Sun Valley Nordic Community Rallies Through Storm for the Sun Valley Super Tour
Volunteers and athletes go above and beyond over three days of world-class racing.
From December 8 - 11, the Sun Valley Super Tour welcomed more than 300 athletes from 32 teams and 11 states, along with multiple collegiate athletes and teams from Canada. Top athletes in the United States who aren’t currently racing World Cup also toed the line for three days of cross country ski racing at Sun Valley’s world-renowned Lake Creek venue.
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!" said Becky Woods, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “The Nordic community here in Sun Valley came together yet again in some extremely challenging conditions, to make this event happen. I am so grateful to be a part of a community that takes such pride in putting on the best event possible, so all the athletes, families, and friends that came to be a part of it could have the experience they hoped for.”
Volunteers, families, friends, coaches, and athletes came out in force to battle the elements and test their mettle amongst fierce competition. More than 150 volunteers made up the world-class “pit crew” for the event. They helped with everything from judging skiing technique, handing out and collecting electronic timing chips and race bibs to each racer, cooking up and selling fresh gourmet waffles at the Yummy Shack, to preparing an aid station for all the racers, and more.
“Keeping all the racers and spectators safe, providing a fair and challenging racing venue, and doing it all during an epic snow cycle is something only Nordic Town, USA and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation can pull off while having so much fun at the same time,” said Kathryn Grohusky, volunteer coordinator. “Thanks to all for volunteering and please join us again next year!”
SVSEF athletes had some standout results, starting on Thursday with SVSEF XC Gold Team member Peter Wolter on the podium in 3rd place in the senior men's 15km classic, followed by Jake Adicoff in 22nd. In the senior women's 15km classic race, Sammy Smith matched Wolter’s 3rd place podium and Katie Feldman was close in 13th.
In the 10km classic race, SVSEF Post-Grad athlete Miguel Fresco Hanlon was 7th, followed closely by Dave Wolter in 9th, Holden Archie and Galen Grohusky in 14th and 15th, and Teddy Hobbs in 21st. In the women's 10km, Cora Faye Scott found herself on the podium in 2nd place, with teammates Berkeley Canfield and Anika Vandenburgh rounding out the top ten in 7th and 10th respectively.
In the U16 boys 5km classic race, Zach Quesnel stepped on the podium in 3rd place and Mazzy Connors led the way in the U16 girls 5km classic race finishing 4th. Tait Boschen raced his way to 3rd in the U14 boys race and Zoe Liberatore did the same in the girls U14 race. Finally, the U12 girls swept the podium with Payton Daly Scheingraber, Isla Sunby and Sydney Nelson going 1, 2 and 3.
Saturday brought continuous snow and some spectacular results for SVSEF in the Classic Sprints. Sammy Smith found her way to a 4th place finish in a tightly fought sprint for senior women. Berkeley Canfield tested her skills by making the senior sprint heats and finishing a solid 30th. In the junior heats, Anika Vandenburgh showed her grit by making it to the A final for U18's along and Mazzy Connors did the same for the U16's. Peter Wolter led the way finishing 10th among the senior men, while Holden Archie and Miguel Fresco-Hanlon made their way to the U18 final as well. Zach Quesnel skied his way to the heats for the U16 boys and finished in 8th overall.
On the final day and through the extreme elements, SVSEF XC Gold Team member Katie Feldman led the way in the senior women's 10km freestyle event with a solid 14th place. Sammy Smith was 2nd for the U18's with an overall finish of 22nd. Cora Faye Scott was close behind in 33rd. Gold Team member Peter Wolter found his way back into the top 10 in the senior men's 10km with a 10th place finish. Galen Grohusky was the victor in the U18 men's category with an overall 27th place. SVSEF’s presence continued straight through the last race of the day seeing the U12 girls sweep the podium once again with Isla Sunby, Payton Scheingraber, and Penelope Zook going 1, 2, 3 respectively.
For complete results, visit svsef.org/sun-valley-super-tour
2022 Sun Valley Super Tour to Take Place at Lake Creek on December 8, 10, 11
Spectators encouraged to attend and volunteers needed throughout the event
The Sun Valley Super Tour and Intermountain Opener is a joint competition of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Intermountain Cross Country, and the USSS Super Tour. The event is open to all FIS and USSS competitors and will welcome cross country athletes at the highest elite level, top collegiate athletes from the western region, and juniors looking to qualify for the 2023 Junior Nationals in March.
“Hosting a Super Tour is a big opportunity for our program and our community,” said Rick Kapala, Co-Chief of Competition and SVSEF Director of Sport Development. “It really helps us showcase what makes our valley so special when it comes to cross country skiing but also all winter recreation. Events like this also add a significant boost to our tourism income and hopefully we will see winter visitors come back during our equally glorious summertime.”
“Spectators are encouraged to come out to support skiers in the 2022 Sun Valley Super Tour,” said Kelley Yeates, Co-Chief of Competition. “The 2022 Sun Valley Super Tour involves three days of racing and will feature some of the best skiers in North America in addition to many of our local and intermountain juniors. We love spectators and we are grateful for your support and encouragement of the athletes.”
The event website includes a detailed schedule of events, course maps, and start lists for each day to help plan your spectating strategy. In addition, there is also a spectator access map to help navigate to prime viewing areas. All volunteers and spectators will be required to utilize the shuttle system from the Hulen Meadows Parking Lot located 1/2 mile south of the Lake Creek Venue on Idaho Highway 75. Shuttles will start daily at 6:30 a.m. and will continue through the conclusion of each day’s events.
The locally-based SVSEF XC Gold Team will line up against the best in the U.S. “It’s always super fun to race at home and see the community out supporting cross country skiing,” said Katie Feldman, member of the SVSEF XC Gold Team and Ketchum local.
“Sun Valley is probably the most beautiful place I have raced in,” said Finn O’Connell, member of the Bridger Pro Team out of Bozeman, MT. “I love the courses and especially like racing at altitude and the Sun Valley courses are a real test.”
Prize money will be awarded in the FIS race for the top six places for each gender per day. Classic Mass Start Distance Races will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8 beginning at 10 a.m. Classic Sprint Races will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 10 with qualifying at 9:30 a.m. and races starting at 11 a.m. The weekend will wrap up on Sunday, Dec. 11 with Freestyle Interval Start Distance Races beginning at 9 a.m. Awards will take place in the Lake Creek Stadium upon completion of each race. Complete schedule may be found online here.
Volunteers are needed for all days of the event. Those interested in volunteering can sign up for designated shifts on the Sun Valley Super Tour Volunteer Sign-Up Page.
For more information, please visit Sun Valley Super Tour.
Photo: Matt Leidecker
Lowie Watkins Awarded Inaugural Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship
Consistency, passion, strength, and sportsmanship are the winning formula for Watkins
Lowie Watkins has been named as the first recipient of the SVSEF Ashley Snyder Briggs (ASB) Scholarship. The scholarship will provide $10,000 towards tuition and expenses for one high-school-aged female alpine athlete per year for the next ten years. The ASB scholarship is awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
“I am so honored to be the first person to receive the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship,” said Lowie Watkins. “It feels amazing to see such support for me and what I work hard at. It was such a surprise to be given this opportunity, and I am so thankful to my coaches and to Ashley for thinking of me.”
Watkins’ most recent U16 coach at SVSEF, Nate Schwing, shared his perspective on Lowie as an athlete, teammate, and accomplished violinist, and how she has shown an extraordinary commitment throughout her formative years in the sport.
“I had the pleasure of coaching Lowie Watkins the last two seasons, but even prior to that I first noticed Lowie when I coached the FIS Team,” said Schwing. “Lowie would walk into the gym as a U14 while the FIS Team was finishing up their workout, and she would start warming up on her own and complete her workout under the strength coach’s supervision. This was because she had violin practice that conflicted with U14 conditioning times, and I found it unique and impressive that a U14 athlete made this effort alongside the older kids to do the work.”
As a U16 athlete Watkins continued to demonstrate that same level of commitment both in the gym and on the ski hill. She also balances being a competitor with being a caring and supportive teammate. Watkins leads by example and athletes who share a similar desire to succeed find her to be a great friend and training partner. A few highlights from Watkins’ 2021-22 U16 season include:
- Six podiums and one victory in Intermountain Divisional competition
- Overall Winner at the 2022 Laura Flood Memorial
- Three top-10 finishes at the Western Regional Championships at Big Sky, Montana
- 10th in Giant Slalom at the U16 National Championships at Sugarloaf, Maine
“Lowie’s level of commitment and passion for both the sport and process of the sport has resulted in her becoming a very accomplished U16 ski racer,” said Schwing. “She has a strong athletic foundation as she prepares to move into the FIS ski racing world. She also has a strong mental foundation and is a composed but fierce ski racer—she can rise to the challenge. I have seen her both thrive and fail in these challenging scenarios, and in either case she keeps things in perspective and carries herself with class, always demonstrating good sportsmanship.”
“We are so proud to have Lowie Watkins as our inaugural 2022 recipient of the ASB scholarship,” said Ashley Snyder Briggs. “She truly demonstrates the commitment, dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship that this scholarship aims to recognize, and we are excited for her upcoming season.”
Ashley Snyder Briggs grew up skiing and racing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation between 1974-1985, from her first turns on Baldy through high school. After graduating from Sun Valley Community School, she went on to ski race for Middlebury College’s Division 1 team. Snyder Briggs has remained closely tied to the Wood River Valley community and to SVSEF through her family and her nephews’ participation on the ski team, and has witnessed the consistent trajectory as a ski club over the years.
The Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will be awarded each year by a committee of SVSEF coaches and Snyder Briggs. All high-school-aged SVSEF female alpine athletes are eligible to be considered for the scholarship. Ultimately, the Scholarship will be awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
Alexia Turzian and Peter Wolter Top Podium at 2022 Baldy Hill Climb
The 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb took place on Saturday, September 24 in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF). With perfect fall weather on tap, more than 260 participants ranging from seven to seventy-eight years old, hiked and raced the 1.86-miles and 3,140 vertical feet straight-up to the top of Bald Mountain. The event is organized annually by the SVSEF Cross Country Team.
“Humbling and inspiring—what a great day!” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s new Cross Country Program Director. “It was so much fun to see the community come together for this event to support SVSEF and all the young skiers in the Valley. Thank you to Sun Valley Company and our sponsors—Sturtevants, Atkinsons’ Market, Salomon, Durance, Coxa, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks for believing in the mission and supporting our programs!”
Peter Wolter held off 11-time Baldy Hill Climb winner, Miles Fink-Debray, with a finish time of 36:18. SVSEF Alumna, Alexa Turzian, topped the women’s podium with a time of 47:26, besting her winning time from 2018 by seven seconds. The $100 bonus on the line for those who set a new course record remains elusive. Morgan Arritola’s record set in 2010 stands at 39:51 for the women, along with the men’s record of 35:04 set in 2014 by Miles Havlick. Arritola remains the only woman to break 40 minutes in the history of the event.
Peter Wolter, SVSEF XC Gold Team Member and winner of the men’s race said, “The Baldy Hill Climb win has been a notch I've wanted to add to my belt for a long time and to be able to achieve that on Saturday was pretty darn awesome. It's one of my favorite events to do and fun to see everyone at every age busting up to the top of Baldy.”
“Just another great day in paradise!” added Rick Kapala, SVSEF’s Director of Sport Development. “Thanks to all the participants who came out to support our SVSEF programs. Let the snow begin!”
2022 Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Alexa Turzian 47:26 (SVSEF Alumna)
2. Cora Faye Scott 47:46 (SVSEF XC Comp Team)
3. Grace Sundali 48:24
2022 Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Peter Wolter 36:18 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Miles Fink-Debray 37:29
3. Neil Bangs 38:15
Complete race results and hiking times can be found here.
Main Photo: Women's podium from L-R Grace Sundali, Alexa Turzian, Cora Faye Scott
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Results
Full recap coming soon, but in the meantime, here are the results from today's Baldy Hill Climb! Congratulations to each and every one of you for taking on Bald Mountain!
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Overall Race Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Women Race Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Men Race Results
2022 Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Alexa Turzian 47:26
2. Cora Faye Scott 47:46 (SVSEF XC Comp Team)
3. Grace Sundali 48:24
2022 Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Peter Wolter 36:18 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Miles Fink-Debray 37:29
3. Neil Bangs 38:15
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Race Age Group Results
2022 Baldy Hill Climb Overall Hike Results
Family Team Results:
- O'Sulibergers
- Wolfe/Lloyds
- Scales
2022 KinderClimb Participants*
- Blakeslee Tindall / 7
- Briony Cook / 3
- Finn Mallory / 4
- Genevieve Johnson / 3
- Gigi Hill / 9
- Hartley Tindill / 9
- Keenan Johnson / 5
- Lottie Cook / 5
- McKay Johnson / 6
*KinderClimb participants listed in alphabetical order by first name / age.
Registration Open for Baldy Hill Climb
Hike, Run, or Race in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation!
Online registration is open for the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24. For the past 43 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up the north side of Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programming.
“The Baldy Hill Climb is one of the longest running athletic traditions in our Valley,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF’s Director of Sport Development. “It’s simple, and that is what makes it great! Climb up Baldy, as fast as you can. It is just you, your shoes, and your sheer determination; and at the end it’s a chance for you to get together with friends and family and celebrate our community and the wonderful place that we live.”
Organized by the SVSEF Cross-Country Ski Team, 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 an iconic 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.
“The Baldy Hill Climb signifies the start of a new season,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s new Cross Country Program Director. “The coaches and athletes are excited to put on this challenging event that helps support our programming and brings the ski community together to enjoy an awesome race on the mountain. A huge thank you Sun Valley Company for their continued support of SVSEF—we wouldn't be where we are today without their commitment to our programs. And a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant's for their title sponsorship—they give so much to this town and we couldn't be more grateful 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 p.m. Awards at the summit
Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will not be available.
Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
Photo of Johnny Hagenbuch, SVSEF Alum, U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
Photo by: Julia Seyfirth
Natalie Gowe Awarded Campion Scholarship, named ICL Fellow
The Campion family partners with ICL Academy to support Idaho’s aspiring athletes
Natalie Gowe, FIS athlete on the SVSEF Alpine team, has been awarded the newly funded Campion Scholar Athletic Scholarship as an ICL Fellow. This commitment by the Campion family provides financial support for the entirety of Gowe’s academic education at online private school ICL Academy, plus team tuition and associated expenses for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 ski seasons.
“Our goal is to inspire others to provide similar opportunities for student athletes,” said Ashley Campion, President of The Johnson Charitable Trust. “We understand what it takes to support an athlete making a run at the top in a sport – it’s a heavy lift. It requires total devotion of time and energy from family, coaches, and friends. Our goal is to inspire others to award comprehensive scholarships including both academic and athletic expenses, giving more of Idaho's aspiring athletes the opportunity to shoot for the moon.”
In Gowe’s second year as a member of the SVSEF Alpine U16 team during the 2021-22 divisional qualifiers, she brought home three victories and six podiums. From there, she represented the Western Region at the 2021-22 U16 National Championships in Sugarloaf, Maine, where she placed 6th in slalom.
Gowe has now also been named ICL Fellow through the Institute of Civic Leadership (ICL). The Campion Scholarship includes a two-year grant to fund her junior and senior year at ICL Academy – the premier online private school for high-performing athletes grades 6-12. “It takes a village to help an athlete get from good to great and we are so pleased to partner with SVSEF and ICL in this endeavor,” said Campion. The partnership with ICL grew from the shared belief that supporting an athlete both athletically and academically truly frees them to excel. ICL has long been championing athletes at top levels and the school’s innovative online Impact Learning model has attracted the support of numerous world champions, including Bode Miller and Andrew Weibrecht.
ICL Academy founder Kirk Spahn said, “We are proud to support student athletes, giving them the best possible shot at their dreams, while still providing the elite academics, high-excelling community, alumni network, leadership training, college and career consulting, even mentorship from ski champions like Bode Miller and Andrew Weibrecht that will help them be successful in college or pro sports, and in life. We thank the Campion family for recognizing that many underserved students need extra support to access the education and training needed to reach their highest potential. The ICL Foundation has been supporting students such as Natalie for 20 years and is thrilled to join forces with the Campion family and The Johnson Charitable Trust.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for Natalie to pursue her dreams in skiing while having educational support that can coexist with the demanding training, travel, and racing lifestyle that high-achieving ski racers need to maintain,” said Nate Schwing, SVSEF Alpine U16 Head Coach. “Having coached Natalie the last two seasons and witnessed her athletic, mental, and emotional growth, I’m excited to see where her journey takes her now with this inspiring support!”
“I was so surprised and honored to receive the Campion Scholarship along with being named an ICL Fellow,” said Natalie Gowe. “I am beyond grateful to the Campion family and ICL Academy for this amazing opportunity. Their belief in my pursuits academically and athletically is a strong testament to how they want to make a significant difference for ambitious student-athletes, while also inspiring others to do the same.”
“This is a game changing grant that sets in motion an incredible opportunity for an incredible young lady,” said Scott McGrew, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Executive Director. “Focusing support on the interface of education and sport is where young adults find their most solid footing. It is inspiring and we are excited and grateful to be a part of such an impactful project.”
About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation
Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.
About ICL Academy
ICL ACADEMY is an innovative, accredited Online Private School for grades 6-12 that tailors academics to students' passions through its award-winning Impact Learning model. ICL Academy unites 150 years of academic excellence from the Dwight School and 20 years of character & service leadership training from the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) non-profit in a mission to re-imagine online private education for high-performing student athletes. ICL’s online, college-like scheduling gives junior players more time to train, travel, and compete at the highest level in addition to all the benefits and prestige of a private prep school: elite academics, high-excelling peers, a global alumni network, award-winning character & service leadership training, customized college consulting and mentorship from world champions like Bode Miller & Andrew Weibrecht.
Photo of Natalie Gowe taken at the 2022 Western Region U16 Junior Championships in Big Sky, Montana.
Photographer: Marshall Tate/Crystal Images
Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will Support Female Alpine Athletes in Pursuit of Ski Racing
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) announced today a new scholarship opportunity—the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship Award. The scholarship will provide $10,000 towards tuition and expenses for one high-school-aged female alpine athlete per year for the next ten years. The first recipient of the award will be announced as the 2022/23 season gets underway in September.
Ashley Snyder Briggs grew up skiing and racing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation between 1974-1985, from her first turns on Baldy through high school. After graduating from Sun Valley Community School, she went on to ski race for Middlebury College’s Division 1 team. Snyder Briggs has remained closely tied to the Wood River Valley community and to SVSEF through her family and her nephews’ participation on the ski team, and has witnessed the consistent trajectory as a ski club over the years.
“I have always wanted to give back to an organization that gave so much to me,” said Ashley Snyder Briggs. “There are so many acquired traits, lessons learned, and experiences gained through sport and competition, and you come away with a skillset that serves you for the rest of your life. Work ethic, goal setting, leadership, resiliency, teamwork—I am thrilled to be able to give this opportunity to a young SVSEF athlete who wants to take their sport to the next level.”
The Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will be awarded each year by a committee of SVSEF coaches and Snyder Briggs. All high-school-aged SVSEF female alpine athletes are eligible to be considered for the scholarship. Ultimately, the Scholarship will be awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
"For an athlete to work towards the highest level of ski racing, it takes a tremendous time commitment and dedicated mindset by the athlete, it takes a team of people to support so many aspects of growth and technique in the sport, and it is a significant financial commitment to cover equipment and coaching, travel, entry fees, and oftentimes some level of tutoring to maintain high-level academics,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Ashley’s genuine understanding, generosity, and vision to help support young women who want to take this sport as far as they can, is an incredible gift to our program and to all the athletes who are awarded the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship in the years to come.”
Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Snyder Briggs
Rick Kapala Receives USSS Russell Wilder Award
Congratulations, Rick!
U.S. Ski & Snowboard honored individuals and organizations for their service to the sport with its final gold and silver level awards. The gold and silver-level awards recognize volunteers and organizations around the country for their service to athletes in a variety of categories, following the acknowledgment of athletes, coaches, and clubs of the year announced earlier.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announcement:
Two recipients were recognized with the Russell Wilder Award for service to youth. Longtime Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation cross-country leader Rick Kapala (Sun Valley, Idaho) and the Youth Sports Alliance (Park City, Utah) were each recognized for their long service to youth. The award is the second oldest from U.S. Ski & Snowboard, dating back to 1955.
Kapala, who is retiring from his role as program director and head coach for cross country at the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation after 35 years, was recognized for his work in developing Sun Valley into one of the premier cross country clubs in America. He has long been acknowledged for not only providing youth with opportunities to grow into top, elite athletes, but also building an environment that focuses on being good citizens and good people, as well.
He was cited for his impact on literally thousands of youth and their families in the Wood River Valley. Kapala’s mission has been to develop character in young people and to teach a lifelong respect for the outdoors that goes far beyond sport.
His work also extended well beyond just Sun Valley. He was long been actively engaged in national programs, both as a regular host of events as well as his participation in governance at a national level. His impact has been felt across the Wood River Valley and the entire nation.
Austin Savaria Joins U.S. Ski Team Coaching Staff
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announcement:
Following spring planning meetings, the U.S. Alpine Ski Team has announced key staffing changes for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Despite a 2021-22 season filled with challenges associated with COVID-19, the alpine team had its fair share of success, featuring 19 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup podiums, six World Cup victories among four athletes, an Olympic silver medal, one Overall Crystal Globe, three World Junior Ski Championship medals featuring one victory, and many solid results across levels. The staff, once again, were the real superheroes behind the scenes, working day in and day out to keep their athletes safe and healthy.
Along with the previously announced addition of Anouk Patty as Chief of Sport and Patrick Riml as Alpine Director, there are many new faces and the return of longtime staff members. The program features a new structure, with the World Cup and Europa Cup tech groups merging across both the men and the women, enabling athletes to train together in an effort to create a positive competitive team environment.
“This structure allows for a better team culture,” said Patty. “Not only is it operationally more efficient as we are one team rather than a group of disparate teams, but it also drives performance as higher-performing athletes pull up the rest of the team.”
On the women’s side, with longtime coach Alex Hoedlmoser’s move to the Austrian Federation, Jeff Lackie will take on the role of women’s speed head coach. Lackie had previously been working with two-time Olympic champion and six-time World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin, and more recently the Europa Cup women’s team. Lackie will be joined by Burkhard Schaffer, who has vast experience on the World Cup speed and tech circuits, having worked for the Austrians, Norwegians, Slovenians, and, most recently, the Canadian men’s speed team.
Longtime head coach for multi-discipline athlete Shiffrin, Mike Day, will remain in his head coach role, as Austrian Mark Mitter joins the group as assistant coach. With the World Cup and Europa Cup groups merging, Magnus Andersson will remain as head coach, with Kipp Spangler as assistant coach, and they will be joined by Marjan Cernigoj as head Europa Cup coach, moving up from the development group. With Cernigoj’s move to Europa Cup, Shaun Goodwin—who was most recently serving as a private coach at the NorAm and Europa Cup levels—will take over the women’s development program, along with former U.S. Ski Team athlete and two-time All-America First Team Dartmouth College NCAA athlete Foreste Peterson. Paul Kristofic will remain as the head coach for the women’s alpine program.
Notable changes on the men’s side include the return of Parker Gray, who comes from Gould Academy to join the World Cup and Europa Cup tech group. Ian Garner will oversee the World Cup and Europa Cup tech groups, while Matt Underhill will focus on leading the Europa Cup tech team. Former Slovenian World Cup skier and Olympian Matic Skube, who most recently coached for the Polish Federation, will be joining the crew with a focus on the men’s World Cup slalom team.
On the speed side, Randy Pelkey remains head coach of the men’s speed team, along with Urban Planinsek, Scotty Veenis, and Ben Black as assistant coaches. Austin Savaria will join the men’s speed team staff as an assistant coach, most recently serving as a coach for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Graham Flinn will continue to lead the men’s development program, along with assistant coach Nathan Bryant. In addition to his role as Alpine Director, Riml will also directly oversee operations for the men’s alpine program.
“It has been energizing to be back with the U.S. Alpine Ski Team, working with our coaching staff to build what I know will be a solid, dynamic support staff for our athletes,” noted Riml. “It’s not only rewarding to see former U.S. Ski Team coaches like Parker (Gray) rejoin the team, but it’s equally rewarding to see former athletes like Foreste Peterson join the program as a coach who has the opportunity to create a significant impact on these young athletes’ development. I look forward to working with this staff to support our athletes achieve their dreams and reach the podium.”
The men’s and women’s teams have already hit the slopes at Official Training Sites Mammoth Mountain, California, and Copper Mountain, Colorado, as well as in Norway to kick off the 2022-23 season. Many of the staff and athletes are currently at the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah for a vital strength and conditioning block, physical testing, and SkillsQuest testing prior to their next on-snow camps in the Southern Hemisphere.
A full staff announcement will be released this fall, in tandem with the official U.S. Alpine Ski Team announcement.