SVSEF Alpine Telemark Curriculum to Begin January 2024

Embracing new experiences and expanding technique with Sun Valley Tele

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) and Sun Valley Tele are joining forces to expand SVSEF Alpine U16 and FIS programming to include a telemark curriculum. This new partnership is designed to introduce athletes to a new discipline that will build upon race techniques and redefine training standards. Telemark skiing serves as an invaluable teaching tool to help skiers understand body movement and technique as it relates to alternative disciplines.  

The concept for a telemark program came to fruition after discussions of getting the kids off the race course and into the backcountry. “The ski experience outside of a competitive format is equally as important to our athletes’ growth as skiers and mountain athletes,” said Brian Eggleton, SVSEF Alpine Team technician. “Not only is it important to enrich the connection our athletes have to skiing, it’s important to connect the similarities in how our anatomy moves across various types of equipment in a variety of ski disciplines.” 

With liability and expenses complicating the backcountry program, the concept of a telemark program came into play and offered the same opportunity for alternative training tactics that sparked the coaches’ initial discussion. “We believe that diversifying their skills and experiences on the mountain can be transformative,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Not only will it add an exciting dimension to their skiing journey, but it will enhance their racing technique in a way that sets them apart.” 

The programming is set to begin in Jan. 2024 at Rotarun Ski Area, where the high school athletes will have the opportunity to step out of their race gear and into telemark gear after practice sessions. The hope is to cut down on the redundancy and repetition of gate practice by incorporating novelty and self-discovery through a completely new sport.

Brandenburg hopes to strengthen the alpine community through this new partnership. “We hope the launch of this program sparks more interest in the coming months of practice. If the alpine community buys into this endeavor, we can continue to integrate tele sessions into the curriculum well into the future.” 

This venture would not be possible without the generosity of the Sun Valley Telemark members who have offered to donate their time and expertise to the alpine teams. "After nearly 45 years hosting community races and events, Sun Valley Tele is thrilled to share the telemark turn with the next generation of mountain athletes in a formal setting,” said Julian Tyo of SV Tele. “Our team of 11 volunteer coaches consists of longstanding event participants and race organizers, all ready to help SVSEF's athletes add another arrow to their collective quivers.”

With equipment contributions and tuning services from Backwoods Mountain Sports, Sturtevants of Sun Valley, 22 Designs, and Scott Sports—SVSEF and SV Tele extend many thanks to local retailers for contributing their time, money, and resources to help make this exciting new initiative come to life. 

by Liz Chamberlain

Molly Maybach Qualifies for 2024 Winter Youth Olympics & Jr. World Championships

Maybach began her performances at the national trials with a seventh-place finish out of 32 competitors in the junior women’s sprint event on Friday, Dec. 29.

by Liz Chamberlain

SVSEF Athletes Impress at the Annual Sean Nurse Memorial

Taylor Moe swept the podium in all four events at the Sean Nurse Memorial in Jackson Hole, an impressive start to Moe's first season racing with the SVSEF U16 Alpine team

Several Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine U16 athletes earned podium finishes at the annual Sean Nurse Memorial Race held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from Dec. 18-21.

by Liz Chamberlain

On the Eve of a First World Cup Start

While this letter was sent to Dasha Romanov in the days before her World Cup debut in Levi, Finland, we held sharing it until Dasha had the opportunity to read it herself and fully experience all that November 11-12 had to offer her, in her first push out of a World Cup start gate. We couldn't be more proud of you, Dasha and we're always cheering for you from Sun Valley! 

Dear Dasha,

I hope this message finds you in the midst of excited preparation for your first World Cup race in Levi, Finland. This is a significant milestone, and I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of your hard work and dedication that has brought you to this point. Racing at the World Cup is a dream for many, and it's your time to live that dream.

Levi is a place close to my heart, with many fond memories including personal successes that I cherish. I believe you're going to create your own special moments there, and I'm excited to see you race on a hill that means so much to me.

I have some insights to share with you about the hill and your preparations that I hope will serve you well:

1. Hill Free Ski: Weather permitting, take advantage of the hill free ski. Be proactive and aim to be at the front of the queue; it can give you a strategic advantage to get more runs in. This session is about gaining confidence, so whether you wear your race suit or opt for full gear, choose what makes you feel ready and self-assured.

2. Ski Setup: Prepare your skis for the free ski with the same care and attention as you would on race day. This lets you test your equipment under the current snow conditions and gives you a preview of what to expect, which is invaluable for building race-day confidence.

3. Video Analysis: On the morning of the free ski, ask the team to show you videos from previous races in Levi. Pay attention to the set on the two rollers on the top flats; understanding how to use them to generate speed is critical for a strong first split.

4. Mimicking Sets: Use the hill free ski to practice the lines you’ve studied from the video, especially how to absorb the rollers and gain momentum off their backsides.

5. Transition into the Pitch: Confidence in the transition from the flats into the pitch can make the course much easier to handle. The race isn't won on the first section of the pitch, but getting it right from the top sets the tone for the entire run.

6. Lighting and Visibility: Levi's dark backdrop can be challenging, so adjust your goggles to ensure the best visibility for the race time conditions. Being able to see well lets you attack with more confidence.

Remember, while the World Cup environment is bustling and may seem intense, it’s the same as any race—only the surroundings are different. Ski as you’ve trained to, focusing on each turn, and let your skiing do the talking. You don't need perfect turns to qualify, just use your strength and your ability to adapt mid-course. Use your strength and athletic ability to get out of that gate fast and you NEED to really charge the first 6 gates!!!!

Most importantly, carry with you the knowledge that you're not alone in this journey. Our entire team believes in you, and there's no pressure that can weigh you down when you have a community of support like ours behind you. Whatever the outcome, it's a step forward in your career. And if you come out with points, we'll all be here to celebrate with you! We always have your back.

Ski free, charge hard, and above all, enjoy the journey—it's one many only dream of, but you are living it.

Best of luck, and get it!

Here is a vid from your old coach there……. #glorydays

Will Brandenburg
Alpine Program Director

Photo of Dasha Romanov by Heather Black. 2023 U.S. Alpine National Championships, Sun Valley.

by Heather Foster

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Geared Up for 57th Season

SVSEF is heading into the 2023-24 season with more than 850 athletes on 31 teams across seven disciplines including Alpine, Big Mountain, Cross Country, Freeski, Freestyle, Mini X, and Snowboarding. 

Ten SVSEF athletes and/or Alumni are representing the U.S. National Teams in 2023-24:

• Chase Josey, U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe Team (SVSEF Snowboarding Alum)
• Colin Hanna, U.S. Alpine Development (D) Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Dasha Romanov, U.S. Alpine C Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Finnigan Donley, U.S. Alpine Development (D) Team (SVSEF Alum)
• Jack Smith, U.S. Alpine C Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Jake Adicoff, U.S. ParaNordic Team (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
• Jesse Keefe, U.S. ParaAlpine A Team (SVSEF Alpine Alum)
• Johnny Hagenbuch, U.S. Cross Country B Team (SVSEF XC Alum)
• Sammy Smith, U.S. Cross Country Development (D) Team ( SVSEF XC Gold Team)
• Sydney Palmer-Leger, U.S. Cross Country B Team (SVSEF XC Alum)

SVSEF will host several events/competitions in 2023-24, including but not limited to the following. All dates are subject to change.

Alpine

• Nov 18-22 Pre-Thanksgiving Training Camp at Sun Valley and Rotarun
• Jan 29-Jan 31 Soldier Mountain Speed Project U14
• Feb 5- Feb 7 Soldier Mountain Speed Project U16
• Feb 9-11 33rd Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race at Sun Valley (U16)
• Feb 24-25 Monroe Cup at Rotarun (hosted by SVSEF)
• Feb 19 54th Annual Arkoosh Cup at Rotarun (hosted by Rotarun)
• Mar 20-24 U.S. Alpine National Championships (hosted by Sun Valley)
• Mar 25-28 Western Region FIS Open
• Mar 30 7th Annual Gary Black, Jr. Memorial Race 

Cross Country 

• Dec 10 Winterstart at Galena Lodge
• Dec 27 Holiday Bonfire & Relays at Lake Creek

• Jan 6 Snowmaker Classic at Lake Creek
• Jan 14 Community Day - Learn to ski w/SVSEF XC Gold Team
• Jan 21 Quigley Cup at Quigley Nordic Center
• Feb 1 Ketchum NordicTown Sprints in Downtown Ketchum
• Feb 3 Boulder Mountain Tour (SVSEF not host, but athletes compete)
• Mar 2-3 3 Intermountain Youth Cross Country Ski Champs at Lake Creek
• March 9 Cross Country Devo Festival at Lake Creek
• April 4-6 International Spring Series at Lake Creek

Freestyle

• Dec 26-28 Freestyle Spectacular at Roundhouse, Sun Valley
• Feb 9-11 Roundhouse Rumble at Roundhouse, Sun Valley

Snowboarding

• Date TBD Baldy Banked Slalom, Sun Valley (hosted by Sun Valley)

Snowboarding + Freeski

• Feb 1-4 USASA Slopestyle and Boardercross Big Mountain West, Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley

Special / Fundraising Events

• Nov 21 Free Movie Night at the Sun Valley Opera House / Movies: 4 p.m. Downhill Racer and 7 p.m. Aspen Extreme
• Nov 24 Sip & Shop at J. McLaughlin in Ketchum
• Dec 1 47th Annual Wild Game Dinner at Limelight Room, Sun Valley Inn
• Apr 4-6 25th Annual Janss Pro-Am Classic at Sun Valley

by Heather Foster

Welcoming Dylan Ortuno, IME's New Sports Reporter

Read the rest at https://www.mtexpress.com/sports/beach-boy-tries-to-become-mountain-man/article_90ba6fd2-6211-11ee-8345-2b0b9a5951b6.html

by Liz Chamberlain

2023 Rotarun Ski Swap in Hailey

2023 Rotarun Ski Swap Set for Saturday, Oct. 21 at Sturtevants in Hailey
Register Your Gear Online Today—25% of Sales Support Rotarun Programs and Operations

The Annual Rotarun Ski Swap is coming up, and organizers have made the process easy and efficient for anyone looking to sell winter sports equipment and clothing. The online link to register your gear is posted at Rotarun.org. Gear donations to the Ski Swap are an essential component to Rotarun's annual fundraising efforts. Twenty-five percent of the sales from the Ski Swap directly support the programming and operations at Rotarun Ski Area, including the tuition-free Rota-Rippers and Rota-Ravens after-school programs and free public ski evenings for our community.

Admission is free to attend the Ski Swap, which will be held outdoors from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Sturtevants in Hailey. All marked goods will be fifty percent off during the final hour from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cash and credit card will be acceptable forms of payment at the Rotarun Ski Swap. Sellers take home seventy-five percent of the final sale price.

"I always look forward to the ski swap because it gets the community excited for the upcoming season and the first snowfall,” said Riley Berman, Mountain Manager at Rotarun. “It’s a great opportunity to scoop up new-to-you gear, while keeping gear costs low and the youth on-snow programming more affordable. Plus, it’s a way for members of our community to make a few extra dollars in the process. It's a win win.”

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE ROTARUN SKI SWAP:

1. Pre-register your winter sports equipment and clothing online through MySkiSwap.com prior to dropping it off on one of the drop-off days listed below.
2. Drop off your gear on Friday, Oct. 13 at Sturtevant’s in Hailey (1 Carbonate Street); or Friday, Oct. 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m at Sturtevants in Ketchum (340 N Main Street) or Sturtevants in Hailey (1 Carbonate Street).  
3. Pick up any unsold gear on Sunday, Oct. 22 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Sturtevants in Hailey (1 Carbonate Street), or you may donate unsold gear to Rotarun.

by Liz Chamberlain

Mariah Bredal and Peter Wolter Take Top Honors at 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb

Hikers and runners tackle River Run to Roundhouse in support of SVSEF

The 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb took place on Saturday in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF). To wrap up September under true fall weather skies, more than 280 participants hiked and raced 1.8 miles and 2,045 vertical feet up the River Run side to finish at Sun Valley’s Roundhouse. The event is organized annually by the SVSEF Cross Country Team.

“What a great day!” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s 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. It is inspiring to see the age range of the participants hiking and racing. It is proof you can be a mountain athlete your whole life! Thank you to our volunteers who helped make this event run smoothly, Sun Valley Company and our sponsors—Sturtevants, Atkinsons’ Market, Proctor Mountain Group, Salomon, Durance, Coxa, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, HydraPak, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks for believing in the mission and supporting our programs.”

Peter Wolter once again held off 11-time Baldy Hill Climb winner, Miles Fink-Debray, with a solid one-minute lead over Fink-Debray who finished in second place for his 20th podium finish, while Jackson Long wrapped up the men’s podium in third. Newest SVSEF XC Gold Team member, Mariah Bredal, topped the women’s podium and held off 14-year-old SVSEF XC Prep Team’s Duncan Fryberger to capture fourth overall in the race class.

Peter Wolter, SVSEF XC Gold Team Member and winner of the men’s race said, “The race was great, it ended up being pretty difficult because the first bit required quite a bit of running and the final stretch had some downhill running. I’m more of a power hiker type of “running race” guy so this year’s race was challenging but super happy to have taken the win! Battling it out with Miles was great and I look forward to next year.”

“The race up the mountain today was really hard but also a great event,” said the SVSEF XC Gold Team’s newest teammate Mariah Bredal, after her first experience participating in the Baldy Hill Climb. “I personally felt fresh on the start line ready to give an all-out effort, and it was rewarding to see the summer’s training pay off! I would recommend this race to anyone thinking of taking on a good hill climb!”

Heard from the finish line when SVSEF PrepPro Team member Stella St. George finished, “That was so fun… really so fun!”

2023 Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Mariah Bredal 31:38 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Alexa Turzian 36:15 (SVSEF Alum)
3. Lili Hansen 38:12

2023 Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Peter Wolter 28:27 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Miles Fink-Debray 30:06
3. Jackson Long 31:00

Complete results are posted online at svsef.org.

by Heather Foster

Josie Sarchett Awarded 2023/24 Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship

Sarchett exemplifies dedication, perseverance, positive attitude, and passion for ski racing

Josie Sarchett has been named as the second 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 nine 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.

"We are so happy that we can help and support the athletes of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, and thrilled to present this year’s scholarship to Josie Sarchett,” said Ashley Snyder Briggs. “Her dedication, perseverance, positive attitude, and passion for the sport of ski racing make her our ideal candidate and we are excited for her upcoming season."

Sarchett’s journey as a ski racer has continuously unveiled her true character as an athlete determined to realize her own potential.

“When I think of Josie's last two seasons as a U16, there were setbacks due to injury that probably left her with frustration that her season didn’t go quite as she hoped,” said Nate Schwing, Sarchett’s U16 head coach at SVSEF. “Josie handled the adversity she experienced these last two seasons through pure perseverance, perspective, and passion.” 

In Sarchett’s first season as a U16 in 2021/22, she injured her knee in early to mid-January while training Super G. The injury kept her off skis for about six weeks causing her to miss two of the three qualifiers for Western Regionals. Sarchett came back in time for the third qualifier at Sun Valley at the Laura Flood Memorial Race. She was in a position where she had to ski really well to qualify for Western Regionals, an event she would have easily made if she had been healthy to race the previous two qualifiers. 

“Sarchett had one week of training coming off the knee injury prior to the Laura Flood series, so we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Schwing. “She lit up the series, finishing seventh in the first GS, ninth in the slalom, and was in the top 10 after the first run of the second GS race. Unfortunately, she went out in the second run and wasn’t able to accumulate enough points to qualify for Western Regionals with just two finishes.”  

Sarchett qualified for a second-tier championship called Tri Divisionals, a series for U14 and U16 athletes who do not qualify for their regional championships. It was not the level of championship competition Sarchett had hoped for. “She could have opted to skip this championship, but we challenged her to go and compete,” said Schwing. “There is value to competing when you are one of the favorites to win or medal, and the pressure to perform to these expectations is real. It’s a good exercise to perform under pressure and expectations.” 

Sarchett competed at Tri Divisionals and finished the series strong with two second place finishes. She followed this up with a third place at the Snow Cup in Snowbird, UT, the final race series of the season. 

Sarchett’s second year as a U16 in 2022/23 presented different challenges. She sustained a concussion in December and subsequently missed most of the December training and the team’s first race series at Snow King, WY. A nagging back injury also continued to present itself causing frustration and challenges to maintain momentum.

“Early season training is important for athletes to build their confidence for the season ahead,” said Schwing. “The way this past season started for Josie wasn’t ideal. My hope is that a fresh start for Josie as a first-year FIS team athlete, and hopefully an injury free season, are just what she needs to find the confidence and consistency we know she’s capable of!”

“I am very grateful to my coaches and Ashley for giving me this fantastic scholarship,” said Josie Sarchett, SVSEF first-year Alpine FIS Team athlete. “I am so excited for this race season to start!”

Sarchett has proven her dedication to training and performing at the highest level and is serious about maintaining a standard of fitness. In the off-season, she has been known to put herself up against the boys—always wanting to push herself to be the best she can be. Once the snow flies, she can often be found skiing powder on her own or with friends—she just loves to ski!  

“While Josie has voiced disappointment in her results and performance, she is always grounded with her perspective and is able to spin disappointment into something that is just part of the process,” said Schwing. “She gravitates towards girls or boys who have the same drive, and she’s just an all-around great teammate.”

About the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship

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.

by Heather Foster