SVSEF Alpine U14 IMD Athletes Compete at Whistler Cup
Huey posts top-five finishes and team event win; Pringle earns strong GS result at premier international competition
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation IMD U14 athletes Mia Huey and Savannah Pringle represented Team USA at the Whistler Cup, held April 10–12 at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in British Columbia.
Organized and hosted by the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, the competition has become one of the most prominent youth ski races globally since its inception in 1992. The event welcomed more than 650 U14 and U16 athletes and coaches from over 20 nations. Athletes qualify to represent Team USA through results at Western Region Championships, where only the top six girls and top six boys advance based on a World Cup points system—making selection one of the highest achievements at the U14 level.
Competing against an elite international field Huey led the way for SVSEF with fifth-place finishes in both the slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS). Pringle finished 11th in GS and gained valuable experience after a strong season leading into the event.
Beyond the individual results, the U14 Dual Relay team event on April 11 stood out as a unique opportunity connecting athletes across countries and cultures, building friendships that will extend well beyond the race course. Athletes were randomly selected to international teams, where Huey was part of the winning team in the Dual Relay team event (Team USA1). Team USA1 was coached by SVSEF’s Angie Simari Birkner.
“Whistler Cup was so fun,” said Huey. “I met kids from all over the world and made a bunch of new friends. The coaches were amazing and pushed us while still making it fun.”
“It was really fun—something I will always remember,” said Pringle. “The relay race was cool, and meeting all the different teams—they were all nice.”
“I’m super happy and proud of Mia and Savannah for qualifying for the Whistler Cup—it is the highest they could have achieved at the U14 level,” said Alpine U14 IMD Second Year Head Coach Angie Simari Birkner. “They had an outstanding performance. Their season has been amazing, and to top it off with this race was just perfect.”
For complete race results, please visit: www.live-timing.com
SVSEF Alpine FIS Athletes Close Season at Big Sky’s Elite Spring Series
Final races in Big Sky mark season’s end and senior sendoff for SVSEF Alpine FIS team
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine FIS athletes wrapped up their competitive season at the FIS Elite Spring Series in Big Sky, Montana April 6-9, bringing the winter campaign full circle at the same venue where it began.
Originally designated as a “FIS Elite Series” event, the competition ultimately opened to athletes from across the entire Western Region, creating a deep and competitive field that included racers from top clubs and collegiate programs nationwide. The series featured two giant slalom (GS) and two slalom (SL) races over four days.
The event also marked a meaningful milestone for several SVSEF seniors. Alaska Sewell, Autumn Carpenter, and Alyssa Huntsman officially closed out their ski racing careers at Big Sky, capping years of dedication to the sport. Meanwhile, fellow seniors Ulrich Rossi, Ruby Smith, Amilia Selznick, and Samantha Milne were also in attendance and are expected to likely continue racing, though like many graduating athletes, they are currently weighing their options and finalizing plans for next season. Seniors Thomas Connell and Malaya Yarmark were not in attendance at the race in Big Sky.
“The vibes were high, and the athletes had an awesome opportunity to enjoy some final ski racing turns for the season,” said SVSEF coach Charlotte Gourlay. “Despite some high winds, the surface and sunshine provided a great time for our athletes!”
With the season now complete, SVSEF will look ahead to celebrating its athletes at the End of Season Awards on April 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Liberty Theater, where more reflections and recognitions will mark the close of the 2025–26 season.
SVSEF Athlete Results (Top 30)
Ladies GS – April 6
11th – Ruby Smith
13th – Samantha Milne
23rd – Ava Huey
Men’s GS – April 7
26th – Conway Selznick
Ladies GS – April 7
11th – Samantha Milne
19th – Ruby Smith
23rd – Ava Huey
Men’s SL – April 8
26th – Conway Selznick
29th – Ulrich Rossi
Ladies SL – April 8
10th – Ruby Smith
23rd – Ava Huey
27th – Lucy Olson
Men’s SL – April 9
22nd – Henry Roberts
23rd – Conway Selznick
Ladies SL – April 9
7th – Ruby Smith
16th – Ava Huey
27th – Lucy Olson
29th – Autumn Carpenter
Full event results can be found online at: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=58650&seasoncode=2026
PHOTO: Spring Series Crew—Alaska Sewell, Autumn Carpenter, Conway Selznick, Ulrich Rossi, Tucker Reimund, Alyssa Huntsman, Ava Huey, Amilia Selznick and Lucy Olson (missing Ruby Smith and Sammy Milne)
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IMD Spring Fling at Grand Targhee Combines Fun and Transition for U12/U14 Athletes
End of season marks opportunity for testing skills and looking to what’s next
SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series athletes traveled to Grand Targhee, Wyo. April 3-5 alongside first-year SVSEF Alpine U14 IMD athletes, to take part in the always highly anticipated IMD Spring Fling. Athletes from both teams raced to great success, with podiums in every discipline for both the girls and boys over the course of the three days. Alta Questad (U12) topped the results for the girls with a first-place and two second-place finishes. Alex Grant (U14) and Walker Gove (U12) each brought home two podium finishes for the boys.
IMD Spring Fling is a great end of the season fun race for U12 and U14 athletes from the Intermountain Division, with athletes joining from the Northern Division as well. The race weekend offers an opportunity for U12 athletes to race with U14s, and for first-year U14s to have a final race of the season while the second-year U14s race the Snow Cup Series with U16s at Snowbird.
The dual format Slalom race and Kombi make for a fun weekend of racing. The Kombi offers a mix of features from giant slalom (GS) gates, to stubbie and tall pole slalom (SL) as well as wildcard features like pole jumpers. At the end of the day, the fun, mixed format rewards the most versatile racers who can bring their ski racing skills to the various features.
“We had a great weekend of racing,” said Ben Roberts, SVSEF Alpine First-Year U14 Head Coach. “The Grand Targhee race crew dug deep and delivered three great days of racing—we even had a powder day! It was great seeing our SVSEF athletes finish the season strong competitively and having fun skiing with their friends.”
The conclusion of the 2025/26 season will see the U12 North Series athletes transition to become first-year U14s, the first-year U14s grow into second-year U14s, and the second-year U14s who choose to continue ski racing will move to the U16 Team.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Kombi Girls U12
2nd - Alta Questad
Kombi Boys U12
3rd - Walker Gove
Kombi Boys U14
1st - Alex Grant
3rd - Breclan McCarthy
Slalom Girls U12
1st - Alta Questad
Slalom Boys U12
2nd - Walker Gove
Slalom Boys U14
2nd - Breclan McCarthy
4th - Reid Wilke
GS Girls U12
2nd - Alta Questad
GS Boys U14
1st - Alex Grant
6th - Halsten Bruun
For complete race results, please visit: https://imdalpine.org/race-results/
SVSEF Wraps Season at U16 Nationals & Snow Cup
Smiley, DeGennaro, Bengtson, and Questad Represent Sun Valley at U16 Nationals
Team Carries Momentum into End-of-Season Snow Cup
Two final weekends gave SVSEF Alpine athletes on the U16 Team the opportunity for some great spring ski racing and heated competition at both Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming and Snowbird in Utah.
First up, four athletes from the SVSEF Alpine U16 Team qualified for the U16 National Championships, which took place March 28-31 at Grand Targhee Resort following a venue change from Snow King due to ever-changing and challenging low-snow conditions across the West. Grand Targhee served as an excellent venue and host for the championship series, where SVSEF’s fearsome foursome had the opportunity to compete against the nation’s top U16s.
Through their strong performances at U16 Regionals, Jasmine Smiley, Neena DeGennaro, Colter Bengtson, and Henry Questad qualified and represented SVSEF in the national series which included Super G, Team Alpine Combined, Giant Slalom, and Slalom.
“Our SVSEF athletes skied their hearts out and were right in the mix amongst the Nation’s top U16s,” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF Alpine U16 Head Coach. “Along with the competition, U16 Nationals is a fun way to meet athletes from around the country, and it is a great experience for our athletes who qualified through their strong performances at U16 Regionals.”
With no rest for the weary, a team of 15 including U16 and second-year U14 athletes, competed at the Snow Cup, which took place April 4-7 at Snowbird. Renowned as being the second longest running ski race in the United States, athletes competed in two slalom and two giant slalom races over the four-day series. The weather and snow conditions were ideal for spring racing and to wrap the Intermountain Cup for the season.
Neena DeGennaro stood on the second step of the podium in all four races at the Snow Cup, while Colter Bengtson snagged one second-place spot in the Slalom on April 5. SVSEF athletes raced their way into the top ten in every race of the series, rounding out a solid season.
“The Snow Cup was an excellent final series, with four days of racing under sunny skies and spring conditions,” said Schwing. “It was a lot of fun to have so much of our team attending, to be together and race together one last time! The team skied well, and race series provided ideal conditions and a fun environment to celebrate the ski racing season.”
SVSEF Athlete Results at U16 Nationals
Super G Women
31st - Neena DeGennaro
42nd - Jasmine Smiley
Super G Men
20th - Colter Bengtson
45th - Henry Questad
Giant Slalom Women
11th - Neena DeGennaro
31st - Jasmine Smiley
Slalom Women
13th - Neena DeGennaro
26th - Jasmine Smiley
For complete U16 Nationals race results, please visit live-timing.com
SVSEF Athlete Results at the Snow Cup
Slalom Men - April 4
6th - Paxton Harris
8th - Corbin Flood
10th - Cameron Beck
11th - Henry Questad
14th - Brooks Gove
Slalom Women - April 4
2nd - Neena DeGennaro
13th - Alexandra Heidel
18th - Olivia Harrington
Slalom Men - April 5
2nd - Colter Bengtson
8th - Corbin Flood
10th - Wyatt Limburg
17th - Cameron Beck
Slalom Women - April 5
2nd - Neena DeGennaro
9th - Jasmine Smiley
Giant Slalom Men - April 6
6th - Corbin Flood
7th - Declan O’Toole
9th - Paxton Harris
11th - Colter Bengtson
14th - Jake Schlatter
15th - Wyatt Limburg
16th - Cameron Beck
Giant Slalom Women - April 6
2nd - Neena DeGennaro
8th - Jasmine Smiley
16th - Colette Duke
18th - Bianca Smith
Giant Slalom Men - April 7
7th - Colter Bengtson
8th - Declan O’Toole
10th - Corbin Flood
11th - Henry Questad
14th - Jake Schlatter
15th - Wyatt Limburg
16th - Cameron Beck
Giant Slalom Women - April 7
2nd - Neena DeGennaro
6th - Jasmine Smiley
9th - Bianca Smith
17th - Colette Duke
For complete Snow Cup results, please visit: https://imdalpine.org/race-results/
SVSEF XC Gold Team Closes Season at SuperTour Finals & U.S. National Championships
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Gold Team wrapped up an exceptional season at the SuperTour Finals and U.S. National Championships, held at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont, March 27-29. Competing against the top cross country skiers in North America, SVSEF athletes delivered strong performances across three days of racing, highlighted by national championship events and a competitive field.
The race series opened Friday with the 1.5km Classic Sprint, followed by the 4x5km mixed gender relay on Saturday, and concluded Sunday with the demanding 40km Freestyle Mass Start.
In Friday’s Classic Sprint, Will Koch led the men with a 13th-place finish, followed closely by Peter Wolter in 14th. Mia Case placed 34th in the women’s field.
Saturday’s relay showcased teamwork and depth and some great fun, with the combined SVSEF/BSF team—featuring Mia Case, Will Koch, Elke Hammerstein (BSF Pro), and Elijah Weenig—finishing 2nd overall in the SuperTour unofficial team standings.
Sunday’s grueling 40km Freestyle Mass Start saw John Steel Hagenbuch (Dartmouth/SVSEF Gold Team) claim an impressive 2nd place. Will Koch added a strong 12th-place finish, while Mia Case led the women in 29th.
“What a season,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “This team showed up under pressure with passion and grit, supporting one another through every challenge along the way. It was a wonderful way to wrap up what has been an incredible season.”
Head Gold Team Coach Peter Holmes added, “SuperTour Finals this year was really fun. We had great weather in Craftsbury, which made for a fantastic spring weekend of racing. It was the perfect way to wrap up the season, and now we’re looking forward to some rest before getting back to training.”
Elijah Weenig reflected on the weekend, saying, “It was a super fun way to wrap up the season. The conditions were great for late March, and the energy was high. The courses were tough—especially the 40k—but it made for some really rewarding racing. I’m definitely looking forward to some well-earned rest.”
The weekend also marked the final race of Peter Wolter’s professional career. A longtime leader and dedicated member of the SVSEF community, Wolter leaves behind a lasting legacy of commitment, success, sportsmanship, and impact.
“He has been a steady and inspiring presence, and he will be deeply missed,” said Flynn. “We are incredibly grateful for all he has given to this program and community.”
Sammy Smith did not compete in the series, having returned to Stanford University following a full winter racing on the World Cup circuit and competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics and World Cup Finals.
The SuperTour Finals brought together the fastest skiers in North America to close out the 2025–2026 season, with national titles awarded in the Classic Sprint, Club Relay, and Freestyle Mass Start.
For full results, please visit: Super Tour Finals - Full Results
Photo of Will Koch getting himself to the front of the pack in the 40km skate mass start at SuperTour Finals: Tryg Solberg
Gary Black Jr. Memorial Ski Race Honors Black’s Joyful Energy and Love of Ski Racing
SVSEF alpine youth programs wrap up season with a costume-ridden race off the top of Baldy
On Sunday March 29, Sun Valley Ski Education (SVSEF) hosted the ninth annual Gary Black, Jr. Memorial race on Sun Valley’s Saddle Up ski run by Upper Warm Springs. Girls and boys from the SVSEF Alpine Baldy Devo (U8), U10, U12, and U14 teams competed in a dual-panel ski race followed by a springtime bar-be-que where the end-of-season individual awards and Gary Black Jr. Memorial Race perpetual trophies were presented.
The Gary Black Memorial race honors and memorializes a ski racing community legend, Gary Black, Jr., whose life was taken too soon in 2017. It honors Gary’s love for ski racing, the enthusiasm of what it's like to be a ski racer, and continues his legacy through the next generation of ski racers. Black’s success, commitment, and enthusiasm to the ski racing community shone bright this weekend.
“My father would be humbled and honored by the recognition the SVSEF community shows him on an annual basis,” said Amanda Black, eldest daughter of the late Gary Black, Jr. “He would have loved to see the enthusiasm and passion all of these young athletes have for the sport he adored and spent his life supporting.”
There was no shortage of smiles, fun costumes, friendly competitive spirit, and team camaraderie in the race; and podiums or not, all the athletes felt the fun vibes of wrapping up their season amongst their teammates under blue skies and sunshine. Gary’s youngest daughter Lexi Black, an alumni of the SVSEF Alpine Program, was on hand to share a few words with the young skiers. After the event she had this to say, “Watching the Devo team run around the lawn, climbing trees, and playing games made me think that while dad loved all things ski racing, celebrations, and fun, the centerpiece of his life really was the friendships he built, curated, and connected. When I had a chance to speak on Sunday, I tried to speak directly to the kids and let them know what was really important, and that’s to cherish your friends and loved ones.”
“The all encompassing and indefatigable energy Gary had for skiing makes the Gary Black, Jr. Memorial event the perfect venue for honoring who he was,” said Heather Black, wife of the late Gary Black, Jr. “Gary loved nothing more than to ski, share laughs, and have fun, and this ski race epitomizes that energy.”
Every spring, all SVSEF Junior Programs come together for the Gary Black, Jr. to celebrate the culmination of the season. Costume-clad kids (no race suits allowed) from the age of four to 13 were paired within their age groups in the dual format panel slalom.
“What an amazing day for the Gary Black Jr. Memorial,” said Chuck Harris, SVSEF Alpine Junior Program Director. “The race was moved to the top of Baldy due to our early spring conditions and it was the perfect day to end our season for all the Junior Programs. A huge thank you to Sun Valley for helping all of our kids pursue their love of skiing!”
Claudia Stern, SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series Head Coach spoke to the adaptability, resiliency, and growth realized this season. “What a season it has been! Despite challenging conditions thrown at us by an erratic Mother Nature, I would say we had a great season. We were able to do quite a bit of free skiing early on and took full advantage of amazing conditions at Rotarun thanks to Julian and his team. Everyone showed up with a good attitude and drive every day and it showed in the impressive improvements seen throughout the winter.”
Sarah Schwing, SVSEF Alpine Baldy Devo Head Coach reflected on the season, “From foundational drills on Lower River Run to charging down the steeps of Warm Springs, our Devo athletes have made incredible strides this season! We wrapped it all up at the Gary Black Jr. Memorial Race—a fantastic event that reminds us all why we love ski racing. What a fun way to end the year!”
The Gary Black, Jr. Memorial Perpetual Trophies were presented to the following athletes based on their results in Sunday’s race:
- Gretchen Fraser Award for fastest U10 Female—Clementine Brumbach
- Pete Patterson Award for fastest U10 Male—Ford Rixon
- Kathleen Harrison Mortimer Award for the fastest U12 Female—Alta Questad
- Billy Kleine Award for the fastest U12 Male—Dylan Smiley
- Bonnie Russell Award for the fastest U14 Female—Bria Smiley
- Smith Goggle Award for the fastest U14 Male—Alex Grant
- Mini World Cup Overall Award—Ruby Rogers and Arthur McNeal
- Roy Hobson Award for fastest overall Female and Male of the day—Alta Questad and Alex Grant
On hand to help present the perpetual trophies were members of the Kleine Family, including Janet Kleine who shared, “On behalf of the Kleine family, we were honored to present the Billy Kleine Memorial Trophy to Dylan Smiley as a tribute to his talent, hard work and his and his family’s commitment to skiing. We were pleased to be included in the Gary Black, Jr. Memorial race awards and have the opportunity to share who Billy Kleine was, and why there was an award established for him 64 years ago. It was wonderful to make connections to Adele Savaria, Chuck Harris, David Butterfield, and Heather Hofstetter-Dawson who made this experience possible.”
Gary Black, Jr. Memorial Race results and individual year-end awards for all Alpine Junior Program Teams are also included below.
Gary Black, Jr. Memorial Race Results
U8 Girls
1 Clark Livingston
2 Sullivan Kochvar
3 Anna Kloster
4 Emilia Eng Greener
5 Phoebe Taylor
6 Harland Hustis
7 Finley Binns
8 Finley Vaughan
9 Georgia Brandenburg
10 Wren Schwing
11 Grace Copperman
12 Briony Cook
13 Ava Boeger
14 Anso Tyo
U8 Boys
1 Banks Rixon
2 Harrison Brumbach
3 Charlie Favrot
4 Jasper Rogers
5 Dean Carr
6 Bodhi Zelaya
7 James Patton
U10 Girls
1 Clementine Brumbach
2 Elise Eng Greener
3 Quinn Woodward
4 Emma Osher
5 Ruby Rogers
6 Grace Boccabella
7 Torin Farmer
8 Fallon McClung
9 Beau Jaeger
10 Wren Presnell
11 Kyle Bruun
12 Rose VanderWyst
13 Lottie Cook
14 Aveline McMahan
U10 Boys
1 Ford Rixon
2 Werner McNamara
3 John Massa
4 Bode Smith
5 Huxley Binns
6 Smith Matthews
7 Brock Smith
8 Arthur McNeal
9 Wade Carr
10 Liam Gilligan
11 Bear Larkin
12 Patrick Phillips
13 Brenner Ehleringer
14 Kingsley Bruun
15 Ellis Gouley
U12 Girls
1 Alta Questad
2 Sophie Robinson
3 Marie McNeal
4 Amelia Beck
5 Kayla Kloster
6 Stellie Turzian
7 Ivy McNamara
8 Freya Moffat
9 Maude Bates
10 Dylan Spengler
11 Chandler Letson
12 Rosie Hill
13 Theo Young
14 Lila VanderWyst
15 Delaney Woodward
16 Juniper Farmer
17 Morgan Thomas
U12 Boys
1 Dylan Smiley
2 Vance Gardner
3 Tucker Thurston
4 Walker Gove
5 Dillon Wells
U14 Girls
1 Bria Smiley
2 Halley McGrew
3 Kinley Letson
4 McKenna Steel
5 McKenna Minas
6 Reese Woodward
7 Avery Allen
8 Charlotte
9 Kaitlin Cooper
10 Casey Rolf
U14 Boys
1 Alex Grant
2 Charlie Spengler
3 Breclan McCarthy
4 Brixen Ehleringer
5 Halsten Bruun
6 Hunter Gove
7 Reid Wilke
8 Truman Tarrant
U8 Baldy Devo Year End Awards
- Coaches Award Girls: (for the athletes that demonstrate good listening, applying the skills they learn, and is a good teammate)—Genevieve Johnson and Clark Livingston
- Coaches Award Boys: (for the athletes that demonstrate good listening, applying the skills they learn, and is a good teammate)—Harrison Brumbach and Ben Jacobs
- Most Improved: (this award is for the athlete that show the greatest improvement throughout the season)—Kiran Kumar and Briony Cook
- CHEESO Award: (for the athletes that go no matter the conditions as the saying goes, “Cheeso would go!” These kids are the ones getting after it.)—Sullivan Kochvar and Cale Clarke
- SUNSHINE Award: (for the athlete that is always having a good day! These kids had to ski all kinds of conditions this year and sometimes limited terrain… these are the kids with a smile on their face and keep it positive.)—Finley Vaughan and Rudy Noren
- KANONE (pronounce CAN-ONE) Award: (a German word for expert skier, it translates figurately as one who is an expert, an ace, or one who is very skilled at a task. Overall, the athlete that demonstrates all the skills we assess at our evaluation.)—Emilia Eng and Dean Carr
- COWBOY UP Award:(for the athlete who gets up after a big crash and really shows grit, they bounce back from anything, resilient)—James Patton
- HOWARD DEAN & PEGGY DEAN: (this is for the athlete that embodies a LOVE for skiing and is always having a good day)—Bodhi Zelaya and Ava Boeger
- Most Dedicated: (an athlete with one of the highest attendance rates and continues to show up even after hard days)—Anso Tyo
- Attendance Awards (kids with over 20 days): Anso Tyo, Ava Boeger, Emilia Eng, Genevieve Johnson, Sullivan Kochvar, Wren Schwing, Keenan Johnson, Charles Favrot, Arne Beatty, Rudy Noren, Bodhi Zelaya, Dean Carr, Cale Clarke
U10 Mini World Cup Year End Awards
- Most Improved—Luca Smither and Rose VanderWyst
- Coaches Award—Evan Schwing and Clementine Brumbach
- Outstanding Skiers—Ford Rixon and Uzi Hale
U12 North Series Year End Awards
- Most Improved Award—Keller Spachman and Lexi Barthel
- Cheeso Mountain Kid—Walker Gove and Amelia Beck
- Coaches Award—Dylan Meyer and Asa Sattler
- Most Inspirational—Jayden Orihuela
- Attendance Award—Alta Questad
- Sean Flynn Award—Freya Moffat
Home Team Year End Awards
Most Dedicated
- U10 Boy—Ford Favrot
- U10 Girl—Emery Seagraves
- U12 Boy—Ford Ramsay
- U12 Girl—Catherine Buck
- Jr Boy—Ian Lozada
- Jr Girl—Reese Woodward
Most Improved
- U10 Boy—Lincoln Case
- U10 Girl—Ava Banta
- U12 Boy—Tucker Marino
- U12 Girl—Catherine McCoy
- Jr Boy—Ryan Schwartzbard
- Jr Girl—Casey Rolf
Cheeso Award
- Boy—Ian Lozada
- Girl—McKenna Minas
PHOTOS BY: Thomas Smiley
Gary Black, Jr Memorial Run One Photos
Gary Black, Jr Memorial Run Two Photos
Gary Black, Jr Memorial Race Awards Photos
SVSEF’s Barrett Beyer Clinches Coveted Spot on 2027 iHeart Radio Freeski Rev Tour
Beyer stomps Freeski Slopestyle Futures Tour earning three podiums and third overall ranking
Barrett Beyer has developed through the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Freeski pipeline, building a strong foundation from an early age and progressing through regional and national competition. Beyer’s next step will be his biggest as he lands third overall on the USASA Freeski Slopestyle Futures Tour, qualifying him for next season’s iHeart Radio Freeski Revolution Tour.
The Freeski Slopestyle Futures Tour is where the next generation of athletes level up. It’s a high-energy competition series built to help skiers progress from local events to bigger national stages, dialing in fundamentals, building confidence, and learning how to put down full, polished runs under pressure.
Think of the Futures Tour as the proving ground for what comes next, and now Beyer has done just that—a huge step forward and a testament to his hard work over the last few seasons. SVSEF Freeski Futures Team athlete Barrett Beyer took full advantage of that pathway this season, putting together an impressive Futures Tour.
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- 3rd Place – Okemo, VT Slopestyle (Feb. 4-5)
- 3rd Place – Sugar Bowl, CA Slopestyle (Feb. 24-27)
- 2nd Place – Waterville Valley, NH Slopestyle (Mar. 17-19)
- Overall Futures Tour Ranking – 3rd Place
Beyer’s steady progression reflects years of commitment to training and competition within the SVSEF Freeski program. A consistent podium performer in the USASA Big Mountain West Series, Beyer has earned multiple wins and top finishes across slopestyle and rail jam, while qualifying for USASA National Championships and advancing to Futures Tour and NorAm-level events.
SVSEF Alpine U14 Athletes Excel at Western Regionals Championships at Sugar Bowl
Huey and Pringle earn berths to international competition with podium performances at Sugar Bowl
Six Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Alpine U14 athletes qualified for and competed in the Western Region Championships at Sugar Bowl Resort from March 19-22, with Mia Huey and Savannah Pringle earning berths to the Whistler Cup in British Columbia. The three-day championship featured Super G (SG), Giant Slalom (GS), and Slalom (SL) competitions, with the top six overall finishers earning spots at the international Whistler Cup from April 8-12.
Huey delivered the team's strongest performance, earning first place in SG and second in GS before adding a third-place finish in SL. Her consistency across all three disciplines secured her position among the top six overall and a coveted spot at the Whistler Cup, one of the most important international races for young north american alpine skiers.
Pringle matched Huey's success with exceptional results throughout the championship, placing ninth in SG, sixth in GS, and second in SL. Her strong performances across all events also earned her qualification to the Whistler Cup, where she will join Huey in representing SVSEF against top international competition.
"It was a well-organized event. Temperatures were very warm and the hill preparation was great," said SVSEF U14 Second Year Head Coach Angelica Birkner. "Our team performed exceptionally and I am very happy with the results. These girls and boys have worked really hard through the season and it paid off."
On the boys' side, Alex Grant posted consistent top-20 results across all three events, finishing 11th in SG, eighth in GS, and 20th in SL. Theron Andra recorded his best result in SL with an 11th-place finish, while also contributing 26th and 31st place finishes in the speed events. James Holman added depth to the team's performance with solid showings in SG (43rd) and GS (25th).
The Western Region Championships represents the most important race of the season for U14 athletes within the region, bringing together the top young racers from clubs across the western United States. The qualification system rewards consistent performance across all three disciplines, with the top six overall finishers earning the opportunity to compete at the international level.
"It was so awesome. This place is very nice!" said Huey and Pringle about their experience at the championship.
Up Next for SVSEF U14: Mia Huey and Savannah Pringle will compete at the Whistler Cup in Whistler, BC, Canada, April 8-12, 2026. The Whistler Cup will provide valuable international racing experience against top U14 athletes from around the world, serving as a significant milestone in their athletic development and a testament to their hard work throughout the season.
Photo: SVSEF U14 Whistler Cup Qualifiers Savannah Pringle (L), Mia Huey (center) and U14 Second Year Head Coach Angelica Birkner (R) celebrate in Sugar Bowl, CA.
SVSEF Athlete Results
Thursday, March 20 – Super G
Girls
1st – Mia Huey
9th – Savannah Pringle
53rd – Bria Smiley
Boys
11th – Alex Grant
26th – Theron Andra
43rd – James Holman
Friday, March 21 – Giant Slalom
Girls
2nd – Mia Huey
6th – Savannah Pringle
45th – Bria Smiley
Boys
8th – Alex Grant
25th – James Holman
31st – Theron Andra
Saturday, March 22 – Slalom
Girls
2nd – Savannah Pringle
3rd – Mia Huey
DNF – Bria Smiley
Boys
11th – Theron Andra
20th – Alex Grant
DNF – James Holman
Whistler Cup Qualifiers
Mia Huey
Savannah Pringle
Complete results for the Western Region Championships may be found at: https://www.live-timing.com
About the Western Region Championships
The Western Region Championships is the premier U14 alpine skiing championship for the western United States. The three-day event features competition in all alpine disciplines, with the top six overall finishers earning qualification to the international Whistler Cup, one of the most prestigious events for young alpine racers worldwide.
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.