SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series Athletes Shine at Monroe Cup

Deep field of slalom racers convene at Rotarun for competitive qualifying event

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) hosted the annual Monroe Cup at Rotarun Ski Area on January 31 and February 1. Nearly two hundred competitors competed in the event for U12 athletes from the North Intermountain Division (ID, WY) and it serves as a qualifier for athletes in the North to compete against athletes in the South Intermountain Division (UT) at the IMD Championships at Jackson Hole, WY March 20-22.

“We just had a spectacular Monroe Cup race at Rotarun!” said SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series Head Coach, Claudia Stern. “Every single one of our North Series athletes showed up with purpose, drive, and showed us some of their best skiing to date. We had multiple podiums and personal bests, a few crashes, but mostly lots of smiles and team spirit. Thanks to all the volunteers, and to Julian Tyo and his team who managed to lay out an incredible venue for us despite this year's lack of snow and warm temps."

The Monroe Cup continues to honor the legacy of Lane Monroe who was the Program Director and Head Alpine Coach at SVSEF from 1970-1996, with a hiatus between 1973 and 1976 to serve as a coach for the U.S. Ski Team. From 1973-1974, Monroe was the Men's Special Teams coach and then the Head Women's Coach from 1975-1976. The Monroe Cup was first held in 1997 on Bald Mountain, and continued there until 2021 when it moved to Rotarun Ski Area as a slalom-only event.

The girl’s races saw fierce competition along with wide smiles and lots of glitter. SVSEF's athletes were led by Alta Questad who claimed third place in Race 1 with a combined time of 58.81 seconds and Amelia Beck securing third place in Race 2 (1:05.49). Marie McNeal showcased her versatility with a strong second-place finish in Race 2 after a challenging first race. SVSEF athletes dominated the field, with multiple athletes finishing in the top 20 across both races.

Asa Sattler led the SVSEF boys with a victory in Race 1, posting the fastest time of 1:00.72. Walker Gove responded with a commanding win in Race 2, finishing in 54.87—the fastest time of the entire weekend. Vance Gardiner demonstrated consistency with top-10 finishes in both races, placing eighth in Race 1 and seventh in Race 2.

After the dust settled on two days of competitive racing at Rotarun, Mia Anderson of McCall Winter Sports Club (MWSC) was awarded the Monroe Cup after finishing in first place for Race 1 and second place in Race 2 for the girls. Grand Targhees Ski and Snowboard Foundation’s (GTSSF) Liam Gardner won the Monroe Cup for the boys with a third place in Race 1 and second place in Race 2 during Sunday’s races. 

SVSEF Athlete Results

Women's Slalom Race 1 (January 31)

3rd – Alta Questad (U12) – 58.81
4th – Amelia Beck (U12) – 1:00.25
6th – Sophie Robins (U12) – 1:01.20
8th – Kayla Kloster (U12) – 1:03.52
9th – Rienza Buoncristiani (U12) – 1:05.66
11th – Dylan Meyer (U12) – 1:07.29
13th – Dylan Spengler (U12) – 1:09.92
14th – Payton Minor (U12) – 1:10.02
15th – Blakely Martens (U12) – 1:11.97
17th – Ivy McNamara (U12) – 1:12.46
18th – Lexi Barthel (U12) – 1:12.52
19th – Teodora Smither (U12) – 1:12.96
20th – Estelle Turzian (U12) – 1:12.98
24th – Freya Moffat (U12) – 1:14.27
26th – Riley Copperman (U12) – 1:15.17
27th – Lila Vanderwyst (U12) – 1:15.56
35th – Maude Bates (U12) – 1:19.21
37th – Eleanor Hopeman (U12) – 1:20.20
41st – Ruby Rogers (U10) – 1:20.55
43rd – Morghan Kearney (U12) – 1:21.29
46th – Elise Eng Greener (U10) – 1:21.90
48th – Stella Smith (U12) – 1:22.43
49th – Morgan Thomas (U12) – 1:22.47
51st – Tindsley Glenne (U12) – 1:23.07
53rd – Rosie Hill (U12) – 1:24.66
60th – Marie McNeal (U12) – 1:27.38
62nd – Eleanor Robinson (U12) – 1:30.81
65th – Emma Osher (U10) – 1:33.04
66th – Lottie Cook (U10) – 1:33.05
69th – Maeve Conklin (U12) – 1:35.98
74th – Lark Johnson (U10) – 1:38.95
76th – Kingsley Loughlin (U12) – 1:39.84
78th – Wren Presnell (U10) – 1:41.51
80th – Kyle Bruun (U12) – 1:46.02

Women's Slalom Race 2 (January 31)

2nd – Marie McNeal (U12) – 1:05.03
3rd – Amelia Beck (U12) – 1:05.49
6th – Sophie Robins (U12) – 1:06.85
7th – Kayla Kloster (U12) – 1:08.42
9th – Rienza Buoncristiani (U12) – 1:11.93
10th – Payton Minor (U12) – 1:13.30
11th – Dylan Spengler (U12) – 1:13.54
12th – Estelle Turzian (U12) – 1:13.63
14th – Mckenna McCarthy (U12) – 1:14.25
15th – Ivy McNamara (U12) – 1:14.31
16th – Blakely Martens (U12) – 1:14.71
17th – Teodora Smither (U12) – 1:15.25
18th – Freya Moffat (U12) – 1:16.33
19th – Lexi Barthel (U12) – 1:16.75
22nd – Riley Copperman (U12) – 1:18.66
26th – Eleanor Hopeman (U12) – 1:20.84
30th – Lila Vanderwyst (U12) – 1:21.68
31st – Tindsley Glenne (U12) – 1:22.94
32nd – Stella Smith (U12) – 1:24.09
36th – Ruby Rogers (U12) – 1:24.58
37th – Maude Bates (U12) – 1:24.58
43rd – Elise Eng Greener (U12) – 1:26.67
46th – Morghan Kearney (U12) – 1:27.47
47th – Grace Boccabella (U10) – 1:27.65
49th – Morgan Thomas (U12) – 1:28.15
53rd – Clementine Brumbach (U10) – 1:29.11
54th – Torin Farmer (U10) – 1:29.21
55th – Blakeslee Tindall (U12) – 1:29.32
56th – Rosie Hill (U12) – 1:29.39
58th – Charlotte Mitchell (U12) – 1:30.41
61st - Uzi Hale (U10) 1:30.94
62nd – Eleanor Robinson (U12) – 1:32.98
63rd – Lottie Cook (U10) – 1:34.19
64th – Beau Jaeger (U10) – 1:34.41
69th – Emma Osher (U10) – 1:36.94
71st – Lark Johnson (U10) – 1:38.13
72nd – Siena Martin (U10) – 1:38.45
78th – Kingsley Loughlin (U10) – 1:42.45
79th – Maeve Conklin (U10) – 1:42.62
82nd – Wren Presnell (U10) – 1:45.01
88th – Rose Vanderwyst (U10) – 1:50.35

Men's Slalom Race 1 (February 1)

1st – Asa Sattler (U12) – 1:00.72
3rd – Evan McGregor (U12) – 1:01.42
8th – Vance Gardiner (U12) – 1:03.18
14th – Cole Martens (U12) – 1:08.54
15th – Keller Alan Spachman (U12) – 1:08.73
22nd – Tucker Thurston (U12) – 1:11.51
24th – Dillon Wells (U12) – 1:12.67
25th – Tommy Banta (U12) – 1:13.20
34th – Nathan Sattler (U12) – 1:14.79
35th – Brock Smith (U12) – 1:15.83
36th – Graham Lyle (U12) – 1:16.25
37th – Werner McNamara (U12) – 1:16.62
38th – Blaise Terra (U12) – 1:16.73
42nd – Samuel Sattler (U12) – 1:17.47
45th – Arthur McNeal (U12) – 1:18.88
47th – Rowan Hoffman (U12) – 1:19.42
49th – Evan Schwing (U12) – 1:19.98
53rd – John Massa (U12) – 1:24.41
57th – Luca Smither (U12) – 1:25.33
58th – Smith Matthews (U12) – 1:25.56
60th – Mitchell Crist (U12) – 1:28.21
63rd – Patrick Phillips (U12) – 1:29.99
67th – Henry Parks (U12) – 1:31.44
69th – Jayden Orihuela (U12) – 1:32.19
72nd – Brenner Ehleringer (U12) – 1:37.11
74th – Jace Terra (U12) – 1:38.61
75th – Ellis Gouley (U12) – 1:38.71

Men's Slalom Race 2 (February 1)

1st – Walker Gove (U12) – 54.87
2nd – Ford Rixon (U12) – 56.25
4th – Dylan Smiley (U12) – 57.08
7th – Vance Gardiner (U12) – 58.82
13th – Cole Martens (U12) – 1:01.60
23rd – Tommy Banta (U12) – 1:05.76
25th – Tucker Thurston (U12) – 1:06.32
33rd – Nathan Sattler (U12) – 1:07.40
36th – Dillon Wells (U12) – 1:07.68
37th – Arthur McNeal (U12) – 1:08.30
38th – Graham Lyle (U12) – 1:08.43
41st – Brock Smith (U12) – 1:09.09
43rd – James Christopher (U12) – 1:09.39
44th – Blaise Terra (U12) – 1:09.66
46th – Rowan Hoffman (U12) – 1:11.02
48th – Samuel Sattler (U12) – 1:12.78
51st – Werner McNamara (U12) – 1:13.50
56th – Will Turzian (U12) – 1:14.90
57th – Luca Smither (U12) – 1:15.46
59th – Smith Matthews (U12) – 1:15.66
60th – John Massa (U12) – 1:16.36
65th – Keller Alan Spachman (U12) – 1:19.53
67th – Patrick Phillips (U12) – 1:20.31
70th – Henry Parks (U12) – 1:21.49
75th – Jayden Orihuela (U12) – 1:24.07
78th – Brenner Ehleringer (U12) – 1:25.81
80th – Kingsley Bruun (U12) – 1:28.05
81st – Ellis Gouley (U12) – 1:30.38
84th – Jace Terra (U12) – 1:34.72

Photo: Mia Anderson of McCall Winter Sports Club (MWSC) was awarded the overall Monroe Cup for the girls with Marie McNeal in second and Amelia Beck in third. 

Results for each race may be found at the following link, select “North Series”: https://imdalpine.org/race-results/

Up Next for SVSEF Alpine: SVSEF will host the 35th Annual Laura Flood Memorial Race in Sun Valley Feb. 19-24. For details on the race, visit: https://svsef.org/laura-flood-memorial-race/

About the Monroe Cup North Series

The Monroe Cup is a longstanding Intermountain Division slalom series that provides competitive racing opportunities for youth athletes. Hosted at Rotarun Ski Hill in Hailey, Idaho, the event welcomes athletes from clubs across the region for technical racing in a supportive, competitive environment.

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.

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by Will Falltrick

SVSEF Cross Country Teams Open Race Season at Soldier Hollow, UT Super Qualifier

Gold Team podiums, deep sprint fields, and standout efforts across Prep, Comp, and PG teams

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Cross Country (XC) athletes from the Prep, Comp, Post Grad (PG), and Gold teams kicked off their 2026 race season Jan. 23–25 at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, Utah, competing in the Soldier Hollow Super Qualifier and Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (RMISA) Utah Invitational.

The three-day race weekend featured a Classic Sprint on Friday, a Freestyle Individual Start on Saturday, and a 15km Classic Mass Start on Sunday. Friday’s sprint served as a Junior Super Qualifier, welcoming athletes from five western divisions — Intermountain, Rocky Mountain, High Plains, Far West, and Pacific Northwest Ski Association — while Saturday combined Super Qualifier and RMISA collegiate racing. Sunday’s mass start capped the weekend with RMISA competition open to U18 and U20 athletes.

Despite a late start to the race season due to low snowfall, SVSEF athletes delivered strong results across age groups, advancing deep into sprint heats, earning podium finishes, and gaining valuable early-season experience.

“We’re really proud of all the hard work our athletes have put in over the past few months,” said Max Polito, Head PG Coach and Assistant Comp Team Coach. “We’ve seen lots of technical and aerobic progress since our last training camp. Despite the late start, the athletes leveraged their training and preparation to produce strong performances throughout the weekend.

The Classic Sprint highlighted the depth of the SVSEF program, with 12 athletes advancing into heats in a highly competitive field

“The team had a great start to the race season at our first Junior National Qualifier,” said Comp Team Head Coach Chris Mallory. “Having that many skiers move on from the sprint prologue was a great sign, and we’re excited to build from it.”

Gold Team athletes anchored the weekend with podium finishes in distance events, while Prep, Comp, and PG athletes showed steady progress and resilience across multiple disciplines

“It was inspiring to see our Gold Team members racing, finishing on the podium, and then cheering on younger athletes who were racing at this level for the first time,” said Cross Country Program Director Becky Flynn. “The energy was high, the team spirit was strong, and Soldier Hollow’s race crew did an incredible job preparing the trails despite challenging conditions."

SVSEF Athlete Results

Friday, Jan. 23 – Classic Sprint

U18/20/Open Men (Overall)
5th - Charlie St. George
11th - Zach Quesnel
19th - Nick Gardiner

U18/20/Open Women (Overall)
19th - Natalie Carlson
55th - Josie Bolinger
73rd - Anna Gilman

U16 Men (Overall)
4th - Henry Flynn
15th - Bailey Kurtz
24th - Owen Wellner

U16 Women (Overall)
11th - Stella St. George
12th - Josephine Renner
27th - Sydney Nelson

U14 Men (Overall)
15th - James Holman
16th - Augie Allaire
26th - Ben Wellner

U14 Women (Overall)
4th - Payton Daley-Scheingraber
7th - Nina O’Sullivan
27th - Penelope Zook

Saturday, Jan. 24 – Freestyle Individual Start

7.5km U18/20/Open Men
3rd - Will Koch (Gold Team)
9th - Elijah Weenig (Gold Team)
48th - Nick Gardiner

7.5km U18/20/Open Women
15th - Mia Case (Gold Team)
83rd - Natalie Carlson
116th - Josie Bolinger

5km U16 Men
16th - Thijs Lloyd
27th - Henry Flynn
29th - Bailey Kurtz

5km U16 Women
12th - Josephine Renner
15th - Stella St. George
27th - Sidney Brown

4km U14 Men
13th - James Holman
19th - Augie Allaire
30th - Ben Wellner

4km U14 Women
3rd - Payton Daley-Scheingraber
6th - Nina O’Sullivan
34th - Penelope Zook

Sunday, Jan. 25 – 15km Classic Mass Start

Open Men
3rd - Will Koch (Gold Team)
18th - Elijah Weenig (Gold Team)
28th - Tait Boschen

Open Women
16th - Mia Case (Gold Team)

Complete results can be found at:
https://www.muddydogsports.com/home

For detailed event information, please visit: https://utaholympiclegacy.org/event/super-qualifier-rmisa-ute-invite-january-22-25-2026/

Photo: Gold Team member Mia Case races in Soldier Hollow

by Will Falltrick

SVSEF Freeski Opens USASA Competition Season with Strong Results in Jackson Hole

Podium finishes in slopestyle and rail jam highlight strong early-season preparation

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Freeski team athletes kicked off their USASA competition season with a strong and encouraging weekend at Jackson Hole, WY, marking the team's first slopestyle event of the year. Athletes competed across slopestyle and rail jam disciplines, delivering podium performances that reflected solid early-season preparation and progression.

The Jackson Hole USASA event provided an important benchmark for the Freeski program, with athletes showing confidence, creativity, and consistency in competitive settings. Across both Open and Age Class divisions, SVSEF athletes earned multiple podium finishes and demonstrated strong performances throughout the field.

“It was great to see the athletes put their training into action this early in the season,” said SVSEF Freeski Program Director Tyler Conway. “The level of riding, focus, and progression we saw throughout the weekend was a strong indicator of where the team is headed.” Overall, the weekend represented a strong start to the competitive season and set a positive tone moving forward as athletes continue to build momentum through winter.

SVSEF Athlete Results

Slopestyle
Barrett Beyer - 2nd place, Open Class
Abe Gross - 1st place, Age Class
Van Ericksen - 3rd place, Age Class
Trandon Smart - 3rd place, Age Class

Rail Jam
Kai Van Bueren - 2nd place, Open Class
Van Ericksen - 2nd place, Age Class

The Freeski team will host USASA competition at Dollar Mountain January 30 – February 1.

Photo: SVSEF Freeski athlete Abe Gross secures first place in Slopestyle. 

by Will Falltrick

Sunny Skies and Strong Slalom Progress in Season’s Second Edition of Pastry Cup

SVSEF Alpine North Series tradition continues with emphasis on race prep and skill progression

The 2025-26 season’s second iteration of the Pastry Cup returned to Rotatrun on Sunday, January 25 offering Sun Valley Ski Education (SVSEF) Alpine U12 North Series athletes a chance to continue to put training and racing skills to the test in a festive, fun-focused environment. 

Designed as a fun, development-focused competition, the Pastry Cup continues to play an important role in preparing young racers for the North Series calendar. With sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent snow conditions, athletes were able to push their limits while reinforcing strong fundamentals in the gates. 

“What a perfect day for our second Pastry Cup!” said SVSEF Alpine North Series Team Head Coach Claudia Stern. “Everyone skied hard and fast and showed how much they have been working on their Slalom skiing these past few weeks.” 

As the season continues, Pastry Cup events will continue to be a valuable checkpoint – reinforcing the importance of process, patience and consistent effort while keeping the joy of skiing front and center.

SVSEF Athlete Results

Girls Slalom Top Results
1st – Alta (Run 1: 25.03 | Run 2: 24.96 | Total: 49.99)
2nd – Marie (26.14 | 25.98 | 52.12)
3rd – Kayla (26.25 | 27.51 | 53.76)
4th – DillPickle (28.71 | 28.44 | 57.15)
5th – Tea (29.27 | 28.76 | 58.03)
6th – D. Money (28.90 | 29.32 | 58.21)
7th – Freya (30.09 | 29.28 | 59.37)
8th – Ivy (30.28 | 29.10 | 59.38)
9th – Blakely (29.98 | 29.79 | 59.77)
10th – Rienza (31.57 | 30.01 | 61.58)
11th – Lexi (31.18 | 31.38 | 62.56)
12th – Estelle (31.59 | 31.41 | 63.00)
13th – Riley (32.18 | 32.63 | 64.81)
14th – Eleanor H (32.15 | 32.70 | 64.85)
15th – Lila (32.40 | 32.46 | 64.86)
16th – PayPal (33.15 | 34.25 | 67.39)
17th – Rosie (34.15 | 34.16 | 68.31)
18th – Chandler (34.25 | 34.08 | 68.33)
19th – Tindsley (35.01 | 33.37 | 68.38)
20th – Maude (35.10 | 36.00 | 71.10)
21st – Amelia (45.93 | 26.70 | 72.63)
22nd – Eleanor R (35.73 | 38.05 | 73.78)
23rd – Stella (35.78 | 47.83 | 83.60)
— Morgan — DNF (35.02)

Boys Slalom Top Results
1st – Walker (Run 1: 24.41 | Run 2: 24.32 | Total: 48.74)
2nd – Asa (25.74 | 25.34 | 51.08)
3rd – DSmiley (26.90 | 26.37 | 53.27)
4th – Evan (26.99 | 26.44 | 53.43)
5th – Vance (27.21 | 27.32 | 54.53)
6th – Keller (28.84 | 29.54 | 58.38)
7th – Cole (29.54 | 29.18 | 58.71)
8th – Tucker (30.20 | 30.78 | 60.98)
9th – Dillon W (32.26 | 32.03 | 64.29)
10th – Tommy (31.62 | 33.37 | 64.99)
11th – Blaise (34.18 | 31.39 | 65.57)
12th – Jayden (38.14 | 38.67 | 76.81)
— Graham — DSQ (31.55)

Photo: Girls top three podium: Alta Questad, Marie McNeal, Kayla Kloster. Boys top three podium: Walker Gove, Asa Sattler, D. Smiley. 

by Will Falltrick

SVSEF Alpine U16 and U14 Athletes Build Speed and Confidence in Jackson Hole

by Will Falltrick

SVSEF Alpine U16 IMC Team Delivers Podium Performances at Snowbird Qualifier

Multiple podiums highlight first qualifying events of the season for U16 tech racers

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Alpine U16 IMC team competed January 11-14 at Snowbird Resort in the Snowbird IMC Qualifier, the first of three qualifying events for the U16 Regional Championships and Tri-Divisional Championships. The four-day event featured two slalom (SL) and two giant slalom (GS) races with deep fields for men and women. 

Snowbird delivered ideal racing conditions throughout the series. SVSEF athletes remained focused and adaptable across the demanding schedule, showing composure and commitment from run to run as they kicked off their competitive qualifying race season. 

“The Alpine U16s competed well at Snowbird in our first divisional qualifiers for U16 Regionals and Tri-Divisional Championships,” said SVSEF Alpine U16 head coach Nate Schwing. “We were greeted with four consecutive bluebird days with quality racing surfaces. Our athletes were locked in for four days of racing. They did well adapting daily and committed to giving their all from run to run on race day. A lot of positives were taken away from this series, and now we train towards our next race series, competing in Super G at the Wes Barron in Jackson.”

SVSEF athletes posted strong results throughout the Snowbird IMC Qualifier, highlighted by multiple podium finishes across slalom and giant slalom. Neena DeGennaro led the women with second-place finishes in both giant slalom races, along with a second-place finish in slalom, while Bianca Smith earned a third-place finish in giant slalom. On the men’s side, Paxton Harris captured a first-place finish in slalom and followed up with a second-place result in giant slalom, while Corbin Flood secured a first-place finish in giant slalom. Colter Bengston added to the podium count with a second-place finish in giant slalom and multiple top-ten results across the series.

SVSEF Athlete Results:

U16 Women’s SL #1 Jan. 11
5th – Neena DeGennaro
8th – Jasmine Smiley
14th – Piper Spengler
15th – Bianca Smith
16th Colette Duke

U16 Men’s SL #1 Jan. 11
7th – Henry Questad

U16 Women’s SL #2 Jan. 12
2nd – Neena DeGennaro
8th – Jasmine Smiley
9th – Piper Spengler
14th – Bianca Smith
15th – Olivia Harrington
16th – Camille Reid
18th – Colette Duke

U16 Men’s SL #2 Jan. 12
1st – Paxton Harris
7th – Colter Bengston
8th – Henry Questad
18th – Cameron Beck

U16 Women’s GS #1 Jan. 13
2nd – Neena DeGennaro
5th – Bianca Smith
11th – Jasmine Smiley
15th – Colette Duke
18th – Alexandra Heidel
20th – Piper Spengler

U16 Men’s GS #1 Jan. 13
1st – Corbin Flood
2nd – Colter Bengston
7th – Jake Schlatter
8th – Henry Questsd
13th – Brooks Gove

U16 Women’s GS #2 Jan. 14
2nd – Neena DeGennaro
3rd – Bianca Smith
9th – Jasmine Smiley
16th – Colette Duke
17th – Alexandra Heidel

U16 Men’s GS #2 Jan. 14
2nd – Paxton Harris
6th – Colter Bengston
7th – Cameron Beck
8th – Wyatt Limburg
15th – Henry Nordstrom
17th – Brooks Gove
18th – Kai Sammis

Photo: Corbin Flood in first place and Colter Bengston in second in GS #1, January 13th

For complete U16 IMD race results, click on the following link and go to the U16 Series button:  https://imdalpine.org/race-results/

by Will Falltrick

Four SVSEF Athletes to Represent Team USA at 2026 Winter Olympic Games

by Heather Foster

SVSEF Launches Journey to Gold Fund

An SVSEF initiative supporting the unseen work behind world-class performance

WHY THIS FUND EXISTS
As the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games quickly approach, Sun Valley and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation are once again preparing to send athletes to represent the United States on the world’s biggest stage. This moment continues a proud legacy of Sun Valley developing elite winter sport athletes grounded in our community’s traditions and values. Athletes like Gretchen Fraser, Pete Patterson, Christin Cooper, Reggie Crist, Picabo Street, Kaitlyn Farrington, Morgan Arritola, Chase Josey, Jake Adicoff, and Jesse Keefe to name a few.

At the Olympic level, talent and preparation are assumed, and National Teams provide the essential infrastructure to get there. What often separates athletes and determines success are the less visible elements of performance—conviction in the athlete’s potential, trusted familiarity, emotional grounding, and guidance from people who have been deeply invested in their lifelong Olympic journey.

The SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund supports the people and relationships surrounding Team USA athletes connected to Sun Valley—their mentors, families, and trusted support networks—meeting each athlete where they are and supporting what they need most. This flexible structure allows us to respond as team nominations and opportunities continue to unfold across all disciplines, respect individual needs and sensitivities, and invest strategically where support makes the greatest impact.

INITIAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
As we work to support Ryder Sarchett as our first officially nominated 2026 Olympian and await further announcements, the initial allocation from this fund will leverage the long-standing athlete-coach relationship between Ryder and his trusted coach and mentor, Will Brandenburg, within the broader framework of the Olympic Games. This support is designed to complement the exceptional work already being done by U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s national team coaching staff—reinforcing the belief that achieving Olympic excellence requires both a village, and a nation, working in concert.

Support through this fund will ensure Ryder's mentorship continues through final pre-Games preparation and competition. This is exactly the type of strategic, high-impact investment this fund was created to make—supporting the intangibles that elevate performance at the highest level.

Ryder’s qualification represents not only a personal milestone, but a historic achievement for Sun Valley and American alpine skiing.

Ryder is the first male alpine skier from Sun Valley to compete in the Winter Olympic Games since Reggie Crist raced downhill at the 1992 Albertville Games. Even more remarkably, Ryder is the first male technical alpine racer from Sun Valley to reach the Olympic Games in more than 45 years, following in the lineage of legends like Pete Patterson who last competed in the technical disciplines at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. 

Ryder’s nomination sparked the creation of this fund to help make the most of the rare opportunities for Sun Valley athletes to excel among the world's best.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUN VALLEY ATHLETES AND AN INVITATION TO THE COMMUNITY
With the support and generosity of a lead donor, SVSEF has proactively launched the SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund, offering a dollar-for-dollar match of community contributions up to $10,000. This reflects our wholehearted belief that community support should extend to the people and relationships that shape an athlete’s success—beginning early, remaining consistent, and carrying athletes through the most critical moments of their careers.

We invite our community to participate in supporting the SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund, helping ensure that our athletes across all disciplines carry the strength of Sun Valley with them as they compete at the 2026 Olympic Games and beyond! 

Support the SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund through the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Donations are tax-deductible. SVSEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 82-0264946

To make a donation to the SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund:

1. Click on the link below – this is a unique link to support the SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund.
2. If you would like to give this gift in tribute, please specify in the fields provided.
3. If you would like to send a message, please include in the Comments box.

Support SVSEF Journey to Gold Fund: https://tinyurl.com/svsefjourneytogoldfund 

by Heather Foster

The Pastry Cup: Where Preparation Meets Powdered Sugar

Focus on fun, race-day prep define North Series tradition

If you’ve ever spotted a group of young racers nervously clicking into skis with one eye on the clock and the other on a box of pastries, you’ve likely stumbled upon the legendary Pastry Cup. 

Since 2018, the Pastry Cup has been a staple of the SVSEF Alpine North Series team experience. The event was created by coaches Adele Savaria and Claudia Stern as a way to introduce young racers to the foundational elements of ski racing in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Originally held as a tune-up ahead of the first North Series race of the season, the Pastry Cup gave athletes a chance to practice race-day logistics, time management, and equipment preparation before results truly mattered.

Today, a Pastry Cup is held before every North Series race, giving athletes repeated opportunities to dial in their routines and arrive at competitions feeling prepared and confident having already had the chance to practice their pre-race routine. Each event mirrors race-day expectations while maintaining an emphasis on learning, preparation, and fun. After the race, all athletes enjoy a pastry or treat, with the top three finishers earning first, second, and third taking their choice of the baked goods.

More than a race, the Pastry Cup reflects the creativity and dedication of SVSEF’s coaching staff and the values that define the program as a whole. By prioritizing preparation, teamwork, and enjoyment alongside skill progression, the Pastry Cup helps athletes develop strong habits that carry forward throughout the season.

Photos: Above, podium finishers from the most recent Pastry Cup in 2026. Below, podium finishers from the original Pastry Cup held in 2018!

Pastry Cup # 1 Results – January 4, 2026

by Will Falltrick

Snowmaker Classic Race Kicks off the Season in Support of SVSEF XC Program

2nd-Annual race at Lake Creek sees strong attendance and fun atmosphere

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s (SVSEF) Cross Country (XC) program hosted the 2026 Snowmaker Classic race to celebrate the start of the Nordic ski season with a community-wide race in support of SVSEF’s cross-country program.

The Snowmaker Classic is a fun and inclusive race for all ages and abilities and, alongside the Après Snowmaker Fundraiser, is dedicated to raising critical funds for the SVSEF XC program and the facilities that support it. Funds raised through the event directly sustain essential resources supporting more than 220 SVSEF XC athletes.

The classic technique race welcomed 74 competitors ranging in age from 6 to 78, who competed across four distances: 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km. Athletes of all ages enjoyed ideal racing conditions on the recently opened Lake Creek Trails, making for a memorable early-season event.

“It was a gorgeous day and the perfect way for our community to kick off the XC ski season,” said SVSEF XC Assistant Program Director Kelley Yeates. “Events like the Snowmaker Classic highlight the strength of our local Nordic community and the shared excitement for another winter on snow.”

SVSEF extends its sincere thanks to all competitors, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who made the event possible, with special appreciation to the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) for exceptional trail grooming.

Looking ahead, the SVSEF XC Team will travel to Utah for its first Junior National Qualifier of the season Jan. 21–24. The next SVSEF community Nordic event, the Town Sprints, will take place Feb. 4 in Ketchum.

For complete race results, click on the link: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=417716

by Will Falltrick