Finnigan Donley Brings Home 2023 U18 Nationals Overall Men’s Title
Ten members of the Sun Valley Ski Education Alpine FIS Team qualified to compete in the 2023 U18 Nationals in Mittersill, NH, March 9-16. The athletes competed in both speed and tech events including downhill, super G, giant slalom, and slalom. At the conclusion of the series, SVSEF’s Finnigan Donley was crowned Overall U18 Men’s Champion and on the women’s side, Paige DeHart brought home two top ten finishes in the nation including fifth on the podium in giant slalom and eighth in slalom.
Five men and five women made up the team that traveled east to compete against their strongest contemporaries across the country. Finnigan Donley, Kai Subith, Larson Overby, Max Meucci, and Sacha Stern-Pre filled the men’s SVSEF roster; while Maya Lightner, Madison Vieara-McCarthy, Natalie Gowe, Paige DeHart, and Ruby Crist qualified for the women.
“I had a great time at the U18 Nationals,” said Finnigan Donley, SVSEF FIS Team athlete and 2023 Overall U18 Men’s Champion. “National championship races are both mentally and physically challenging because there are four races in the span of four days. I am proud of my results throughout the week because I was able to stay at a high level from the first day to the last day!”
SVSEF FIS Coach Sue Schwartz accompanied the team to Mittersill for the race series. “I’m incredibly proud of these athletes for qualifying for U18 Nationals,” said Schwartz. “While seeing athletes reach the pinnacle of their sport and earn a title is exciting and rewarding, it’s not all about podiums and top fives. I’m proud of how they did, how they conducted themselves, of their performances on the hill, and of the consistent improvement we’re seeing in their skiing. They were awesome—they tried extremely hard and SVSEF was well-represented. Major kudos to all of our athletes.”
“This was my first trip to the east coast,” said Paige DeHart, SVSEF FIS team athlete. “It was a great trip and the racing conditions were excellent. Overall it was a successful race series for myself and SVSEF.”
On the first day of competition in the Women’s Downhill, Maya Lightner finished just off the podium in sixth place and Ruby Crist had a standout finish moving from her start position in 43rd to land in 16th place overall. Natalie Gowe finished in the top 30 in 28th place. In the Men’s Downhill, Finnigan Donley stood atop the podium, Kai Subith found his way to a top 15 in 11th place, and Max Meucci and Larson Overby finished just outside the top 30 in 31st and 32nd respectively.
Donley followed up with another win in the Men’s Super G and DeHart landed top 15 in 14th for the women in the Super G. Donley continued a strong series placing sixth in Men’s Giant Slalom with Subith just on his heels in 7th place. DeHart stood on the podium in fifth for the women in Giant Slalom. Donley raced to his third podium of the series in the Men’s Slalom, placing third. DeHart again had the top finish for the women earning a top-ten in 8th place for the Women’s Slalom.
Of the team that traveled to U18 Nationals, five SVSEF FIS Team athletes have also qualified for the upcoming 2023 U.S. Alpine National Championships in Sun Valley. In preparation for racing on the big stage, Finnigan Donley and Kai Subith will travel to Minnesota to compete in the Northern Michigan University Lutsen Spring Series, March 23-26, Paige DeHart and Madison Vieara-McCarthy will head to Montana to compete in the giant slalom at the Western Region FIS Open at Big Sky, March 30-31, and Maya Lightner will resume training in preparation for the U.S. Alpine Nationals, April 2-5.
U18 Nationals, Mittersill, NHSVSEF Athlete Results:
Women’s U18 Downhill - March 10
-
6th - Maya Lightner
-
16th - Ruby Crist
-
28th - Natalie Gowe
Men’s U18 Downhill - March 11
-
1st - Finnigan Donley
-
11th - Kai Subith
-
31st - Max Meucci
-
32nd - Larson Overby
Men’s U18 Super G - March 12
-
1st - Finnigan Donley
-
23rd - Kai Subith
-
32nd - Larson Overby
-
39th - Max Meucci
-
63rd - Sacha Stern-Pre
Women’s U18 Super G - March 12
-
14th - Paige DeHart
-
25th - Maya Lightner
-
49th - Maddie Vieara-McCarthy
Men’s U18 Giant Slalom - March 13
-
6th - Finnigan Donley
-
7th - Kai Subith
-
35th - Sacha Stern-Pre
-
38th - Max Meucci
Women’s U18 Giant Slalom - March 13
-
5th - Paige DeHart
-
39th - Madison Vieara-McCarthy
Men’s U18 Slalom - March 14
-
3rd - Finnigan Donley
-
27th - Max Meucci
-
29th - Larson Overby
-
37th - Sacha Stern-Pre
Women’s U18 Slalom - March 15
-
8th - Paige DeHart
-
27th - Natalie Gowe
-
38th - Madison Vieara-McCarthy
For complete U18 Nationals results, click HERE.
SVSEF Snowboarding Wraps Big Mountain West Series at Woodward Park City
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Snowboard Team drove south to Woodward Park City for the final events of the USASA Big Mountain West Series Mar 9-11. On tap was the final Slopestyle and Rail Jam followed by the first and only four halfpipe events of the season for most SVSEF riders.
Riders competing this weekend were also gunning for another Slopestyle result to gain points for the USASA National Championship, which will be held March 31-April 12 at Copper Mountain, CO.
Rylan Olson took to the course with a smooth 540-FS180-360 combo that put him in the mix with a really competitive field of riders from the Intermountain region. Callie Allen, in her first away-trip of the year, stepped up with stylish straight airs and also used the most challenging of the rail features. Camille Armeen and Vivian Smith showed what’s to come in the Menehune 11-12 Girls group charging the line all day long. Karsen Miller stomped his first run, spinning both directions. On his second run, he threw his first BS Rodeo he’s ever done in competition—unfortunately he over cooked it a bit and took a spill in the landing. Even with the fall, the stoke level was high for the attempt.
Woodward Park City Slopestyle SVSEF Athlete Results:
Menehune Girls 11-12
Camille Armeen 2nd
Vivian Smith 3rd
Menehune Boys 11-12
Rylan Olson 4th
Breaker Girls 13-14
Callie Allen 1st
Breaker Boys 13-14
Henry Georgiades 6th
Youth Men 15-16
Karsen Miller 3rd
The SVSEF Snowboard Team had two riders take part in the Rail Jam. Snowboard 11-14 group athletes Bixby Swanger and Henry Georgiades showed a variety in both trick selection and the features they used. Bixby had a really cool FS Smith on the down tube that made the judges and announcers take note. Henry decided to spin 360 on and off of the flat box in front of the judges, which seemed to raise the stakes as things heated up. Bixby “Bix” has such a different take on rail riding, and at least one judge shared afterwards they liked his style during the event.
Woodward Park City Rail Jam SVSEF Athlete Results:
Snowboard 11-14
Bixby Swanger 12th
Henry Georgiades 13th
For the final events on Friday and Saturday, athletes took to the halfpipe. Sun Valley riders have a long and storied history in the halfpipe. People ask how SVSEF athletes train without one. The reality of this discipline is that the best freeriders make for many of the best pipe riders. Baldy’s steep pitch teaches the great edge control needed to ride a halfpipe wall. The progression in the halfpipe over the four days the team was at Woodward was amazing and the stoke for this new skill was on the face of the whole team.
Callie Allen worked super hard getting out of the pipe with a mix of grabs on her straight air and an FS 360 to Cab 360 combo that gave her the win in the Breaker Girls 13-14 group.
Rylan Olson was rewarded for charging the pipe with style, landing in third in the Menehune Boys 11-12 group in his first-ever pipe event. Henry Georgiades showed maybe the most natural adaptation to the halfpipe looking clean between the walls and going bigger with each run. Miles Hatzenbuehler started right where he left off in the pipe last year throwing a couple of nice runs during the two events on Friday. Enzo Schmillen was super consistent all week, gaining confidence and skill along the way; and had a nice alley-oop 360 to finish his runs. Naomi Gorringe, who was splitting time between a hockey tournament in Salt Lake City, managed to squeeze in two of the four pipe events, blasting out of the pipe and making the most of only getting four hits with combo grabs and 360’s.
Park City Head Coach, Rick Shimpeno, and SVSEF Head Coach, Andy Gilbert, agreed this event seemed to be a turning point for halfpipe in the Intermountain region. “Great field size and the riding was really good!” said Gilbert. “The kids are indeed alright!”
Woodward Park City SVSEF Athlete Results in Halfpipe (HP) 1 through 4
Breaker Girls 13-14
Callie Allen HP2 1st, HP3 1st, HP4 1st
Callie is the Big Mountain West Series Champion, earning an automatic spot at Nationals in Halfpipe
Naomi Gorringe HP1 1st, HP4 2nd
Breaker Boys 13-14
Henry Georgiades HP1 4th, HP3 4th, HP4 4th
Miles Hatzenbuehler HP1 6th, HP2 5th
Menehune Girls 11-12
Camille Armeen HP1 3rd
Vivian Smith HP1 4th
Menehune Boys 11-12
Rylan Olson HP2 3rd
Enzo Schmillen HP1 4th, HP2 5th, HP3 4th, HP4 4th
The team also got to participate in the “Ride for Jake” ride out. It was a mass drop-in from the top of the hill at Woodward in honor of Jake Burton Carpenter and his immense contribution to snowboarding! It was a great reminder that the culture and community of snowboarding matters and should be recognized. It was so fun that the team took two laps!
“This was a great week of progression and bonding for our team!” said Gilbert. “We would like to thank Kim Raymer, everyone at the Big Mountain West Series, and the Woodward Park City crew!”
Further athlete qualifications for the 2023 USASA National Championship will be announced in the coming week.
Conway Selznick Wins the Overall at David Wright Memorial U14 Qualifier
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine U14 Travel Team traveled to Park City, UT for the David Wright Memorial U14 Qualifier March 4-5. This was the last qualifier of the season before the Western Region U14 Regional Championships, which will take place in Jackson Hole, WY March 23-26. SVSEF has 10 athletes attending U14 Regionals this year. 17 SVSEF athletes will compete at the Tri-Divisional Championships in Grand Targhee, ID March 23-26.
With powdery conditions and one canceled Slalom (SL) race, athletes competed in two Giant Slalom (GS) races over the weekend. In GS Race 1, Conway Selznick came in second on the men’s side, and Elliot Leahy came in first on the women’s side. In GS Race 2, Tucker Reimund came in first and Conway Selznick in second on the men’s side. Skyler Jensen came in fifth on the women's side. Conway Selznick came home as the Overall Winner of the series.
“We definitely had a ton of shining moments out there, and these athletes charged through some really tough conditions,” said SVSEF Alpine U14 Head Coach, Charlotte Gourlay. “It was great to see all these athletes attack a new hill with confidence.”
The weekend of racing was accompanied by the SVSEF Alpine U14 Travel Team “Golden Helmet” award for the month of February. Each month throughout the season, U14 coaches choose an athlete who exemplifies a specific character trait for that month. The trait for February was “courage” and Alex Heidel took home the Golden Helmet. Prior Golden Helmet winners this season are Skyler Jensen (CARE), Jake Schlatter (LEADERSHIP), and Fleur Brazil (DISCIPLINE).
“This month, Alex personified courage, from stepping up her aggression in training to challenging herself in new ways at every opportunity,” said Gourlay. “It was exciting to watch her step it up throughout the month.”
SVSEF Athlete Results:
Men GS 1 (3/3/23)
2 - Conway Selznick
9 - Tucker Reimund
21 - Declan O’Toole
23 - Kai Sammis
24 - Wyatt Limburg
27 - Morgan Sawyer
35 - Espen Schernthanner
46 - Wyatt Gilmour
47 - Huxley Flood
56 - Thatcher Beck
60 - Jake Schlatter
64 - Jack Heinz
65 - Brooks Gove
74 - Asher May
Women GS 1 (3/3/23)
1 - Elliot Leahy
8 - Skyler Jensen
12 - Fleur Brazil
13 - Maya Gunn
20 - Ruby Thurston
22 - Bianca Smith
24 - Jasmine Smiley
29 - Colette Duke
33 - Lily Larrabee
36 - Elle Deckard
45 - Blakeslee Davis-Jeffers
50 - Carolyn Fleming
58 - Alexandra Heidel
Men GS 2 (3/4/23)
1 - Tucker Reimund
2 - Conway Selznick
6 - Morgan Sawyer
9 - Wyatt Limburg
11 - Kai Sammis
26 - Henry Flynn
27 - Wyatt Gilmour
33 - Thatcher Beck
44 - Espen Schernthanner
46 - Jack Schlatter
54 - Brooks Grove
59 - Jack Heinz
60 - Asher May
Women GS 2 (3/4/23)
5 - Skyler Jensen
6 - Maya Gunn
7 - Bianca Smith
19 - Hadley Walker
20 - Elliot Leahy
24 - Lily Larrabee
31 - Ruby Thurston
35 - Colette Duke
36 - Blakeslee Davis-Jeffers
39 - Jasmine Smiley
42 - Elle Deckard
44 - Skye Pringle
49 - Alexandra Heidel
55 - Carolyn Fleming
For complete race results, please visit https://www.imdalpine.org/alpine/races22/U14.php
Wolter and Holmes head to OPA Cup Finals in Italy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Plus additional FIS race brings opportunity to fine-tune pursuit racing
SVSEF XC Gold Team Member Peter Wolter and Coach Peter Holmes are heading to Italy for the OPA Cup Finals.
Peter Wolter has been selected to compete for the U.S. Ski Team in the OPA Cup Finals in Dobbiaco/Toblach, Italy, March 17-19. Wolter, who recently traveled to Les Rousses, France for his first World Cup, is thrilled to have the opportunity to again represent Team USA in this race series.
“I’m excited to be racing the OPA Finals in Italy because it’s a pretty big step up from SuperTour level racing but not as giant of a leap as the World Cup,” said Wolter. “It provides an opportunity to take it up a notch but not get totally thrown into the deep end.”
SVSEF Assistant Comp Team Coach, Peter Holmes, will be joining the U.S. coaching staff for the trip. Holmes, who retired as a competitor from the SVSEF XC Gold Team last winter, has seamlessly moved into the coaching realm. Holmes said he is “really excited to go to Toblach and work with Peter and the other U.S. athletes who will be there. I have only been on trips with the U.S. Ski Team as an athlete, so it will be great to see what it’s like on the other side.”
The U.S. contingent, Wolter and Holmes included, will first head to Falcade, Italy for a few FIS tune up races March 11-12. Events include a 10km individual start classic on Saturday and a 15km freestyle pursuit on Sunday.
The OPA Cup Finals begin Friday, March 17 with a freestyle sprint. “With all the Central European countries competing, it’s a great stepping stone back to the World Cup,” said SVSEF XC Gold Team Coach, Chris Mallory.
March 18-19 will include a 10km individual start freestyle on Saturday and 15km classic pursuit on Sunday. Each athlete's start time for Sunday’s classic pursuit race is determined by their time back from Saturday’s winner. For example, if second place finished 20 seconds behind the winner on Saturday, they will start Sunday’s race 20 seconds behind and so on. Then whoever crosses the line first, wins the pursuit race. “Classic distance is one of Peter’s strengths, so look for him to move up in the results on Sunday,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director.
As Wolter thinks ahead to the races, he knows “it will be great to have Holmes there as a wax tech and coach to help make the situation feel more normal, which is always important for the mental game when you step it up to the next level.”
“And stepping up to the next level is what both Peter Wolter and Peter Holmes are doing,” said Woods. “We can’t wait to see how this all plays out!”
Falcade, Italy FIS Races, March 11-12 / Check in daily for start lists, live timing and results here.
Dobbiaco/Toblach, Italy OPA Cup Finals, March 17-19 / Check in daily for start lists, live timing and results here.
Photo of Peter Wolter (bib #49) at 2023 Les Rousses World Cup. Photo credit: NordicFocus
SVSEF XC Gold Team’s Katie Feldman Conquers 99th Swedish Vasaloppet
SVSEF Gold Team member Katie Feldman was the first American woman to cross the finish line in the 99th edition of the Swedish Vasaloppet on March 4. The historic 90 km classic race from Sälen to Mora, Sweden is the largest cross country ski race in the world.
Feldman toed the line with 15,800 other racers, all prepared to race through 90 kilometers of forest, picturesque villages, and across open trails through the Swedish countryside. The race honors the first King of Sweden, Gustav Eriksson Vasa’s journey to the country. Along the way, Feldman was cheered on by thousands of onlookers, offered traditional blueberry soup at the checkpoints, and was treated to a historic adventure across the Swedish landscape.
“It was HARD,” said Feldman, who is spending the winter racing cross country skiing marathons in Europe. “Crossing the start line with 15,000 people who love this sport as much as I do is almost incomprehensible. The race was grueling with a lot of highs and lows, and I’m really happy to have crossed the finish line. This was the 99th year of the Vasaloppet, and it’s really cool to participate in such an iconic event!”
Feldman finished the 90 km course in five hours and three minutes—overall the 56th woman and first American woman to cross the line.
“It’s great to see Katie embracing the marathon series in Europe this season—we are so impressed with her resilience over the course of the winter,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF XC Program Director. “Some people race one marathon in their life, and Katie will have raced more than 10 by the time she returns to the states!”
Next up for Katie Feldman is the 2023 Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet on March 18.
Results for the Swedish Vasaloppet can be found here. A fun history of the Vasaloppet can be found here.
SVSEF Alpine U12 Travel Team Tackles Tamarack Kombi Races
The Sun Valley Ski Education (SVSEF) Alpine U12 Travel Team traveled to Tamarack, ID this weekend for the 2023 Tamarack North GS and Kombi Race. This was the last qualifier of the season before the Intermountain Division (IMD) U12 Championships, where the North and South meet in Snowbird, UT, March 17-19. SVSEF will have 22 girls and 15 boys competing at the IMD U12 Champs.
SVSEF athletes dominated the podium in both GS races and Kombi races. For the women’s GS, Savannah Pringle came in first, and Fernanda Hurtado in third. The men’s GS podium was a full-team sweep with Corbin Flood in first, Thijs Loyd in second, and Charlie Spengler in third.
“The Kombi is a true test of learning to adapt to changing environments within one course,” said Adele Savaria, SVSEF Alpine U12 Travel Team Head Coach. “The race is a mix of Giant Slalom (GS), Panel Slalom (SL), Regular Slalom (SL), and stubbies all in one course.”
The Kombi race podium on the women's side was tackled by Savannah Pringle in second, Camille Reid in third, and Taylor Rundell in fourth. For the men, Corbin Flood came in first, Henry Questad in second, Charlie Spengler in third, and Thijs Lloyd in fifth.
“It was a great weekend at Tamarack for our team with awesome results in both races,” said Savaria. “We are very proud of all our athletes, especially being great teammates and always cheering each other on.”
SVSEF Athlete Results:
Women - GS (3/4/23)
1 - Savannah Pringle
3 - Fernanda Hurtado
4 - Olivia Harrington
6 - Imogen Hutchisen
7 - Camille Reid
8 - Piper Spengler
14 - Alta Questad
19 - Jennings Fraser
20 - Brady Bloomfield
23 - Gaia Luem
25 - Iliana Little
26 - Kinley Letson
27 - Brianna Smiley
28 - Stevie Crist
29 - Ava Gilmour
30 - Aviella Buoncristiani
31 - Makenna Steel
33 - Halley McGrew
38 - Payton Daley-Scheigraber
39 - Amelia Beck
41 - Irie Black
48 - Hannah Howard
Men - GS (3/4/23)
1 - Corbin Flood
2 - Thijs Lloyd
3 - Charlie Spengler
9 - James Holman
10 - Finn Malone
11 - Cash Mintz
12 - Eli Sattler
15 - Cody Lloyd
16 - Coen Lamb
17 - Wesley Sewell
18 - Brixen Ehleringer
26 - Hunter Gove
Women - Kombi (3/5/23)
2 - Savannah Pringle
3 - Camille Reid
4 - Taylor Rundell
6 - Piper Spengler
7 - Fernanda Hurtado
10 - Jennings Fraser
12 - Imogen Hutchisen
13 - Olivia Harrington
15 - Ava Gilmour
19 - Alta Questad
21 - Gaia Luem
22 - Brady Bloomfield
25 - Makena Steel
25 - Stevie Crist
28 - Brianna Smiley
29 - Iliana Little
30 - Kinley Letson
31 - Aviella Buoncristiani
34 - Amelia Beck
40 - Payton Daley-Scheingraber
42 - Irie Black
48 - Hannah Howard
Men - Kombi (3/5/23)
1 - Corbin Flood
2 - Henry Questad
3 - Charlie Spengler
5 - Thijs Lloyd
11 - Finn Malone
13 - Cash Mintz
14 - Brixen Ehleringer
16 - Eli Sattler
17 - Wesley Sewell
19 - Coen Lamb
20 - Cody Lloyd
21 - James Holman
24 - Hunter Gove
For complete race results, please visit https://www.imdalpine.org/alpine/races22/north.php
Adicoff and Wood Mine First Two Silvers at 2023 U.S. Para Nordic World Cup
The duo looks to claim gold in 20 km freestyle event on March 8
Two days into the 2023 U.S. Para Nordic World Cup at Soldier Hollow in Midway, UT and SVSEF XC Gold Team and U.S. Para Nordic Team member Jake Adicoff with guide Sam Wood have two silver medals around their necks. The World Cup races continue at Soldier Hollow through March 8.
In the sprint race on March 1, Adicoff and Wood skied themselves through the heats into a second place finish in the A final, just behind the Swedish team of Zebastian Modin with guide D. Richardsson who claimed the gold.
“Yeah, pretty tight turnaround from a race in Switzerland over the weekend, and the classic sprint was pretty grueling,” said Adicoff. “But we turned it around and skied a competitive race in the 5k. Fun to be back with the para team, and really awesome to race at such an iconic venue so close to home.”
On day two, the dynamic duo found themselves on the podium again, claiming the silver in a fast and furious 5-kilometer freestyle race. Sweden’s Modin again claimed the gold, USA’s Adicoff and Wood in second, followed in third by Germany’s Nico Messinger with guide R. Wunderle.
“Jake knows the courses well at Soho, and has recently competed in a few marathons in Central Europe, so he’s feeling good about his race endurance going into the 20km freestyle on March 8th,” said SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach, Chris Mallory. “We can’t wait to see what happens!”
Tune into results and live timing here.
Photos by Brennan Smith
Taylor Moe and Jack Hoffman Win 32nd Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) hosted more than 150 of the best ski racers in the region for the 32nd Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race Feb 24-26. The race serves as a U16 Intermountain Cup qualifier, and the perpetual trophy is awarded to the top U16 male and female athletes at the conclusion of three races—two giant slaloms (GS) and one slalom (SL) held on the steeps of Sun Valley’s Greyhawk and Hemingway runs.
The Laura Flood Memorial Race honors the life of Laura Flood, a young ski racer, SVSEF alumna, and friend who lost her life in a ski training accident at 19 while racing for the University of Colorado. The race is made possible through the entire community’s efforts—the Flood family, coaches, volunteers, families, athletes, and Sun Valley Resort; and is one way SVSEF wants to help keep Flood’s legacy alive in the greater ski racing community.
“The tradition of this race is important for our sport and for our family,” said Heather Flood Daves, Laura’s sister. “Those who knew Laura would say that she was vivacious, kind, super determined, fun-loving, and always showed the epitome of sportsmanship. She played many sports but she loved ski racing. Races like this are one way we can honor people we’ve lost through our sport, and always remember incredible moments that over time unveil so many connections between past winners. Ski families are tight and it’s pretty powerful to see the various connections to Laura as the generations come up through the sport and familiar names are engraved on the Laura Flood Memorial perpetual trophy.”
On Sunday, the U16 athlete results were calculated including all three days of racing, and Taylor Moe from Jackson Hole Ski Club and Jack Hoffman from Rowmark Academy were announced as the 2023 Laura Flood Memorial Race Champions. Moe kicked off the series winning the overall in the women’s GS on Friday, placed second among U16’s in Saturday’s GS, and fifth among U16’s in Sunday’s SL. Hoffman took second overall and first among U16’s in Friday’s GS, first among U16’s in Saturday’s GS, and second among U16’s in Sunday’s SL.
“The Laura Flood series once again felt like a celebration of alpine ski racing in our club and community!” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF Alpine U16 Head Coach. “It was a chance for SVSEF U16 and FIS racers to showcase their ski racing talent, which represents all the commitment and training they have put into this season. Our race venues are some of the most challenging in the west, and to see the skill, focus, and camaraderie demonstrated by our athletes was something to be proud of.”
The race is also open to U18 and U21 athletes from across the Intermountain Division.
Over the three days, SVSEF took home 26 podiums including 17 in the open (overall) category and 9 in the U16 category. Awards were given to the top five overall and the top five for U16.
Last year’s Laura Flood Memorial Race champion on the women’s side, and current SVSEF Alpine FIS Team athlete, Lowie Watkins (U18), had a strong return to the race series placing second overall in the first GS, winning the second GS overall, and finishing second overall in the women’s SL on Sunday. Madison Vieara-McCarthy (U18) landed in the top 10 overall in Friday’s GS and 13th overall in Sunday’s SL, while Ruby Crist (U18) placed seventh overall in Saturday’s GS.
For the men, SVSEF’s Will Kogelmann (U18) came out on top overall in Friday’s GS, with teammates Nils Galloway (U21) in fifth overall and Max Meucci (U18) eighth overall. On Saturday, the SVSEF men swept the GS podium with Max Meucci (U18) in first, Sacha Stern-Pre (U18) in second, and Cole Curci (U18) in third. Larsen Overby (U18) and Kjetil Hassman (U21) also land in the top 10 overall in seventh and eighth respectively.
The men’s slalom on Sunday was a five-deep sweep for SVSEF for the overall. Nils Galloway (U21), Max Meucci (U18), Tucker Smith (U16), Tommy Normand (U18), and Cole Curci (U18) finished in first through fifth place respectively. Nine of the top 15 men overall in Sunday’s slalom ski for SVSEF. Sacha Stern-Pre (U18) finished seventh, Larsen Overby (U18) finished eighth, Kjetil Hassman (U21) finished 10th and Owen Lancaster (U16) finished 11th.
SVSEF Top 15 Overall and U16 Results
Women’s GS 1 (Friday)
Overall
2nd - Lowie Watkins
4th - Ruby Smith
5th - Josie Sarchett
10th - Madison Vieara-McCarthy
U16
3rd - Ruby Smith
4th - Josie Sarchett
Men’s GS 1 (Friday)
Overall
1st - Will Kogelmann
3rd - Paxton Sammis
5th - Nils Galloway
8th - Max Meucci
10th - Tucker Smith
11th - Jay Blackburn
15th - Declan White
U16
2nd - Paxton Sammis
7th - Tucker Smith
8th - Jay Blackburn
12th - Declan White
Women’s GS 2 (Saturday)
Overall
1st - Lowie Watkins
5th - Ruby Smith
7th - Ruby Crist
12th - Sophia Hallstein
U16
4th - Ruby Smith
Men’s GS 2 (Saturday)
Overall
1st - Max Meucci
2nd - Sacha Stern-Pre
3rd - Cole Curci
6th - Paxton Sammis
7th - Larsen Overby
8th - Kjetil Hassman
9th - Tucker Smith
12th - Owen Lancaster
15th - Tommy Normand
U16
3rd - Paxton Sammis
4th - Tucker Smith
7th - Owen Lancaster
Women’s SL (Sunday)
Overall
1st - Ruby Smith
2nd - Lowie Watkins
11th - Josie Sarchett
13th - Madison Vieara-McCarthy
U16
1st - Ruby Smith
9th - Josie Sarchett
Men’s SL (Sunday)
Overall
1st - Nils Galloway
2nd - Max Meucci
3rd - Tucker Smith
4th - Tommy Normand
6th - Sacha Stern-Pre
7th - Larsen Overby
9th - Kjetil Hassman
10th - Owen Lancaster
U16
1st - Tucker Smith
4th - Owen Lancaster
For complete race results, please visit: https://www.imdalpine.org/alpine/races22/
RACE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMAS SMILEY
Grassroots to Grand Stage Diversity Project Inspires Inclusion and Opportunity
SVSEF aims to bring community’s children closer together through winter sport
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) has introduced the Grassroots to Grand Stage Diversity Project to inspire ethnic and cultural diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for historically marginalized children to participate in SVSEF’s competitive sports programming. The project aims to raise $100,000 to help support these children who show a desire to continue, improve, and advance as winter sport athletes.
The Grassroots to Grand Stage Diversity Project (G2G Project) is designed to integrate with current learn-to-ski-and-ride programming at Rotarun Ski Area and Quigley Nordic Trails. The project will provide further support and education for athletes and families as they pursue higher level journeys with SVSEF across the spectrum of snowsport disciplines, from alpine and cross country, to snowboarding and other SVSEF programs.
“The free learn-to-ski Rota-Rippers after-school program has been incredibly successful in getting first generation skiers on the mountain,” said Sam Adicoff, Volunteer Coordinator for the G2G Project. “As a volunteer Rota-Rippers coach, I noticed that each year there were kids that really loved the program and were yearning for more. That was the genesis for this Grassroots to Grand Stage Diversity Project—providing funding and support for these kids to move into the competitive SVSEF programs.”
Support through grants, donors, and key partners in our community is pivotal to the G2G Project’s success. Scholarships including ski passes from Sun Valley Company, equipment leases from Sturtevant’s and PK’s Ski & Sports, SVSEF tuition support, and other mission-aligned expenses are some of the means of support provided to these young athletes so they can fully engage in the process and the opportunity before them. Cultivating healthy habits, skills, and passions also contribute to the project’s intent to foster well-rounded child development for youth in our mountain community.
“We recognize there are both cultural and financial hurdles that need to be addressed,” said Scott McGrew, Executive Director at SVSEF. “The G2G Project is the seed that can grow and beget further opportunities early and often for local families—specifically athletic opportunities to inspire deeper awareness and inclusion, which we’ve seen have lasting and profound implications on the life of a child.”
Fernanda Hurtado was six years old when she took her first turns on skis as part of the Rota-Rippers after-school program. She was inspired while watching the 2018 Winter Olympics on TV and hasn’t looked back. Now 11 years old, Fernanda has learned and grown through SVSEF Alpine’s LASAR program, Baldy Devo and Mini World Cup teams, and is now a member of the Alpine U12 Travel Team. “My favorite thing about ski racing is the speed and the gates—it’s fun and it makes me feel good!” said Fernanda Hurtado. “There are many things I like about being a part of SVSEF, but my favorite thing is the people and coaches.”
“Fernanda brings a contagious smile and a positive, driven attitude when she is at ski team," said Adele Savaria, Alpine U12 Travel Team Head Coach. “She is making new friends in her age group, which has been awesome to see her only continue to thrive in this environment.”
Following in his sister’s footsteps, Octavio “Tavi” Hurtado, too found his first snow legs with the Rota-Rippers and has since discovered his love for the moguls on the SVSEF Freestyle Progression Team. “I love the jumps and the moguls,” said Octavio Hurtado. “The coaches and the community are what I like the most about SVSEF.”
“Athletes like Octavio are what make our program as special as it is,” said Alec Poster, SVSEF Freestyle Progression Coach. “Tavi inspires his peers with his work ethic and keeps the environment fun with his sense of humor. He’s an old spirit that continues to push himself and all who have the pleasure of skiing with him.”
“Whether Octavio is on the hill or in the air barn, he consistently pushes for improvement,” said Wyatt Wilson, SVSEF Freestyle Travel Coach. “I cannot wait to see the heights that his dedication will bring him to. And congrats on the flip!”
“SVSEF is like family for us—we are blessed to be able to have Octavio and Fernanda in these programs,” said Fernando and Nallely Hurtado, Fernanda and Octavio’s parents. “We can see how they have evolved in this world of skiing—it’s more than a sport for them, it’s their passion! The different programs they practice are an art of expression—they love and respect their coaches, and they look up to them.”
Athletes like Fernanda and Octavio, and families like the Hurtado’s, have really provided the inspiration for the G2G Project—and now an upcoming group of talented, determined, and powerful young athletes have begun to shape the desired goals and outcomes and will continue to help guide the future of the project.
Eight-year-old Eva Gonzalez, a 3rd grader at Alturas Elementary School in Hailey, is one young athlete who has helped grow the passion and idea for the G2G Project. Eva is on the SVSEF Cross Country Devo South Team and plans to join SVSEF’s LASAR (Learn to Alpine Ski and Race) program held at Rotarun.[RS1] She is an eager and determined young athlete with hopes and dreams of becoming the best skier she can.
Linda Hernandez is 10 years old and in 4th grade at Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum. She is also on SVSEF’s Cross Country Devo South Team. In addition to skiing, Linda has been doing gymnastics for seven years, and like many kids her age, enjoys singing pop music and her favorite artist is Taylor Swift. Linda’s favorite thing about the Wood River Valley is the snow and her favorite thing about the ski team is she gets good exercise and it’s still fun!
“My husband and I think sports are important in our children’s lives,” said Sirlene Nunes, Linda’s mom. “My son and my husband snowboard but I don't ski downhill. About four years ago I had the opportunity to try cross country skiing and loved it, so the next season I asked Linda if she would like to try cross country with me and she loved it. That's how she started and now she is in her second year on the SVSEF development team.”
Ian Lozada attends Hemingway School in Ketchum as a 5th grader, loves math class, and aspires to be an architect when he is older. His parents came to the Wood River Valley over 20 years ago from Mexico and his father Hugo works for AC Houston Lumber. “My favorite thing about skiing is going fast downhill in the mountain environment with the forest around me,” said Ian, member of SVSEF’s Alpine U12 Home Team.
Justin Armas is a fourth grader at Hemingway Elementary School, where his favorite subject is science because he likes building things. He is skiing on both the Cross Country Devo North Team and the Alpine Baldy Devo Team and his favorite thing about being on ski team is going fast! Aside from skiing, Justin has been swimming and playing soccer for five years and started learning Jiu Jitsu last year. He wants to be a hip hop singer when he is older. Janet and Richard, Justin’s parents, are from Peru and have lived in Blaine County for 20 years. Richard’s first job was working in the Seattle Ridge Lodge for Sun Valley Company, and he is now self-employed as a painter and handyman.
People of color are vastly underrepresented in historically non-diverse pursuits like skiing. The G2G project takes representation as an initial step in shifting this narrative, while working closely with parents and community members to ensure the process is relevant and equitable. And sharing the impacts of the project with the broader community while celebrating through storytelling, fostering new and existing partnerships with our community, and highlighting the achievements of these young athletes will ultimately inspire a virtuous cycle of inclusion for generations to come.
The vision and goals of the G2G Project are designed to grow and expand as they gain community knowledge and financial support. Funds raised for the project will be utilized to support children identified through the grassroots programs who show a desire to continue, improve, and advance as winter sport athletes within SVSEF’s competitive programs.
The G2G Project will make long-term commitments to these dedicated athletes on the basis of annual reviews, and project outcomes will be measured by continued athlete participation, growth of the program, and athletic achievement.
To learn more or to support the Grassroots to Grand Stage Diversity Project, please contact Scott McGrew at scott@svsef.org or 208-726-4129.
Sammy Smith On Her Way to the World Cup
Smith to race with Team USA in Norway, Sweden, Estonia, and Finland
SVSEF Cross Country Comp Team member Sammy Smith is heading to the World Cup. Smith, who recently competed in the Junior World Championships in Whistler, Canada, was nominated to represent the U.S. Ski Team in four World Cup sprints in March. This opportunity will override Smith’s original plans to race at the Opa Cup Finals in Italy, which take place during the same time window.
“With strong racing at World Juniors and a second-place qualifier in the Minneapolis SuperTour, Sammy Smith has been awarded Sprint starts in the remaining World Cup competitions,” said Chris Mallory, SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach. “As one of the youngest Americans to ever start a World Cup, she’s beyond excited to dip her toe into World Cup racing and learn from our strong women’s team.”
The day after Sammy was offered the World Cup spots, she walked into the Lake Creek hut for training and her smile said it all. “She was grinning from ear to ear,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “Her goal this season has been to qualify to ski in the World Cup and now it is in front of her. The opportunity to be around the best skiers in the world and live, train, and race with the likes of Jessie Diggins is a dream come true. So.. off she goes to compete for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team!”
Smith will be competing in four sprint World Cup races, the first will be a classic sprint in Drammen, Norway on March 14. From there the team will head to Falun, Sweden; then Tallinn, Estonia; with the last race in Lahti, Finland.
Competing at this level is not new to Smith, who also represented Team USA at the U17 World Junior Soccer Championships in India this past fall.
“It takes a special talent to be able to compete at the highest level in two sports—especially given the differences in soccer and cross country skiing,” said Woods. “I have been with Sammy enough to know that she is a special athlete. Her ability to prioritize training for both sports, and her laser focus when she is competing in each discipline is incredible. She has big aspirations and we’re behind her all the way to go for it!”
Follow Sammy on her journey to the World Cup here.
Photo of Sammy Smith at 2023 Junior World Championships by flyingpointroad.com