Podium finishes in slopestyle and rail jam highlight strong early-season preparation

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Freeski team athletes kicked off their USASA competition season with a strong and encouraging weekend at Jackson Hole, WY, marking the team’s first slopestyle event of the year. Athletes competed across slopestyle and rail jam disciplines, delivering podium performances that reflected solid early-season preparation and progression.

The Jackson Hole USASA event provided an important benchmark for the Freeski program, with athletes showing confidence, creativity, and consistency in competitive settings. Across both Open and Age Class divisions, SVSEF athletes earned multiple podium finishes and demonstrated strong performances throughout the field.

“It was great to see the athletes put their training into action this early in the season,” said SVSEF Freeski Program Director Tyler Conway. “The level of riding, focus, and progression we saw throughout the weekend was a strong indicator of where the team is headed.” Overall, the weekend represented a strong start to the competitive season and set a positive tone moving forward as athletes continue to build momentum through winter.

SVSEF Athlete Results

Slopestyle
Barrett Beyer – 2nd place, Open Class
Abe Gross – 1st place, Age Class
Van Ericksen – 3rd place, Age Class
Trandon Smart – 3rd place, Age Class

Rail Jam
Kai Van Bueren – 2nd place, Open Class
Van Ericksen – 2nd place, Age Class

The Freeski team will host USASA competition at Dollar Mountain January 30 – February 1.

Photo: SVSEF Freeski athlete Abe Gross secures first place in Slopestyle.