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

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

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

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, Para snowboard, Para alpine, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
[email protected] 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(PARK CITY, UTAH OR SAN DIEGO, CA – August 30, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Knockaround Sunglasses officially announce a partnership through 2026. As part of the partnership, Knockaround has exclusive selling rights of sunglasses and goggles at seven key events throughout the season for the next three years.

“We are immensely proud for Knockaround Sunglasses to launch into the snow spotlight as the official sunglasses and snow goggles partner of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team,” said Jeffrey R. Hennion, CEO of Knockaround. “Just as their athletes relentlessly pursue excellence on the slopes, Knockaround is dedicated to crafting eyewear that meets the highest standards of quality and style. Together, we’re setting our sights on a brighter, snow-capped future.”

As the official sunglasses and goggles sponsor of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Knockaround will be creating specially designed U.S. Ski & Snowboard eyewear and will be on site during the following 2023-24 events: Stifel Killington Cup, both Toyota Grand Prix events at Copper and Mammoth, the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Copper, the Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley, Waterville Valley Freestyle World Cup, the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup and the Stifel Aspen Winternational presented by United. Aggregate Sports aided in brokering the partnership.

“We are very excited to have Knockaround on board for the next three years,” said Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue & Philanthropy Officer of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “They are a brand that matches the personality of not only our teams, but our passionate fans too.”

The partnership will bring forward fashionable, high-quality UV protection and optimal vision products to a community of athletes and fans that seek out functional gear for all their activities, on and off the mountain.

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About Knockaround
Knockaround is the original, affordable sunglasses company from San Diego, founded by Adam "Ace" Moyer in 2005. Centered around durable shades that are both practical and stylish, Knockaround provides high-quality sunglasses that won't break the bank. Knockaround has grown to offer numerous different frame styles in a wide range of colors as well as ongoing Limited Edition special releases, collaborations, and an interactive "design your own" custom sunglasses shop. Knockaround Sunglasses have been featured in GQ, US Weekly, and The Today Show, and have been worn by countless celebrities including Matthew McConaughey, John Mayer, Natalie Portman, Snoop Dogg, and John Legend. For more information, visit https://knockaround.com/

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, Para snowboard, Para alpine, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Leann Bentley
Communications Manager
[email protected] 

Knockaround
Francisco Zambrano
[email protected]   
 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the first snowboard title partnership in history with Hydro Flask, an award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and soft goods innovations and a Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) brand, officially naming the team the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. 

The Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team includes athletes such as two-time Olympic champion Chloe Kim, the most decorated snowboard cross athlete of all time and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Jacobellis, and X Games champion and FIS Crystal Globe winner Dusty Henricksen. 

“I’m super excited about Hydro Flask coming on board as the title partner of the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team,” said Chloe Kim, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team member. “This type of support is so important for our sport. The future of snowboarding looks very bright!”

“We are delighted to have Hydro Flask on board as the new title partner of the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “This is the most significant partnership we’ve ever had for the snowboard team and also the perfect brand alignment. We are excited to work together and further support our incredible snowboard athletes.”

The partnership will bring additional financial and marketing support to the snowboard program over the next three years, extending through the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. This groundbreaking partnership unites two brands that hold mutual values, including a passion for the outdoors, a commitment to sustainability and a strong sense of community.  

“We are thrilled to be a part of the U.S. Snowboard Team. These athletes are creative and passionate, bringing an unrivaled level of energy to the outdoors, which we love to see,” said Larry Witt, President of Helen of Troy’s Home & Outdoor segment. ”With a shared dedication to style and performance, we are excited to help support and hydrate this talented group of individuals as they begin their journey toward the 2026 Winter Olympics."

“I’m stoked on this partnership with Hydro Flask,” said Dusty Henricksen, X Games champion and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete. “It’s a great brand and a great fit for our team. I’m hyped for all of the athletes, and for the sport in general.”

Hydro Flask’s title sponsorship broadens a pre-existing partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard. The brand has been a named supplier to the team since 2019 and produced co-branded bottles and gear throughout the last four years. 

Expanding beyond the title partnership, Hydro Flask will also take on the role of associate partner at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix events held at Copper Mountain, Colorado and Mammoth Mountain, California. Additionally, Hydro Flask will be involved in the Visa Big Air event taking place in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

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About Hydro Flask 

Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they love to do in the places they love to be. From the number one-selling water bottle* to soft goods innovations like the Day Escape™ Soft Coolers to the Outdoor Kitchen dining collection, Hydro Flask’s delightfully simple designs and go-anywhere durability delivers the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires active outdoor lives with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its giving program, Parks For All, supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and investing in public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives. To learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks For All, and to see the full lineup of award-winning products, visit  www.hydroflask.com.

*According to third-party data

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in ten teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, nordic combined, para snowboard, para alpine, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Courtney Harkins
Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]

Hydro Flask
TURNER PR
[email protected]
212-889-1700

(PARK CITY, UTAH - August 15, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard formally announced the extension of its partnership with Intermountain Health as its Official Healthcare Partner through 2027. Intermountain Health, a leading healthcare provider, will continue providing world-class care and support for the teams, as well as title naming to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley through the next Olympics. 

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Intermountain Health,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "Together, we are fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring that athletes receive the highest standard of care and support. They remain steadfast in providing various resources to our team, and we’re excited to continue our relationship. I look forward to what we can accomplish as we gear up for next season!” 

Building upon the success of the partnership since 2019, Intermountain Health will once again serve as the title partner of the 2024 Intermountain Health Freestyle International at Deer Valley. The annual event is one of the most highly anticipated World Cups on the FIS Freestyle circuit, where the best moguls and aerials athletes in the world compete under the lights at Deer Valley Resort. 

Intermountain Health will remain as the title partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Certified Center of Excellence Program, a program that marries the expertise of both Intermountain Health and U.S. Ski & Snowboard systems and implements them into various locations across Utah. Currently, three Utah locations exist: Intermountain Health Park City Hospital; Intermountain TOSH (The Orthopedic Speciality Hospital) in Murray; and the Intermountain McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. 

New to the partnership, Intermountain Health will assume the role of title partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Performance Medical Team, a new asset that focuses on providing unparalleled medical expertise and care to athletes. With this, all athletic trainers and physical therapists traveling with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team will wear co-branded Intermountain Health Performance Medical Team patches and branding on their outerwear. 

“Our partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard furthers Intermountain Health’s mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Rob Allen, Intermountain Health President and CEO. “The freestyle event, Certified Center of Excellence Program, and the medical experts on the Performance Medical Team all underscore our joint commitment to health and the highest standard of excellence in care for athletes and our communities.” 
 

ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

ABOUT INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH 
Headquartered in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs.

(PARK CITY, UT - June 20, 2023) - U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the extension of its long-standing partnership with USANA, a global nutritional supplement company, as the organization’s Official Nutritional Supplement, Vitamin and Minerals Partner for the next three years.

A leader in global health and wellness, USANA has been an official partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard since 2011 and has provided nutritional support and high-quality health supplements to all athletes and coaches. 

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with USANA,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Their support and commitment to keeping our athletes healthy with the highest quality nutritional supplements is key to everything we do. Together, we are empowering our athletes to reach new heights.” 

As part of the extended partnership, USANA will continue to hold the official naming rights of the USANA Center of Excellence, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s high-performance headquarters in Park City, Utah. USANA’s continued involvement ensures that athletes have access to world-class resources, including top-of-the-line equipment, a full gymnasium, ski and snowboard ramps, trampolines, a nutrition center, recovery and rehabilitation facilities and a full sports science lab. 

In addition to USANA retaining the status of the official Nutritional Supplement, Vitamin and Minerals Partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, it will also continue its patch placement on the uniforms of all Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team athletes. 

“USANA has been partnered with U.S. Ski & Snowboard for over a decade and I am so happy to see this legacy partnership continue into the future,” said Dan Macuga, USANA’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. “Our relationship with U.S. Ski & Snowboard has been a great asset for us as a company and for our Associates to share the message that the world’s best athletes trust USANA. We are excited to have our partnership continue through the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics so we can provide high-quality nutritional support to these athletes on their quest for Gold.” 

To learn more about USANA and its award-winning supplements, visit usana.com.

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD 
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

About USANA
USANA (NYSE:USNA) prides itself on providing consumers the highest quality nutritional products in the world. From its award-winning supplements to its innovative Celavive skincare and Active Nutrition lines, USANA has proven for more than 30 years why it’s a company you can trust. How about giving us a try? Shop at USANA.com or learn more about USANA’s sustainability efforts here. 

PARK CITY, UT - May 18, 2023 - U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce the recognition of several exceptional individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the world of elite skiing and snowboarding. This year's recipients have showcased exceptional talent, dedication and support, furthering the growth and success of skiing and snowboarding worldwide. 

The highest honor of the evening, the Julius Blegen award, the organization’s highest honor and given annually to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard member who contributed his or her outstanding service to the sports of skiing or snowboarding in the United States was received by Spencer Eccles. Eccles is an athlete, business leader, philanthropist and general fan of ski racing and few have provided the magnitude and longevity of support for the sport as himself. A longtime trustee of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, his contributions were significant to the growth of the sport, the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the development of ski and snowboard training facilities at the Utah Olympic Park that have impacted top U.S. and international skiers and snowboarders. In recognition of both his continual philanthropic and spiritual support of ski and snowboard athletes over a period of more than a half century, Eccles is a rightful candidate for the Julius Blegen Award. In years past, Bruce Crane, Bob Dart, Thelma Hoessler, Dexter Paine, Chuck Heckert and countless others have been recognized with this award. 

The Beck International Award, the highest athletic award, is presented to a competitor based on outstanding performance in international competition during the past season. Mikaela Shiffrin deservedly was awarded the honor. In the 2022-23 season, Mikaela made history as the winningest alpine skier of all time, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark’s World Cup record with her 88th win in Are, Sweden. Along with the Beck International Award, she also took home the 2023 Alpine Athlete of the Year award. 

The 2023 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year Award went to Colin Rodgers, who has been the Nordic Director and Head Coach of Green Valley Mountain Valley School for many years and made an immense impact on the development of ski racers around the country. 

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club took home the Alpine Club of the Year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year and Freestyle Club of the Year based on their holistic approach to coaching and building stronger athletes. 

Other recipients include Hailey Swirbul (2023 Buddy Werner Award), Share Winter Foundation (2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award), Jamie Kimball & the Utah Olympic Sports Park (2023 John J. Clair Jr. Award; Russel Wilder Award) and the many incredible people who work to inspire past, current and future generations of skiers and snowboarders around the world. 

Find the full list of winners below. 

Adaptive Athlete of the Year:

• Zach Miller, U.S. Para Snowboard Team: Zach Miller consistently performed at the top of his sport, never leaving the top six and achieving podiums in four of nine events. At the World Championships in La Molina, Spain, he continued this trend with a bronze in snowboardcross, silver in dual banked slalom and a gold in the dual banked slalom team event. Along with a strong season of athletic performance, he continues to be a valued teammate and mentor within the sport.

Beck International Award, Alpine Athlete of the Year 

• Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team: Mikaela Shiffrin is the most decorated alpine ski racer of all time, smashing records in the 2022-23 season, including Ingemar Stenmark’s record for most World Cup career wins. She now has 88 World Cup victories, and this year she took home the overall World Cup title, becoming the first American to win five overall World Cup globes.

Cross Country Athlete of the Year:

• Ben Ogden, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team: Ben Ogden achieved a never-before U.S. level of success on the FIS World Cup, finishing eighth overall, and winning the Under 23 green bib, making him the best skier under the age of 23 on the World Cup. This level of excellence is unparalleled in men’s U.S. cross skiing history, exceeded only by Bill Koch’s World Cup title win in 1983.

Freeski Athlete of the Year:

• Birk Irving, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team: Birk Irving took home X Games medals and World Cup podiums, podiuming in four of the five events he entered this season, and also scored the coveted FIS World Cup crystal globe in halfpipe, marking him the best halfpipe skier on the World Cup circuit. Irving also was named this season’s National Champion for being the top male U.S. athlete in halfpipe.

Freestyle Athlete of the Year:

• Jaelin Kauf, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Team: Jaelin Kauf dominated the 2022-23 season, adding two silver World Championship medals from the 2023 FIS Freestyle World Championships in Bakuriani, Georgia and five World Cup podiums to her bursting resume, which includes an Olympic silver medal from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. 

Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year:

• Annika Belshaw, USA Nordic: Annika Belshaw had a breakout 2022-23 season at the World Cup  level. In the first World Cup event of the season, Annika finished in 20th place in Lillehammer, Norway, which set the tone for the remainder of her season. She went on to finish in the top 30 at the World Cup on nine separate occasions, including three top 20 finishes and a career-best 19th place in Rasnov, Romania. Annika has become a leader on her team with her tireless work ethic and determination, which led the women's ski jumping team to their most successful season since 2017.

Snowboard Athlete of the Year:

• Julia Marino, U.S. Snowboard Team: Julia Marino has been on the U.S. Snowboard Team slopestyle and big air team for eight years, and coming into the 2022-23 season, Marino already had a slew of accomplishments under her belt. She is a 2022 Olympic silver medalist, seven-time X Games medalist and has nine World Cup podium finishes. This season, Marino added even more success to her name, scoring a FIS crystal globe as the most dominant slopestyle/big air woman rider on the circuit.

Adaptive Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Maria Stuber, College of St. Scholastica: College of St. Scholastica Head Coach Maria Stuber led the charge as an exemplary model of para athlete club integration. While juggling multiple roles, Maria diligently worked with U.S. Paralympics nordic skiing staff to integrate visually impaired skier Max Nelson into her programming with an accountability that matched what she expects from all members of her roster. In addition to managing her large team, Maria went above and beyond to make sure Max had the additional support of a guide as well as other para-specific support critical to Max’s success. 

Alpine International Coach of the Year:

• Shaun Goodwin & Foreste Peterson, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team: Shaun Goodwin and Foreste Peterson have made a phenomenal coaching team this season at the NorAm level of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. They have worked with a promising group of young women and provided them all with an avenue for success and advancement in just one year. Together, these two coaches have been selfless and successful in the support and coaching of the athletes. All athletes that were not injured advanced from the D-Team and met C-Team criteria objectively, dropped their world rankings more than half and moved inside the top 100 in the world. 

Alpine Domestic Coach of the Year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Coach of the Year Award: 

• Ben Brown, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: Ben Brown, the Head U16 Coach of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), led his team to unprecedented divisional, regional, national and international success in 2023. He gives his best to every one of his athletes, works collaboratively with his coaching peers to support the greater goal of maximizing performance and freely shares his coaching methods with colleagues, winning both awards for Alpine Domestic Coach of the Year and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Coach of the Year. 

Cross Country International Coach of the Year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year Award

• Colin Rodgers, Green Mountain Valley School: Colin Rodgers has been the Nordic Director and Head Coach at the Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) for many years. Under his leadership, the program has blossomed into one of the best cross country development academies in the U.S. Colin's extensive knowledge of the sport, his passion for developing ski racers and his enthusiasm has been magnetic in building the GMVS roster and program, and earned him both the Cross Country International Coach of the Year, and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year awards.

Cross Country Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Pepa Milocheva, Craftsbury Green Racing Project: Pepa Milocheva of Craftsbury Green Racing Project embodies the value of commitment. Since long before the Project began back in 2009, Pepa has been committed to developing her athletes into the best ski racers they can be. Her impact has been substantial, coaching numerous athletes who have represented the United States on the World Cup, at World Championships and in the Winter Olympic Games. In addition, she coached Craftsbury biathletes who also have represented the U.S. at all levels of competition including the Winter Olympic Games. 

Freeski International Coach of the Year:

• Mike Riddle, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team: Mike Riddle began his career in freeskiing as an athlete for Team Canada. After a successful career, including winning the silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Riddle turned his focus from competing to coaching. Riddle began coaching the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team halfpipe team in 2018, shortly after retiring from his competitive skiing career, and has since led the team to a multitude of successes. This season was no different, as the freeski halfpipe crew once again showed the depth of their talent on the World Cup tour and at the 2023 FIS World Championships, winning three medals.

Freeski Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Leah Stroud, Park City Ski & Snowboard: Freeski Park & Pipe Head Coach for Park City Ski & Snowboard (PCSS) Leah Stroud has a long history of coaching between Breckenridge, Mt. Bachelor and in multiple positions at PCSS before being promoted to Head Coach. The athletes Leah began working with anywhere between four and six years ago are now finding themselves at the top of their game, and there is a constant funnel from the PCSS program to the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team. 

Freestyle International Coach of the Year:

• Bryon Wilson, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team: In his first year as Head Coach of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team moguls team, Bryon Wilson achieved massive success. Bryon had seven different athletes on World Cup podiums, including career first podiums for Elizabeth Lemley and Cole McDonald. Nick Page, an athlete Bryon coached at the club level, broke a seven year men’s World Cup mogul win drought with his first place in Idre Fjall, Sweden. He also had a successful first World Championships in a challenging venue, with Jaelin Kauf taking silver in both singles and doubles. At the development level, Alli Macuga earned FIS Rookie of the Year and was the moguls and dual moguls NorAm Champion, and the USA took home the Nations Cup in both moguls and dual moguls, highlighting the strength and depth of American mogul skiing.

Freestyle Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Mikaela Wilson, Park City Ski & Snowboard: Mikaela Wilson of Park City Ski & Snowboard has been focused solely on coaching for five years and has coached some of the best up-and-coming athletes in the sport, helping them find their potential on the biggest stage. She took the Head Coach position at PCSS in 2020 and rebuilt the program from just five athletes to 44 in 2023. 

Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined International Coach of the Year:

• Trevor Edlund, USA Nordic: In the 2022-23 season, Trevor Edlund of USA Nordic took on a huge task as the lead assistant for both the men's and women's ski jumping teams. Despite having to manage his time between both teams, Trevor took the task at hand in stride and proved to be one of the most invaluable members of the team. Trevor's tireless work ethic, enthusiasm, humbleness and curiosity brings spirit and energy to the ski jumping community.

Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Adam Loomis, USA Nordic: USA Nordic’s Adam Loomis has done an outstanding job in the development of the next generation of ski jumpers and nordic combined skiers in Park City. He is a role model to all the young jumpers, not only as a technically excellent coach, but as a former nordic combined athlete and current summer and winter endurance athlete.

Snowboard International Coach of the Year:

• Rob Fagan, U.S. Snowboard Team: U.S. Snowboard Team snowboardcross coach Rob Fagan began his career in snowboarding as an athlete for Team Canada before turning his focus to coaching and joining the coaching staff for the U.S. Snowboard Team in 2019, taking over as head coach in 2022. He had a slew of great results this season, including five World Cup podiums from three athletes and a World Championship medal.

Snowboard Domestic Coach of the Year:

• Ryan Conway, G Team: Ryan Conway has been coaching with the G Team for over 15 years and now coaches its NorAm Team. He is known for developing young athletes and incredible rail riders to win USASA National Championships and has coached several kids to the U.S. Snowboard Team rookie team.

Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Club of the Year, Paul Bacon Award: 

• New York Ski Educational Foundation: Athletes of all age groups on the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) team had a successful year, walking away with several podiums in ski jumping and nordic combined, with two nordic combined athletes and one ski jumper selected to represent the USA at World Juniors. To cap off a successful season, a NYSEF nordic combined athlete won a medal at the World University Games.
  
  Having overseen a competition schedule that included the FISU World University Games, NCAA Ski Finals, and many more, NYSEF was also awarded the Paul Bacon Award for the greatest contribution to U.S. Ski & Snowboard in the field of competition organization during the 2022-23 season.

Alpine Club of the Year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year Award, Freestyle Club of the Year

• Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: Steamboat Spring Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) has shown impressive depth in the U16-U21 age groups. They earned an impressive eight of the available 18 podiums at the U16 National Championships and at the highest level event for U16s, the International OPA Cup in Germany, SSWSC athletes brought home five of the available 12 podium spots. At the U18 National Championships, they showed their depth with 11 top 10 honors, and earned two podiums and six top 10s at the U.S. National Championships. This year, SSWSC walks away with three awards, including the prestigious U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year Award.

Freeski Club of the Year:

• Park City Ski & Snowboard: Park City Ski & Snowboard is a storied club. This season, PCSS created a new Youth Development program this year as a multi-sport program focused on expanding the horizons of athletes ages seven to nine. More so, the Devo Freestyle Program for ages nine to twelve to continue with the fundamentals of big mountain, moguls and park & pipe, allowing the athletes to focus on their skill development to move up to the next level. With those few examples, PCSS is very deserving of this award. Additionally, PCSS alumni are some of the most dominant athletes in the world, including freeskiers, Alex Hall, Colby Stevenson, Maggie Voisin, Marin Hamill, Rell Hardwood and Troy Podmilsak. 

Snowboard Club of the Year:

• Gould Academy: Gould Academy has produced key athletes for years and saw abundant success in the 2022-23 season. U.S. Snowboard Team snowboardcross D team rider and Gould graduate Tyler Hamel won the overall NorAm Cup Tour and Nathan Pare came in third in the overall snowboardcross NorAm Cup standings. Gould also had six riders qualify for Junior World Championships and scored 16 podium finishes at NorAms, among many other highlights. 

John J. Clair Jr. Award, Russell Wilder Award:

• Jamie Kimball & Utah Olympic Sports Park: The John J. Clair Jr. Award recognizes service to the national teams and the Russell Wilder Award recognizes the most outstanding effort in focusing the interests of American youth on the sports of skiing or snowboarding. Under the construction supervision of General Manager Jamie Kimball, the Utah Olympic Park is showing its support to both the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team and the local club programs through a massive training and competition winter venue expansion at the Utah Olympic Sports Complex. 

Buddy Werner Award:

• Hailey Swirbul: Honoring sportsmanship, Hailey Swirbul won the Buddy Werner Award. She was a member of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team from 2018 until her retirement this spring. Hailey was a member of USA’s first ever Junior World Ski Championship relay medal at Soldier Hollow, Utah in 2017 and followed up with two individual distance medals in the 2018 Junior World Ski Championships in Goms, Switzerland. In 2020, she earned a World Cup podium in the 10km Freestyle in Davos, Switzerland. 

Team Athletes Giving Back Award:

• Samantha Smith & GO BIG Inc.: Sammy Smith of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and her siblings are the founders of a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit charity, called GO BIG. GO BIG stands for Giving Opportunity By Inspiring Gratitude. Through GO BIG, they work to provide underprivileged youth in our community with mentorship, sports equipment and other athletic and academic opportunities.

Westhaven Award:

• Allan Serrano: The Westhaven Award is a lifetime achievement award, recognizing an outstanding FIS technical delegate for his or her service over time. Allan Serrano of Vermont has been a FIS technical delegate at every level, including officiating on the World Cup. He also oversees FIS Technical Delegate training in USA and Canada, is the head homologation inspector in the USA and has designed the courses and overseen the construction of many of the best cross country venues, including the new Mt Van Hoevenberg courses in Lake Placid, New York and new FIS courses in Telemark, Wisconsin.

J. Leland Sosman Award:

• Dr. Tod Olin: J. Leland Sosman Award is presented annually in recognition of service to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard volunteer physician's pool. Dr. Tod Olin, a pediatric pulmonologist and director of the National Jewish Health Exercise and Performance Breathing Center in Denver, spearheaded a number of projects for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, including diagnosing post-race breathing issues, treating cold air-induced bronchoreactivity and advising on training modification during times of poor air quality. 

West Family Award:

• Roger Root: Named in memory of noted volunteer Fraser West and his wife Teddy, the West Family Cup is presented to recognize a long-serving U.S. Ski & Snowboard official. Roger Root of Idaho has been an official in nearly 900 competitions and has mentored over 3,000 other officials with patience, knowledge and humor, and takes the award with unwavering dedication to the sport.

Development Club of the Year:

• Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS): GMVS provides exceptional programming for athletes ages six to 13, focused on skill development as well as age and developmentally appropriate gate training – all in the spirit of building strong skiers who have a lot of fun. To reduce barriers and encourage participation, they have a robust financial aid program and supplement equipment as needed. In addition to the outstanding alpine program, the GMVS Ski Club is deeply engaged with the local Bill Koch Youth Ski League, introducing young people to the lifelong sport of cross country skiing with its recreational, social, fitness and competitive opportunities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion Award:

• Share Winter Foundation: Share Winter Foundation is committed to providing youth with skiing and snowboarding opportunities across the United States and works to enrich the lives of youth through winter sports. Through funding, thought leadership and community connections, Share Winter has enabled grantee partners such as nonprofits, schools, rec centers, nonprofit ski areas and clubs to get over 48,000 youth on snow this winter. The Foundation worked with 65 programs this year, including 18 new grantees, to provide amazing mountain experiences for their youth. These partners are providing “learn to ski” and snowboard programming to a diverse group of young people aged five to 18.

Julius Blegen Award:

• Spencer Eccles: As an athlete, business leader, philanthropist and general fan of ski racing, few have provided the magnitude and longevity of support for the sport as Spencer F. Eccles. A longtime trustee of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, his contributions were significant to the growth of the sport, the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the development of ski and snowboard training facilities at the Utah Olympic Park that have impacted top U.S. and international skiers and snowboarders. Born in Ogden, Utah, Eccles grew up ski racing at Snowbasin. He went on to captain the University of Utah Ski Team in the late 1950s and achieved All America status. He was a medalist in both U.S. and Canadian national championships, as well as the Roch Cup in Aspen.

Seeing a need to blend athletic training with education, Eccles was one of the driving forces behind the development of the Rowmark Ski Academy. His continued financial and spiritual support of his alma mater, Utah, helped push the Utes to 15 NCAA national titles since 1981.

In the 1990s, Eccles played a pivotal role in spearheading efforts to bring the Olympic Winter Games back to America in 2002. The International Olympic Committee awarded him its highest honor, the Pierre de Coubertin Medal, recognizing his exceptional service to the Olympic Movement. 

Over decades, he has been an extremely active board member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation, the Utah Sports Commission and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation.

Seeing a need for renovation of the freestyle training pool at the Utah Olympic Park, he put up a $1-million challenge grant in 2014. A year later, the new Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool debuted offering the most advanced freestyle and snowboard training facility in the world. Just a few years later, Eccles once again saw a need for a dedicated alpine training hill. In partnership with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, Park City Ski & Snowboard and Rowmark Academy, Eccles led a campaign to build the Spencer F. Eccles Olympic Mountain Center at the Utah Olympic Park, which debuted in March, 2023 offering regional and national athletes a unique training environment.

PARK CITY, Utah (May 16, 2023) – The world’s best freestyle mogul skiers will converge on the birthplace of freestyle skiing in America with the addition of moguls and dual moguls FIS World Cups at Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire, for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. 

This agreement marks the first FIS Freestyle World Cups Waterville will host. However, the resort is no stranger to World Cup competition, having hosted FIS Alpine World Cup Finals in 1966 and 11 FIS Alpine World Cup races throughout its history. 

Waterville Valley’s history is intertwined with freestyle. The resort opened the first freestyle instruction program in the United States in 1969. In 1970 it organized the first National Open Championships of Freestyle Skiing on the Sunnyside trails. Over the course of decades, it has hosted 16 competitions, including 11 alpine World Cup races, 4 U.S. Freestyle Championships,1 U.S. Alpine Championships, and numerous freeski and snowboard U.S. Revolution Tours.

“I competed in my first sanctioned mogul event at Waterville Valley when I was 8 years old,” said retired two-time Olympic medalist Hannah Kearney. “Instantly, I was instantly hooked on the sport. I spent every weekend over the next eight years training with the exceptional WVBBTS Freestyle Team until I made the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team in 2002. When young athletes watch the best in the world compete in their backyard it provides a source of tangible inspiration to achieve their potential. I hope to return to my roots to cheer them on in person next January!”

The two new Waterville events demonstrate U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s commitment to grow the visibility of its athletes and promotion of its sports through increasing domestic competition opportunities. By showcasing elite World Cup competition on home snow, U.S. Ski & Snowboard hopes to inspire future generations of national freestyle skiing hopefuls.

“We are thrilled to be bringing moguls and dual moguls World Cup competition back to the east coast with Waterville Valley Resort,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “Waterville’s incredible freestyle history and community was a natural choice for another domestic World Cup stop. We can’t wait to celebrate the sport with fans, friends and family at Waterville next January!”

The inaugural event is slated for Jan. 27-28, 2024 on Lower Bobby’s Run. At 246 meters long with a pitch of 28 degrees, the eastern-facing course is world-class and will make for a high level of competition. 

“As an east coast skier who grew up competing at Waterville Valley at 12 years old, I’m incredibly excited to have an east coast World Cup return to the circuit,” said Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team moguls skier Hannah Soar. “I believe that this addition to the schedule will promote mogul skiing on the east coast and bring regional mogul skiers from the area to Waterville and enable them to see a World Cup competition in person. I think this will go a long way in promoting freestyle in the area and continue Waterville’s legacy of being the birthplace of freestyle skiing. I’m looking forward to having a World Cup close to home and hopefully a hometown advantage!”

“Waterville Valley Resort is honored to host the upcoming 2024 and 2025 World Cup and continue our partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Tim Smith, President and General Manager of Waterville Valley Resort. “Having a World Cup event back in New Hampshire after the resort last hosted a World Cup race in 1991 is extremely exciting. We are thrilled to host this world-class freestyle competition alongside Deer Valley, and we've already begun preparing to deliver an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. The Waterville team looks forward to welcoming the world's top freestyle athletes as we bring together passionate fans and a community of people who share a love for the sport.”  

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2023, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

ABOUT WATERVILLE VALLEY RESORT

Waterville Valley is New Hampshire’s Family Resort, offering a vast array of year-round family activities and events. Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Waterville Valley is an independent resort offering world class skiing and snowboarding across two mountain peaks, with 265 acres of alpine skiing terrain, premier ski & snowboard schools, and unique guest amenities such as childcare and parking lot ski trails. Enjoy our unique mountain culture at slopeside family-friendly après-ski, kid-approved terrain parks, and annual community events; or explore the White Mountains via alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, hiking or mountain biking! 

*Pending final date confirmation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Guy Slattery, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, has been named to the second annual Forbes Entrepreneurial CMO 50 List, a testament to his unique marketing approach and mindset in Olympic sports marketing. The award highlights 50 marketing chiefs who are acting today and building for tomorrow, including industry leaders in world-renowned companies like Tak Alavi of Spotify, Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada, Mike Ferris of The North Face, Carla Hassan of JPMorgan Chase and many more. 

Before joining the team, Slattery was the former CMO and President of Television at VICE Media Group, where he built and led the team that launched the Emmy award-winning television network VICELAND. Before VICE, he was the Executive Vice President of Marketing at A&E Networks, primarily responsible for all marketing, creative and brand strategy at A&E and HISTORY. 

Slattery joined U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2022 and has already brought the brand and sport into a broader market and lifestyle space. In the last year, he was key in bringing in Outside in as a broadcast partner, expanding the partnership with NBC, introduced key initiatives that focus on women's empowerment (HERoic) and climate change and helped launch the ground-breaking partnership with Kappa - to name a few. 

His work has elevated the U.S. Ski & Snowboard brand to new heights and brought the sports to a wider audience, connecting them to culture and relevant issues in innovative ways. 

Read more from Forbes.

Park City, UTAH (April 13, 2023) - Ashley Caldwell, Chris Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld were honored as the 2022 Olympic Team of the Year by the annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards held Thursday evening. Caldwell, Lillis and Schoenefeld are the 2022 Olympic champions in Mixed Team Aerials, which made its Olympic debut at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games Beijing. 

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the Governor's office and the state of Utah as part of the Olympic Team of the Year,” said Caldwell. “Utah is one of the most successful states in winter sports and it is incredible to be named among such incredible athletes. Utah is dedicated to outdoor recreation at the highest level, and I would never have been as successful without Utah’s passion for sport!”

At the event, the focus was on more than just the award winners. In the middle of the program, the most decorated American winter Olympian, Apolo Ohno; 29-time Paralympic medalist, Jessica Long; and three-time Olympic champion, Shaun White hosted a panel to talk about mental health in sport. The three olympians shared their own personal experiences and addressed the stigma that is associated with mental health in athletes. 

Mixed Team Aerials has three athletes per nation, with at least one per gender, competing for combined scores to determine the podium. Team USA won the event, outscoring China for the gold medal. Lillis’ quintuple twisting triple backflip set an Olympic record for highest score ever given in aerial skiing at the Games. 

Since 2012, the Governor’s State of Sport Awards has honored Utah’s finest athletes, teams, coaches, events and sport icons. Although not native to Utah, Caldwell, Lillils and Schoenefeld call the state home. The deep tradition of winter sport and Olympism in Utah have provided the backdrop for their success on the world stage. Training venues such as the USANA Center of Excellence and the Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool at Utah Olympic Park were crucial in the trio’s quest to Olympic glory. Opportunities to compete on an Olympic course at Deer Valley each winter season also provided invaluable experience at the World Cup and World Championship level. 

“This is a great honor for Ashley, Justin and I to share,” said Lillis. “We love training in our home of Park City, Utah, and are grateful for the community for providing us with the opportunity to live our Olympic dream.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the Utah Olympic Team of the Year award,” said Schoenefeld. “This recognition means a lot to me, and I am grateful for the three of us to be considered for the award. Utah has played a crucial role in my skiing career, as it claims some of the best training facilities in the world. The world class facilities I use for training provided the perfect environment for me to develop into the freestyle skier I am today. It is an honor to represent Utah and the United States as a professional skier, and I look forward to continuing to compete at the highest level in freestyle aerial skiing.”

“The annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards is a long-standing tradition we are proud to be part of,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “I was fortunate enough to witness Ashley, Chris and Justin’s historic gold medal in person. Those three are incredible athletes and friends, and it was a beautiful display of athleticism and teamwork. There is so much that goes on and builds up before those very few minutes on snow. Utah’s established tradition of supporting athletes at all levels allows us to go and represent the U.S. in great fashion on the world stage. We are appreciative of this community and its continued commitment to our athletes.”

The freestyle team was included among a list of storied winners, including Paralympic alpine skier Matthew Brewer as Adaptive Athlete of the Year and the University of Utah ski team as Team of the Year. For a full list of 2022 honorees, please visit utahsportscommission.com.