SVSEF Names Sarah Verst Program Director of Big Mountain Team
Banks Gilberti Transitions to Sun Valley Fire Department
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) today announced that Sarah Verst has been named Program Director of the Big Mountain Team, succeeding Banks Gilberti, who has accepted a full-time position with the Sun Valley Fire Department.
Under Gilberti’s leadership over the past six years, SVSEF’s Big Mountain Team has built a distinctive culture pairing inclusivity and camaraderie with high standards and competitive ambition; and has emerged in the IFSA (International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association) community as a team to watch. Verst, who has served as Assistant Coach and a key architect of the program’s growth during the same period, will lead the team into its next chapter.
“Banks has been a transformational leader for our Big Mountain program,” said Scott McGrew, Executive Director of SVSEF. “He cultivated the right mix of stoke, structure, and belonging. While we’re sad to see him step away from the director role, we’re equally proud to support his next chapter with the Sun Valley Fire Department. Our gratitude to Banks runs deep.”
“Sarah has been at the heart of this team’s progress—planning travel blocks, integrating avalanche education, widening access and female engagement, and keeping our systems tight,” said McGrew. “She brings wisdom, passion, vision, and exceptional organizational prowess to the director role. We’re excited for the continuity and momentum she’ll carry forward.”
SVSEF’s Big Mountain philosophy is intentionally different from most. Athletes often grow up within SVSEF’s more traditional pipelines—Alpine, Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski—and then transition to Big Mountain with a technical foundation and competitive experience that sharpen their judgment, creativity, and line choice. This model leverages cross-disciplinary training modalities and hard work, while fostering a community that values character as much as results.
“After four years as Assistant Coach, I’m beyond grateful to step into the Program Director role,” said Sarah Verst, Incoming SVSEF Big Mountain Program Director. “Banks and I have poured a lot into building this program and I’m honored to carry that work forward. My time as Assistant Coach has been much more than a supporting role. I’ve had the opportunity to be an integral part of developing and delivering the program whether that meant planning and leading travel trips, integrating avalanche training into our curriculum, or creating new pathways to increase female engagement. Along the way I’ve worked to draw awareness to opportunities that help our athletes grow not just as skiers but as people.”
“It’s been inspiring to watch this community of athletes, families and coaches come together over the past four years and I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built,” Verst continued. “As I step into this new role I’m excited to keep building on that momentum—growing the program, opening new doors for our athletes, and carrying forward the culture of passion, connection, and adventure that makes this team so special.”
When asked about his tenure leading and building the Big Mountain Program, Gilberti reflected on the shift it presented in his own life, the progress in the sport of Freeride, and his confidence in Verst’s vision and skillset to take the helm moving forward.
“Six years ago, I sat down for lunch with Scott McGrew to help walk through what the success of the Big Mountain team would look like through my eyes,” said Banks Gilberti, Outgoing SVSEF Big Mountain Program Director. “I was still actively skiing professionally, filming and traveling the globe from one winter destination to the next. From that moment on, my life took a dramatic change of course and my focus shifted to the continued development of a team that had something very special in the works but was working to figure out its identity and future. I was able to hire a staff that brought everything we needed to build a team that would offer a life-changing and lasting impact on our athletes and the freeride community as a whole.”
“Sarah Verst has been by my side since the beginning of this journey, through the toughest times, through injuries and heartbreak and through the greatest triumphs,” said Gilberti. “Sarah has not only become an amazing coach and leader, but she has become a lifelong best friend to me. The idea of moving on from the Big Mountain team was an incredibly difficult decision but knowing that it would be passed on to Sarah calmed any doubts and fears. This team has no limits to its potential and its growth, and my heart is full knowing that Sarah will be the one behind the wheel.”
“I have been beyond fortunate to spend my last six years at the helm of what I think is the most unique team experience offered in the Wood River Valley,” Gilberti added. “To see where the sport of Freeride has progressed over the last half decade is incredible, and from the looks of it, the ceiling is still so much higher. The time I’ve spent working with our athletes through the years has undoubtedly been the highlight of my life. The relationships I have made with these kids and their families have been so unbelievably impactful and transformative—I am endlessly thankful every day that I have had the opportunity to be a part of something so special.”
Registration Now Open for 47th Annual Baldy Hill Climb
Hike, Run, or Race in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Online registration is now open for the 47th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27. For the past 46 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.
“Our SVSEF cross country coaches, families, and athletes of all ages come together for this special event every last Saturday in September,” said Kelley Yeates, SVSEF’s Cross Country Assistant Program Director. “It’s a full team effort—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.
“Many of our cross country athletes embrace the start of a new season by challenging themselves to tackle The Baldy Hill Climb,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “And seeing so many from our community and beyond join in to hike, run, or race up Baldy is so inspiring. Every Baldy Hill Climb entry helps support our cross country programming from our youngest Striders to our athletes on the 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 our sponsors; 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.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m. Check-In Opens
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
Further event details and the link to register can be found at svsef.org/baldy-hill-climb
Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will NOT be available.
Thank you to lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, Boulder Mountain Clayworks, and Proctor Mountain Group.
SVSEF Announces Leadership Transition for Baldy Devo and LASAR Programs
Honoring a Legacy, Building the Future
As SVSEF prepares for the 2025-26 season, the organization is excited to announce a leadership transition in two of its foundational youth alpine programs: Baldy Devo and LASAR (Learn Alpine Skiing and Racing). After nearly a decade of dedicated leadership, Coach Brian Caulkins will step into a mentorship and support role, paving the way for new head coaches Sarah Schwing (née Mazzola) for Baldy Devo and Chuck Harris for LASAR.
“Generations of phenomenal children have been inspired and grown under Brian’s vigilant leadership and passion for the sport and the journey,” said SVSEF Executive Director Scott McGrew. “I am very excited about the future of these amazing programs and the incredible foundation and reputation that Brian has built. It feels so good to see these programs continue to grow and evolve as Brian steps into a mentorship role for the respective staffs. He has so much experience and knowledge—that will be a precious asset as we head into the next season.”
The Baldy Devo program is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Wood River Valley’s wintersport community, serving as a bridge for hundreds of families integrating their children into both skiing and the broader culture of the valley. The roots of the program trace back decades, and it was Doran Key, one of the early architects of SVSEF’s youth skiing experience, who began coaching what was then known as the “Farm Team” in the late 1970s. Her exuberant care, indomitable spirit, and high standards helped shape the program that evolved into today’s Baldy Devo and LASAR teams.
For the past ten years, Coach Brian Caulkins has carried that legacy forward with tireless dedication, helping the programs grow in both size and depth. As he transitions into a mentorship role, SVSEF is thrilled to pass the torch to Sarah Schwing, a D-Team alumna herself, who brings not only decades of ski racing and coaching experience but also a fresh and deeply human approach to youth development.
“Baldy Devo is where it all began for me, and I’m honored to return in this leadership role,” said Schwing. “This program is about more than skiing—it’s about building strong, connected, and confident kids who carry these values for a lifetime.”
Sarah is a licensed occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L) with a degree in Anthropology, a Level 200 Alpine certified coach, and a passionate advocate for athlete-centered coaching. Her background with SVSEF includes coaching U16, Mini World Cup, and U10 Home teams, as well as teaching adult skiers through Sun Valley’s DIVAS and Masters Programs. Most recently, she worked in pediatric therapy, specializing in ADHD, autism, and trauma-informed care.
“Sarah’s leadership promises to build upon an already iconic program,” said McGrew. “She brings a relationship-based approach to emotional regulation, confidence-building, and connection that will enrich how we onboard our youngest, most impressionable athletes into the SVSEF family.”
As Caulkins also steps back from LASAR, Chuck Harris, SVSEF Alpine Junior Program Director, will step in as head coach for the 2025–26 season. LASAR, launched by Pat and Adele Savaria in 2003, has become a vital access point for first-time skiers. Hosted at Rotarun and supported by the Cooper-Taché First Tracks Endowment, the program offers high-quality, affordable experiences for more than 100 children each year.
“I am super excited to oversee the LASAR program at SVSEF,” said Harris. “Rotarun is a playground for skiers—and I love to play.”
With over 30 years of coaching experience at institutions such as Burke Mountain Academy, Vail, McCall, Jackson, and Sugar Bowl, Chuck brings a deep perspective and a passion for matching programming to community needs.
“Coaching at all those places has allowed me to see all kinds of things that work and don’t work,” Harris said. “I can’t wait to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together for what works best at Rotarun.
With Sarah Schwing and Chuck Harris stepping in, and Brian Caulkins continuing to support the transition, SVSEF is leaning into its legacy of stewardship while embracing what’s next. These programs are evolving with intention—blending the latest science on how kids learn and grow with the deep-rooted values of community, culture, and the mountains. It’s all part of SVSEF’s commitment to thoughtful growth and a frontier mindset that continues to shape what’s possible for our athletes and our organization.
Big news to share from the snowboard world at SVSEF!
After more than 30 years of leadership, mentorship, and passionate commitment to young riders, Andy Gilbert is passing the torch as Snowboard Program Director. Andy has shaped this program with heart, grit, and an unwavering love for the sport and the kids who ride. While he’s stepping away from the director role, he’s not stepping away from the mountain—Andy will remain on board in a consulting role to support the team and help guide a smooth transition.
We’re thrilled to announce that Dave “Danger” Boldwin will be taking the reins.
“It’s with great excitement for the future and pride in the things we’ve accomplished during my time with SVSEF Snowboarding that I’m announcing this transition,” Andy shared. “The program has afforded me an amazing life in snowboarding and continues to fuel my love for the sport. I’m so excited to pass the reins to Dave—a force in the snowboard world whose experience, commitment to kids, and deep knowledge of the sport make him the right person to lead us forward.”
Over the years, SVSEF’s snowboard program has quietly—but powerfully—punched far above its weight class. The results and achievements are there, but the impact goes deeper. It’s a culture: tight-knit, inspired, and unshakably committed to lifting each other up. Andy has been at the center of that culture, leading with intention and heart, and the entire SVSEF community has felt the ripple effects—even if they don’t have the same physical presence as our larger programs.
The snowboard team has long been a quiet powerhouse at SVSEF—a crew with a mighty heart, a passion for progression, and a deep-rooted love for the mountains. What they’ve built has elevated the entire organization.
“The snowboard community champions something incredibly special,” said Scotty McGrew, SVSEF's Executive Director. “It’s collaborative, uplifting, and grounded in purpose. Andy has stewarded that spirit for decades, and now Dave steps in with his own infectious energy, kid-magnet charisma, and boundless love for the sport. I couldn’t be more confident in what’s ahead.”
Dave “Danger” Boldwin brings over two decades of coaching experience and a lifetime on a board. He’s worked with hundreds of athletes—from young riders just starting out to those chasing pro careers—and has been instrumental in revitalizing SVSEF’s snowboard development programs in both the North and South Valley.
“I’m honored to take on a program that Andy has poured so much into,” Dave said. “My goal is to build on that legacy and create even more opportunity for the snowboard community to grow. I’m ready—let’s go boarding!”
We’ll miss Andy in the director seat, but we’re grateful he’ll continue to support the program from behind the scenes. With Dave now leading the charge, SVSEF Snowboarding is in great hands and headed for an exciting new chapter.
Photos: Andy Gilbert with SVSEF Alum Chase Josey and SVSEF Snowboarding teammates Naomi Gorringe and Vivian Smith; Dave "Danger" Boldwin doing what he does best in teaching the technique and the love of riding!
SVSEF XC Gold Team Invites Community to Join in Free Weekly Workouts This Summer
All ages and abilities welcome to join in aerobic, strength, and fitness games
The SVSEF XC Gold Team (Gold Team), Sun Valley’s professional cross-country ski team, is excited to announce a unique opportunity to up your fitness and workout with them this summer. Dubbed the Gold Team Community Workout, the weekly session will be open to the community at large with a mix of aerobic, core strength training, and games. Everyone is invited to start their week off on Monday evenings from June 16 through August 4 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Sun Valley Community School's Dumke Family Sagewillow Campus—Upper Field. Sagewillow is located at 1 Arrowleaf Road in Sun Valley. The Gold Team Community Workout is free and open to all ages and abilities—all you’ll need is a pair of shoes to run or hike in. No registration is required—just show up on time and ready to have a great workout!
Founded in 2005 by Rick Kapala and current U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Program Director Chris Grover, the Gold Team has established itself as one of the preeminent professional cross-country ski teams in the United States. At its inception, the team was founded to prepare athletes for the then upcoming 2006 Turin Olympic Games, and now heading into the 2025/26 season 20 years later, the Gold Team is once again preparing athletes to represent both community and country in Italy at the highest level of sport.
“We’re celebrating a really exciting full circle moment here,” said SVSEF Cross Country Program Director Becky Flynn. “Twentieth anniversary, 20 years since the last Olympic Games in Italy where Gold Team member Chris Cook competed, and we’re here once again getting athletes ready to go for gold on behalf of Team USA—this time in Milano Cortina 2026.”
Over the past two decades, the Gold Team has built a legacy through relentless hard work, passion, and a deep commitment to excellence—qualities that continue to drive us every day.
“You might have seen us out on the bike path doing intervals or on the trails for long mountain runs,” said Jake Adicoff, SVSEF XC Gold Team athlete, 4-Time Paralympic Medalist, and current Para-Cross Country World Champion. “We’ve had the opportunity and privilege to hone our craft through thousands of sessions, and with the Gold Team Community Workout we’re excited to share our process with the community. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just looking to get moving, we invite you to join us for a simple afternoon workout of running, core strength, and games—always a favorite at SVSEF.”
The 2025/26 Gold Team Roster welcomes seven elite athletes, including three current members of Team USA—Jake Adicoff, John Steel Hagenbuch, and Sammy Smith. Peter Wolter, Will Koch, Elijah Weenig, and Mia Case round out the team. SVSEF Alumni Adicoff, Hagenbuch, Smith, and Wolter grew up skiing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Weenig spent time with SVSEF as a post-grad athlete. This season will be Mia Case’s second year with the Gold Team and Will Koch, son of Olympian Bill Koch, is new to the squad.
“I’m super excited to bring the community into our training this summer as we prepare for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano Cortina,” said Peter Holmes, SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach. “We can’t wait to get to know everyone, swap stories, and get some really fun afternoon training sessions in!”
Thank you to Sun Valley Community School for sharing this wonderful place to train!
SVSEF Alpine Women’s FIS Team Dominates at Western Region Junior Championships
Team Brings Home Two Overall Wins and Sweeps the U18 Podium Twice at 2025 WRJCs
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Alpine FIS Women’s Team traveled to the Western Region Junior Championships (WRJC) to compete March 12-16 at Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort in Wenatchee, WA. The WRJC is an open event for athletes U18 and older, and inclusive of both collegiate and senior competitors U21 and older.
The competition was stacked with nearly 100 women including many from top-performing teams and clubs across the Western Region such as Park City Ski & Snowboard, Rowmark Academy, Team Palisades Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Academy, and the Big Sky Ski Education Foundation. The University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) always shows at the WRJCs, and Jessica Blackburn, UNR athlete and SVSEF Alpine Alum, had strong results, also joining current SVSEF athlete Lowie Watkins on the Slalom Overall podium where Blackburn took the overall win with Watkins in second.
SVSEF’s Sophia Falter raced to the top step of both the Overall Giant Slalom (GS) and Overall Slalom (SL) podiums, subsequently giving her the win in the U18 category in both disciplines as a U18 athlete.
"In my memory, this is the first time we have had this many athletes on the podiums at the Western Region Junior Championships,” said Pat Savaria, SVSEF Alpine FIS Women’s Coach. “Each day a different athlete had their personal best race of the season. The coaching staff is so proud of the girls and all their hard work this year—it was such a special culmination of their perseverance and also their belief in and support of one another as teammates."
Awards were given for the top five “overall” inclusive of all athletes (U18 and older) in each discipline, and also for the top five in the U18 age category.
Top SVSEF Athlete Results at 2025 WRJC
Giant Slalom (GS) Overall Results - March 12
1st – Sophia Falter
2nd - Jessica Blackburn (UNR, SVSEF Alum)
4th – Ruby Smith
5th – Elodie Olsen
Giant Slalom (GS) U18 Results - March 12
1st - Sophia Falter
2nd - Ruby Smith
3rd - Elodie Olsen
Slalom (SL) Overall Results – March 13
1st – Sophia Falter
2nd – Elodie Olsen
5th – Lowie Watkins
Slalom (SL) U18 Results – March 13
1st - Sophia Falter
2nd - Elodie Olsen
3rd - Samantha Milne
Slalom (SL) Overall Results – March 14
2nd – Lowie Watkins
3rd – Elodie Olsen
5th - Jessica Blackburn (UNR, SVSEF Alum)
6th – Samantha Milne
Slalom (SL) U18 Results – March 14
1st - Elodie Olsen
3rd - Samantha Milne
Giant Slalom (GS) Overall Results – March 16
1st - Jessica Blackburn (UNR, SVSEF Alum)
3rd – Ruby Smith
5th – Lowie Watkins
Giant Slalom (GS) U18 Results – March 16
1st - Ruby Smith
All Super G at the 2025 WRJC races were cancelled.
Up next for members of the SVSEF Alpine FIS Women’s Team, seven athletes have qualified to compete at the 2025 U.S. Nationals, which will take place in Vail, CO March 29-April 1. This is significant with the total quota for the Western Region being 14 athletes per gender, and SVSEF filling half the quota. The U.S. Nationals, hosted by Sun Valley in 2023 and 2024, welcomes the top-performing U18 and older athletes in the nation, including current U.S. Ski Team athletes from the Development (D) team through the World Cup (A) team.
SVSEF athletes who have thus far qualified for the 2025 U.S. Nationals include: Avryl Haas, Elodie Olsen, Madison Vieara-McCarthy, Natalie Gowe, Ruby Smith, Sophia Falter, and Sophia Hallstein.
For complete Western Region Junior Championships event results, please visit: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=56951&seasoncode=2025
SVSEF’s Alta Questad and Chase Martens claim podiums at IMD Champs
SVSEF’s Alta Questad and Chase Martens claim podiums in Dual Panel Slalom
The Butch Hoffman Memorial IMD Championships were held March 15-17 at Snowbasin, UT, where the top 50 U12 athletes per gender from the North met the top 50 athletes per gender from the South to compete in Slalom (SL), Giant Slalom (GS), and Dual Panel Slalom (PSL). The North is represented by Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard Foundation, Jackson Hole Ski Club, Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation, and McCall Winter Sports Club. The South by all Utah-area ski teams.
The first two days of competition dealt the athletes snow, sleet, and the windiest of windy conditions. Sunday showed up true to its name with blue skies and a fun final day of head-to-head competition in the Dual Panel Slalom.
“This was an amazing and exciting weekend of competition for our U12 athletes,” said Claudia Stern, SVSEF U12 North Series Head Coach. “They showed an impressive amount of grit and determination through some tough and stormy conditions, culminating with some fabulous skiing from all in the final Dual Panel Slalom event on Sunday.”
The championship event is held in memory of Butch Hoffman, who according to the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation, etched his legacy at the Snowbasin and Nordic Valley ski areas. The passion Butch Hoffman, born in 1938, had for skiing was impactful on a grand scale. He launched his coaching career in 1969 with Ogden’s Utah Racing School, directed FIS and Nor-Am races, and served on the U.S. Ski Association and Intermountain Division boards, where he coached the division’s Junior Nationals Ski Teams. In 1983, he organized the Ogden Valley Winter Sports Foundation and was the first coach of the Ogden Valley Ski Team and the Nordic Valley Ski Team.
“Our athletes really were the epitome of great teamwork this weekend!” said Adele Savaria, SVSEF U12 North Series Coach. “The support they showed for one another as they collectively weathered the first two stormy days, skiing around and grabbing coats for each other, enthusiastically cheering each other on—it was so great to see the sportsmanship and camaraderie come through in each and every one of them.”
Awards were presented to the top five per gender per discipline, and overall trophies for boys and girls at the conclusion of the series on Sunday.
SVSEF Athletes Top 20 Results
Slalom Boys:
8 - Alex Grant
Slalom Girls:
8 - Marie McNeil
13 - Amelia Beck
16 - Hope Lloyd
19 - Dylan Spangler
Giant Slalom Boys:
10 - Alex Grant
15 - Breclan McCarthy
Giant Slalom Girls:
9 - Hope Lloyd
14 - Sophie Robins
21 - Presley Jensen
22 - Marie McNeil
Dual Panel Slalom Boys:
4 - Chase Martens
7 - Alex Grant
13 - Halsten Bruun
Dual Panel Slalom Girls:
2 - Alta Questad
12 - Hope Lloyd
14 - Sophie Robins
Overall Boys:
8 - Alex Grant
14 - Chase Martens
Overall Girls:
10 - Alta Questad
11 - Hope Lloyd
14 - Marie McNeal
17 - Sophie Robins
19 - Amelia Beck
For complete event results, please visit https://imdalpine.org/race-results/ and click on North Series to expand the results.
The IMD Championships were the final event of the season for first-year U12 North Series Team athletes. Many of the second-year U12 North Series teammates will go on to compete at the annual Spring Fling in Grand Targhee, ID, which will be held April 4-6.
IMD Wins Coveted Alaska Cup at 2025 US Cross Country Junior National Championships
SVSEF’s Tait Boschen claims individual and mixed relay podiums
The 2025 US Cross Country Junior National Championships welcomed 400+ junior athletes from across the country to Soldier Hollow in MIdway, UT for four days of racing between March 10-15: two distance races, one sprint, and one mixed-gender relay. Tait Boschen, Duncan Fryberger, Cora Faye Scott, Mazzy Conners, Charlie St. George, Nick Gardiner, and Whit Brown all contributed throughout the week to the overall win for the InterMountain Division (IMD).
Ten divisional teams compete at Junior Nationals representing Alaska, Far West, Great Lakes, High Plains, InterMountain, Mid Atlantic, Midwest, New England, Pacific Northwest Ski Association, and Rocky Mountain. Each Division can bring up to 25 male and 25 female athletes spread across the U16, and U18/20 age groups. Athletes qualify through their performances across a series of three Junior National Qualifier events during the regular season.
At the conclusion of the Championships on Saturday, IMD was presented with The Alaska Cup—the trophy given annually to the top-performing region at Junior National Championships. IMD has not won the top spot since 2007, but their 1216 total points this year did the trick. New England has won The Cup for the last three years and 16 times out of the last 20—they landed in third place with 905 points this year. Alaska came in second place with 1052 points.
“JN’s is always fun as you come together as a division to compete with the kids you’ve been racing against all year,” said Chris Mallory, SVSEF XC Comp Team Head Coach. “Tait Boschen really had a breakthrough week, finding his way onto the U16 podium in two races. Another highlight came on the final day of classic relays where Nick Gardiner surged over the final climb in the lead with 23 SVSEF Prep Teamers cheering him on. Everyone gave their all and contributed to a successful week of racing for Intermountain as they won the Alaska Cup—a huge accomplishment for the division.”
Day one saw changing conditions throughout the day for the Classic Interval Start, going from icy tracks in the morning to slush by the time the last U18/20 men finished their racing. Overall, IMD had a stellar day, with the SVSEF crew playing a huge part highlighted by Tait Boschen, who found his way to the podium, tying for second place overall in the U16 M 5km Classic race.
Cora Faye Scott and Mazzy Conners found their way into the quarterfinals of the U18 F heats, placing 17th and 28th respectively in the Skate Sprint qualifier on day two of racing. IMD had a strong day in the heat and remained in the lead for The Alaska Cup after two days of competition.
The Skate Mass Start on Friday was as challenging as you get, with conditions going from hard and icy in the morning to six inches of slush by the afternoon. Athletes’ start times determined what they would face in the ever-changing conditions. The U16’s started first, and Boschen skied a gritty race finding his way into the top ten finishing ninth overall for the U16 men. Duncan Fryberger improved on his first few days finishing 46th. Whit Brown moved up the ranks in the men’s U20 race finishing 30th and scoring points for The Alaska Cup. As conditions deteriorated, the U18 men took to the start line. Nick Gardiner and Charlie St. George finished 51st and 74th respectively. In the last race of the day, Cora Faye Scott, despite suffering from plantar fasciitis and only being able to walk in a boot this week, toughed her way into 22nd place, followed by Mazzy in 51st.
It came down to the Mixed Classic Relays on the last day, where only one team in each age group (U20/U18/U16) scores for the Alaska Cup points. The hope is that each region has a few teams that can fight for the top spot and IMD did just that. All SVSEF skiers contributed to the day. In the U16 relay, Boschen’s team made its way to the podium in third place and scored 100 points for IMD to help clinch the Alaska Cup.
“I am extremely proud of our athletes who competed at Junior Nationals this year,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF XC Program Director. “They are great examples of grit, determination, resilience, and teamwork. They represented SVSEF and our cross country community at the highest levels. We are so excited to see what is ahead for all these skiers, as they lead the way into the next few years.”
SVSEF ATHLETE RESULTS:
DAY 1 – CLASSIC INTERVAL START
U20 M 7.5km Classic
30 Whit Brown
U18 M 7.5km Classic
48 Nick Gardiner
70 Charlie St. George
U16 M 5km Classic
2nd Tait Boschen (tied for second on the American podium. There was a guest skier from Slovakia that finished in front of him but they all shared the second place podium).
51 Duncan Fryberger
U18 F 7.5km Classic
44 Mazzy Conners
DAY 2 – SKATE SPRINT
U20 M Skate Sprint
49 Whit Brown
U18 M Skate Sprint
41 Nick Gardiner
54 Charlie St. George
U16 M Skate Sprint
32 Tait Boschen
57 Duncan Fryberger
U18 F Skate Sprint
19 Mazzy Conners
27 Cora Faye Scott
DAY 3 – SKATE MASS START
U20 M – 15km
30 Whit Brown
U18 M – 10km
51 Nick Gardiner
74 Charlie St. George
U18 F – 10km
22 Cora Faye Scott
51 Mazzy Conners
U16 M – 7.5km
9 Tait Boschen
46 Duncan Fryberger
DAY 4 – CLASSIC MIXED RELAY – 4 X 3.3km
U20 4 X 3.3km
14 IMD U20 Team 3 /41:45.5
Peter Warner
Elsa Futch
WHIT BROWN
Sarah Hottle
20 HP/IMD Unified Team/47:07.4
DUNCAN FRYBERGER
Julia Veauthier
Hunter Pickett
William Blair
U18 4 X 3.4km
11 IMD Team 2/45:09.6
Sam Hutchinson
CORA FAYE SCOTT
Samuel Madsen
Taylor Nadler
IMD U18 Team 6 /raced but did not have a full team
NICK GARDINER
MAZZY CONNERS
CHARLIE ST. GEORGE
U16 4 x 3.3km
3 IMD U16 Team 1/43:54.2
TAIT BOSCHEN
Tula Higman
Matthew Finkel
Brooke Greenberg
For complete event results please visit:
https://my.raceresult.com/331311/#0_28907B
https://www.muddydogsports.com/
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DREW PALMER LEGER - @stuf_bydrew
SVSEF Cross Country Team Takes the Overall Title at 2025 Western Club Championship
U18 Boys sweep podium in Sunday’s Freestyle Mass Start 8km
This past weekend the SVSEF Cross Country Team brought home the first-place trophy at the Western Club Championships in Park City, UT. Sixteen clubs representing eight states took to the RTS Trails for three races over two days, where challenging conditions dictated both race days be Freestyle technique versus the original schedule, which planned for a Classic race on Sunday.
Members of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Prep, Prep Progression, and Comp Teams made the trip to Park City to compete. SVSEF handily earned the title over peer ski clubs including Jackson Hole, WY and Bozeman, MT. A few of the highlights include the U18 Boys sweeping the podium in Sunday’s 8km Mass Start, senior Wren Hassman placing second both days, and several Personal Records in all of the age categories.
“While the results are exciting and impressive, the team’s camaraderie and enthusiasm for fun and costumes made the trip stand out,” said Fiona Ahearne, SVSEF Cross Country Assistant Comp Team Coach. “WCC’s was an amazing note to end on for our season and for our amazing seniors.”
Some of the SVSEF Cross Country Team also had the opportunity to spectate at the Western Club Championships while at Junior Nationals, as the venues were a mere 25 miles apart.
“Our JN team came to watch and cheer, which was really special for the team—especially the seniors,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “Thank you to Park City Ski Club for hosting a wonderful event, especially given the challenging snow conditions. The atmosphere and energy were electric and it was so fun to see all our skiers cheering everyone on and having some stellar results to top it off!”
SVSEF ATHLETE RESULTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
U18/20 F – 8km Freestyle Interval Start
1 Wren Hassman
5 Riley Siegel
9 Anna Gilman
U18/20 M – 8km Freestyle Interval Start
1 Caleo Morrison
2 Cyrus Pott
4 Zach Quesnel
7 Taylor Carlson
9 Stratton Cunningham
U16 F – 6km - Freestyle Interval Start
1 Stella St. George
2 Josephine Renner
6 Tessa Dondero
7 Sydney Brown
12 Dylan Buck
17 Lauryn Stevens
20 Anna Koonce
U16 M- 6km - Freestyle Interval Start
8 Bailey Kurtz
10 Owen Wellner
12 Finn O’Donnell
16 Henry Flynn
U14 F – 4km - Freestyle Interval Start
5 Sydney Nelson
8 Payton Daley-Sheingraber
U14 M – 4km - Freestyle Interval Start
2 Thijs Lloyd
19 Cody Lloyd
SATURDAY, MARCH 8 - Sprint Relay - No Times or Official Results Posted
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
U18/20 M – 8km Freestyle Mass Start
1 Cyrus Pott
2 Zach Quesnel
3 Caleo Morrison
6 Stratton Cunningham
7 Taylor Carlson
U18/20 F – 8km - Freestyle Mass Start
2 Wren Hassman
U16 M – 6km - Freestyle Mass Start
9 Bailey Kurtz
10 Finn O’Donnell
11 Henry Flynn
U16 F – 6km - Freestyle Mass Start
1 Josephine Renner
2 Stella St. George
6 Tessa Dondero
7 Sydney Brown
12 Dylan Buck
15 Lauryn Stevens
18 Anna Koonce
U14 M – 4km - Freestyle Mass Start
3 Thijs Lloyd
15 Cody Lloyd
U14 F – 4km - Freestyle Mass Start
4 Sydney Nelson
6 Payton Daley-Scheingraber
2025 Western Club Championship (WCC) Team Points Totals
Rank Club Points
1 Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation 2279
2 Park City Ski and Snowboard 1867
3 Auburn Ski Club 942
4 Team Soldier Hollow 881
5 Jackson Hole Ski Club 850
6 Bridger Ski Foundation 747
7 The Utah Nordic Alliance 666
8 Tahoe Endurance Academy 432
9 Boulder Nordic Team 380
10 Team Summit Colorado 249
11 Nevada Union High School 202
12 Big Sky Ski Education Foundation 195
13 Crested Butte Nordic Team 140
14 Mammoth Nordic Racing 64
15 McCall Nordic 47
16 Plain Valley Ski Team 40
For complete event results, please visit the following links:
WCC Saturday Freestyle Interval Start
WCC Sunday Freestyle Mass Start
About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Sun Valley Snowboard Team Working Towards Nationals
The SVSEF snowboard team travelled to Woodward Park City this week for their final competitions in the USASA Big Mountain West series.
Wednesday saw the athletes competing in two separate halfpipe events. In the Breaker Boys 13-14 group, Rylan Olson took first and second place, with Rory Gadhia placing third and first in the events. In the Breaker Girls 13-14 group, Camille Armeen took second place in both events, with Vivian Smith taking fourth and third. The Youth Men 15-16 group saw Charlie Theobald taking first and second, and Henry Georgiades taking second and first.
During Thursday’s rail jam event, Olson took fourth, and Gadhia took sixth in the Boys 11-14 group. In the men’s 15-22 group, Georgiades came in eleventh, with Theobald finishing in fourteenth.
Friday’s Slopestyle event saw 120 competitors looking to earn some last minute points in hopes qualifying for USASA’s national event. Olson finished fifth, with Gadhia finishing sixth in the Breaker Boys 13-14 group. In the Breaker Girls 13-14 group, Smith and Armeen both landed on the podium, taking second and third. Lizzie Hobbs took home first in the Youth Women 15-16 group, and Uzzi Almaras took first in the Junior Men 17-18 group. Almaras was also awarded the Best Character award, earning himself a brand new snowboard courtesy of Nidecker Snowboards. This marks two SVSEF snowboarders winning this award this season. Charlie Theobald recently won this award at Grand Targhee.
Coach Eddie Sawicz noted, “Our crew has come a long way this season. Despite some less than ideal weather conditions on the competition days, our athletes were able to able to put up some great results. Their hard work and dedication shows in their riding and has paid off well for them!”
The SVSEF snowboard team will head to Copper Mountain, CO at the end of this month for the USASA National Championship.