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
SVSEF Brings Home Overall Team Title at 2023 Intermountain Youth Ski Championships
Sixty-nine Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country Team athletes traveled to the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway, UT this weekend for the Intermountain Youth Ski Championships. Athletes from clubs across the Intermountain Division in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Western Wyoming competed in U8-U16 category individual start skate races, an open 6.6km mass start skate race, and a downhill obstacle course race on Saturday. The mass start classic races for the U8-U16 categories were held on Sunday.
“With nearly 70 kids competing in this race, the energy and enthusiasm made you want to be a part of our cross country team,” said SVSEF Cross Country Prep Team Coach, Kelley Yeates. “There were kids doing their first race ever, and they all really put it out there.”
At the conclusion of the weekend’s racing, SVSEF was announced as the overall team winner of the 2023 Intermountain Youth Ski Championships. They were also awarded the IMD U14 Cup, the award that recognizes season-long overall results for U14 athletes. SVSEF’s Tait Boschen placed third overall out of 56 boys in the field.
“We use the term “true grit” a lot and it is truly how I would describe these athletes,” said Yeates. “This sport is hard and it takes a tremendous amount of effort mentally and physically. But the best part is they cross the finish line exhausted and with the biggest glittery smiles!”
SVSEF Cross Country Team Athlete Results:
Day 1: Downhill Obstacle Race (Skier X)
U10 Women
6 - Hazel Schmidt
7 - Piper Renner
8 - Nina O'Sullivan
10 - Hope Lloyd
12 - Violet Resko
13 - Elsa Burdette
15 - Josephine Neet
16 - Mahayla Shipp-Stephenson
17 - Holly Lynch
18 - Tallulah Gerald
19 - Abbigale Liberatore
20 - Savannah Twichell
21 - Wynne McGregor
22 - Abigail Sirek
24 - Rose O'Grady
U12 Women
4 - Sydney Nelson
5 - Isla Sundby
8 - Piper Gerald
9 - Payton Daley-Scheingraber
12 - Satchel Swindley
19 - Eisley Burdette
21 - Lexi Pinizzotto
22 - Willa Brozoski Schrader
23 - Penelope Zook
24 - Amelie Ries
25 - Isla Masner
U14 Women
1 - Zoe Liberatore
6 - Josephine Renner
12 - Dylan Buck
16 - Eavan Brown
17 - Lauryn Stevens
23 - Lliah Bicas-Dolgen
24 - Eleanor Sirek
26 - Cora Brozowski Schrader
27 - Stella St. George
29 - Tessa Dondero
33 - Natalia Chudleigh
34 - Vivian Cunningham
35 - Anna Koonce
U16 Women
3 - Ingrid Pratt
U8 Men
2 - Stephen Chudleigh
3 - Keaton Swindley
6 - Theodore Brozoski Schrader
U10 Men
7 - Asa Sattler
11 - Daniel Chudleigh
13 - Henri Allaire
14 - Ford Ramsay
15 - Spencer Flynn
U12 Men
10 - Cameron Gilman
11 - Thijs Lloyd
19 - Jedidiah Schmidt
22 - Cody Lloyd
29 - Auguste Allaire
33 - Silas Seppa
U14 Men
1 - Tait Boschen
9 - Duncan Fryberger
15 - Judah Rosenlund
18 - Bailey Kurtz
23 - Callahan Hebert
26 - Jake Jacoby
27 - Henry Flynn
31 - Owen Wellner
36 - Finn O'Donnell
37 - Angus Ramsay
43 - Knox Coury
U16 Men
3 - Felix Wilson
Day 1 - Individual Skate Start
U8 Men
2 - Keaton Swindley
4 - Theodore Borzoski Schrader
U10 Women
5 - Nina O'Sullivan
6 - Violet Resko
7 - Hazel Schmidt
11 - Mahayla Shipp-Stephenson
12 - Elsa Burdette
13 - Piper Renner
14 - Hope Lloyd
17 - Holly Lynch
18 - Tallulah Gerald
19 - Abbigale Liberatore
20 - Josie Dondero
21 - Abigail Sirek
22 - Josephine Neet
24 - Savannah Twichell
25 - Wynne McGregor
26 - Rose O'Grady
U10 Men
8 - Asa Sattler
9 - Daniel Chudleigh
14 - Henri Allaire
16 - Ford Ramsay
17 - Spencer Flynn
U12 Women
2 - Paton Daley-Scheingraber
3 - Sydney Nelson
15 - Penelope Look
16 - Piper Gerald
17 - Satchel Swindley
18 - Isla Sundby
19 - Eisley Burdette
23 - Lexi Pinizzotto
25 - Isla Masner
26 - Willa Brozoski Schrader
27 - Amelie Ries
U12 Men
11 - Cameron Gilman
12 - Jedidiah Schmidt
14 - Thijs Lloyd
16 - Felix Pott
20 - Jack Flynn
21 - Cody Lloyd
31 - Auguste Allaire
37 - Silas Seppa
U14 Women
7 - Zoe Liberatore
11 - Josephine Renner
12 - Eavan Brown
17 - Dylan Buck
22 - Stella St. George
30 - Cora Brozowski Schrader
32 - Vivian Cunningham
33 - Lauryn Stevens
34 - Tessa Dondero
37 - Eleanor Sirek
38 - Natalia Chudleigh
39 - Leah Bicas-Dolgen
41 - Anna Koonce
U14 Men
2 - Tait Boschen
21 - Duncan Fryberger
22 - Bailey Kurtz
27 - Callahan Hebert
32 - Finn O’Donnell
33 - Jake Jacoby
34 - Owen Wellner
35 - Henry Flynn
41 - Judah Rosenlund
46 - Angus Ramsay
48 - Knox Coury
U16 Women
6 - Ingrid Pratt
U16 Men
4 - Felix Wilson
Open Women
3 - Joan Scheigraber
Open Men
5 - Dan Chudleigh
Day 2: Mass Start Classic
U8 Men
2 - Keaton Swindley
4 - Theodore Brozoski Schrader
U10 Women
2 - Nina O'Sullivan
6 - Hazel Schmidt
8 - Violet Resko
9 - Abbigale Liberatore
10 - Mahayla Shipp-Stephenson
12 - Piper Renner
14 - Elsa Burdette
15 - Josie Dondero
16 - Tallulah Gerald
18 - Wynne McGregor
19 - Abigail Sirek
20 - Hope Lloyd
21 - Josephine Neet
22 - Holly Lynch
25 - Savannah Twichell
26 - Rose O'Grady
U10 Men
7 - Asa Sattler
8 - Henry Allaire
11 - Spencer Flynn
12 - Ford Ramsay
U12 Women
6 - Sydney Nelson
8 - Payton Daley-Scheingraber
15 - Isla Sundby
18 - Satchel Swindley
19 - Penelope Zook
20 - Lexi Pinizzotto
21 - Eisley Burdette
22 - Piper Gerald
23 - Willa Brozoski Schrader
25 - Isla Masner
27 - Amelie Ries
U12 Men
9 - Cameron Gilman
10 - Thijs Lloyd
18 - Jedidiah Schmidt
19 - Cody Lloyd
20 - Felix Pott
25 - Jack Flynn
26 - Auguste Allaire
35 - Silas Seppa
U14 Women
5 - Zoe Liberatore
16 - Eavan Brown
17 - Stella St. George
18 - Josephine Renner
25 - Cora Brozowski Schrader
26 - Dylan Buck
29 - Lauryn Stevens
30 - Tessa Dondero
32 - Vivian Cunningham
37 - Eleanor Sirek
38 - Lliah Bicas-Dolgen
40 - Anna Koonce
U14 Men
6 - Tait Boschen
17 - Duncan Fryberger
18 - Bailey Kurtz
27 - Owen Wellner
29 - Callahan Hebert
30 - Jack Jacoby
33 - Henry Flynn
39 - Finn O'Donnell
41 - Angus Ramsay
42 - Judah Rosenlund
44 - Know Coury
U16 Women
7 - Ingrid Pratt
U16 Men
4 - Felix Wilson
For complete event results, please visit https://my.raceresult.com/231586/
Ten SVSEF Cross Country Team Athletes Named to IMD Junior National Team
SVSEF’s U18 women are force to be reckoned with in Bozeman
The SVSEF Cross Country Comp Team and members of the Prep Team traveled to Bozeman, MT this weekend to compete in the final Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) event of the season. By Sunday afternoon, 10 SVSEF athletes had been named to the Intermountain Division (IMD) Junior National Team and will compete at the 2023 USSA Cross Country Ski Junior National Championships in Fairbanks, AK, March 13-16.
"It was a huge weekend at the final JNQ in Bozeman,” said SVSEF Cross Country Comp Team Head Coach, Ashley Knox. “We were treated to near perfect racing conditions and our athletes threw down some standout performances including a clutch weekend for Dexter Morrison to lock in his Junior Nationals spot. It is always so exciting to see the final races and how things shake out—this was a great weekend for us.”
Leading the charge were the SVSEF U18 women. In the classic sprint, they took seven of the top 10 places; and captured six of the top 10 places in the skate mass start. Berkeley Canfield led SVSEF’s dominant U18 squad to a third place in the classic sprint, with seven teammates finishing in the top 10, and Gina Greenburg captured first place in the U20 freestyle sprint.
“It was a fun and competitive weekend of racing,” said JodieWillow Maguire. “I’m truly grateful for the support of the coaches and team as we head to Junior Nationals!”
For the men, Dexter Morrison raced to a top 10 in a hugely competitive U18/U20 skate mass start, with post-grad Miguel Fresco taking third place overall. SVSEF Cross Country Prep Team skier Tait Boschen won the boys U14 skate mass start race. Galen Grohusky and Dexter Morrison were superb in the freestyle sprint, both competing in the “A” final, finishing a strong fifth and sixth respectively, which awarded them second and third on the U18 podium.
The IMD Junior National Team was named after the final JNQ race in Bozeman on Feb. 19.
U18/20 Women
Berkeley Canfield
JodieWillow Maguire
Cora Faye Scott
Molly Maybach
Anika Vandenburgh
Eloise Herbert
Aisley Grohusky
U18/20 Men
Miguel Fresco Hanlon
Dexter Morrison
U16 Women
Mazzy Conners
SVSEF Athlete Results / Bozeman JNQ
Saturday, February 18
Classic Sprint
U16 Women
25. Mazzy Conners
30. Riley Siegel
35. Amelia Pfau
39. Scout Kendall
41. Anna Gilman
43. Torin Vandenburgh
U18/20 Women
3. JodieWillow Maguire
4. Berkeley Canfield
6. Molly Maybach
7. Eloise Herbert
8. Anika Vandenburgh
9. Cora Faye Scott
10. Aisley Grohusky
20. Emma Singer
21. Gina Greenburg
24. Elise Voorhees
25. Josie Gilman
27. Lucy Carter
U16 Men
12. Charlie St. George
13. Stratton Cunningham
16. Zach Quesnel
25. McCallen Campbell
36. Cyrus Pott
37. Caleo Morrison
41. Luca Finegan
U18/20 Men
5. Galen Grohusky
6. Dexter Morrison
12. Miguel Fresco Hanlon
18. Holden Archie
22. Teddy Hobbs
42. Dave Walters
44. Dyan Prabowo
52. Whit Brown
Sprint Qualifier
U12/14 Women
21. Stella St. George
31. Vivian Cunningham
Sprint Qualifier
U12/14 Men
7. Tait Boschen
20. Bailey Kurtz
34. Cameron Gilman
46. Angus Ramsay
For complete Classic Sprint event results, visit https://my.raceresult.com/233300/
Sunday, February 19
Freestyle Mass Start
U18/20 Men – 10km Freestyle
3. Miguel Fresco Hanlon
8. Dexter Morrison
20. Teddy Hobbs
21. Holden Archie
30. Galen Grohusky
40. Dylan Prabowo
41. Whit Brown
49. Dave Walters
U18/20 Women – 10km Freestyle
4. JodieWillow Maguire
5. Cora Faye Scott
6. Molly Maybach
7. Berkeley Canfield
8. Eloise Hebert
14. Annika Vandenburgh
15. Aisley Grohusky
18. Emma Singer
22. Elise Voorhees
U16 Men – 5km Freestyle
16. Zach Quesnel
22. Stratton Cunningham
23. Charlie St. George
28. Cyrus Pott
31. Caleo Morrison
39. Luca Finegan
U16 Women – 5km Freestyle
32. Riley Siegel
34. Amelia Pfau
35. Scout Kendall
44. Torin Vandenburgh
U14 Men – 3.5km Freestyle
1. Tait Boschen
25. Bailey Kurtz
37. Angus Ramsay
U14 Women – 3.5km Freestyle
14. Stella St. George
24. Vivian Cunningham
U12 Men – 3.5km Freestyle
9. Cameron Gilman
For complete Freestyle Mass Start event results, please visit https://my.raceresult.com/233302/
For a full list of qualifiers please refer to the IMD website here (click on 2023 Final JN’s Points Ranking): https://www.intermountainxc.com/jn-rankings
Featured photo by Tory Canfield
SVSEF Freestyle Spectacular and Roundhouse Rumble Brings Home-Slope Advantages
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) has hosted two Intermountain Freestyle Competitions this season. Both of the competitions had single and dual runs. The Sun Valley Freestyle Spectacular was held Jan 28-29 on Roundhouse slope. The second event, the Roundhouse Rumble took place on Feb 11-12.
This past weekend at the Roundhouse Rumble was the largest showing of SVSEF athletes with 36 athletes competing. Athletes traveled from the Intermountain, Rocky Central, Eastern and Far West Divisions to compete in both competitions.
“The Roundhouse Rumble was packed full of standout performances from SVSEF athletes,” said Wyatt Wilson, SVSEF Freestyle Travel Coach. “The hard work they have been putting in on the hill, at the gym, and in the classroom was clear to everyone watching this weekend!”
“The Roundhouse Rumble was a weekend of firsts for some of the SVSEF athletes,” said SVSEF Freestyle Head Coach John Grigsby. Nic Rubenstein threw his first-ever cork 1080 (off-axis flip with 3 spins) in the competition, which landed him in 3rd place overall on Saturday just behind his teammate, Erik Babcock. SVSEF athlete Sebastian Boiran landed his first flip in a competition.
Athletes are hopeful that these competitions will qualify them for the 2023 Junior Nationals and U.S. Nationals held in March. Junior Nationals will be held in Steamboat, CO, March 14-17. As of Feb. 15, SVSEF has 17 athletes qualified for Junior Nationals and a few athletes have qualified for the U.S. Nationals. U.S. Nationals will be held in Waterville Valley, NH, March 22-26. There are four qualifying competitions remaining in the season where SVSEF athletes can qualify to compete amongst the best in the country.
“We are thankful to Sun Valley Resort for helping us host both of these competitions this season and to local company Rutt Mogul for sponsoring the event,” said Grigsby.
RESULTS: (Top 30 Overall)
Freestyle Spectacular Results:
Day 1 female (Jan 28)
Tillie Babcock - 5
Abigail Hobbs - 14
Catherine Dolson - 15
Isla Sundby - 19
Audrey Smith - 20
Nina Viesturs - 22
Kyra Singh - 24
Grace Bloedorn - 26
Day 1 Male (Jan 28)
Erik Babcock - 8
Drake Lovilen - 12
Will Hausmann - 14
Sylas Barrett - 17
Townes Van Der Meulen - 18
Nic Rubenstein - 19
Austin Mcmahan - 20
Deacon Buckley - 21
Beau Forelli - 22
Jack Tierney - 25
Mois Bicas Dolgen - 26
Dean Kennedy - 27
Jack Kendall - 29
Cal Strachan - 30
Day 2 Female (Jan 29)
Tillie Babcock - 5
Sienna Loredo - 11
Abigail Hobbs - 13
Isla Sundby - 14
Audrey Smith - 19
Catherine Dolson - 21
Day 2 Male (Jan 29)
Erik Babcock - 2
Drake Lovlien - 12
Austin Mcmahan - 15
Beau Forelli - 16
Jack Tierney - 18
Mois Bicas-Dolgen - 19
Jack Kendall - 22
Brodie Forelli - 23
Hoken Johnston - 28
Dean Kennedy - 30
Roundhouse Rumble Results:
Day 1 Women (Feb 11)
Tillie Babcock - 1
Isla Sundby - 13 (1st F11)
Catherine Dolson - 15 (3rd F13)
Sienna Loredo - 18
Audrey Smith - 19
Taylor Rybak - 23
Kyra Singh - 28
Day 1 Men (Feb 11)
Erik Babcock - 3
Nic Rubenstein - 6
Drake Lovlien - 8
Sylas Barrett - 9
Will Hausmann - 10
Auston Mcmahan - 11
Townes Van Der Meulen - 13
Mois Bicas-Dolgen - 14
Beau Forelli - 15
Jack Tierney - 16
Cal Strachan - 20
Brodie Forelli - 21
Sebastien Boiron - 25
Hoken Johnston - 30
Day 2 Women (Feb 12)
Tillie Babcock - 1
Catherine Dolson - 11
Isla Sundby - 14
Sienna Loredo - 16
Audrey Smith - 23
Nina Viesturs - 24
Taylor Rubak - 26
Grace Bloedorn - 27
Day 2 Men (Feb 12)
Erik Babcock - 2
Nic Rubenstein - 3
Sylas Barrett - 8
Drake Lovlien - 10
Will Hausmann - 12
Townes Van Der Muelen - 14
Beau Forelli - 15
Austin Mcmahan - 17
Sebastien Boiron - 20
Brodie Forelli - 21
Jack Tierney - 23
Cal Strachan - 24
Mateo Hausske - 26
Mois Bicas-Dolgen - 29