SVSEF Gold Team Enters 20th Year Poised to Return to Winter Olympics

SVSEF unveils 2025/26 Gold Team: ready to take on the world stage

In February 2006, the Winter Olympic Games will return to Italy for the first time in 20 years. It was at the 2006 Torino Games that SVSEF skier Chris Cook became the first athlete to achieve the honor of representing Sun Valley at the Olympics as a member of the newly created Cross Country Gold Team.

Since the creation of the Gold Team 20 years ago, SVSEF athletes have achieved success at every level of international competition from World Junior and U23 Championships to the World Cup and through multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games. As SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team skiers have become a fixture on the U.S. National Team, SVSEF youth teams have continued to flourish.

“It’s fitting that since the inception of the Gold Team when SVSEF’s first skier qualified for the 2006 Games in Italy, we now find ourselves poised to see our next generation of SVSEF skiers return to Italy and in turn continue to inspire our youngest skiers,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “The leadership and vision two decades ago to create a developmental pathway to elite level competition in the sport was ambitious and essential, and we’re honored to be celebrating the successes and ongoing potential of this effort as we enter the Gold Team’s twentieth year.”

In the autumn of 2005, then SVSEF Coaches Chris Grover (now Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team program director) and Rick Kapala (now SVSEF Director of Sport Development) envisioned the launch of a new program that would serve to propel cross country athletes to the heights of international ski sport. From its origins in 1972, the SVSEF Cross Country Team had grown to become hugely successful introducing young children to the sport of Nordic skiing and in turn assisting many of those kids to achieve success on the racing trails across the U.S. Additionally, Grover and Kapala recognized that for SVSEF’s promising juniors to graduate to international success, there needed to be continued and specific support as they progressed to the highest levels of ski racing.

An elite senior team, much like what was in place in clubs throughout Norway and Sweden, is what was needed to build that final step in the development ladder. Thanks to the integral support of many donors and sponsors, the Gold Team was formed as an official component of the SVSEF Cross Country Program and immediate success was found through Chris Cook earning a place on the 2006 Olympic Team and Morgan Arritola posting top results at World Junior Championships.

SVSEF athletes have continued to thrive at all levels of international ski racing earning medals at the highest level of sport, and in turn have served to define Sun Valley as one of the premier cross country ski communities in the U.S. and around the world. This sustained excellence confirmed the importance of a complete ecosystem of ski development, from the youngest kids taking their first strides through the best athletes competing on the biggest stages around the world.

“Sport in its best form has always been about combining hard work with aspirational motivation,” said Kapala. “The lessons of cross country ski racing are the same now as always. SVSEF Gold Team members lead the way for the younger skiers in showing what is possible when you combine drive, dedication, and a dream in pursuit of excellence.”

Seven athletes will represent this milestone anniversary for the Gold Team, all in their quest for new heights, for hard-earned and often elusive international and World Cup starts, and ultimately for Olympic and/or Paralympic gold at Milano-Cortina.

Fueled by talent and ambition, the 2025/26 SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team roster is primed to deliver standout performances on the world stage this season and beyond. Jake Adicoff, John Steel Hagenbuch, Peter Wolter, Elijah Weenig, and Sammy Smith are all SVSEF program alumni. Mia Case returns for her second year on the Gold Team and Will Koch joins to round out the roster.

SVSEF GOLD TEAM ATHLETE HIGHLIGHTS

Jake Adicoff: Reigning Para Cross Country VI World Champion, 3x Paralympian, 2022 Beijing Paralympic Gold, 5x Para World Champion, 5th at 2011 SoHo Super JNQ, 

Peter Wolter: 24/25—Guided Jake Adicoff to a gold and silver in Para World Champs; 23/24—2x US National Podium, 10 World Cup Starts, 1 x Top 40 World Cup; 22/23—2 World Cup Starts, Top 3 SuperTour Overall; 21/22—2x NCAA All-America; Boulder Mountain Tour Champion, 3 X Baldy Hill Climb Champion

John Steel Hagenbuch: U.S. Ski Team Member; 2x NCAA Champion; 6x U.S. National Champion; 2x Junior World Champion; 6x First-Team All-American; 2x World Championships Team Member; U23 World Championships Medalist; Boulder Mountain Tour Champion; Baldy Hill Climb Champion

Elijah Weenig: RMISA Runner Up Freestyle MVP; 2x NCAA Qualifier (2023 and 2025); 1st Place (T.O.D) DU Invitational 10k Pursuit; Member of U23 World Championship Team 2024; 3rd American at US Nationals 2024 Skate 20k; 9x JN All-American

Sammy Smith: U.S. Ski Team B Team; World Junior Championships 5th in Classic Sprint; World Cup 14th in Classic Sprint Qualifier in Falun (30th overall b/c of yellow card); World Cup 25th Skate Sprint in Lahti; World Cup 27th Skate Sprint in Tallinn; 2025 Classic Sprint U.S. National Champion

Will Koch: U.S. Ski Team 2022-2025, U.S. National Champion 2024, Bronze Medal at Junior Worlds, Bronze Medal Youth Olympic Games, 7X NCAA All American, 5X JN Champion

Mia Case: Top 25 Senior National results in the Classic Sprint, Top 10 Cable SuperTour Classic Sprint

To learn more about the Gold Team, please visit: https://svsef.org/programs/cross-country/xc-gold/ 

About SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team

Established in 2006 and now entering its 20th year, the Cross Country Gold Team was created and has been primarily funded by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Composed of a group of the nation’s best post-collegiate athletes, the Gold Team trains year round in the mountains of Idaho, training sites across the United States, and venues around the world. Each athlete has his or her own goals for success on the SuperTour, World Cup, and U23 World circuit, and as a team, we push each other every day to universally attain those goals.

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 distributes more than $500,000 annually in financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.

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by Will Falltrick

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.”

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by Will Falltrick

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 Sturtevants,  Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Atkinson's Market, Proctor Mountain Group, Bigwood Golf, Salomon, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, Rossignol, Lizzy's Fresh Coffee, Clear Creek Disposal, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.

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by Will Falltrick

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.

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by Heather Foster

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!

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by Heather Foster

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!

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by Heather Foster

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

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by Heather Foster

SVSEF’s Alta Questad and Chase Martens claim podiums at IMD Champs

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by Heather Foster

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

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by Heather Foster

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

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by Heather Foster