SVSEF XC Athletes Set to Compete on the World Stage

Sammy Smith, Peter Wolter, and Molly Maybach will toe the line across the world later this week

This week brings excitement and anticipation as three SVSEF XC athletes get ready to perform on the World Stage. Sammy Smith (US Development Team, SVSEF Gold Team) and Peter Wolter (SVSEF Gold Team) will be competing in Period 3 of the FIS Cross Country World Cup in Oberhof, Germany and Goms, Switzerland. Molly Maybach (SVSEF Comp Team) will be competing in the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics and Junior World Championships in South Korea.

Smith, who just competed in the grueling Tour De Ski will be back at it this weekend, competing in the Oberhof World Cup Jan. 19-21. Teammate Peter Wolter will be joining Smith for his first World Cup of the season and is slated to race in the 20km mass start classic race on Saturday, Jan. 20. Live results can be followed here.

SVSEF XC Comp Team member Molly Maybach will be competing in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics and Junior World Championships in biathlon in South Korea. Maybach competed at the junior level in biathlon for the past few years, including the 2022 Junior World Championships at Soldier Hollow in Utah. Molly’s first race will be Saturday, Jan. 20. Follow along for the schedule and results here.

by Heather Foster

SVSEF XC Team Members Shine at 2024 US Cross Country Ski and Para National Championships

Peter Wolter and Jake Adicoff find their way to the podium and head to the World Cup stage

For the SVSEF XC teams that competed Jan. 1-7 at Soldier Hollow, UT in the 2024 U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships, it was a week of blue skies, warm temperatures, great skis, and faster skiers. The race series consisted of four events—a 10km classic individual start distance race, a 10km and 20km skate mass start race, and two sprints—one classic and one skate.

Peter Wolter, SVSEF XC Gold Team, went into the Championships knowing that to get an invitation to ski on the World Cup, he would have to be on the podium. The odds were in his favor as Wolter skied to a second place U.S. podium finish in the 10km classic race on Tuesday.  He followed that up with another second place in the 20km freestyle mass start race on Friday, where he finished in epic fashion moving into second place on the last uphill climb and ultimately taking the position across the finish. 

After the race on Friday, Wolter said, “I was pretty nervous going into this race (20km Freestyle)  as I knew the competition would be really strong with Johnny Hagenbuch (US Cross Country Ski Team, SVSEF Alumni, Dartmouth College), Joe Davies, and some other big dogs. Although mass starts are always chaotic, I felt like I stayed pretty calm and skied the race well. Ending fourth overall and second American was great. A bit bummed to have missed the overall podium, but there will always be more.” 

Wolter, who is known for his strong distance racing, had solid sprint finishes as well, claiming ninth in the skate sprint on Thursday and 23rd in the classic sprint on Sunday.

“The SVSEF XC Gold Team came out with a stellar week of performances at US Nationals in Soldier Hollow,” said Head Coach Chris Mallory. “One of my most memorable days coaching came on the men’s 20km skate championship where current and former SVSEF athletes, (Hagenbuch, Wolter, and Weenig), filled the podium. It was a special day for the program. Other highlights from the week were Mariah Bredal skiing to fourth place in each of the US national distance races, Jake Adicoff taking home three Para national titles, and current SVSEF Post-Grad athlete Galen Grohusky skiing to a personal best 20th place in the junior 10km classic.”

BREAKING TODAY: Wolter’s results at US Nationals were enough to send him across the pond to compete in Period 3 World Cups in Oberhof, Germany Jan. 19-21 and Goms, Switzerland Jan. 26-28. He will join fellow SVSEF XC Gold Teammate Sammy Smith, who just finished 26th in the Tour de Ski and will stay in Europe to compete.

Teammate Mariah Bredal, SVSEF XC Gold Team was as close to the podium as you could get, taking the fourth US spot in both distance races. For Bredal, the highlight was the 20km freestyle. “I was mostly looking forward to this race for the week,” said Bredal. “I may have been a little too amped as I feel like I went a bit too fast too soon, but overall happy with ending up fifth (4th American) in the end. The first lap was pretty crazy with poles flying and people falling and I was lucky to not get too caught up in it—a fun day of racing!” Bredal also had some great results in the sprint events, with a ninth in the skate and 18th in the classic sprint.

Bentley Walker Broose, SVSEF XC Gold Team and Australian Continental Cup Team used the championship as a tune up for his next big event. He will be competing for his home country at the U23 Championships in Planica, Slovenia. Broose finished 77th in the 10km classic, 42nd in the skate sprint, 37th in the 20km skate, and 41st in the classic sprint.

Jake Adicoff, US Para Nordic Team and SVSEF XC Gold Team dominated the US Para cross country championships winning every event he competed in. Adicoff, who is a three-time Olympian and has numerous medals to his name, continues to improve and hone his technique. He won the 10km classic race by over seven minutes. Jake is off to Toblach, Italy for the Para World Cups Jan. 24-28.

SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach Chris Mallory reflected on the week. “The team had a great week of racing at Nationals. The crew at Soldier Hollow was able to put together a really challenging 3.3k man-made snow loop in this tough start to winter. Peter had two impressive silver medals in the distance events, and Mariah has been ‘oh so close’ taking fourth each day.  Both athletes have put themselves into a great position for upcoming World Cup starts for the United States. Jake Adicoff has also added three Para National Championship wins to his impressive resume. 

Other highlights of the week: Galen Grohusky, SVSEF XC Post-Grad Team, found his groove in the first classic race of the championships, finishing 20th overall for juniors. Otus Beason, SVSEF XC Post-Grad Team, skied through the heats to finish 12th in the junior skate sprint.  David Shycon, SVSEF XC Post-Grad Team, raced his way through the first two events with his best  finish in 53rd in the junior 10km skate race.

Molly Maybach, SVSEF XC Comp Team, who recently qualified to compete in the Biathlon Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangeon, South Korea raced in the skate sprint at US Nationals to keep her fitness sharp. Also competing, SVSEF XC Comp teammate Cora Faye Scott who raced in all four events, with a top result in the 10km skate distance finishing 46th for the U18/20’s, along with Eden Keeney who finished 178th in the 10km classic and 195th in the skate sprint, finishing consistently in both events.  

Up Next: Wolter will represent Team USA in Period 3 of the FIS Cross Country World Cup in Oberhof, Germany Jan. 19-21 and Goms, Switzerland Jan. 26-28. Bredal will head to the next Super Tour in Lake Placid, NY Jan. 20-21, and Adicoff will have a few weeks of training before traveling to Italy to compete in the Para Nordic World Cups Jan. 24-28 at Toblach. The SVSEF XC Comp Team heads to Jackson Hole, WY this weekend to compete in the first of three Junior National Qualifying race weekends.

For full results from 2024 US CROSS COUNTRY SKI NATIONALS: https://my.raceresult.com/groups/5747/

PC: Tobias Albrigtsen

by Heather Foster

SVSEF’s Sammy Smith competes in FIS Cross Country World Cup 23-24 Tour de Ski

Smith part of a successful finish for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Tour de Ski

After winning three of the four races at the first U.S. Super Tour in Anchorage, AK in mid-December, Sammy Smith (U.S. Cross Country Development Team, SVSEF XC Gold Team) was offered a spot to compete on the World Cup circuit, in the coveted FIS Cross Country World Cup Tour de Ski and she jumped at the chance.

“The first Super Tour series was a lot of fun!” said Sammy Smith. “Having some of the top Canadian skiers there definitely raised the level of competition and it was a great opportunity to be in such a competitive environment early in the season. I think it was a good start to the year, but I'm definitely hoping to build off the races and carry momentum into the rest of the season.”

And carrying momentum into the rest of the season is exactly what Sammy has done. Arriving in Toblach, Italy after some turbulent travels, Smith competed in the the Tour de Ski, a grueling race series that included seven races in nine days with competitions held in Switzerland and Italy. Inspired by the Tour de France of cycling, the event is held annually in Central Europe and typically has six to nine stages. The combined time (and bonus seconds) of the stages decides the winner of the tour.

Smith, one of six women competing for Team USA finished in 26th overall in one of the most competitive fields seen in recent history. Smith had a standout day on January 4, finishing 22nd overall in the skate sprint. The US women showed their depth with Jessie Diggins winning the overall title, Rosie Brennan and Sophia Laukli in 12th and 14th respectively, followed by Smith in 26th. Teammates Novie McCabe and Julia Kern stopped competing after the fifth stage.

“Sammy (Smith) continued her strong start to the season grinding her way through the Tour de Ski—culminating with the infamous Alpe Cermis Hill Climb to finish 26th overall’, said SVSEF XC Gold Team Head Coach, Chris Mallory. “We are super impressed with her determination and competitiveness to finish the tour and have some great races along the way.”

Sammy's results from the Tour de Ski were enough to extend her stay in Europe to compete in Period 3 of the FIS World Cups where she’ll be racing in Oberhof, Germany and Gones, Switzerland. Beyond this, Smith will look to the World Juniors in Planica, Slovenia Feb. 5-11 and the Stifel Loppet Cup Feb. 17-18 in Minneapolis, MN. The Stifel Loppet Cup is a COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup, featuring sprint and distance races. The Loppet Cup will bring the world’s best skiers to the United States for the first time in over 20 years.

Officially announced today, Smith will be joined by teammate Peter Wolter who was offered a spot to compete in the World Cups and will soon be headed to Europe.

For full results, visit: https://medias1.fis-ski.com/pdf/2024/CC/2267/2024CC2267TDS.pdf

PC: Mathias Bergeld

by Heather Foster

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