Weenig and Koch go one-two in elite men’s field as Gold Team delivers standout hometown performance

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country (XC) Gold Team athletes delivered a memorable performance at the 53rd Annual Boulder Mountain Tour (BMT) on Feb. 7, racing the iconic 34-kilometer freestyle course from Galena Lodge to the finish at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). With sunny skies, fast conditions, and a deep elite field, the hometown race showcased SVSEF athletes skiing at the front of the pack in both the men’s and women’s elite waves.

In the men’s race, a small lead group broke away early and maintained a blistering pace throughout the point-to-point course. SVSEF XC Gold Team athletes Elijah Weenig and Will Koch battled stride-for-stride to the finish, claiming first and second overall. Peter Wolter also finished strong inside the top ten despite late-race cramping. 

“The BMT this year was super fun,” said SVSEF XC Gold Team Coach Peter Holmes. “The top six men broke away pretty early and kept the pace high through the entire race. With the fast conditions, the Gold Team boys wanted to keep the pace high to try to set a new course record. I’m super stoked for Elijah for winning and almost getting the course record, especially after working through a back injury this fall. It was awesome to see Elijah and Will take the top two spots.”

On the women’s side, Mia Case turned in a solid performance to finish seventh overall after navigating early-race challenges in the crowded field. Additionally, SVSEF Alumni and Prep Team coach Annika Landis (EnjoyWinter) finished second overall in the women’s field and SVSEF XC Prep Team Coach Sarah Armstrong just outside the top 10 in 11th place.

“What a day for a cross country race,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “The sun was shining, the trail was in perfect shape thanks to the BCRD, and there was a great field of racers across all waves. It was spectacular to see the Gold Team skiing at the top in both the men’s and women’s elite waves and finishing together with the community cheering them on.”

Photo: SVSEF Gold Team Athletes Elijah Weenig in 1st place and Will Koch in 2nd place at the 2026 Boulder Mountain Tour

SVSEF XC Gold Team Athlete Results

Men – Overall
1st – Elijah Weenig
2nd – Will Koch
6th – Peter Wolter

Women – Overall
7th – Mia Case

The Gold Team will now turn its focus to a busy stretch of championship racing, including the Period 3 SuperTour in Minneapolis and the American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin later this month.

• February 14th, 2026 – Mayors XC Ski Challenge- 10k Classic Mass Start. Wirth Park. Minneapolis, MN
• February 15th, 2026 – Mayors XC Ski Challenge- 10k Freestyle Interval Start. Wirth Park. Minneapolis, MN
• February 21st, 2026 – The Birkie. 50k Freestyle Mass Start. Cable, WI to Hayward, WI

The leader of the SuperTour after Periods 1, 2, and 3 will earn start rights in Period 4 of the World Cup as the Continental Cup Leader. 

Complete race results can be found here: https://zone4.ca/event/2026/QAwjrM/

Photo Credits below: Craig Wolfrom courtesy of the Boulder Mountain Tour, Jody Zarkos