Mariah Bredal and Peter Wolter Take Top Honors at 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb
Hikers and runners tackle River Run to Roundhouse in support of SVSEF
The 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb took place on Saturday in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF). To wrap up September under true fall weather skies, more than 280 participants hiked and raced 1.8 miles and 2,045 vertical feet up the River Run side to finish at Sun Valley’s Roundhouse. The event is organized annually by the SVSEF Cross Country Team.
“What a great day!” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “It was so much fun to see the community come together for this event to support SVSEF and all the young skiers in the Valley. It is inspiring to see the age range of the participants hiking and racing. It is proof you can be a mountain athlete your whole life! Thank you to our volunteers who helped make this event run smoothly, Sun Valley Company and our sponsors—Sturtevants, Atkinsons’ Market, Proctor Mountain Group, Salomon, Durance, Coxa, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, HydraPak, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks for believing in the mission and supporting our programs.”
Peter Wolter once again held off 11-time Baldy Hill Climb winner, Miles Fink-Debray, with a solid one-minute lead over Fink-Debray who finished in second place for his 20th podium finish, while Jackson Long wrapped up the men’s podium in third. Newest SVSEF XC Gold Team member, Mariah Bredal, topped the women’s podium and held off 14-year-old SVSEF XC Prep Team’s Duncan Fryberger to capture fourth overall in the race class.
Peter Wolter, SVSEF XC Gold Team Member and winner of the men’s race said, “The race was great, it ended up being pretty difficult because the first bit required quite a bit of running and the final stretch had some downhill running. I’m more of a power hiker type of “running race” guy so this year’s race was challenging but super happy to have taken the win! Battling it out with Miles was great and I look forward to next year.”
“The race up the mountain today was really hard but also a great event,” said the SVSEF XC Gold Team’s newest teammate Mariah Bredal, after her first experience participating in the Baldy Hill Climb. “I personally felt fresh on the start line ready to give an all-out effort, and it was rewarding to see the summer’s training pay off! I would recommend this race to anyone thinking of taking on a good hill climb!”
Heard from the finish line when SVSEF PrepPro Team member Stella St. George finished, “That was so fun… really so fun!”
2023 Women’s Race Podium Results:
1. Mariah Bredal 31:38 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Alexa Turzian 36:15 (SVSEF Alum)
3. Lili Hansen 38:12
2023 Men’s Race Podium Results:
1. Peter Wolter 28:27 (SVSEF XC Gold Team)
2. Miles Fink-Debray 30:06
3. Jackson Long 31:00
Complete results are posted online at svsef.org.
Josie Sarchett Awarded 2023/24 Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship
Sarchett exemplifies dedication, perseverance, positive attitude, and passion for ski racing
Josie Sarchett has been named as the second recipient of the SVSEF Ashley Snyder Briggs (ASB) Scholarship. The scholarship will provide $10,000 towards tuition and expenses for one high-school-aged female alpine athlete per year for the next nine years. The ASB scholarship is awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
"We are so happy that we can help and support the athletes of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, and thrilled to present this year’s scholarship to Josie Sarchett,” said Ashley Snyder Briggs. “Her dedication, perseverance, positive attitude, and passion for the sport of ski racing make her our ideal candidate and we are excited for her upcoming season."
Sarchett’s journey as a ski racer has continuously unveiled her true character as an athlete determined to realize her own potential.
“When I think of Josie's last two seasons as a U16, there were setbacks due to injury that probably left her with frustration that her season didn’t go quite as she hoped,” said Nate Schwing, Sarchett’s U16 head coach at SVSEF. “Josie handled the adversity she experienced these last two seasons through pure perseverance, perspective, and passion.”
In Sarchett’s first season as a U16 in 2021/22, she injured her knee in early to mid-January while training Super G. The injury kept her off skis for about six weeks causing her to miss two of the three qualifiers for Western Regionals. Sarchett came back in time for the third qualifier at Sun Valley at the Laura Flood Memorial Race. She was in a position where she had to ski really well to qualify for Western Regionals, an event she would have easily made if she had been healthy to race the previous two qualifiers.
“Sarchett had one week of training coming off the knee injury prior to the Laura Flood series, so we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Schwing. “She lit up the series, finishing seventh in the first GS, ninth in the slalom, and was in the top 10 after the first run of the second GS race. Unfortunately, she went out in the second run and wasn’t able to accumulate enough points to qualify for Western Regionals with just two finishes.”
Sarchett qualified for a second-tier championship called Tri Divisionals, a series for U14 and U16 athletes who do not qualify for their regional championships. It was not the level of championship competition Sarchett had hoped for. “She could have opted to skip this championship, but we challenged her to go and compete,” said Schwing. “There is value to competing when you are one of the favorites to win or medal, and the pressure to perform to these expectations is real. It’s a good exercise to perform under pressure and expectations.”
Sarchett competed at Tri Divisionals and finished the series strong with two second place finishes. She followed this up with a third place at the Snow Cup in Snowbird, UT, the final race series of the season.
Sarchett’s second year as a U16 in 2022/23 presented different challenges. She sustained a concussion in December and subsequently missed most of the December training and the team’s first race series at Snow King, WY. A nagging back injury also continued to present itself causing frustration and challenges to maintain momentum.
“Early season training is important for athletes to build their confidence for the season ahead,” said Schwing. “The way this past season started for Josie wasn’t ideal. My hope is that a fresh start for Josie as a first-year FIS team athlete, and hopefully an injury free season, are just what she needs to find the confidence and consistency we know she’s capable of!”
“I am very grateful to my coaches and Ashley for giving me this fantastic scholarship,” said Josie Sarchett, SVSEF first-year Alpine FIS Team athlete. “I am so excited for this race season to start!”
Sarchett has proven her dedication to training and performing at the highest level and is serious about maintaining a standard of fitness. In the off-season, she has been known to put herself up against the boys—always wanting to push herself to be the best she can be. Once the snow flies, she can often be found skiing powder on her own or with friends—she just loves to ski!
“While Josie has voiced disappointment in her results and performance, she is always grounded with her perspective and is able to spin disappointment into something that is just part of the process,” said Schwing. “She gravitates towards girls or boys who have the same drive, and she’s just an all-around great teammate.”
About the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship
Ashley Snyder Briggs grew up skiing and racing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation between 1974-1985, from her first turns on Baldy through high school. After graduating from Sun Valley Community School, she went on to ski race for Middlebury College’s Division 1 team. Snyder Briggs has remained closely tied to the Wood River Valley community and to SVSEF through her family and her nephews’ participation on the ski team, and has witnessed the consistent trajectory as a ski club over the years.
The Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship will be awarded each year by a committee of SVSEF coaches and Snyder Briggs. All high-school-aged SVSEF female alpine athletes are eligible to be considered for the scholarship. Ultimately, the Scholarship will be awarded to the athlete who consistently shows love and passion for alpine ski racing, shows dedication both on the hill and in the classroom, intends to pursue the sport after high school, and demonstrates an appropriate need for financial support to chase their dreams in ski racing.
Boulder Mountain Tour awards Bob Rosso Scholarship to two SVSEF prep athletes
We are proud to announce the two SVSEF recipients of the Bob Rosso Scholarship!
Bailey Kurtz and Vivian Cunningham of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation are the inaugural recipients of the Bob Rosso Scholarship Fund, created in honor of Bob Rosso by the Boulder Mountain Tour in February 2023. Establishing the fund coincided with the Tour’s 50th anniversary, an event Bob helped organize in 1973 and has been a staunch supporter of ever since.
“If you reflect on all the wonderful people, events, and institutions within our community, one of the common denominators is Bob Rosso. Simply by being his energetic, enthusiastic, and encouraging self, Bob has markedly improved the lives of those around him,” BMT Executive Director Jody Zarkos said.
“The BMT board and I wanted a way to recognize Bob as well as perpetuate all the amazing qualities he has. We were looking for kids with enthusiasm for cross-country skiing, respect for their teammates and coaches, a desire to improve the lives of those around them, and a great love of the outdoors.”
SVSEF coaches recently nominated six candidates that fit the bill: Cameron Gilman, Cal Hebert, Sydney Nelson, Stella St. George, Cunningham, and Kurtz. Each candidate submitted personal essays and recommendations from coaching staff, all of which were reviewed and voted on by the board.
“I really love that we can honor Bob with this scholarship and recognize members of our team for not only being great skiers but great people,” Kelley Yeates, Director of the SVSEF Prep Program, said.
Kurtz, a member of the Prep Progression team, and Cunningham, on Prep, are both students at Wood River Middle School.
“Both are great kids and embody the kind of human we strive to mold on the XC team, much like Bob. They are great teammates, role models, and lifelong lovers of skiing. The first words I think of with both of these skiers and Bob are positivity and passion for skiing,” Yeates remarked.
Rosso Scholarships, paying 50 percent of SVSEF program tuition, will be presented annually to two Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Prep Cross Country Team members. The Boulder’s goal is to raise $100,000 to fund SVSEF athletes in perpetuity in Bob’s honor is currently 60 percent to goal. This fund is made possible by generous donors, the Rossos, and the BMT Board of Directors and staff.
“We’re honored to be able to give the Bob Rosso Scholarship awards to our first two SVSEF Cross Country Ski Team members and want to extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone in our community who has made this fund possible,” Kate Rosso said. “Thank you!”
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Tickets on Sale for 47th annual Wild Game Dinner
Tickets are now on sale for the 47th annual Wild Game Dinner, set to take place on Friday, Dec. 1 in the Limelight Room at Sun Valley Inn. The funds raised during the Wild Game Dinner directly support SVSEF’s mission to provide exceptional snowsport programs for the youth of the Wood River Valley, and specifically, the ability to grant more than $500,000 annually in financial aid to athletes across all ages and all programs.
“The Wild Game Dinner is a time-honored tradition for the ski club and for our community,” said SVSEF Executive Director, Scott McGrew. “It sets a unique stage for us to share stories of impact and inspiration and to raise critical funds towards our efforts to keep snowsports accessible and affordable.”
More than 300 friends, families, and community members gather each fall to reflect on the work being done for the youth of the Wood River Valley through SVSEF, to imagine the possibilities for the future, and to support SVSEF's Athlete Financial Aid Program through the dinner and auction event.
“What we do is bigger than sport—we help build good humans and stewards of the mountains we play in,” said McGrew. “While it is our responsibility to support each and every SVSEF athlete to reach their unique athletic potential, and to develop strong personal character through good sportsmanship and strong values; we also honor the opportunity to inspire efforts by our coaches and athletes to protect the places we play, train, and compete.”
New in 2023, VIP tickets include live entertainment for the opening signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour, along with a surprise takeaway for attendees to thank and remind them for all they do to help support the young athletes across the valley. The evening includes a short program, guest speaker, a silent and live auction, dinner, and dancing.
- VIP Reserved Table for Eight = $2,800
- VIP Individual Ticket = $325
- Individual Ticket = $250
Tickets and tables are available for purchase online at SVSEF Wild Game Dinner. Event details are available on the event site and auction packages will be updated in the coming months.
Sponsorship opportunities can be found here. For local businesses interested in sponsoring the Wild Game Dinner, please contact Heather Foster at hfoster@svsef.org.
Alternate Course in 2023 for 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb
Hike, Run or Race River Run to Roundhouse in Support of SVSEF!
Online registration is open for the 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30. For the past 44 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programming. New in 2023, the course will move from Warm Springs to the River Run side of Bald Mountain due to the ongoing new chairlift construction.
“The Baldy Hill Climb is one of the longest running athletic traditions in our Valley,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF’s Director of Sport Development. “It’s simple, and that is what makes it great! Climb up Baldy, as fast as you can. It is just you, your shoes, and your sheer determination; and at the end it’s a chance for you to get together with friends and family and celebrate our community and the wonderful place that we live.”
“This year will be the second time in forty-five years that we’ve had to move the event to the River Run side of the mountain, and we are just grateful for Sun Valley’s partnership and collaboration to host the event in a year when they have such large-scale priorities on Baldy,” said Kapala.
Organized by the SVSEF Cross-Country Ski Team, this year’s course will challenge participants to a grueling 1.8 miles and 2,045 vertical feet—from the bottom of River Run, straight up Lower River Run through mid-River Run, and across Roundhouse Lane to the Roundhouse, which sits at 7,700 feet. All participants receive an iconic event t-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. In addition, and in partnership with Sun Valley Company, participants receive a much-deserved ride down on the gondola after they finish.
“The Baldy Hill Climb welcomes the fall season and gets everyone excited for what’s to come this winter,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “Our teams and coaches love to put on this challenging event that helps support our programming and brings the ski community together to enjoy an invigorating run or hike up the mountain. A huge thank you Sun Valley Company for their continued support of SVSEF—we wouldn't be where we are today without their commitment to our programs. And a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant's for their title sponsorship, as well as all of our supporting sponsors—they give so much to this town and we couldn't be more grateful for their support.”
The traditional Warm Springs Baldy Hill Climb course is 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet, topping out at 9,020 feet at the top of the former Challenger chairlift.
Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will not be available.
Event Schedule:
Thursday, September 28
11:59 p.m. REGISTRATION CLOSES - NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Friday, September 29
3 - 6 p.m. Optional race bib pick-up at Sturtevants, 340 N. Main St., Ketchum
Saturday, September 30
8:00 a.m. Check-In Opens
8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start: Free for kids 11 years and under. No pre-registration.
9:00 a.m. Hike Start
10:00 a.m. Race Start
12 p.m. Awards at the summit
Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Atkinsons’ Market, Proctor Mountain Group, Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
SVSEF’s Holden Archie Tackles Standhope Ultra 60K
On Saturday, July 28, runners gathered to race, suffer, and battle the Standhope Ultra 60K. A race that requires a unique level of pain and endurance to complete. The Standhope Ultra Challenge is Idaho’s highest-elevation trail race. Holden Archie, a recent SVSEF XC Comp Team graduate, battled his way through the 60K race and conquered his time goal to come in under 10 hours.
The course starts at the Park Creek Campground and travels through Kane Lake Trailhead, Fall Creek, and Surprise Valley. Through the highest elevations of the Pioneer Mountains, these runners get to suffer through this race complete with incredible and unbeatable high peaks views. The course has roughly 10,000 vertical elevation gain and 10,000 vertical loss.
“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done," said Holden Archie. “The main sensation during the last 30 miles was pain. I never knew one's legs could hurt this much."
Archie's total distance was 39.56 miles, his elevation gain was 10,194 feet, and his elapsed time was 9 hours and 54 minutes.
“I'm very proud of finishing sub 10 hours,” said Archie. “That finish sprint was the final straw, I couldn’t walk after. I ran more than twice as long as I slept.”
Hats off to you, Holden! This is an incredibly impressive accomplishment.
Distance: 39.56 miles
Elevation: 10,194 feet
Elapsed Time: 9:54:56
SVSEF Summer Start Trail Race Welcomes Athletes, Alumni, Families, and Friends
CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS
First annual trail race to benefit SVSEF Cross Country teams welcomes warmth of summer
The first annual SVSEF Summer Start Trail Race held true to its name, welcoming what felt like the first true day of summer on Saturday. Runners of all ages came out to participate in the two-mile or five-mile trail race held on the Croy trails under bluebird skies. Proceeds from the event support the SVSEF Cross Country teams.
“It was really special to see the community come out to support the team, to race, volunteer, and enjoy what the Croy trails offer,” said SVSEF Cross Country Program Director Becky Woods. “We’re so grateful to the BLM, BCRD, and the neighborhood at Rotarun for supporting this event—I’m excited to see it become a fun part of the fabric of this community!”
Runners started and finished in the Rotarun Ski Area parking lot and the courses took them out Nadya’s Trail to Two Dog, Wilson Gulch, and the five-miler had some time on Centerline.
“It was a super fun race—I thought it was fantastic!” said Bentley Walker-Broose, member of the SVSEF XC Gold Team. Walker-Broose took second place for the men in the five-mile race, finishing 39 seconds behind SVSEF XC Alum Taylor Sundali, who took the win with a blistering fast time of 0:33:06. SVSEF XC Gold Team athlete Peter Wolter finished third just behind Walker-Broose in 0:33:49.
In the women’s five-mile race, Andie Cornish, a cross country runner at the University of Vermont, took the win with a time of 0:36:31. Anja Grover, SVSEF Alum and currently skiing for Dartmouth College, finished in second place and SVSEF XC Comp Team Coach Maddie Morgan in third.
In the two-mile race, SVSEF Alpine FIS Team athlete Ava Murphy took the win for the women in a time of 0:16:17. Eden Keeney from the SVSEF XC Comp Team took second and Avryl Haas from the SVSEF Alpine FIS Team finished in third. On the men’s side, it was one-two for the SVSEF XC Prep Team with 13-year-old Duncan Fryberger finishing first with a time of 0:16:22 and 10-year-old Cody Lloyd just seven seconds behind in second place. Athlete parent Travis Scott took third place in seventeen seconds flat.
SVSEF XC Prep Team Head Coach and Assistant Program Director Kelley Yeates echoed Woods, saying, “It was a really great inaugural event and I can’t wait to see it grow in future years! We are so appreciative of all our volunteers and loved seeing so many of our families and community members participating—not just the skiers!”
SVSEF’s Charlotte Gourlay Awarded Intermountain Division Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Charlotte Gourlay, IMD Coach of the Year and Sean O’Connor, IMD Volunteer of the Year!
At the 2022/23 Intermountain Division (IMD) Annual Meeting Awards Banquet held in Jackpot, NV this spring, the SVSEF community came away with three distinguished awards. The awards are voted on annually by the IMD Alpine Competition Committee and the directors of all clubs in the division. SVSEF Alum Charlotte Gourlay was awarded the Nick Lewis Coach of the Year, Sean O’Conner was named the Steve Schowengerdt Volunteer of the Year, and 2023 SVSEF graduate and new member of the U.S. Alpine D Team, Finnigan Donley, was presented with the Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award.
“I’m incredibly honored to win this award, but it really isn’t about me!” said Charlotte Gourlay, SVSEF Alpine U14 Travel Team Head Coach and recipient of the IMD Coach of the Year award. “I am here to support our alpine athletes in their journey and help them become the best versions of themselves in sport and in life. SVSEF is an incredible community, and I wouldn’t be where I am without the encouragement from all the incredible coaches, mentors, support staff, and parents. A big shout-out to the athletes for buying into all the crazy challenges we throw at them. Thank you, SVSEF community, for allowing me to be a part of such a great organization!”
As one of the hardest working coaches in the IMD, other coaches often look to Gourlay as the sounding board for them to make the U14 Series the best it can be. Charlotte is very involved with the Intermountain Division as the U14 Working Group Chair and gives of her time as a volunteer head coach for the IMD U14 Regionals. In this role as a volunteer IMD coach, she takes care of the IMD Team in its entirety, including the SVSEF athletes. Charlotte is also aggressively pursuing her Coaches Certifications with USSS Level 300 already under her belt, along with various Alpine Officials Certifications. She consistently pursues opportunities to learn and grow herself, in order to best provide for her athletes.
“Charlotte is both a phenomenal coach and an extraordinary person,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Her ability to balance fun and progression is something that I truly admire in her coaching. Her team had a phenomenal season with great results, and what is exciting is the joy the athletes on her team have for the sport. These kids love ski racing and working hard. They buy into the programming hook, line, and sinker; and that’s due to the culture she sets for the athletes. She never talks about results but still keeps them motivated. She cares more about the kid than the skier and uses the sport as a vehicle for growth.”
Long-time volunteer for SVSEF and the ski-racing community, Sean O’Connor, was presented with the IMD Volunteer of the Year award.
“Quite simply, Sean is instrumental in our team’s ability to host high-quality ski races in this valley,” said Brandenburg. “He works so hard and cares so much that he inspires everyone around him. Putting on races is a lot of work, and our team enjoys it in large part through the culture Sean and his crew create. I honestly can't wait to work a race again with this team next season and it’s cool to see that others throughout our division see how much Sean puts into it!”
SVSEF recipients of the annual IMD awards across the last decade include:
- 2022-23 Coach of the Year - Charlotte Gourlay
- 2022-23 Volunteer of the Year - Sean O’Connor
- 2022-23 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Finnigan Donley
- 2021-22 Official of the Year - Riley Berman
- 2020-21 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Ryder Sarchett
- 2017-18 Official of the Year - Scott McGrew
- 2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Men) - Jack Smith
- 2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
- 2016-17 Coach of the Year - Nate Schwing
- 2016-17 Volunteer of the Year - Heather Flood Daves
- 2015-16 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
- 2014-15 IMD Scholar Award - Stockton Troyer
- 2012-13 Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Kyla Miller
For more information, visit https://www.imdalpine.org/news/2022-23-IMD-Award-Winners/
SVSEF Summer Start Trail Race at Rotarun
Join SVSEF and the XC crew for a first-ever Summer Start Trail Race! Mark your calendars, and get your trail shoes ready for Saturday, June 24th at 9:00 am at Rotarun Ski Area. Make sure to arrive between 8:00-8:45 am for registration. Registration is day of ONLY. The race entry fee is $30 and supports all of the SVSEF XC Teams. Racers can choose a distance to race in either a 5-mile or 2-mile loop! The 5-mile loop will race on trails Two Dog — Center Line —Wilson Gulch. The 2-mile loop will race on Two Dog — Wilson Gulch. The race will start and end at Rotarun Ski Area. There will be cookies and snacks provided — YUM!
Parking will be limited, so make sure to carpool with your friends! All trails in the area will be open to other trail users and bikers, please use proper trail etiquette!
Volunteers will be stationed at key points throughout the course! Want to volunteer? Sign up HERE NOW!
Please bring a donation of canned or dry food to benefit the Hunger Coalition!
A BIG THANK YOU to the BCRD, BLM, and the Rotarun neighborhood for their support of this race!
We can't wait to see everyone out there whether it's to race, volunteer, or cheer we will see you there!
Seven SVSEF Athletes/Alumni Qualify for 2023-24 National Teams
U.S. Ski and Snowboard announces cross country and alpine nominations for next season
Last week brought exciting news for Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation athletes and alumni. SVSEF Cross Country Alumni John Steel Hagenbuch and Sydney Palmer-Leger, along with SVSEF XC Gold Team athlete Sammy Smith, were again named to the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. SVSEF Alpine Alumni Jack Smith and Dasha Romanov return to the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, along with newcomers Finnigan Donley and Colin Hanna, both graduating in 2023.
On May 9, 23 athletes were nominated to the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team based on set criteria. Johnny Hagenbuch returns to the B team and Sydney Palmer-Leger makes a move from the Development team to the B team based on her strong results last season.
“I’m really excited to keep working towards my goals with the U.S. Ski Team and Dartmouth,” said John Steel Hagenbuch, SVSEF Alum now skiing for Dartmouth College and the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. “Next year my main focus is to achieve top results at the World U23 Championships in Planica and at the NCAA Championships in Steamboat Springs.”
Rising high school senior Sammy Smith will be back for her second year with the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Development team after racing her first World Cup last season in Drammen, Norway; while also competing as a member of the SVSEF XC Gold Team during the 2023-24 season.
“I’m super grateful to be back on the U.S. Ski Team for my second season,” said Sammy Smith, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and SVSEF XC Gold Team athlete. “Getting to ski on a team with such a supportive and positive culture is an incredible privilege, and opportunities to represent the U.S. and compete at the international level are experiences that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
According to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, each athlete who accepts their nomination to the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team will receive top-of-the-line athletic and medical support, world-class coaching, sport science, sports medicine and access to the USANA Center of Excellence facilities, including on-site high performance staff and education.
Two days later on May 11, 55 athletes were named to the U.S. Alpine Team based on their published nomination criteria. SVSEF Alumni Jack Smith and Dasha Romanov make the move up to the C team, while Finnigan Donley and Colin Hanna will join the D team for the coming competition season.
“I’m super excited for my third year with the Stifel U.S. Alpine Women’s Ski Team!” said Dasha Romanov, U.S. Ski Team athlete and SVSEF Alum. “Moving up from D to C team has been a goal of mine so I’m super happy to accomplish that! I’m super thankful for the support I have received from Sun Valley to help me accomplish these goals. Also could not have done this without my parents. They have been my biggest supporters in ski racing and I would not be where I am today without them. It truly takes a big team and I’m really grateful for everyone who has helped me along in this journey so far.”
High school senior and SVSEF FIS Team athlete Finnigan Donley was named “Rookie of the Year” by U.S. Ski & Snowboard during the opening ceremonies at the U.S. Alpine Nationals held in Sun Valley in March. The award was voted on by U.S. Ski Team athletes. Donley was voted in as rookie of the year for his impressive results at U18 Nationals, where he won the super-G and was second in the downhill.
“It’s a great honor to be named to the U.S. Ski Team,” said Finnigan Donley, SVSEF Alum (class of 2023) and new member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I am excited to work hard during the off-season and push myself against other high level skiers!”
Colin Hanna will graduate from Sun Valley Community School this spring, and also met the qualification criteria to be nominated to the alpine team.
“I am super excited for what is to come, and I can’t thank SVSEF and all of my coaches throughout the years for making this possible,” said Colin Hanna, SVSEF Alum (class of 2023) and new member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team.
Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team:
C Team:
- Dasha Romanov ‘19
- Jack Smith ‘19
D Team:
- Finnigan Donley ‘23
- Colin Hanna ‘23
Stifel U.S. Cross Country Team:
B Team:
- John Steel Hagenbuch ‘19
- Sydney Palmer-Leger ‘19
D Team:
- Sammy Smith ‘24
For complete U.S. Ski & Snowboard team announcements, visit the following links:
Photo credits:
- Dasha Romanov by Heather Black
- Finnigan Donley by Tim Carter
- Sammy Smith at 2023 Jr Worlds by FlyingPointRoad
- Colin Hanna by Tim Carter
- Sydney Palmer-Leger by Glen Allison
- John Steel Hagenbuch by Glen Allison