SVSEF Alpine Athletes Rise to the Challenge at Tri-Divisional Championships in Grand Targhee
Podium finishes and an overall title highlight a competitive weekend in Grand Targhee
SUN VALLEY, Idaho – March 24, 2026 – The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine U14 and U16 teams traveled to Grand Targhee for the Butch Hoffman Memorial Tri-Divisional Championships, held March 20–23. The race brought together qualified athletes from the Intermountain, Northern, and Alaska divisions, creating a highly competitive field of over 200 racers. Originally scheduled for Snowbasin, the series was relocated to Grand Targhee less than a week prior due to conditions, with organizers delivering a seamless and high-quality championship experience despite the last minute venue change.
Across four days of racing, athletes competed in Super-G (SG), Giant Slalom (GS), and Slalom (SL) events. Firm morning surfaces followed by spring-like afternoon conditions provided a dynamic racing environment, challenging athletes to adapt and perform across varying terrain and snow conditions. SVSEF was represented by 20 athletes, many of whom delivered standout results against deep regional competition.
“The Snowbasin and Grand Targhee teams went above and beyond to produce a high-quality championship series, despite the challenges of the recent hot weather,” said Head First Year U14 Coach Ben Roberts.
SVSEF athletes found success throughout the series, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and strong top-10 performances. Leading the way, Halley McGrew captured the overall U14 Tri-Divisional Championship title after consistently strong results, including a SG victory and additional podium finishes. Liv Harrington topped the U16 SL field, while several teammates secured top finishes across disciplines, underscoring the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Photo: U14 skier Halley McGrew with the overall series win posing at the podium with legendary skier and coach Scott Hoffman.
Athlete Results
Saturday, March 21 – Super-G
Girls U14:
1st – Halley McGrew
Sunday, March 22 – Giant Slalom
Girls U14:
2nd – Halley McGrew
8th – Kinley Letson
9th – Makenna Steel
Girls U16:
4th – Liv Harrington
6th – Georgia Baxley
10th – Gaia Luem
Boys U14:
5th – Charlie Spengler
9th – Breclan McCarthy
Monday, March 23 – Slalom
Girls U14:
4th – Makenna Steel
5th – Halley McGrew
7th – Mabel Dietz
9th – Kinley Letson
Girls U16:
1st – Liv Harrington
5th – Georgia Baxley
Boys U14:
2nd – Brixen Ehleringer
5th – Breclan McCarthy
10th – Reid Wilke
Overall:
U14 Girls Tri-Divisional Champion: Halley McGrew
Full results can be found at: https://imdalpine.org/race-results/
SVSEF Gold Team Athletes Compete at Historic World Cup Finals in Lake Placid
Koch, Hagenbuch, and Smith represent SVSEF at 2026 competitive season finale
Three Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Gold Team athletes competed at the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals at Mt. Van Hoevenberg from March 20-22, joining an expanded 12-athlete U.S. contingent at season-ending championship event. Will Koch, John Steel Hagenbuch, and Sammy Smith represented SVSEF at the historic event, which drew 14,000 fans and marked the final World Cup races for American legend Jessie Diggins.
The three-day event featured 10km Classic Interval Start, Classic Sprint, and 20km Skate Mass Start competitions, but the weekend transcended racing results. The entire cross country ski community gathered to celebrate retiring champions, present Crystal Globe awards, and witness the next generation of American skiers step onto the World Cup stage.
"World Cup Finals on home turf was an incredible experience for both our athletes and especially all the young fans out there," said Chris Mallory, SVSEF Head Comp Team Coach, who attended with his son Finn, a Devo South athlete. "American fans turned out in force just like in Minneapolis two years ago with 14,000 in attendance. The next generation will certainly carry a lot of stoke from the weekend with them."
Smith began her very busy competitive weekend with Friday’s 10km Skate Classic race where she finished 47th to get the racing underway for SVSEF Gold Team members in Lake Placid.
Saturday’s Skate Sprint Final race saw Smith (on her second of three races during the weekend) notch an incredible 17th in a highly competitive field. Koch raced hard in snowy conditions, finishing 55th.
For the final race of the weekend, Smith and Hagenbuch pushed their skiing to the limit in the challenging 20km Mass Start Free race, finishing 50th and 69th respectively.
"Through rain, sun and snow, the energy of the crowd was unbelievable—a tribute to the dedication of US Nordic ski fans," said Koch. "What stands out most from the weekend is less the racing and more feeling a part of something bigger. Every foreigner I spoke to felt welcome and I was proud to be part of such an amazing community."
An emotional highlight came on Sunday when approximately 400 youth skiers braved three hours of rain to participate in "One Last Lap" with Jessie Diggins following her last World Cup race before retiring from competitive racing. The moment epitomized Diggins' impact on the sport and her dedication to inspiring young athletes,
The multi-generational nature of the weekend was exemplified by the Mallory family's presence. Mallory, former SVSEF Gold Team coach and current Head Comp Team Coach, shared the experience with his son Finn and father Leigh, creating memories that connected past, present, and future generations of cross country skiers. When asked what he liked about being there, young Finn replied simply: "Cheering for all the ski racers."
The World Cup Finals provided SVSEF Gold Team athletes with invaluable experience competing at the sport's highest level while participating in a celebration of cross country skiing's past champions and future stars. The expanded U.S. quota allowed a dozen American athletes ready to take the leap and lead the next chapter of U.S. cross country ski racing to gain critical World Cup experience.
Photo: XC Comp Team Head Coach Chris Mallory's son Finn poses with two-time Olympic silver medalist Ben Ogden in Lake Placid, NY.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Friday, March 20 – 10km Classic Interval Start
Men’s: John Steel Hagenbuch – 32nd
Women’s: Sammy Smith – 47th
Saturday, March 21 – Classic Sprint Final
Men’s: Will Koch – 55th
Women’s: Sammy Smith – 17th
Sunday, March 22 – 20km Skate Mass Start
Men: John Steel Hagenbuch – 69th
Women: Sammy Smith – 50th
Results for the WC Finals found here: https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/xcworldcupfinals/
About the FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals
The FIS Cross Country World Cup Finals represents the culminating event of the international cross country ski racing season, featuring the world's top athletes competing for final World Cup points and Crystal Globe championships. The 2026 Finals in Lake Placid marked a historic homecoming for the event and drew record crowds to celebrate both retiring legends and the sport's future stars.
North Series Athletes Celebrate Season Finale at IMD Championships in Jackson Hole
Questad and Rixon earn podium finishes as 33 athletes compete in three-day championship event
Thirty-three Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Alpine U12 North Series athletes competed at the IMD Championships at Jackson Hole from March 20-22. The three-day championship event featured Giant Slalom (GS), Slalom (SL), and Dual Panel Slalom (DPSL) competitions, bringing together the top young racers from the Intermountain Division's northern and southern regions.
The IMD Championships represents the culmination of the North Series competitive season, bringing together athletes from across the Intermountain Division for three days of high-level racing in all alpine disciplines.
SVSEF athletes raced strongly across all three disciplines in warm, sunny conditions, with Alta Questad leading the way with podium finishes in both SL and DPSL. Questad placed third in the Slalom on Friday and followed up with a second-place finish in Saturday's DPSL, showcasing exceptional consistency and technical skill.
"Champs are the well-deserved reward after a winter of hard work where you can let loose and race with heart and soul," said SVSEF Alpine North Series Coach Claudia Stern. She added, “The sun was shining, temperatures soared and smiles were off the charts!”
The championship series provided SVSEF's youngest competitive athletes an opportunity to showcase their season-long progression against regional competition. Multiple athletes recorded top-20 finishes across the three events, with several posting personal best results.
For the girls, Kayla Kloster demonstrated versatility with top-15 finishes in all three disciplines. Marie McNeal earned top-15 results in both GS (11th) and DPSL (7th), while Amelia Beck posted consistent finishes across all three events. Dylan Spengler and Sophie Robins also represented SVSEF well throughout the weekend, contributing to the team's overall strong showing at the championship.
On the boys' side, Ford Rixon used his technical prowess to land on the podium with a fifth-place result in the DPSL format. Dylan Smiley posted the team's strongest GS result with a seventh-place finish on Thursday, followed by solid performances in both SL (12th) and DPSL (11th). Walker Gove and Vance Gardner added depth to the team's results throughout the weekend.
The event featured memorable moments beyond the race courses, including pool sessions, a moose sighting on the hill, and an energetic pit party at the start area. The combination of competitive racing and team camaraderie exemplified the focus of developing positive race environments alongside skill progression in the SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series program.
Photo: Alta Questad and Ford Rixon with their trophies on the podium at IMD Championships in Jackson Hole, WY.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Thursday, March 20 – Giant Slalom
Girls
10th – Kayla Kloster
11th – Marie McNeal
13th – McKenna McCarthy
17th – Amelia Beck
18th – Dylan Spengler
20th – Freya Moffat
Boys
7th – Dylan Smiley
15th – Ford Rixon
17th – Vance Gardner
20th – Walker Gove
Friday, March 21 – Slalom
Girls
3rd – Alta Questad
13th – Kayla Kloster
15th – Amelia Beck
21st – Dylan Spengler
Boys
12th – Dylan Smiley
18th – Ford Rixon
21st – Walker Gove
Saturday, March 22 – Dual Panel Slalom
Girls
2nd – Alta Questad
7th – Marie McNeal
12th – Kayla Kloster
23rd – Sophie Robins
Boys
5th – Ford Rixon
11th – Dylan Smiley
19th – Walker Gove
Complete results for the IMD Championships may be found at: https://imdalpine.org/race-results/
About the IMD Championships
The IMD Championships is the season-ending championship event for the Intermountain Division's North and South Series athletes. The three-day competition brings together the division's top young alpine racers for competition across all alpine disciplines, providing a culminating experience that celebrates a season of hard work and progression.
Four SVSEF Alpine Athletes Qualify for U16 Nationals at Western Region Championships
Bengtson, DeGennaro, Questad, and Smiley earn berths to Snow King as Alpine U16 team excels in Palisades Tahoe
Fifteen Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Alpine U16 athletes competed at the U16 Western Region Championships in Palisades Tahoe from March 12-15. The four-day championship featured two Super G races, one Giant Slalom, and one Slalom, with SVSEF athletes delivering strong performances across all disciplines in warm, sunny conditions that still provided excellent racing.
The highlight of the weekend came as four SVSEF athletes earned qualification to the U16 National Championships at Snow King, Wyoming based on their performances at Western Regionals. Colter Bengtson, Neena DeGennaro, Henry Questad, and Jasmine Smiley will represent SVSEF at the national championship after posting consistently strong results throughout the week.
Bengtson led the way for SVSEF's men, recording top-15 finishes in all four races, highlighted by a fifth-place result in the Slalom Western Region Championship Race and seventh place in the second Super G. DeGennaro matched that consistency on the women's side, finishing in the top 20 in all four events, including a sixth-place showing in the Women's Giant Slalom Western Region Championship Race.
"SVSEF U16 Athletes performed well in Palisades Tahoe at U16 Western Region Championships," said Nate Schwing, SVSEF U16 Head Coach. "Courses were challenging but fun, and provided an excellent progression where athletes were gaining confidence daily. Many SVSEF athletes had races or performances they should be proud of!"
Smiley demonstrated versatility across all disciplines, posting top-15 finishes in three of four races, including an 11th-place result in both the second Super G and the Women's Slalom Western Region Championship Race. Questad rounded out the national qualifiers with strong performances in the speed events, placing 12th in the second Super G and 11th in the Men's Slalom.
Beyond the four national qualifiers, SVSEF athletes showed impressive depth throughout the field. Paxton Harris posted back-to-back top-16 finishes in the Super G races, while Corbin Flood earned 10th place in the second Super G and 17th in Giant Slalom. Bianca Smith, Henry Nordstrom, Cameron Beck, Wyatt Limburg, and Jake Schlatter all contributed solid results to round out a successful team performance.
The Western Region Championships served as the qualifying event for the U16 National Championships, bringing together the top junior alpine racers from across the western United States. The challenging courses at Palisades Tahoe tested athletes' technical skills and speed across all four alpine disciplines.
Photo: SVSEF Alpine U16 Regionals squad at Palisades Tahoe.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Thursday, March 12 – Men's Super G
15th – Colter Bengtson
16th – Paxton Harris
Thursday, March 12 – Women's Super G
14th – Jasmine Smiley
18th – Neena DeGennaro
Friday, March 13 – Men's Super G (Western Region Championship Race)
7th – Colter Bengtson
10th – Corbin Flood
12th – Henry Questad
14th – Paxton Harris
Friday, March 13 – Women's Super G (Western Region Championship Race)
11th – Jasmine Smiley
14th – Neena DeGennaro
Saturday, March 14 – Men's Slalom (Western Region Championship Race)
5th – Colter Bengtson
11th – Henry Questad
13th – Henry Nordstrom
16th – Cameron Beck
20th – Wyatt Limburg
Saturday, March 14 – Women's Giant Slalom (Western Region Championship Race)
6th – Neena DeGennaro
10th – Jasmine Smiley
19th – Bianca Smith
Sunday, March 15 – Men's Giant Slalom (Western Region Championship Race)
13th – Colter Bengtson
17th – Corbin Flood
19th – Jake Schlatter
Sunday, March 15 – Women's Slalom (Western Region Championship Race)
11th – Jasmine Smiley
SVSEF U16 National Championships Qualifiers
Colter Bengtson
Neena DeGennaro
Henry Questad
Jasmine Smiley
Complete results for the U16 Western Region Championships may be found at: https://live-timing.com
Up Next for SVSEF Alpine U16: U16 National Championships at Snow King, Wyoming on March 28-April 1.
About the U16 Western Region Championships
The U16 Western Region Championships is the premier regional championship event for U16 alpine ski racers in the western United States. The event serves as the primary qualifier for the U16 National Championships and brings together the top junior athletes from clubs across the western region to compete in all four alpine disciplines.
SVSEF Big Mountain Athletes Push Limits at National Championship in Whistler
Six Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Big Mountain athletes competed at the National 3* Championship at Whistler Blackcomb, the highest level of competition available to junior big mountain skiers. Scout Bilbro, Scarlett Carruth, Tessa Lightner, Cruz Bilbro, Jude Carter, and Zack Torres represented SVSEF at the highly competitive and selective event, making participation alone a significant achievement for the season.
The competition showcased some of the biggest and most challenging terrain the athletes skied all winter, pushing their limits on steeper lines, larger cliffs, and more technical features than available anywhere else. Despite challenging conditions that ultimately led to the cancellation of finals, SVSEF athletes posted strong results in the qualifier round, with Scout Bilbro and Tessa Lightner both earning fourth-place finishes.
"Whistler is always about so much more than just the competition," said Sarah Verst, SVSEF Big Mountain Program Director. "It's an opportunity for our athletes to step into some of the biggest terrain they'll ski all year, pushing themselves on bigger lines, cliffs, and features at a higher level than we ski anywhere else."
Bilbro and Lightner led the SVSEF contingent with their fourth-place results, demonstrating the technical skill and mental fortitude required to navigate Whistler's demanding terrain. Scarlett Carruth followed with an eighth-place finish, while Cruz Bilbro secured 10th place in what marked his final competition as a junior athlete.
The competition held special significance for Bilbro, who concluded four years with the SVSEF Big Mountain program. Despite the cancellation of finals, he handled the situation with maturity and finished his junior career on a positive note, exemplifying the consistency and reliability that has defined his tenure with the team.
"Cruz has given everything to this team over the past four years," said Verst. "He is one of the most consistent, reliable, and strong skiers we've had. It has truly been a privilege to coach him."
One of the week's standout stories came from Zack Torres, who lost a ski during qualifiers and therefore didn't advance to finals. Rather than let the setback define his trip, Torres shifted his focus to a long-time goal—skiing the legendary Whistler line known as Air Jordan. He attempted the challenging line three separate times in difficult conditions. While he didn't successfully complete the line, his commitment and willingness to push himself demonstrated the progression mindset that defines SVSEF's Big Mountain program.
Verst added, "Overall, Whistler challenged our athletes in all the right ways—pushing them outside their comfort zones and giving them a glimpse of what's possible at the next level."
SVSEF Athlete Results
National 3* Championship – Whistler Blackcomb
4th – Scout Bilbro
4th – Tessa Lightner
8th – Scarlett Carruth
10th – Cruz Bilbro
15th – Jude Carter
Qualifier – Zack Torres
Note: Finals were canceled due to challenging conditions
About National 3* Big Mountain Competitions
The National 3* designation represents the highest level of competition available to junior big mountain skiers in the United States. These events are highly selective, difficult to qualify for, and feature the most challenging terrain and competitive fields in junior big mountain skiing. The competitions serve as proving grounds for athletes progressing toward elite-level freeride competition.
SVSEF Freeski Athletes Excel at US Revolution Tour Slopestyle in Mammoth
Mandelin claims silver medal as SVSEF athletes post career-best performances in California
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Freeski Team delivered standout performances at the US Revolution Tour slopestyle event at Mammoth Mountain March 10-14. Current athlete Aimo Mandelin and SVSEF alumni Anton Holter and Zeppelin Pilaro represented the program with distinction, showcasing technical progression and competitive excellence.
Mandelin led the way with a silver medal finish, posting an impressive score of 91.75 in what may be his strongest competition run to date. His second-place performance featured a technically demanding combination including a switch right double cork 1440 mute, switch left double cork 1620 Japan, and a double cork 900 on the quarterpipe, demonstrating both difficulty and precise execution.
"These athletes continue to put in an incredible amount of work, and it's exciting to see that dedication pay off in competition," said SVSEF Freeski Coach Kyle Johnston. "We couldn't be more proud of how they represented the team."
The US Revolution Tour serves as a premier competitive platform for up-and-coming freeski athletes in the United States, providing opportunities to compete against top talent and gain valuable experience in high-level slopestyle competition. The event at Mammoth Mountain attracted a strong field of competitors across multiple age divisions.
The SVSEF athletes now turn their focus to upcoming competitions on both domestic and international stages. Mandelin is set to represent SVSEF on the international stage at a FIS World Cup slopestyle event in Corvatsch, Switzerland.
Photo: Aimo Mandelin on the podium for SVSEF Freeski at the Revolution Tour stop in Mammoth, CA.
SVSEF Athlete Results
US Revolution Tour Slopestyle – Mammoth Mountain
2nd – Aimo Mandelin – 91.75
5th – Anton Holter (SVSEF alumni) – 85.00
Qualifier – Zeppelin Pilaro (SVSEF alumni) – 70.25
Up Next for SVSEF Freeski
- Anton Holter and Zeppelin Pilaro: US Revolution Tour, Aspen, Colorado
- Aimo Mandelin: FIS World Cup Slopestyle, Corvatsch, Switzerland
About the US Revolution Tour
The US Revolution Tour is a premier competition series for freeski athletes in the United States, featuring slopestyle and other freestyle skiing disciplines. The tour provides a developmental pathway for athletes progressing toward elite-level competition and serves as a key platform for showcasing technical progression and competitive readiness.
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.
SVSEF Athletes Earn Top 10 All-American Honors at Junior National Championships
St. George and Boschen lead twelve-athlete contingent with strong results in Cable, Wisconsin
Twelve Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country (XC) Comp Team athletes competed at the 2026 Junior National Championships in Cable, Wisconsin, from March 9-14. The week-long championship featured four events across freestyle and classic disciplines, with SVSEF athletes posting impressive results despite challenging and variable snow conditions.
Led by XC Comp Team Head Coach Chris Mallory, the SVSEF contingent demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the week, with nine athletes recording top-30 finishes. The standout performances came from Stella St. George and Tait Boschen, who each earned All-American honors with top-10 results in the 7.5/5K Freestyle Interval Start on Monday.
"Mother Nature threw a lot of different conditions at us in Wisconsin, but everyone stepped up and delivered at least a race or two throughout the week to be really proud of," said Mallory. "Nine SVSEF skiers posted top-30 results with Stella St George and Tait Boschen grabbing top-10 All Americans in the Skate Individual Start."
St. George, competing in the FU16 division, finished seventh in the freestyle interval start and followed up with an 11th-place finish in the 8K Classic Mass Start on Friday. Boschen placed seventh in the MU18 freestyle interval start and added a 27th-place finish in the classic mass start.
The championships featured diverse racing formats that tested athletes' versatility and endurance. Beyond individual events, Saturday's 4-Person Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay showcased the team's depth and collaborative spirit. SVSEF athletes competed on multiple relay teams, with Stella St. George's team finishing fifth in the F/MU16 division and Tait Boschen's team placing eighth in F/MU18.
"I was incredibly proud to see twelve SVSEF athletes qualify for and compete at the 2026 Junior National Championships this year," said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. "Led by Head Coach Chris Mallory, this team has been putting in the time and commitment to improve every day, and this result is a true testament to that work. Throughout the week, they showed grit, determination, and an impressive ability to adapt—right through the final race and even the plane ride home. It's been a challenging winter, but this group proved they are ready to take on anything."
Notable performances throughout the week included Zach Quesnel's 20th-place finish in the MU20 Classic Mass Start, Charlie St. George's 12th-place showing in the MU18 Classic Sprint, and Thijs Lloyd's 20th-place result in the MU16 Classic Mass Start. The SVSEF athletes demonstrated strong tactical racing across multiple disciplines, with several athletes posting their best results in different events.
In team competition, the Intermountain Division finished second overall in the Alaska Cup standings, highlighting the strength of the region's cross country skiing programs.
Photo: Tait Boschen competing at Junior Championships in Cable, WI.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Monday, March 9 – 7.5/5K Freestyle Interval Start
MU20
25th – Zach Quesnel
MU18
7th – Tait Boschen
12th – Caleo Morrison
41st – Charlie St. George
68th – Duncan Fryburger
DNS – Nick Gardner
MU16
26th – Thijs Lloyd
53rd – Henry Flynn
FU18
62nd – Natalie Carlson
FU16
7th – Stella St. George
27th – Josephine Renner
42nd – Sidney Brown
Wednesday, March 11 – Classic Sprint
MU20
39th – Zach Quesnel
MU18
12th – Charlie St. George
50th – Nick Gardner
56th – Tait Boschen
61st – Duncan Fryburger
81st – Caleo Morrison
MU16
31st – Henry Flynn
57th – Thijs Lloyd
FU18
45th – Natalie Carlson
FU16
19th – Stella St. George
45th – Josephine Renner
51st – Sidney Brown
Friday, March 13 – 14.6/11.3/8K Classic Mass Start
MU20
20th – Zach Quesnel
MU18
27th – Tait Boschen
29th – Duncan Fryburger
35th – Caleo Morrison
48th – Charlie St. George
DNF – Nick Gardner
MU16
20th – Thijs Lloyd
39th – Henry Flynn
FU18
58th – Natalie Carlson
FU16
11th – Stella St. George
18th – Josephine Renner
33rd – Sidney Brown
Saturday, March 14 – 4-Person Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay
F/MU20 (IMD Teams) – 2 men/2 women
16th – Zach Quesnel w/ Charlotte Wilson, Zach Shockey, Zoe Sims
F/MU18
8th – Tait Boschen w/ Rhys Weidenhamer, Ayden Brutger, Odin Berryman
13th – Caleo Morrison and Charlie St. George w/ Brooke Greenburg, Hannah Mittelstaedt
19th – Nick Gardner w/ Walker Dunn, Gabrielle Harris, Havallah Heale
68th – Duncan Fryburger and Natalie Carlson w/ Atten Aronowitz, Hayden Von Maur Newcomb
F/MU16
5th – Stella St. George w/ Noah Eitel, Finn Worth, Hazel Gault
11th – Sidney Brown and Thijs Lloyd w/ Ben Larson, Katherine Van De Kamp
14th – Josephine Renner w/ Emmett Covington, Alta Miller, Rhylan Schaffer
30th – Henry Flynn (mixed region team) w/ Miriam Armstrong, Colin Belizzi, Willem Finnigan
Team Competition: Intermountain Division – 2nd place overall, Alaska Cup
Complete results for the 2026 Junior National Championships may be found at: https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/junior-national-championships/
About the Junior National Championships
The Cross Country Junior National Championships is the premier national championship event for U16, U18, and U20 cross country skiers in the United States. Hosted by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the event brings together the nation's top junior athletes to compete across multiple disciplines including freestyle and classic technique races, sprints, distance events, and team relays.
SVSEF Cross Country Prep and Comp Teams End Season Strongly at Western Club Championships
Pott sweeps weekend in Victor, ID as athletes deliver end-of-season podium performances
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country Comp/Prep team wrapped up their race season at the Western Club Championships in Victor, Idaho, on March 14-15. Hosted by the Grand Targhee Ski Foundation, the two-day event featured individual distance races, team sprint relays, and classic pursuit competitions across all age divisions.
SVSEF athletes showed off their preparation with fast skiing throughout the weekend despite challenging snow conditions that ranged from sloppy slush on Saturday to icy surfaces on Sunday. Cyrus Pott led the way for SVSEF, claiming victories in both the MU18/20 8km skate race and the classic pursuit, while also teaming with Bailey Kurtz to win the MU18/20 team sprint relay.
"The kids were game and were charging from start to finish," said Rick Kapala, Director of Sport Development. "And most importantly their stoke and the support for their teammates was a great thing to see."
The team sprint relay event brought a festive atmosphere to Saturday afternoon's competition, with no age restrictions and costumes encouraged. SVSEF fielded competitive teams across multiple divisions, with the MU18/20 duo of Pott and Kurtz taking first place, and Finn O'Donnell and Angus Ramsey claiming third in the MU16 category.
In the women's races, Payton Daley Scheingraber secured strong finishes across all three events, earning third place in the FU16 8km skate and second place in the classic pursuit. Anna Gilman represented SVSEF well in the FU18/20 division with consistent top-10 performances throughout the weekend.
"Sloppy slush skiing on Saturday followed by ice rink skiing on Sunday," said Adam Meyer, XC Devo Coach. "The team had a blast in Victor. Great way to end the season!"
SVSEF Cross Country Program Director Becky Flynn praised the event organizers and the team-oriented atmosphere: "It was great to see this race come together. Thank you to the Grand Targhee Ski Foundation for putting on a great event under challenging conditions. We are so grateful to be able to close out the race season with this fun, team-oriented event."
Photo: Cyrus Pott takes the overall win at the 2026 Western Club Championships in Victor, Idaho.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Saturday, March 14 – Skate Race (Distance)
MU18/20 – 8km
1st – Cyrus Pott
MU16 – 8km
4th – Bailey Kurtz
7th – Finn O'Donnell
10th – Cam Gilman
MU14 – 4km
7th – Augie Allaire
12th – Cody Lloyd
FU18/20 – 8km
6th – Anna Gilman
FU16 – 8km
3rd – Payton Daley Scheingraber
5th – Adeline Jacoby
7th – Tessa Dondero
Saturday, March 14 – Team Sprint Skate (1.5km)
MU18/20
1st – Cyrus Pott/Bailey Kurtz
MU16
3rd – Finn O'Donnell/Angus Ramsey
4th – Cam Gilman/Lukas Fitz
MU14
3rd – Augie Allaire/Cody Lloyd
FU18/20
6th – Anna Gilman/Tessa Dondero
FU16
4th – Payton Daley Scheingraber/Adeline Jacoby
Sunday, March 15 – Classic Pursuit
MU18/20
1st – Cyrus Pott
MU16
4th – Bailey Kurtz
9th – Cam Gilman
MU14
5th – Augie Allaire
10th – Cody Lloyd
FU18/20
5th – Anna Gilman
FU16
2nd – Payton Daley Scheingraber
5th – Adeline Jacoby
Complete results for the Western Club Championships may be found at: https://zone4.ca/event/2026/2lGvxp/
About the Western Club Championships
The Western Club Championships is an annual cross country ski racing event that brings together clubs from across the western United States for team-focused competition. The event features a combination of individual and relay races in both skate and classic techniques, providing a fun and competitive end to the Nordic racing season.
North Series Skiers Showcase Skills in Final Pastry Cup
Athletes demonstrate technical progress in drill-based event as season enters final stretch
KETCHUM, Idaho – March 16, 2026 – Athletes from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine U12 North Series Team gathered for the fourth and final installment of the season’s Pastry Cup on March 15, with this version serving as a unique skills-based competition designed to highlight the technical fundamentals of ski racing.
Unlike previous iterations, the final Pastry Cup of every season focuses on core skiing movements and drills that form the foundation of high-level alpine racing. Athletes were evaluated across several technical exercises—including tip-down drills, skating, hop turns, and straight-line edge set challenges—that test balance, edging, and agility.
“It was a great day for our fourth Pastry Cup, which also happens to be my favorite,” said North Series Head Coach Claudia Stern. “We hammer these drills and skills all season because they are crucial to progression as ski racers. Every World Cup ski racer spends hours working on drills—yes, even Mikaela Shiffrin.”
After several weeks spent refining these movements in training, athletes demonstrated noticeable improvement during the competition.
“We are so proud of every one of you who worked so hard over the past few weeks perfecting your skills for this event,” Stern said. “These skills are not easy, and everyone showed impressive improvement thanks to all their hard work.”
With just a few weeks remaining in the season, the North Series team now turns its attention to upcoming events. Athletes will travel to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Intermountain Division (IMD) Championships before returning to Sun Valley for the final week of training. The season will conclude with the Gary Black Jr. Memorial Race on March 29 at Arc Park, featuring a fun dual race format followed by end-of-season awards.
Athlete Results
Boys
Girls
SVSEF Alpine FIS Team Earns Podiums at Western Region Junior Championships
Leahy captures overall title and qualifies for U.S. Nationals as Sun Valley athletes compete across six-race series in Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Athletes from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine FIS Team stood out with fast racing at the Western Region Junior Championships, held March 3–8 at Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming. The championship series brought together top U18 and U21 ski racers from across the western United States, including athletes from California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho.
Despite a week of challenging and varied weather that included freezing rain, snow, fog, wind, and sunshine, organizers successfully hosted all six races scheduled for each gender, including two Super-G (SG), two Giant Slalom (GS), and two Slalom (SL) competitions. SVSEF athletes showed adaptability throughout the week, producing several podium finishes, top-10 results, and career-best performances.
Leading the way for SVSEF was Elliot Leahy, who captured victories in both women’s SG races and secured the overall WRJC win, earning qualification to the upcoming U.S. Alpine Championships (U.S. Nationals).
“There were many great performances at this event, with career bests for some and excellent head-to-head results against peers,” said SVSEF Alpine FIS Team Head Coach Will Courtney. “Including an overall win for Elliot Leahy, punching her ticket to U.S. Nationals.”
Leahy credited the strong team atmosphere throughout the week: “The series was super fun with the team and I am looking forward to going to the U.S. Nationals in a few weeks,” she said.
SVSEF athletes delivered strong results across all disciplines during the championship series. In addition to her two Super-G victories and overall title, Leahy added fourth and eighth-place finishes in GS and seventh in SL. Lucy Olson reached the podium with a third-place SG finish and added several top-10 results, including fifth in SG and ninth in SL. Autumn Carpenter stood out in the SL events with sixth and fifth-place finishes, while Alyssa Huntsman recorded top-20 results in both SL races. Huxley Flood led the men’s squad with top-20 finishes in both SG races and GS.
Complete results can be found at: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=59235&seasoncode=2026
Photo: Elliot Leahy atop the podium in first place at Western Regional Junior Championships.
SVSEF Athlete Results (Top 30 by Event)
Super-G – March 3
Men
16th – Huxley Flood (U18)
Women
1st – Elliot Leahy (U18)
3rd – Lucy Olson (U18)
14th – Perri DeGennaro (U18)
17th – Alyssa Huntsman (U18)
28th – Camden Bakker (U18)
29th – Violet Kovel (U18)
Super-G – March 4
Men
17th – Huxley Flood (U18)
Women
1st – Elliot Leahy (U18)
5th – Lucy Olson (U18)
18th – Perri DeGennaro (U18)
25th – Alyssa Huntsman (U18)
26th – Violet Kovel (U18)
27th – Autumn Carpenter (U18)
Giant Slalom – March 5
Women
4th – Elliot Leahy (U18)
22nd – Violet Kovel (U18)
25th – Perri DeGennaro (U18)
Giant Slalom – March 6
Men
18th – Huxley Flood (U18)
Women
8th – Elliot Leahy (U18)
14th – Autumn Carpenter (U18)
18th – Lucy Olson (U18)
23rd – Perri DeGennaro (U18)
Slalom – March 7
Men
23rd – Thomas Connell (U18)
Women
6th – Autumn Carpenter (U18)
7th – Elliot Leahy (U18)
11th – Lucy Olson (U18)
19th – Alyssa Huntsman (U18)
25th – Violet Kovel (U18)
Slalom – March 8
Women
5th – Autumn Carpenter (U18)
9th – Lucy Olson (U18)
10th – Alyssa Huntsman (U18)
19th – Alaska Sewell (U18)
20th – Camden Bakker (U18)
Complete results are available https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=59235&seasoncode=2026