and overall FIS Crystal Globe winner, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt, fell with bib one on the first run, which opened the door for any racer to grab the first win of the season. 

Radamus skied strong with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 first run, and teammate Tommy Ford was not far off the mark in the top 20. But the main focus was on bib 34, the return of Austrian great-turned-Netherlands athlete Marcel Hirscher returning to the sport after 2,051 days. He made it into the top 30. The other significant return was that of Norwegian-turned-Brazil skier Lucas Braathen, who landed in the top 20 and was poised for a clean run two after his first run. 

“I think it's really good for the sport that they are back. Braathen hasn't missed a step and will prove to be a challenger all season long. It’s only good for the sport,” said Radamus.  

On the second run, Ford skied clean to finish his day in 21st place. Radamus, holding back a smidge, found himself in 11th at the end of the day.

“I am a bit mixed today; the conditions are difficult at this time of year. I am still figuring out how to ski this snow fast,” said Radamus. “I felt good about the execution overall, but in the second run, I tried to push and had a few mistakes. However, I do feel really good about my skiing right now, and I know it will connect.”

The excitement continued for Brazil’s Braathen, who knifed his second run to land just off the podium in fourth. But it was arguably the best day for Norway, with three athletes sweeping the podium. The victory ultimately went to Norway's Alexander Steen Olsen, second place to Henrik Kristoffersen, and third to Atle Lie Mcgrath.

Fellow Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Isaiah Nelson, Bridger Gile and Cooper Puckett and Global Racing skier Patrick Kenney also raced but did not make a second run. Gile did not finish but is okay. Notably, it was Puckett’s first World Cup start as well, a position he learned he landed a mere 24 hours before go time. 

“It was an OK day. I got a little bit low on my run but in terms of the experience it was awesome,” said Puckett. “I think I have been really close to starting World Cups for three years now and it felt natural being here. I want to keep going and giving myself opportunities.”

The U.S. men’s team now prepares for the first slalom race in Levi, Finland Nov. 17 and the next giant slalom will be back on home turf at the Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines on Dec. 8 in Beaver Creek, CO.

RESULTS
Men's giant slalom

In the opening FIS Ski Alpine World Cup in Sölden, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team's alpine women came to play, throwing four women into the top 11 - a feat that has not been achieved in U.S. women's history since four women were in the top ten on March 17, 1985. The result sheet led with Katie Hensien just shy of a podium in fourth, Mikaela Shiffrin fifth, Nina O’Brien seventh and Paula Moltzan 11th. 

The excitement was in the air from the first run as all five starters put their best foot forward in the race. Mikaela Shiffrin, the winningest alpine skier of all time with 97 World Cup wins under her belt, set the pace, running first and staying there the remainder of the run. Teammate Paula Moltzan also skied well, with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 after the first run. The women could not be stopped as the long-anticipated return of Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien skied into 17th and 21st position, an excellent place going into the second run. Keely Cashman made her return to the tech venue but did not finish first run. 

“I felt solid in my skiing. I am ok with it, but the first run is always tough to see what's happening, so for the second run, I need to be on top of it,” said Shiffrin. “I felt really good with my skiing technically.” 

The conditions were a bit warmer, with light rain and wind up on top of the track. The snow was softer than a typical World Cup course, making it a great opportunity to stand on the ski with confidence. Running toward the beginning of the second run, O’Brien and Hensien made a statement. First, O’Brien knifed a high-speed run to take the lead. Hensien followed suit with an aggressive show to win the second run. With conditions deteriorating and the light coming in and out, Shiffrin skied well on the bumpy second run track to land fifth, with Moltzan closing out the historic day for the women in 11th. 

Skier after skier came down and could not hold a candle to Hensien or O’Brien. The duo moved up over ten spots from run one. Hensien was a mere .03 seconds out of a podium finish and O’Brien had a career-best seventh-place finish, 

“First race back, first time ever racing on this hill. I couldn't have asked for a better day,” beamed Hensien in the finish.  “It's really good to be able to trust my body again. I trusted my skiing today and went for it and I am so happy."

The joy and smiles from the U.S. team were palpable as Hensien and O’Brien were greeted in the best way back to the World Cup and proving that their hard work, dedication and perseverance in coming back from injury had paid off. Not only were they congratulated by their team, but countless international competitors made their way to the duo to hug them and share in the happiness of the incredible comeback race. 

“I am running on adrenaline but I am so happy to be here. I felt really free in the start gate and that's all I needed for today,” said O’Brien. “I could tell that my skiing was coming along in training, but you never know where you stack up when you get here, so I am proud of it, and I am happy.”

O’Brien suffered a leg injury in the Beijing Olympics on her second giant slalom in 2022, rehabbing for the 2022-23 season. She fractured her leg again while training last summer, missing the 2023-24 season. To come back this strong after two years of work is a moment she won’t forget. 

“It means everything to me. Katie and I both missed last season and we were really there for each other in the rehab so this is amazing.”

The top phrases of the day started with “How did this happen?” to a positive “We are back, and we belong” from Hensien and O’Brien. Announcers in the Sölden stadium applauded the American women, claiming that the team “is on fire.” 

“My teammates were incredible today, so overall, it was a really strong day for the North Americans. I am excited to watch their runs!” said Shiffrin. 

After a fiery start to the season, the women feel confident and ready to attack the next World Cup race in Levi, Finland on Nov. 16 for a slalom. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team men's alpine athletes will get their chance on the same track tomorrow. Watch LIVE and on-demand on Peacock. 

RESULTS
Giant Slalom

HOW TO WATCH
5:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)
8:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)

The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team kicked off the 2024-25 World Cup season today in Switzerland for Big Air Chur. Chur is an iconic venue that combines freeskiing, live music and great vibes.

Troy Podmilsak, reigning big air world champion and X Games big air gold medalist, wrapped up the day in eighth. Though it was not the result Podmilsak hoped for, he put down an exciting new trick that had never been done in competition. Podmilsak's coach calls it a left flat 360, right pretzel 720, and the highlight of this trick is the rotation change Podmilsak does in midair. The judges loved this innovative move and rewarded Podmilsak with a 91.00 for run two. Unfortunately, he could not put down another clean run today, ending with 115.25 in eighth place.

Rell Harwood, another X Games big air medalist, had a clean first run that resulted in a 70.00 from the judges. After run one, Rell elected to sit out the rest of the event and received a DNS for runs two and three. Harwood also finished the day in eighth.

Cody Laplante narrowly missed qualifying for finals and finished the event in 13th.

When asked to name his new trick today, Podmilsak says, "I don't really know, to be honest, there are hundreds of different names you could call it...The Berco Flip, Dean Bercovitch, he made this trick." Bercovitch is a Canadian freeskier who competed in big air and slopestyle through 2017. 

Head Coach Dave Euler said, "Super proud of Rell, Cody, and Troy this event. Results aside, they all skied amazingly and are putting together new tricks. Excited to keep the momentum building as we head into Stubai Camp and the first World Cup slopestyle of the season next month."

Next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team will be back in action on Nov. 23, 2024, in Stuabi, Austria, for a slopestyle event.

RESULTS
Women’s big air
Men’s big air 

The 2024-25 season is right around the corner, and it includes one of the most exciting domestic freestyle World Cup seasons yet. For the first time since 1982, three locations will host FIS Freestyle World Cups on home snow, providing exciting opportunities to watch the best in the world battle it out in our backyard. Additionally, U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced that Stifel will come on as the presenting partner of the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel at Deer Valley in February. 

Freestyle Domestic World Cup Schedule

FIS Freestyle World Cup // Lake Placid, NY

The domestic World Cup season kicks off on Jan. 18-19, 2025, in Lake Placid, New York, for men’s and women’s aerials and a mixed aerials team event. This is the first-ever World Cup mixed aerials team event in the United States. Lake Placid and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center there hold immense importance to the freestyle community as it is one of the major development sites in the U.S. Many Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis made their start in the sport in New York, so bringing the World Cup back for the first time since 2018 is the homecoming many have been waiting for. 

Waterville Freestyle Cup // Waterville Valley, NH

The following weekend, the moguls athletes are returning to the birthplace of freestyle skiing, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, for the Waterville Freestyle Cup. From Jan. 24-25, 2025, the athletes will take on a set of moguls and dual moguls events. Last year's event was a resounding success, with four U.S. podiums and 11 super finals appearances across seven athletes. The events are set to take place on the iconic Lower Bobby’s Run, a double black diamond that has become a home base for U.S. Freestyle Championships. 

Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel // Deer Valley, UT

From Feb. 6-8, the best moguls and aerials athletes will meet in Utah at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel (known as the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing) to wrap up the domestic World Cup season. The action kicks off with moguls on Thursday on the world-renowned Champion run, followed by aerials on Friday and dual moguls on Saturday. Over 30,000 people attended the three-day event last year, proving the deep freestyle connection in Park City, UT.

For the full domestic freestyle schedule across levels, click here.