Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Gearing Up for 59th Season

2024-25 local event calendar welcomes opportunities for community and competition 

SUN VALLEY, Idaho – November 20, 2024 – SVSEF is heading into the 2024-25 season with nearly 900 athletes on 31 teams across seven disciplines including Alpine, Big Mountain, Cross Country, Freeski, Freestyle, Mini X, and Snowboarding. While teams also travel to compete regionally, nationally, and even internationally throughout the season, there are several local events on the calendar slated to be held at Sun Valley, Lake Creek, and Rotarun Ski Area. 

Thirteen (13) SVSEF alumni have been named to the U.S. National Teams in 2024-25:

• Chase Josey, U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team (SVSEF Snowboarding Alum)
• Colin Hanna, U.S. Alpine Development/NorAm Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Dasha Romanov, U.S. Alpine C/Europa Cup Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Finnigan Donley, U.S. Alpine Development/NorAm Team (SVSEF Alum)
• Jack Smith, U.S. Alpine C/Europa Cup Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Jake Adicoff, U.S. ParaNordic Team (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
• Jesse Keefe, U.S. ParaAlpine A Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• John Steel Hagenbuch, U.S. Cross Country B Team (SVSEF XC Alum)
• Kevin Bolger, U.S. Cross Country B Team (SVSEF XC Alum)
• Paige DeHart, U.S. Alpine Development/NorAm Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Ryder Sarchett, U.S. Alpine C/Europa Cup Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Sammy Smith, U.S. Cross Country (A) Team ( SVSEF XC Alum)
• Sydney Palmer-Leger, U.S. Cross Country B Team (SVSEF XC Alum)

SVSEF will host several events/competitions in 2024-25, including but not limited to the following. All dates are subject to change.

Alpine

• Nov 23-27 Pre-Thanksgiving Training Camp at Sun Valley
• Feb 7-9 34th Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race at Sun Valley (U16)
• Feb 22-23 Monroe Cup at Rotarun (hosted by SVSEF)
• Feb 17 Arkoosh Cup at Rotarun (hosted by Rotarun)
• Mar 22-27 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals (hosted by Sun Valley)
• Mar 30 8th Annual Gary Black, Jr. Memorial Race at Sun Valley 

Cross Country 

• Dec 21 Winter Start at Lake Creek
• Dec 28 Holiday Bonfire at Lake Creek
• Jan 11 Snowmaker Classic at Lake Creek
• Jan 30 Ketchum NordicTown Sprints in Downtown Ketchum
• Feb 1 Boulder Mountain Tour (SVSEF not host, but athletes compete)
• Feb 15 Quigley Cup at Quigley Nordic Center
• Feb 20-23 Intermountain Division (IMD) Jr Natls Qual. (JNQ) at Lake Creek
• March 8 Cross Country Devo Festival at Lake Creek

Freeski

• Feb 1-2 USASA Slopestyle Big Mountain West, Dollar

Freestyle

• Jan 25-26 Freestyle Spectacular at Roundhouse, Sun Valley
• Feb 8-9 Roundhouse Rumble at Roundhouse, Sun Valley

Snowboarding

• Jan 30-Feb 2 USASA Slopestyle and Boardercross Big Mountain West, Dollar

Special / Fundraising Events

• Dec 13 48th Annual Wild Game Dinner at The Argyros
• Jan 11 Cross Country Après Snowmaker Fundraiser at Sage School
• Apr 3-5 26th Annual Janss Pro-Am Classic at Sun Valley

About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.

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Media Contact:
Heather Foster
Director of Strategic Communications & Development
hfoster@svsef.org

by Heather Foster

48th Annual Wild Game Dinner Fuels Opportunity for Youth of the Wood River Valley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

48th Annual Wild Game Dinner Fuels Opportunity for Youth of the Wood River Valley

Acclaimed chefs Britt Rescigno and Kinsey Leodler to highlight wild game culinary experience

SUN VALLEY, Idaho – October 14, 2024 – Tickets are on sale for the SVSEF Wild Game Dinner, presented by Northside Capital Management. The event will take place on Friday, Dec. 13 at The Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum. All tickets to the event include the “Pre-Game” reception presented by Stoke Tracks to kick-off the evening's festivities, followed by a savory wild game feast prepared by Britt Rescigno and Kinsey Leodler, the powerhouse team behind Fiamma, a new culinary venture set to open in Ketchum in 2025.

“The Wild Game Dinner holds a special place in the heart of the ski club and for so many in our community,” said SVSEF Executive Director, Scott McGrew. “It’s a time to gather and share stories of impact and inspiration, while raising critical funds to ensure families up and down the valley participate and have access to the experiences we offer.”

The Wild Game Dinner directly supports SVSEF’s mission to provide exceptional snowsport programs, and specifically, the ability to grant more than $500,000 annually in financial aid to athletes across all ages and all programs. Funds are raised through the Wild Game Dinner via sponsorship, ticket sales, a live auction, and a paddle raise.

“Northside is honored to sponsor the SVSEF Wild Game Dinner!,” said Jim DeWolfe, Managing Member, Northside Capital Management. “We have a long history of support and involvement with SVSEF and believe the coaches and staff play a crucial role in developing the youth of our Valley into incredible life citizens. We have seen it in our own children and countless athletes across the SVSEF disciplines.” 

“The work ethic and dedication required of our winter sports provide a critical backbone to long-term personal development,” said DeWolfe. “Northside is committed to community engagement, and thankful to Scott McGrew, the coaches and staff, volunteers, and Directors for their tireless efforts.”

“What we do is so much bigger than sport,” said McGrew. “Our job is to plant the seed of confidence and to nurture the potential in our children. The generosity we see through the Wild Game Dinner allows us to make sure any families who want to participate can participate. Regardless of whether a child goes on to compete on the world stage, or pivots along the way, What matters is that they develop the courage, confidence, and humility to make an impact on the world. An impact that likely has nothing (and everything) to do with a perfect turn, a graceful cork 9, or a classic stride.”

New this year, the Wild Game Dinner will feature the Hunter’s Draw Raffle. Exclusive prize bundles will be up for grabs, each packed with a minimum $1,500 and up to $3,000 value in gift cards and experiences from various partners and businesses. A “Stylin’ in Sun Valley” package awards the winner with a shopping spree at various fashion and home retailers, while the “Taste the Best of the Valley” package provides the chance to enjoy several favorite local restaurants. Other prizes include a Zenergy Health Club Membership, a “Gear Up for Adventure” package, a “City of Trees Getaway” package, and more. Plus, there’s an opportunity to fill your freezer with premium cuts from Hyndman Peak Beef & Cattle Co.

The Wild Game Dinner Live Auction will have those with a love of travel and adventure ready to raise their paddles. A few highlights include four nights of adventure for four in the French Alps at Eleven’s Chalet Pelerin, nestled in the Tarentaise Valley above the charming village of Le Miroir; an afternoon of snowshoeing or cross country skiing before a Private Full Moon Wine Dinner for 12 at Galena Lodge with Cornell Vineyards; a Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Crush Getaway to La Playa Hotel; and a Desert Oasis Escape to The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale to catch Spring Training. In addition, Ciao Bambino, Aero, and Auberge Resorts’ Chileno Bay Resort and Residences have teamed up to whisk a winner off to Mexico.

Absentee (proxy) bidding will be available for this year’s live auction, and those interested in bidding from afar can register to do so at the event’s website and Live Auction Preview here: https://svsefwildgamedinner.afrogs.org/#/pages/24025/ 

Tickets and tables are available for purchase online through the following link: https://svsefwildgamedinner.afrogs.org/ 

• Reserved Farm Table for Sixteen = $5,350
• Reserved Farm Table for Eight = $2,800
• Individual Ticket = $300

For event schedule and further details about this year's Wild Game Dinner, please visit this EVENT DETAILS page.

Local businesses interested in sponsoring the Wild Game Dinner or contributing via product or service in-kind opportunities to the event or the raffle, please visit SVSEF.org or contact Heather Foster at heather@svsef.org. 

About the SVSEF Wild Game Dinner

For the past 47 years, friends, families, and community members have gathered each fall to celebrate SVSEF’s impact on the youth of the Wood River Valley, to imagine the possibilities for the season ahead, and to support SVSEF's Athlete Financial Aid Program through the Wild Game Dinner. Sponsors of the 2024 Wild Game Dinner include Presenting Sponsor Northside Capital Management; Pre-Game Sponsor Stoke Tracks; Base Camp Sponsors Idaho First Bank and Sturtevants of Sun Valley; and Whitetail Sponsors PK’s Ski & Sports, Scout Wine + Cheese, and Ciao Bambino. Wild Game Dinner Partners include: Fiamma, Mountain Pride, American Ostrich Farms, Lava Lake Lamb, Shoemaker Bison Ranch, Charlie’s Produce, Hyndman Peak Beef & Cattle Co., and Roots Wine Bar & Bottle Shop. 

About Northside Capital Management

Northside is a Registered Investment Advisor that builds custom portfolios of strategies and securities across the global investment spectrum. Our clients include family offices, high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments, and corporations. Northside has operated in Ketchum since 2005, and also has other offices in Oregon and California. Our mission is to bring decades of capital markets and risk management experience, as well as detailed investment research to the benefit of our clients. Northside builds tailored portfolios that recognize the unique investment objectives, risk tolerance, and circumstances of each client. We are proud to have a long-standing relationship with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation as parents and volunteers. To learn more, please visit https://northsidecap.com/. 

About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.

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by Heather Foster

Registration Now Open for 46th Annual Baldy Hill Climb

Hike, Run or Race in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation 

Online registration is now open for the 46th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28. For the past 45 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) cross country programming. 

“The Baldy Hill Climb holds a special place in the heart of our cross country teams,” said Kelley Yeates, SVSEF’s Cross Country Assistant Program Director. “It’s all hands on deck with our coaches, families, and athletes of all ages—many volunteering their time to help with the event and others conquering the hill climb to test their summer training in anticipation of the ski season ahead. ”

Organized by the SVSEF Cross Country Ski Teams, the course challenges participants to a grueling 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet—straight up from the bottom of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain at 9,020 feet. All participants receive a collectible event t-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. In addition, and in partnership with Sun Valley Company, participants receive a much-deserved ride down on the Challenger Lift after they finish. 

“The Baldy Hill Climb marks the beginning of a new season for our cross country athletes,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “It’s so inspiring to see our community come together to enjoy an awesome hike, run, or race up Baldy in support of our programming from our youngest XC Striders to our athletes on the XC Gold Team competing on the world stage.” 

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Sun Valley Company and all they do for SVSEF—we wouldn't be where we are today without their belief in and commitment to our programs,” added Flynn. ”We also owe a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant's for their title sponsorship—they are so incredibly generous across our entire community and we couldn't be more appreciative for their support.” 

A $100 bonus is on the line in the race division for those who set a new course record. Morgan Arritola is the only woman to have beat the forty-minute mark in the history of the Baldy Hill Climb—she holds the women’s record set in 2010 at 39:51. Miles Havlick holds the men’s record with a time of 35:04, set in 2014.

IMPORTANT PARKING/SHUTTLE INFORMATION:
The Warm Springs and Upper Greyhawk lots will be closed due to construction. 

Participants are encouraged to please carpool or utilize Mountain Rides from the YMCA. The Mountain Rides Blue Line departs every 30 minutes from the YMCA, with the first bus departing at 7:53 a.m. and arriving at the base of Warm Springs at 7:58 a.m. Please visit Mountain Rides Blue Line Schedule for any updates.

There is limited parking along the adjacent neighborhood streets. Please do not park in any areas marked with “No Parking” signs. 

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, September 27th
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Packet Pick-Up at Sturtevants, 340 N. Main Street, Ketchum

Saturday, September 28th
8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Check-In/Packet Pick-Up at base of Warm Springs

8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start: Free for kids 11 years and under. No pre-registration. 

9:00 a.m. Hike Start

10:00 a.m. Race Start

12:00 p.m. Awards at the summit

Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will NOT be available.

Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.

by Heather Foster

SVSEF Cross Country Announces Changes at the Helm for Comp and Gold Teams

Familiar faces set to lead the charge as summer training gets underway for 2024/25 season

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Cross Country Program is thrilled to announce two exciting internal hires for the SVSEF XC Comp Team and XC Gold Team. Chris Mallory, eight-year SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach, has been hired as the new XC Comp Team Head Coach and Peter Holmes, former SVSEF XC Gold Team member (2016-2020) and current SVSEF XC Post-Grad Head Coach, will take over as the XC Gold Team Head Coach.  

Chris Mallory brings years of knowledge and coaching experience to this position with the Comp Team, which offers year-round training and racing opportunities for high school skiers. Mallory comes directly from coaching the Gold Team through one of its most successful seasons ever with every team member competing at the World Cup level, a total of 34 World Cup starts among them, and seeing Jake Adicoff crowned 2024 Para Nordic VI World Champion.

Mallory started with SVSEF in 2016 as a Devo Coach working with the youngest of our  athletes. From there he moved into an Assistant Comp Team role alongside Rick Kapala and Ashley Knox. He worked with the Post-Grad team for a few years before taking a hiatus and coaching collegiately for three years at ski powerhouse University of Vermont. He was lured back to the Wood River Valley to take over the XC Gold Team in 2016 and has been in that role since.

After a national search for the new Comp Team Head Coach, Mallory was the clear front runner to lead the program. “We are thrilled that Chris accepted the position and will be leading the Comp Team,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “We are so lucky to have someone with his ski training and racing knowledge, experience and expertise taking over this role. He inherits a strong group of skiers, many of whom have competed both nationally and internationally, as well as newcomers to the sport. It is a great mix of young athletes willing to put time and energy into a sport they love. It will be exciting to see where he can take this group.”

Mallory will assume the new role and leadership of the Comp Team immediately. Having him in town allows for a seamless transition with no interruptions for team training. The team is already out training on roller skis and hiking in the mountains, preparing for next year's race season. 

The athletes are thrilled to be working with Chris. Molly Maybach, an upcoming senior on the Comp Team shared, “Chris is awesome—this is going to be a fun season!”

When asked about making the shift to the Comp Team, Mallory said, “I am excited about forming great relationships with the athletes and helping guide them as they reach their goals in skiing and beyond. It was rewarding to chase international performances with the Gold Team and see that excitement trickle down to our juniors and the broader ski community. I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation of success that surrounds the team at the local level.” 

Chris Mallory’s Career Highlights:

• 2001 - 2005: University of New Hampshire Nordic Ski Team; four-time NCAA Skiing Championship competitor
• 2005 - 2006: Started as SVSEF Devo Coach working with Dave Bingham
• 2006 - 2013: SVSEF Comp Team Assistant Coach with Rick Kapala (3 years)
• 2011 - 2013: SVSEF Post-Grad Coach 
• 2013 - 2016: University of Vermont Assistant Coach
• 2016 - 2024: SVSEF XC Gold Team Coach
• 2007, 2009, 2010, 2021: Wax Tech for Junior World Championships
• 2022: Coached at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games
• 2023: Coached at Ostersund Sweden Para Nordic World Championships
• 2024: Coached at numerous Cross Country World Cups

While Chris Mallory is taking the reins of the Comp Team as Head Coach, Peter Holmes, former SVSEF XC Gold Team member (2016-2020) and current SVSEF XC Post-Grad Head Coach, will take over as the XC Gold Team Head Coach.  

Holmes, who spent four years on the Gold Team will now have the opportunity to lead the program into the 2024/25 season and beyond.  

"I am super excited to be stepping into the role of Gold Team Head Coach,” said Holmes. “I have learned a lot from Chris, both from when I was an athlete on the Gold Team and while I was working with him as a coach the last few years. I have worked with Jake [Adicoff] and Peter [Wolter] in the past, and it will be good to spend more time with them in training and on the road. I am also looking forward to bringing on new athletes and trying to build up the team into a larger training group. I'm really excited for this new chapter of my coaching career and with the Gold Team. It's going to be super fun and I'm ready for it!"

Gold Team athlete and current World Champion Jake Adicoff shared, “Peter has been a huge Gold Team asset, both as an athlete and as an ad hoc assistant to Chris. We know him, we’ve worked with him, and we’re really excited to have him as the new full time coach. And as a friend, I’m very proud of him for taking on this new role and I have a ton of confidence in his ability to lead this team.”

Holmes is a California native and has been with the SVSEF XC program since 2018 when he raced for the Gold Team. He was a high level sprinter, and has numerous World Cup starts to his name. As a collegiate athlete for the University of New Hampshire, he competed in three NCAA Championships and was a leader on the team. Prior to that he was a two-time U18 Junior National Champion. 

“We are so fortunate to have the talent right here in our own coaching staff to make this coaching transition,” said Flynn. “Peter has been working closely with Chris over the past few years and understands the nuances of the position. In this role, you have to be good at a lot of things. Peter has been honing his waxing knowledge and is ready to take this next step, and we are here to support him in all that he brings to the Gold Team.”

Peter Holmes Career Highlights:

• Two-time U18 Junior National Champion
• 2014-2017: Three-time NCAA Skiing Championship competitor for University of New Hampshire
• 2014-2017: Tahoe Cross Country summer Devo Coach
• 2018-2022: SVSEF XC Gold Team Member, 18 World Cup starts
• 2020: 3rd in U.S. National Championship Sprint
• 2021-2023: SVSEF XC Assistant Comp Team coach
• 2022: Wax Tech/Coach with US Development team at Opa Cup Races
• 2023-2024: SVSEF XC Post Grad Head Coach and Summer Training Group Coach/Assistant Comp Team Coach
• 2024: Wax Tech for Junior World/U23 Championships, Planicia, Slovenia
• 2024: Wax Tech for Junior National Championships, Lake Placid, NY

by Heather Foster

SVSEF’s Gladys Weidt Awarded Intermountain Division Coach of the Year

Back-to-back IMD Coach of the Year awards for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

At the 2023/24 Intermountain Division (IMD) Annual Meeting Awards Banquet on Wednesday, SVSEF’s Assistant Alpine Director and Assistant Coach of the Alpine U16 Team, Gladys Weidt, was awarded IMD Nick Lewis Coach of the Year. The award is voted on annually by the IMD Alpine Competition Committee and the directors of all clubs in the division. This is the second consecutive year SVSEF has received the prestigious award, with U14 Travel Team Head Coach Charlotte Gourlay being named IMD Coach of the Year in 2023.

“It is such an honor to receive the Nick Lewis IMD Coach of the Year Award, especially being in such great company with the past recipients,” said Gladys Weidt, SVSEF Assistant Alpine Director and Assistant U16 Team Coach. “To receive this award makes me incredibly grateful for all of the support I have received from the community to do what I love!”

“Over the last few seasons, Gladys has played a pivotal role in elevating the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Alpine Program,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Her leadership in managing both our FIS and U16 programs has been instrumental in fostering the athletic achievements of our athletes, including the significant accomplishment of six athletes being named to the U.S. Ski Team.”

Under Weidt’s guidance, Ryder Sarchett clinched a World Junior gold medal and Haley Cutler secured a spot in the World Cup downhill races for the upcoming 2024/25 season. This past season, she made the selfless decision to step down as the FIS Team head coach to maximize her impact by taking on the role of Assistant Alpine Director and Assistant U16 Coach. 

“Gladys’s unique perspective and dedication to the club were evident as she chose to utilize her skills where they would be most effective, rather than seeking higher titles,” said Brandenburg. “This shift has had a profound effect on our program, notably contributing to our U16 male and female athletes (Tucker Reimund and Taylor Moe) winning the 2024 IMD overall titles.”

While SVSEF’s Head U16 Coach Nate Schwing plays a crucial role in the athletes’ development, Gladys’s approach to engaging with the athletes complements and enhances his efforts. 

“Gladys’s commitment extends beyond coaching to fostering mental and physical wellness among our athletes,” said Brandenburg. “She has spearheaded initiatives to expand our understanding and implementation of wellness practices within our organization, and her values and dedication to personal development through sports have profoundly influenced not only the athletes she coaches but also our broader community. Her contributions are invaluable, and she embodies the spirit and excellence that the Nick Lewis Intermountain Coach of the Year Award seeks to recognize.”

SVSEF recipients of the annual IMD awards across the last decade include:

• 2023-24 Coach of the Year - Gladys Weidt
• 2022-23 Coach of the Year - Charlotte Gourlay
• 2022-23 Volunteer of the Year - Sean O’Connor
• 2022-23 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Finnigan Donley
• 2021-22 Official of the Year - Riley Berman
• 2020-21 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Ryder Sarchett
• 2017-18 Official of the Year - Scott McGrew
• 2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Men) - Jack Smith
• 2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
• 2016-17 Coach of the Year - Nate Schwing
• 2016-17 Volunteer of the Year - Heather Flood Daves
• 2015-16 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
• 2014-15 IMD Scholar Award - Stockton Troyer
• 2012-13 Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Kyla Miller

by Heather Foster

SVSEF Awarded 2024 US Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year

At yesterday evening’s US Ski & Snowboard Awards Banquet in Park City, UT, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) was recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Club of the Year, a prestigious accolade that highlights the organization's dedication, success, and strength across development and coaching.

SVSEF’s Executive Director, Scott McGrew, was on hand to receive the award on behalf of the organization. This is the third time in the organization’s history that SVSEF has received the Outstanding Club of the Year honor—previously in 1999 and 2013.

“We are honored and humbled for SVSEF to be acknowledged by the US Ski and Snowboard Association as their Outstanding Club of the year,” said McGrew. “It is a testimony to the power of community, the incredible partners we have made, and the dedicated people who lean all the way into the work. This past winter we had homegrown kids distinguish themselves as best in the world in their chosen sports; it is an incredible feat, but only part of the story. The ecosystem that we have built, with a keen and very serious commitment to raising solid, authentic, and whole young people, is the real bedrock of the deal. Without that whole child focus, there are no true champions, just medals for the trophy case. We love the accolades, for sure, but the real success lies in the hearts and minds we work to grow beyond sport.”

According to the US Ski and Snowboard website, the Club of the Year was first presented in 1998.

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation US Ski & Snowboard Accolades

• 1999 - USSS Club of the Year
• 2013 - USSS Club of the Year and Snowboard Club of the Year
• 2017 - USSS Gold Club Status
• 2021 - USSS Cross Country Club of the Year and Gold Club Status
• 2022 - USSS Adaptive Club of the Year and Gold Club Status
• 2023 - USSS Gold Club Status
• 2024 - USSS Club of the Year and Gold Club Status

by Heather Foster

Reimund, Moe named Intermountain Division overall champions

By DYLAN ORTUNO Idaho Mountain Express Staff Writer

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation alpine skiers Taylor Moe, right, and Tucker Reimund pose for a photo after the conclusion of the Intermountain Division’s Snow Cup Races in Utah on Tuesday, April 9.

Moe and Reimund were named the IMD overall champions for women and men, respectively, following their performances over the course of the entire IMD season. The season included races across the region, starting in December at Jackson Hole and ending in April with the Snow Cup Races in Utah. The series included races in Sun Valley in February.

by Heather Foster

Callie Allen Wins 1st Place in Halfpipe at USASA National Championships at Copper Mountain

by Liz Chamberlain

Big Weekend for SVSEF Alpine at Western Regional and Tri-Divisional Championships

SVSEF Alpine U14’s bring home multiple podium and top ten finishes amongst the best at Tri-Divisionals

Athletes from the SVSEF Alpine U14 Travel Team polished off their seasons away from their home mountain this past weekend. While some members of the team were at the Western Region U14 Junior Championship held March 21-24 at Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY, fellow teammates were competing on the same days at the U14-U16 Tri-Divisional Championships at Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl, MT. The Junior Championships bring together the best 60 athletes from each gender to represent their respective divisions in Super G, Giant Slalom, and Slalom. The Tri-Divisional Championships welcomes U14-U16 qualified athletes from Northern, Intermountain, and Alaska Divisions.

Sun Valley is part of the Intermountain Division (IMD) which includes Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. 

WESTERN REGION U14 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, MARCH 21-24, GRAND TARGHEE RESORT, WY

For the Western Region U14 Junior Championship, the IMD invites the best 17 boys and 19 girls from these three states to compete. Seven SVSEF U14 athletes were invited including Bianca Smith, Jasmine Smiley, Alex Heidel, Wyatt Limburg, Henry Questad, Henry Flynn & Declan O'Toole. This event presents the opportunity for athletes to compete against the best in the region, and meet new coaches and athletes from across the West to build connections beyond their small communities back home. 

This year’s Western Region event took place on the Big Thunder venue at Grand Targhee, with the Super G finals on Friday, GS on Saturday, and SL on Sunday. The kids were able to familiarize themselves with the course terrain during a training day on Thursday, but less than ideal conditions lined up for the competition days, with heavy winds and firm snow on Friday for the Super G.

The athletes stepped up to the plate, battling through the conditions and some particularly challenging course sets. The weekend set the stage for opportunities to improve and for teammates to encourage each other, with plenty of personal growth and friendships made in a short period of time. 

SVSEF Alpine U14 Travel Team Head Coach Charlotte Gourlay was impressed with the team’s output, “Each of the athletes had at least one really solid run, and the stoke was high by the end of the series! They really embraced the goal of getting to know new teammates and coaches from around the division and built some friendships they can take into their ski racing futures.” 

Bianca Smith graced the top ten in GS for the girls, where her second run impressively brought her from 11th to sixth place. While Smith was the only athlete from SVSEF to take home a top ten spot, the Intermountain Division swept the top three overall for the boys and took the top podium spot in the overall for girls. 

All in all, Coach Gourlay was pleased with the team’s experience, “Our SVSEF athletes had a great opportunity to compete against the best of the best from their age class, and make new lasting friendships within our Intermountain Division! They truly stepped up to the challenge and made the most of the experience.” 

TRI-DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, MARCH 21-24, BIG SKY RESORT AND BRIDGER BOWL, MT

Athletes from the Northern, Intermountain, and Alaska Divisions qualify to compete at the Tri-Divisional Championships each spring. U14 and U16 teams test their speed in Super G, GS, and SL. This year’s Super G races were held at Big Sky Resort, while the GS and SL races were contested at Bridger Bowl.

Nineteen SVSEF athletes made the trip to Montana to compete in the Tri-Divisionals—mostly U14 and a handful of teammates from the U16 team. 

All in all, the teams came home with nearly 20 top ten finishes, including more than a handful of top three podium spots. In the girls U14 Super G, Piper Spengler took second and Collette Duke eighth. For the boys U14 Super G, three landed in the top ten with Corbin Flood second, Kai Sammis fourth, and Cameron Beck sixth. Reid Holman came in ninth for the boys U16 Super G.

In GS, Liv Harrington took second place and Piper Spengler sixth for the U14 girls, and Cameron Beck, Kai Sammis, and Corbin Flood all landed in the top five in first, second, and fourth respectively.

On the final day in SL, the U14 girls brought home four top ten finishes with Taylor Rundell in first, Piper Spengler third, Carolyn Fleming fourth, and Collette Duke tenth. For the U14 boys, Corbin Flood took seventh, Kai Sammis eighth, and Thijs Lloyd tenth.

For complete Western Region U14 Junior Championship results, please visit: https://www.imdalpine.org/alpine/races23/U14.php 

For U14-U16 Tri-Divisional Championship results, please visit the following links:

Super G Women by Class

Super G Men by Class

Giant Slalom Women

Giant Slalom Men

Slalom Women

Slalom Men

by Heather Foster

SVSEF Alpine U16 Team Shines at U16 Western Region Championships

Taylor Moe and Ruby Smith go One-Two in the Overall for Women

Nearly 180 athletes descended on Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, AK for the U16 Western Region Championships March 19-22. Slalom, Giant Slalom, and two Super G races over the four days were on tap for both the men and women from across the region, in their quest to qualify for U16 Nationals. At the conclusion of the championships, SVSEF's Ruby Smith, Taylor Moe, Tucker Reimund, and Ulrich Rossi qualified for U16 Nationals by finishing in the top 15 for the overall. U16 Nationals will be held March 31-April 4 in Vail, CO. 

“The SVSEF Alpine U16 squad qualified 13 athletes to attend U16 Regionals in Alyeska, AK,” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF Alpine U16 Team Head Coach. “We were greeted by great hospitality and beautiful scenery. The snow conditions were very challenging for the competing field which made for a series where athletes needed to adapt and persevere. Our team performed well and it was an experience our group will for sure take with them into the future!”

The second Super G race for both men and women was the Championship event to count towards the overall titles, which were awarded based on the best two out of three races. Awards were given to the top ten per gender per championship event, and to the top three per gender in the first Super G.

At the conclusion of the U16 Western Region Championships, SVSEF’s Taylor Moe won the overall for the women sweeping all four races, with teammate Ruby Smith coming in second overall with an eighth place in SL, third in GS, and a third and second place finish in the two Super G races respectively. 

On the men’s side, consistent skiing by Ulrich Rossi landed him in fourth overall with a sixth place in SL, eighth in the first Super G and second place in the Super G championship race. Tucker Reimund snuck into seventh overall, tying for third in SL and finishing eighth in the championship Super G race. 

Other standout results for the SVSEF U16 Team include first-year U16’s Conway Selznick tying for ninth in the men’s GS and Huxley Flood bringing home a top ten in tenth place in the first Super G race. Second-year U16 teammate Jay Blackburn had a solid series as well finishing 18th in the GS, 28th in the first Super G, and 29th in the championship Super G.

First-year U16 athlete Elliot Leahy skied a strong Super G series racing to 13th in the first race and a top 20 in 18th in the championship Super G.

RACE RESULTS:

Women's SL 
Women's GS
Women's Super G 1
Women's Super G 2

Men's SL
Men's GS
Men's Super G 1
Men's Super G 2

by Heather Foster