Wells Dolson and Drake Lovlien build on strong season to reach number 1 national rankings

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Freestyle proudly hosted its first home competition of the season last weekend with the Sun Valley Freestyle Spectacular at Sun Valley Resort’s Roundhouse slope. The two-day event brought athletes and families together for a key early-season competition and served as a qualifier for the 2026 U.S. Freestyle Nationals, where the top 30 athletes in the country will compete this March at Palisades Tahoe. 

Despite limited full-course training opportunities leading into the weekend due to limited snowfall, SVSEF freestyle athletes rose to the occasion, demonstrating impressive competitive composure across both single moguls and dual moguls competitions.

Saturday’s single moguls event set the tone for the weekend. Wells Dolson delivered a standout performance, earning a first-place overall finish on the women’s side, while Isla Sundby secured third. In the men’s field, Drake Lovlien captured the overall win, with Will Hausmann narrowly missing the podium in fourth place by just 0.08 points.

Sunday’s competition opened with a second single moguls event before transitioning into high-energy dual moguls in the afternoon. Sun Valley Community School senior Sienna Loredo earned a first-place overall finish in the women’s singles event, while Sylas Barrett claimed third overall on the men’s side after returning from a shoulder injury earlier this winter. 

In the women’s duals, Wells Dolson continued her dominant season, advancing through the field to earn a first-place finish and defend her undefeated duals record for the year. On the men’s side, SVSEF Freestyle alumnus Austin McMahan skied into third place after a strong showing through the semifinal rounds, while current SVSEF athletes Drake Lovlien, Sylas Barrett, and Will Hausmann all delivered fast, aggressive runs during the road-to-semifinals rounds.

“This past weekend’s competition was a great reminder of how special our community is,” said SVSEF Freestyle coach Rainey Wilson. “Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who came out to cheer and support our athletes. The kids skied strong, supported one another, and made us proud. We’re grateful for everyone who helped make this past weekend run smoothly.”

A notable highlight from the weekend: Drake Lovlien and Wells Dolson are currently tied for first overall on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Points List, which will be officially published on February 11. At present, Dolson sits ranked first in the country, while Lovlien is ranked fourth—but following this weekend’s performances, Lovlien is expected to be tied for first overall.

SVSEF Athlete Results

Day 1 – Single Moguls
Overall Men – 1st Drake Lovlien, 4th Will Hausmann
Overall Women – 1st Wells Dolson, 3rd Isla Sundby
F13 – 3rd Emily Chavez
F15 – 1st Wells Dolson, 2nd Isla Sundby
M15 – 3rd Cal Strachan
M17 – 3rd Beau Forelli
M19 – 1st Drake Lovlien, 2nd Will Hausmann

Day 2 – Single Moguls
Overall Women – 1st Sienna Loredo, 4th Wells Dolson
F13 – 2nd Emily Chavez
Overall Men – 3rd Sylas Barrett, 4th Will Hausmann, 5th Austin McMahan (Alumni)
M17 – 3rd Beau Forelli
M15 – 3rd Brodie Forelli
M13 – 3rd Ryder Sanborn, 4th Greyson Siegel

Day 2 – Dual Moguls
Women – 1st Wells Dolson
Men – 3rd Austin McMahan (Alumni)

Complete results are not available in entirety but results summary can be found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUROmzfkSMn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&img_index=12