The Stifel U.S. Ski Team alpine program has announced key leadership updates ahead of the 2026-27 season, naming Sasha Rearick as The Borgen Family Alpine Director and Paul Epstein as Men’s Head Tech Coach.

The Borgen Family has generously committed funds supporting the Alpine Director position. 

“We are thrilled to bring on Sasha Rearick as The Borgen Family Alpine Director and Paul Epstein as the Men’s Head Tech Coach,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport Anouk Patty. “Both have demonstrated throughout their careers an ability to build strong foundations and cohesive team environments that will benefit our athletes. We are committed to being the best alpine team in the world with an even greater focus on development, and I’m confident these two will help us get there.”

Rearick returns to the organization after more than two decades in various coaching roles from 2002 to 2021. During his tenure, he progressed from strength and conditioning and development positions to head men’s coach, a role he held for 10 years. Across multiple Olympic cycles, Rearick led his athletes to 15 Olympic and World Championship medals.

As The Borgen Family Alpine Director, Rearick will lead the vision for the alpine program, guiding its strategy, culture and athlete development pathways from grassroots through the elite level. Rearick will oversee the structure, ensuring a sustainable model that supports excellence at every level.

Most recently, Rearick served as Alpine Performance Director at APEX2100 International Ski Academy, where he helped grow the program from 33 athletes to a full U12-through-World Cup pipeline. During Rearick’s time leading the program, the academy produced seven Olympic qualifications, four World Junior Championship medalists and helped eight athletes earn spots on national Europa Cup and World Cup teams.

“Coming home to lead this program is both an honor and a challenge I’m deeply motivated by,” said Rearick. “Across the United States, there is real enthusiasm for ski racing, and now it’s about channeling that into belief and action. From athletes just starting out to those competing for World Cup podiums, we will build a system grounded in process, clarity and daily habits.

Epstein joins the Stifel U.S. Ski Team after a successful career developing athletes through both domestic and international pathways. He began coaching at Green Mountain Valley School before founding Global Racing, an elite independent program he led for the last 13 years. Over the past nine seasons, Global Racing helped 20 different athletes achieve World Cup points and return to or qualify for national teams, including Belgium’s Sam Maes, who has recorded multiple World Cup top-10 finishes and ended the 2025-26 season with a career-best giant slalom ranking of 12th.

“I’m looking forward to entering a new chapter of my coaching career,” said Epstein. “For many years, I’ve worked to support U.S. skiing from the outside. Now, being directly involved in the men’s World Cup tech team’s progress is incredibly motivating.”

Epstein highlighted culture as a key priority moving forward.

“My initial goal is to build a strong, cohesive environment with our staff and athletes,” he said. “When everyone understands and commits to that culture, it creates consistency—and ultimately leads to stronger individual performances. We have tremendous talent on this team, and now it’s about creating the environment that allows everyone to perform at their highest level.”

A full staff announcement will be made this fall.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sierra Ryder
Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Communications Manager
[email protected]

Ikon Pass goes on sale today, March 12, at ikonpass.com for the 2026-27 season and to kick it off, Ikon Pass has teamed up with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to offer skiers and riders access to the most premier mountain destinations on the planet and an inside look at U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes. 

For a limited time, skiers and riders can get a $50 discount on any 2-, 3-, or 4-day Adult Ikon Session Pass at www.ikonpass.com, using the code USAGOLD. Any new U.S. Ikon Session Pass holder who uses the code will automatically receive an exclusive six-month digital subscription to Insider, the Official Fan Club of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and will be automatically entered into the Ikon Session Pass Sweepstakes for a trip to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel World Cup at Deer Valley Resort in Utah in February 2027. 

Insider is the Official Fan Club of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and is designed to bring fans closer to the athletes and events they love. The club offers exclusive access to Insider-only experiences at U.S. World Cup events, behind-the-scenes content, special partner discounts, a custom welcome gift package and more. Every Insider sign-up provides benefits to the fan while directly supporting the athletes and mission of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

“Ikon Pass and U.S. Ski & Snowboard are passionate about growing our sport, exposing skiers and riders to our incredible mountains, and to the greatest athletes on earth,” said Matt Bowers, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Alterra Mountain Company. “Watching Ikon Pass Ambassador and the world’s winningest alpine skier, Mikaela Shiffrin, compete in Italy at the highest level, was incredibly inspiring, and we are excited to keep the momentum going with this ideal partnership.”

Ikon Session Pass Sweepstakes 

• Two round-trip airfares to Salt Lake City
• Three nights lodging
• Two 26/27 Ikon Passes
• Half-day ski with a U.S. Ski & Snowboard legend
• Custom team apparel kit (jacket and pants)
• Access to premium viewing at the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel Ski World Cup at Deer Valley Resort, Utah in February 2027
• Tour of the USANA Center of Excellence powered by iFit in Park City, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s headquarters

“This partnership with Ikon Pass brings together two organizations deeply committed to skiing and snowboarding,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Through this collaboration and our Insider program, we’re excited to give skiers and riders greater access to premier mountains while connecting them more directly to the athletes who inspire them.”

Ikon Pass is on sale now at www.ikonpass.com.

IKON PASS BY THE NUMBERS*                                         
Destinations: 76 
Continents: 5
Countries: 13
States: 18                                                                      
Canadian Provinces: 4
European Countries: 5
Asian Countries: 3
Total Acres:  284,507
Trails: 8,512
Lifts: 2,107

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 4/16/2026. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. and who are at least 18 years of age. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details by clicking here. 

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About Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass welcomes skiers and riders to a community of inspiring mountain destinations and the people who live and play among them across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Brought to you by Alterra Mountain Company, Ikon Pass unlocks adventure at iconic and unique destinations including Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska; Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan; Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota; Granite Peak in Wisconsin; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant and Le Massif de Charlevoix in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania; Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah; Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley and Megève Ski Area in France; Dolomiti Superski and Valle D’Aosta in Italy; Grandvalira Resorts in Andorra; Kitzbühel and Ischgl in Austria; Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United, Arai Mountain Resort, Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort, Mt.T, Myoko Suginohara, APPI Resort, Furano Ski Resort, NEKOMA Mountain and Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Japan; Yunding Snow Park in China; Mona Yongpyong in South Korea; and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operation. For more information, please visit www.ikonpass.com.

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit usskiandsnowboard.org.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard officially announced the Junior World Championships ski cross team to represent the United States in St. Moritz, Switzerland, March 19-21. The ten athletes selected to the team qualified based on pre-determined selection criteria. The 2026 FIS Ski Cross World Championships features the top young ski cross athletes in the country. 

“We’re very excited for this group to represent the U.S. at Junior World Championships,” said Chip Knight, Alpine Development Program Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We’re welcoming back Morgan Shute, who took home a bronze medal at this exact event last year, along with many experienced athletes from the Europa Cup and NorAm levels.”

The event will take place March 19-21, with both individual and team events. Qualification for the individual event takes place on March 19, with the finals on March 20. The team event rounds out the Championships on March 21. 

U.S. Junior World Championships Roster 
(Hometown; Club; Birth year)

Women

• Brook Lentfer (Anchorage, AK; Alyeska Ski Club; 2006)
• Elya Loge (Tahoe, CA; South Tahoe Series; 2009)
• Audrey Moody (Salt Lake City, UT; Snowboard Sports Education Foundation; 2005)
• Morgan Shute (Allendale, NJ; Carrabassett Valley Academy; 2006)
• Cayenne Wilson (Park City, UT; Park City Ski & Snowboard; 2008)

Men

• Sullivan Butler (Carrabassett, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; 2005)
• Aidan Butler (Carrabassett, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; 2008)
• Jamison Hering (Carrabassett Valley, ME; Carrabassett Valley Academy; 2008)
• Reuben Jeffers (Girdwood, AK; Aleyska Ski Club; 2007)
• Walker Robinson (Frisco, CO; Team Summit; 2006)

U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body of Olympic and Paralympic ski and snowboard sports in the United States, announced today the expansion of its luxury travel and experience program, The Crest Club, launched in partnership with Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E). The global hospitality program offers an experience only U.S. Ski & Snowboard can provide and will host six more unique trips, with unparalleled access to the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. 

The Crest Club debuted in the 2024-25 season with an exclusive trip to the St. Moritz World Cup, an Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Dec. 11-14, 2025, where guests enjoyed an ultra-curated VIP experience at one of the most famous alpine events on the circuit. Now, The Crest Club has expanded its global footprint to include five World Cup events, including three in Europe and two in the U.S. 

Complementing its five World Cup experiences next season, The Crest Club calendar also features one distinctive non-World Cup experience that showcases the program’s ability to deliver access beyond traditional competition. In March 2027, guests will be immersed in the legendary Engadin Ski Marathon in St. Moritz, one of the world’s most celebrated cross country ski events, where endurance sport, alpine culture and European society converge across the frozen lakes of the Upper Engadin—alongside current and former U.S. Olympic athletes who bring the race and its traditions to life from the inside. This experience extends The Crest Club beyond the gates of World Cup racing, delivering unparalleled access to iconic ski traditions and terrain few ever experience at this level.

The Crest Club represents more than just a VIP experience – it's a private platform meticulously built to deliver an exclusive, all-access pass to professional athletes, legendary courses and the inner workings of World Cup competition – the highest level in skiing and snowboarding. 

“The Crest Club offers a five-star, white-glove experience that cannot be replicated by anyone apart from U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and we are excited to bring the program into its second year,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “The Crest Club is here to stay, and we’re motivated to build off the success of last season and expand the access – across the globe and across different sports.”

“The Crest Club was designed to unlock experiences that even the most passionate fans rarely get to see,” said Chris Weil, co-CEO and founder of Horizon Sports & Experiences. “Expanding the program in 2026-27 allows us to continue building something special alongside U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Together, we are creating unforgettable moments that connect guests more deeply to the athletes, competition and destinations that define the sport.”

Inside The Crest Club, guests receive unparalleled insider access at the FIS World Cup and other exclusive events, with premium race viewing embedded directly alongside the team and athletes. Experiences extend far beyond the finish line, offering rare access to moments before, during and after competition, as well as direct engagement with athletes, coaches and Olympic and Paralympic legends, including Olympic champion Picabo Street. Guests will also have opportunities to ski alongside the best in the world, paired with destination-specific ski and snowboard experiences on iconic courses and terrain, all complemented by Michelin-star dining and private hospitality at each stop.

2026-27 Schedule of The Crest Club Events

• Dec. 11-14, 2026: Women’s Stifel Birds of Prey, Beaver Creek, CO // Women's Downhill, Super-G
• Dec. 17-21, 2026: FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, St. Moritz, Switzerland // Women’s Super-G, Giant Slalom
• Jan. 21-25, 2027: Hahnenkamm World Cup, Kitzbühel, Austria // Men’s Downhill, Super-G, Slalom
• Feb. 25-Mar. 1, 2027: FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, Courchevel, France // Men’s Downhill, Super-G
• March, 2027: Engadin Ski Marathon, St. Mortiz, Switzerland
• March 19-22, 2027: Stifel Sun Valley Finals, Sun Valley, ID // Men’s and Women’s Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom 

THE CREST CLUB EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE FOR 2026-27

Women’s FIS World Cup | Stifel Birds of Prey | Beaver Creek, Colorado 
Set beneath the dramatic terrain of Beaver Creek, the Stifel Birds of Prey showcases precision and power on one of North America’s most respected World Cup courses that has traditionally been only skied by men until 2024. 2025 will bring the women back to the famed course, led by athletes such as Sofia Goggia, Emma Aicher, Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin, racing in front of her hometown. This trip delivers unparalleled access, with behind-the-scenes insight into team preparation, course strategy and performance in one of the most iconic ski towns in the United States. Off the hill, refined dining and discreet mountain hospitality await. Those seeking to get closer to the competition and the people who shape it will want to secure their place in this unforgettable and otherwise unattainable Crest Club experience.

Women’s FIS World Cup | St. Moritz, Switzerland 
St. Moritz is where alpine racing and European society have intersected for more than a century, and The Crest Club places you at the center of that tradition alongside the Stifel U.S. Ski Team women’s alpine team. Hosted on the sunlit slopes of Corviglia, this women’s World Cup unfolds against frozen lakes, grand hotels and a social scene shaped by generations of global influence. Guests enjoy privileged race-day access, direct connections with athletes and team leadership and entry into St. Moritz’s most storied private venues—not to mention its iconic White Carpet slopes. Experience the luxury and opulence of St. Moritz not as a spectator, but from within one of Europe's more iconic mountain towns.

Men’s FIS World Cup | Hahnenkamm | Kitzbühel, Austria
The Hahnenkamm is alpine racing at its most uncompromising, and Kitzbühel is where legends are made in full public view. Through The Crest Club, guests gain rare proximity to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men’s speed team during the most revered weekend on the World Cup calendar, anchored by the Streif—ski racing’s most demanding course. Beyond race access, The Crest Club will take you through the packed streets of revelers to go behind Kitzbühel’s private doors and into historic race clubs, invitation-only celebrations, black-tie parties and intimate moments with athletes and Olympic icons who define the sport. This is not simply attendance at the Hahnenkamm; it is immersion into the culture, courage and legacy of alpine racing unavailable anywhere else. 

Men’s FIS World Cup | Courchevel, France
This Crest Club experience delivers guests directly into alpine racing in one of Europe’s most refined mountain settings. Rising above the storied villages of the Trois Vallées, Courchevel—often called the St. Tropez of snow—sets the tone with its rare concentration of high-end boutiques, discreet glamour and international appeal. Premium race-day positioning, skiing alongside former Olympians, direct engagement with Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes and private hospitality anchored in Courchevel’s celebrated culinary and chalet culture define the journey. This is alpine racing delivered with discretion, refinement and access beyond any available experience outside of The Crest Club. 

Engadin Ski Marathon | St. Moritz, Switzerland
The Engadin Ski Marathon transforms the Upper Engadin valley into the world’s most elegant stage for endurance sport, drawing global tastemakers, elite amateurs and lifelong skiers to race across frozen lakes beneath the sunlit Alps. Guests of The Crest Club will gain privileged access to this legendary event—featuring elite athlete interactions to private hospitality in St. Moritz’s most storied addresses and more. Whether participating in the marathon or observing the spectacle, attendees will experience the Engadin not as a public race weekend, but as a private guest on a singular VIP passage into a Swiss tradition where sport and alpine culture converge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

FIS Alpine World Cup Finals, Stifel Sun Valley Finals | Sun Valley, Idaho 
Sun Valley holds a singular place in American ski culture, blending pioneering heritage with refined mountain living and the World Cup Finals return the sport to one of its most storied homes. With The Crest Club, guests experience the culmination of the season alongside the Stifel U.S. Ski & Team as Crystal Globes are decided on Bald Mountain’s classic pitches. Days unfold with elevated race access, skiing with local Olympic legends Picabo Street and private gatherings that reflect Sun Valley’s legacy as a retreat for the elite. This is one of the most anticipated World Cups on the 2026-27 calendar for a reason. Join in on closing the chapter of the season, as told from the inside, in a destination that helped shape the sport itself.

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org. 
 

ABOUT HORIZON SPORTS & EXPERIENCES 
Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) provides a unique and complementary combination of sports, experiential marketing, and media capabilities. HS&E has a core focus on IP creation and monetization, strategic advisory and consulting, media rights, sponsorship, sales, and experiential strategy and activation. HS&E is led by co-CEOs David Levy and Chris Weil.

HS&E's ever-growing roster of sports and entertainment partners now encompasses PayPal/Venmo, Paramount+, Proximo Spirits, the NBA, Cognizant, M&T Bank, Unrivaled and World Sevens. Additionally, the agency created and manages its Pickleball Slam franchise, and the Women's Champions Classic, further solidifying HS&E’s position as a premier destination for cutting-edge sports and entertainment solutions.

John Caldwell, A Founding Father of U.S. Cross Country Skiing, Dies at 97

U.S. Ski & Snowboard mourns the passing of John Caldwell, a former Olympian, pioneering coach and author widely regarded as the founding father of cross country skiing in the United States. Caldwell died at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of American cross country athletes and helped build the foundation of the sport nationwide.

An Olympian himself, Caldwell represented the United States at the 1952 Winter Olympics. He later served as head coach of five U.S. Olympic cross country teams, leading the program at the 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1984 Winter Olympic Games. 

Off the snow, Caldwell’s impact on athlete development was profound. He coached at the Putney School in Vermont from the mid-1950s until his retirement in 1989, was a founding force behind the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), helping establish a regional development model that has since produced Olympians, World Cup athletes and national champions, and was even an author, with the 1964 hit, The Cross Country Ski Book. His vision of accessible, athlete-centered development remains a blueprint for success across the country.

Skiing excellence became a family tradition. His son, Sverre Caldwell, founded the Stratton Mountain School (SMS) cross country program and elite team, while his granddaughter, Sophie Caldwell, represented the U.S. both on the U.S. Ski Team for several years and at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

John Caldwell’s legacy lives on in the athletes he coached, the organizations he built and the culture of excellence he helped instill within U.S. cross country skiing. U.S. Ski & Snowboard extends its deepest condolences to the Caldwell family and to the entire nordic sport community.

USA Ski Jumping and the Stifel U.S Ski Jumping Team are proud to announce the ten athletes selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Junior World Ski Jumping Championships, taking place March 4–8 in Lillehammer, Norway.

Competition will be held on the Normal Hill, HS98 and will feature one individual event, one team event for both men and women and one mixed team event. Junior Worlds represents a pivotal step in an athlete’s progression, providing the opportunity to compete against the world’s best young ski jumpers in a true championship environment.

“We’re excited for this year’s Junior World Championships,” said Anders Johnson, Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sport Director. “Lillehammer is a hill our athletes know well, and that familiarity allows them to focus on performing rather than adjusting. With seven returning athletes bringing championship experience to the team, we feel prepared and confident heading into the week.”

SKI JUMPING FIS JUNIOR WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM
*Denotes first Junior World Championships team (Hometown; Club; Birthdate;

Women

• Kaija Copenhaver (Marquette, MI; Ishpeming Ski Club; 9/23/2009; 2025)

• Estella Hassrick (Madison, WI; Blackhawk Ski Club; 5/21/2006; 2023, 2024, 2025)

• Sandra Sproch (Chicago, IL; Norge Ski Club; 11/9/2007; 2023, 2024, 2025)

• Islay Sheil* (Lakeville, CT; Salisbury Winter Sports Association; 8/15/2009) 

• Piper Mouttet* (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 7/9/2010)

Men

• Jason Colby (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 5/21/2006; 2023, 2024, 2025)

• Sawyer Graves (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 9/30/2008; 2024, 2025)

• Maxim Glyvka* (Fox River Grove, IL; Norge Ski Club; 3/26/2006)

• Henry Loher (Lake Placid, NY; New York Ski Educational Foundation; 7/5/2008, 2025)

• Arthur Tirone (Steamboat Springs, CO; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 2/8/2008, 2023, 2024, 2025) 

Schedule and details: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=JP&eventid=62428&seasoncode=2026

The Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team is sending seven athletes to Lillehammer, Norway, for the 2026 Junior World Championships, March 2-8, 2026. The schedule will feature a team sprint, HS98 Normal Hill Gundersen and a mixed team event. Athletes named to the team qualified based on predetermined selection criteria. The full race schedule can be found on FIS. The trip is supported by Nordic Combined USA (NCUSA) and the National Nordic Foundation (NNF). 

"I am proud to announce our 2026 Nordic Combined Junior World Ski Championships Team,” said Michael Ward, Nordic Combined USA Development Coach. “This group of athletes represents every division across the country which is testament to the hard work happening at the club level and to the bright future of our sport. We have a young and dynamic team with three athletes making their international debut, joined by four teammates who bring valuable experience and professionalism from competing at this level. I’m incredibly excited and look forward to a great week of competitions." 

2026 Nordic Combined Junior World Ski Championships Team
Women

• Haley Brabec (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, CO; 2007)
• Sadie McCrank (Park City Ski and Snowboard, UT; 2010)

 Men

• Anders Giese (Norge Ski Club, IL; 2008)
• Ethan Maines (Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, CO; 2009)
• Duncan Van Dorn (New York Ski Education Foundation, NY; 2008)
• Luke Miller (Park City Ski Club, UT; 2008)
• Ronen Woods (Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, AK; 2006)

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jill Brubaker
Nordic Combined USA
[email protected], 907.240.2940

 

Industry-first video-analysis tool turns smartphones into high-precision motion capture sensors for Team USA skiers and snowboarders

PARK CITY, Utah, and SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Feb. 5, 2026  – U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding in the United States, and Google today announced a collaboration on an industry-first AI video-analysis tool built on Google Cloud for skiing and snowboarding. Led by the high-performance needs of world-class athletes, including U.S. Olympians, this experimental AI tool is designed to enhance training precision and mountain safety by delivering near real-time, data-driven insights.  

To develop the AI tool, Google Cloud engineers worked side-by-side with the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team in extreme environments in Austria and Colorado to tackle a long-standing data blind spot in winter sports. For decades, elite coaching has been a choice between two extremes: subjective human observation on the mountain or high-precision data inside a laboratory. Traditional motion-capture requires athletes to wear specialized suits covered in sensors, which are impractical for outdoor training and often fail in sub-zero, high-velocity conditions. This AI tool replaces fragile, wearable hardware with cutting-edge AI from DeepMind that can map a human body in 3D using only video. By leveraging spatial intelligence to "see" through bulky winter gear without the need for sensors.

“This new AI tool is a major coaching development,” said Anouk Patty, chief of sport, U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Video is the most commonly used and effective coaching tool, but analyzing it used to be a manual, time-consuming process. By working to create an AI tool that works with a smartphone, we can now analyze competition-grade footage with an extra layer of insight. This isn't just about winning medals; it’s about providing our athletes with the safest and most advanced training environment in the world.”

The tool is built with Google Cloud’s full-stack AI capabilities to achieve near real-time analysis on the mountain. From custom TPUs in Google data centers, to the reasoning engines of Gemini, to leveraging spatial intelligence research from Google DeepMind, the collaboration resulted in a system that understands human motion with precision. Unlike traditional motion capture that requires specialized suits, wearable sensors, or multi-camera laboratory setups, the new AI tool turns a standard smartphone into a high-precision sensor, with features including:

• On-mountain analysis: Using a smartphone, coaches are able to capture video from the sidelines or the bottom of a run. The footage is uploaded to a dashboard, where the tool processes it.
• No wearable gear required: With the new tool, athletes can train in their standard gear. The AI uses markerless motion capture to identify skeletal points through clothing and equipment, ensuring natural movement without the weight or distraction of sensors.
• Conversational insights: Using the multimodal power of Gemini, coaches and athletes can then interact with their data using natural language. Instead of scrolling through spreadsheets, a coach can simply ask the tool, “Based on that airtime, how much faster did the rider need to spin to complete the rotation?” The AI then estimates the angular velocity needed to land the trick.
• Long-term improvements: Each session is stored in a centralized content database, allowing for deeper analysis over time and across disciplines. Coaches and athletes can then better understand why a trick was successful, how it was scored, and where targeted improvements can be made.

“Our collaboration with U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the blueprint for a global shift in how humans move, train, and recover, moving beyond historical data to provide athletes with near real-time, prescriptive coaching,” said Oliver Parker, vice president, Global Generative AI, Google Cloud. “By using our full-stack AI, we’re helping democratize elite coaching—proving that if we can solve for the world’s best athletes in the most extreme conditions, we can help anyone from a physical therapy patient to an amateur golfer improve their games.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard freeski and snowboard athletes and coaches are continuing to prototype this AI tool ahead of the Olympic Winter Games.

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is supported by various partners including; Stifel, Cloudflare, Hydro Flask, Toyota and Visa, in addition to many generous donors.

For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org. 

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

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U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the U.S. Army, which entered a partnership in October 2025, have expanded their relationship to include national commercial placements during the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter & Paralympic Games. The original partnership made the U.S. Army the official armed forces partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, honoring the force’s 10th Mountain Division and its distinguished legacy, which led to the creation of America’s modern ski and snowboard industry. 

The partnership includes social content highlighting the historical connection between the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the ski industry, featuring Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes Breezy Johnson and Bella Wright and Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athlete Rosie Brennan, as well as three current 10th Mountain Division Soldiers. 

Following strong storytelling and production quality led by U.S. Ski & Snowboard and supported by Highlanders Creative, the U.S. Army and U.S. Ski & Snowboard selected the pieces to be adapted into official U.S. Army commercials. The spots will now air as part of Olympic and Paralympic broadcast programming during the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.

“The expanded media placement marks a significant milestone in our partnership,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Being able to broadcast the stories captured between our athletes and 10th Mountain Division Soldiers during the world’s largest winter sports event is fantastic, and with it, we’re able to show the shared history of our military service and elite winter sports to new audiences.” 

"We are proud to bring awareness to the Army's legacy in elite alpine combat at a time when all eyes are on Italy and winter sports," said Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Braman, Army Chief Marketing Officer, who served as the Deputy Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division from 2022-24. "As we celebrate the Army’s past achievements, we also cheer on our Soldier athletes who qualified for the Games as they seek to make history in this region once again."

The placements will air across major NBC broadcasts for the Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games. 

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard 
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams, including the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, freeski, nordic combined, Para alpine and ski jumping, the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team and Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.
 

About the Army Enterprise Marketing Office
AEMO is the U.S. Army's national marketing, marketing research and analysis, and accessions analysis organization. AEMO develops innovative and effective ways to connect with the American public to make the Army more accessible and understood, increase awareness of both the benefits and value of Army service, and motivate the most qualified candidates to choose the Army as their service of first choice. For more information on Army careers, visit: www.goarmy.com 

The five-episode series follows Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, Marco Odermatt, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and more of the world’s most elite alpine ski racers as they train for and compete in the alpine World Cup as well as the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

ESPN today announced its newest ESPN Original Series On the Edge: World Cup Ski Racing will premiere on January 30 on the ESPN app and ESPN on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S. The series will also be on Disney+ in international markets at a later date. The five-episode series follows the world’s most elite ski racers across the 2025-26 season and 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

WATCH THE TRAILER

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Pat Dimon, produced by Bright North USA and the International Ski & Snowboard Federation in partnership with Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Team USA, On the Edge follows Olympic champions – including Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, Marco Odermatt, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen and more – as they navigate the dramatic landscapes of Europe and North America on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit. The series explores their personal journeys, on and off the snow, and the culture of the sport as they endure the grind of a global season all in pursuit of Olympic gold.

"Growing up a lifelong skier in Vermont, I learned that what matters most often happens away from the gates and finish line,” said director Pat Dimon. “On the Edge is about seeing past the polished surface and dropping into the real line of World Cup racing—the grind of travel, the toll of injuries, the pressure, and the mindset it takes to be and stay at that level. By following athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin, Marco Odermatt, Lindsey Vonn, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen through a global season, the series captures the human side of the sport as they push toward the ultimate run of their careers: the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.”

From pre-dawn training runs and high-speed races to rehab sessions and hotel rooms, On the Edge reveals the human side of elite competition. Triumph and self-doubt, resilience and sacrifice collide, creating an intimate portrait of what it truly takes to chase greatness, one run at a time.

“As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics begins, we’re excited to premiere On the Edge and bring viewers inside a sport defined by speed, precision, and risk,” said Lindsay Rovegno, Vice President and Executive Producer, ESPN Originals. “The series highlights the compelling stories of Olympic hopefuls from around the world, whose careers and ambitions hang in the balance of a grueling World Cup season.”

“On the Edge captures not only how alpine ski racing is evolving as a truly global sport, but also why it remains so extraordinary,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch. “Set against some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, this series tells the human stories behind the speed, risk and precision of World Cup racing — the dedication, resilience and passion that define our athletes far beyond the finish line. By bringing these stories to life, projects like this help connect new audiences to the beauty and intensity of our sport, while driving its continued growth as we build toward Milano Cortina 2026.”

“On the Edge gives fans an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to compete at the highest level of alpine ski racing,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President & CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Our athletes operate on the edge of human performance every time they step into the start gate, and this series captures the speed and risk required to chase Olympic dreams. This docuseries allows us to showcase our sport and athletes on a global stage.”

Featured throughout the series are Mikaela Shiffrin, USA; Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, NOR; Lindsey Vonn, USA; Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, BRA; Alice Robinson, NZL; Marco Odermatt, SUI; Sofia Goggia, ITA; Henrik Kristoffersen, NOR; Emma Aicher, GER; Dominik Paris, ITA; Clément Noël, FRA; Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, NOR; Atle Lie McGrath, NOR; Zrinka Ljutić, CRO; Ryan Cochran-Siegle, USA; James Crawford, CAN; Giovanni Franzoni, ITA; Camille Rast, SUI; Franjo von Allmen, SUI; Federica Brignone, ITA, Timon Haugan, NOR; Lara Colturi, ALB; Marco Schwarz, AUT; Julia Scheib, AUT; Sara Hector, SWE and more.

On the Edge is executive produced by Nick Fellows, Christian Salomon, Johan Eliasch, Pat Dimon, Morgan Hertzan, Dan DiStefano, Adam Marinelli, Guy Slattery, Ron Kruszewski, Jess Park and Mo Finn.

Episode Descriptions & Premiere Schedule

• Episode 1: The Starting Gate (Premieres January 30)

The alpine skiing season opens in Sölden, Austria, where the White Circus begins, with Mikaela Shiffrin, the greatest skier of all time, who, despite her dominance, finishes fourth in the opening race. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde returns to competition at Copper Mountain after nearly two years away following a devastating injury that almost ended his career and his life. Supported throughout his recovery by his fiancée, Shiffrin, Aamodt Kilde balances the physical and mental aspects of returning to the snow. Also, once a teenage phenom who beat Shiffrin at 17, New Zealand’s Alice Robinson faces Shiffrin yet again in the Copper Mountain giant slalom.

• Episode 2: Under Pressure (Premieres January 30)

In a sport dominated by Swiss and Austrian athletes, American Ryan Cochran-Siegle pushes to make his mark in downhill at Beaver Creek. Meanwhile, Brazilian skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen reflects on a decision that once shocked the skiing world. After retiring at age 23, Pinheiro Braathen returned on his own terms, leaving Team Norway to race for Brazil. He speaks openly about growing up between two cultures and how embracing both has become his greatest strength. Meanwhile, the women’s speed season begins in St. Moritz with the long-awaited return of American Lindsey Vonn from retirement in a downhill race for the ages.

• Episode 3: Close To Home (Premieres January 30)

French skier and former Olympic medalist Clément Noël details what it’s like racing on his home course in Val d’Isère while showing off his wine collection – meanwhile, Mikaela Shiffrin and German skier Emma Aicher square off in Courchevel. Despite a delayed training day in Val Gardena, Italy’s Dominik Paris highlights his love of heavy metal music in preparation for a downhill race against one of the world’s best, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt. 

• Episode 4: Peaks And Valleys (Premieres February 6)

At just 22, German skier Emma Aicher’s trajectory is skyward, but competing across four disciplines, while boosting her overall World Cup points, takes a toll on her body and schedule. In Flachau, home of the iconic Legends Race, we meet Lara Colturi, preparing for her first Olympics. The journey then moves to the most historic events of the World Cup season, Wengen and Kitzbühel. The Swiss men’s team prepares for press and hometown pride, while Aleksander Aamodt Kilde reflects intimately on this track, having survived a near-fatal crash here. Next is Kitzbühel, home of the legendary Streif. Dominik Paris, a three-time winner, gives fans a glimpse of his famed winner’s gondola and the adoration that follows him in the streets. Marco Schwarz, riding the momentum of recent victories, is determined to extend his streak on home snow.

• Episode 5: The World’s Stage (Premieres April 10)

In the shadow of a horrific tragedy that shook the sport, Swiss favorite Camille Rast reflects on what Crans-Montana and its people mean to the community. The focus then shifts to the Olympic Games, the pinnacle of the sport. The men pack their bags for Bormio and the women for Cortina, with the world watching and national pride at its height. Can Lindsey Vonn add another Olympic medal to her legacy? Will Sofia Goggia or Dominik Paris deliver unforgettable moments on home snow? After the Olympics, the season’s intensity carries on as the World Cup Finals approach. We visit Julia Scheib in the gym, as she sits neck and neck in points with Alice Robinson, each vying for the women’s giant slalom crown. Across disciplines, Marco Odermatt fights to extend his dominance while the men’s slalom remains one of the closest battles of the season.

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About ESPN Originals
ESPN Originals are premium programs that take fans inside the biggest moments, athletes, and stories in sports. With critically acclaimed, award-winning series — including the Emmy®-winning Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, Peyton’s Places and the Places universe, In the Arena: Serena Williams, Full Court Press, and Clutch: The NBA Playoffs — ESPN Originals deliver bold perspectives and unparalleled access to the narratives that define the modern sports world. 

All of ESPN. All in One Place.
ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

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