ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (March 17, 2016) – Consistency is the new name of the game for Laurenne Ross (Bend, OR), who popped yet another top-five finish in Thursday’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals super G Thursday.

“I’ve had a lot of DNFs and a lot of crashes in the past,” said Ross, who finished fifth Thursday and wrapped up the World Cup season with seven top-five results in downhill and super G, including alpine combined. “This year I was really working on finding the fine line between safety and speed, and I feel like I’ve started to really approach that, more on the safer side. I haven’t had any DNFs in downhill or super G this year, so I’m really happy with that.”

Liechtenstein’s Tina Weirather won her second super G of the season on a sun-drenched, grippy track ahead of Switzerland’s Lara Gut in second and Austria’s Cornelia Huetter in third. However, Gut skied away with the biggest prizes of the day – the overall World Cup title and overall World Cup super G title. Ross finished the season eighth overall in the super G standings, while teammate Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) was third overall.

In the men’s super G, Swiss Beat Feuz, Wednesday’s downhill winner, won yet again, this time displacing a pair of Norwegians for the victory – Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Kjetil Jansrud tied for second. However, the younger Kilde displaced the veteran Jansrud for the overall super G title. 

American’s Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid) and Travis Ganong (Squaw Valley, CA) struggled with the softer track and peely snow, and did not finish Thursday’s super G.

Up next, the team event takes place Friday. Ross, Resi Stiegler (Jackson, WY), David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) and Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV) are scheduled to compete for the U.S. Team.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Laurenne Ross finished fifth in Thursday World Cup Finals super G.
• Switzerland’s Lara Gut finished second and wrapped up the overall World Cup title and the overall super G title.
• Lindsey Vonn finished the season third in the overall World Cup super G standings.
• Norway swept the men’s top three overall World Cup super G standings with Aleksander Aamodt Kilde winning the title.

QUOTES

Laurenne Ross

I’ve had a lot of DNFs and a lot of crashes in the past. So this year I was really working on finding the fine line between safety and speed, and I feel like I’ve started to really approach that, more on the safer side. I haven’t had any DNFs in downhill or super G this year, so I’m really happy with that.

It was a fairly open super G today; it was a pretty easy set. So apart from those blind turns, it was all about pinning it and going as hard as you can.

[On the 2017 World Championships in St. Moritz] I’m psyched! I love this view. I love this area … I’m really excited to come back here next year.

Broadcast and Streaming Schedule (all times EDT)

Friday, March 18

7:00 a.m. - Team event, St. Moritz - NBCSN

Saturday, March 19

3:30 a.m. - Women's slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

4:30 a.m. - Men's giant slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

7:00 a.m. - Men's giant slalom 2, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBCSN

1:00 p.m. - Women's slalom, St. Moritz - NBC

NOTE: No live streaming of women's second run slalom; full coverage on NBC at 1 p.m. ED

Sunday, March 20

3:30 a.m. - Men's slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

4:30 a.m. - Women's giant slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

6:00 a.m. - Men's slalom 2, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBCSN

7:00 p.m. - Women's giant slalom 2, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBCSN

RESULTS

Women’s super G

Men’s super G

Final World Cup Super G Standings

Men

Women 

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (March 18, 2016) – Out of the 11 teams entered in the World Cup Finals team event, Switzerland put on a show in front of the home crowd for a win. Team USA made it through the first round, but did not move past the quarterfinals, tying for fifth place.

READ MORE: WHAT EXACTLY IS A TEAM EVENT?

The race is a dual paneled slalom, complete with a skicross-like start gate, set up in bracket style. Laurenne Ross (Bend, OR), David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO), Resi Stiegler (Jackson, WY) and Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV) joined together for the team event on a warm day in St. Moritz, with the bright sun heating up the snow quickly. USA faced off against the Czech Republic in the opening round of 16, winning and qualifying for the quarterfinals to race the French team. But even with a solid win by Chodounsky, it wasn’t enough for the Americans, as Ross, Stiegler and Jitloff could not beat their dominating French opponents.

“It’s pretty sweet to have this as an Olympic event now,” said Chodounsky after the race. “The program could be tweaked a little to make it more fair, but otherwise it’s a lot of fun. Spectators can see directly who’s faster and who’s not. I skied well today and I’m happy.”

The flags flew high in the crowds, as supporters from each country came out to cheer. (Getty Images/Agence Zoom-Alexis Boichard)

Led by Wendy Holdener—who won the similarly formatted 2016 Stockholm city event—Switzerland was victorious at World Cup Finals for the second year in a row, squeaking out a win by just .04 seconds over Germany. Sweden was third.

With the team event a part of the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, the coaches and athletes look for every chance to test out the discipline. “The main thing, going forward on this event, is finding the athletes that see the passion and opportunity here and identifying those early,” said Head Men’s Coach Sasha Rearick.

Next up, the World Cup Finals heads into tech events with the men’s giant slalom and women’s slalom taking place Saturday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Switzerland won the World Cup Finals team event for the second year in a row. Germany was second and Sweden third.
• Team USA did not move past the quarterfinals, tying for fifth.
• The alpine team event will be included in the 2018 Olympics.
• The World Cup Finals continues with a men’s giant slalom and women’s slalom on Saturday.

Broadcast and Streaming Schedule (all times EDT)
Saturday, March 19
3:30 a.m. – Women’s slalom 1, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBC Sports Live Extra
4:30 a.m. – Men’s giant slalom 1, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBC Sports Live Extra
7:00 a.m. – Men’s giant slalom 2, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBCSN
1:00 p.m. – Women’s slalom, St. Moritz – NBC

NOTE: No live streaming of women’s second run slalom; full coverage on NBC at 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday, March 20
3:30 a.m. – Men’s slalom 1, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBC Sports Live Extra
4:30 a.m. – Women’s giant slalom 1, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBC Sports Live Extra
6:00 a.m. – Men’s slalom 2, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBCSN
7:00 p.m. – Women’s giant slalom 2, St. Moritz – LIVE – NBCSN

QUOTES

David Chodounsky
The event is cool. I’ve been doing it for a few years now. I like it. I do well in it. For me, it’s pretty sweet to have this as an Olympic event now. Because it’s one run on each course, fairness is kind of an issue. One course is almost always faster than the other. The program could be tweaked a little to make it more fair, but otherwise it’s a lot of fun. Spectators can see directly who’s faster and who’s not. I skied well today and I’m happy. It’s a beautiful day.

Sasha Rearick, Men’s Head Coach
Daver skied really well. He was looking for the fastest time and was still able to compete and showed his skiing was there. Jitloff, who hasn’t trained this event at all recently, performed OK. He had to go on the slower course and he fought well. He made a mistake on the second run, but was good.

[On team event being in the 2018 Olympics]
The main thing, going forward on this event, is finding the athletes that see the passion and opportunity here and identifying those early to work through a prep period. On the men’s side right now, we’ve got a couple of young guys who have done really well in this event—in particular AJ Ginnis on the Europa Cup. He’s got a lot of power. These guys are not established in slalom or GS, but they have the opportunity to go out and win a medal. We have to pull together a team like that—six, seven or eight athletes and really prepare for that.

[On team event’s fairness]
The event is made for TV. When you want to make it for TV, you want it quick, no dead time. There’s a delicate balance there—making it quick and efficient, but at the same time, making an event that’s fair. Typically, the faster team does advance. Hats off to France for pushing us out. Looking at World Cup slalom ranks, they had a better team, a higher ranked team than we do. It shows that the system is OK with competition fairness. Of course the athlete would love to have two opportunities to go on each course and battle the other athlete head-to-head on both courses, but that’s part of the game. It’s been established this way and the routine is working.

RESULTS
Team event

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (March 19, 2016) – She is simply in a class all her own. Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) provided another dominating slalom victory – her fifth win of the season – Saturday at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals.

Shiffrin won all five World Cup slalom races she competed in this season, with a combined winning time of 10.56 seconds – a 2.11 second average margin of victory. When asked after Saturday’s race if she knows what she’s doing to win races by two seconds or more, she replied with a short answer and a giggle, not giving anything away: “Yeah.”

Mikaela Shiffrin dominated Saturday’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals slalom. (Getty Images/Agency Zoom-Alexis Boichard)

Shiffrin, the defending Olympic slalom gold medalist and three-time U.S. National Slalom Champion, moved another step ahead of her competition this season, but in the back of her mind, she knows that someday the competition may figure out just what makes her so fast. 

“When I watch the video, it just seems like I’m able to be connected with my skis better and quicker (than the other competitors),” she said. “The rhythm changes don’t get to me as much … and that just all adds up. Two seconds, it seems like a lot, but it’s not that much. So I could easily see them figuring that out and coming right back to beat me.”

Shiffrin builds on her first run lead run to win by 2.03 seconds.

Injury was the only thing that beat Shiffrin this season. For the first time in her young career, a knee injury sustained prior to the third slalom of the season in Are, Sweden, forced her to miss eight weeks of competition, including six of the 11 World Cup slalom races this season. Hansdotter won the overall World Cup slalom crystal globe after posting five top-five finishes, including one victory, during Shiffrin’s absence. Shiffrin, the three-time defending World Cup slalom champion, finished fourth in the discipline this season.

Resi Stiegler, competing at the World Cup Finals for the first time since 2007, finished 11th Saturday. (Getty Images/Agency Zoom-Alexis Boichard)

“I feel like my slalom is 100 percent,” Shiffrin said. “My GS … the timing is there sometimes. I’m a little uncertain about tomorrow, but I’m going to try my best. My number one goal is to get a good feeling with the timing and the flow. When you see really good GS skiers ski, you’re like ‘I just want to do that!’”

Watch Shiffrin dominate the World Cup Finals slalom Saurday on NBC at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Mikaela Shiffrin shares the podium with Slovakia's Veronika Velez Zuzulova (left) and Sweden's Frida Hansdotter. (Getty Images/AFP-Fabrice Coffrini)

In the men’s World Cup Finals giant slalom Saturday, Thomas Fanara of France won his first World Cup race by 0.02 over countrymen Alexis Pinturault in second and Mathieu Faivre in third. American Tim Jitloff was 20th. Austria’s Marcel Hirscher finished fifth and wrapped up the overall World Cup giant slalom title.

Up next are the final World Cup races of the season Sunday as the men race slalom and the women race giant slalom. David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) and Shiffrin are scheduled to compete for the U.S. Ski Team.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mikaela Shiffrin won her fifth World Cup slalom race of the season by 2.03 seconds.
• Shiffrin’s combined winning time in her five victories this season was an astonishing 10.56 seconds.
• Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter won the overall World Cup slalom crystal globe.
• Thomas Fanara of France won his first World Cup race in Saturday’s men’s giant slalom.
• The French swept the men's GS podium.
• Austria’s Marcel Hirscher finished fifth and wrapped up the overall World Cup giant slalom title.
• The World Cup season concludes Sunday with men’s slalom and women’s giant slalom.

QUOTES

Mikaela Shiffrin

It’s always nice to end the season on top. 

When I watch the video, it just seems like I’m able to be connected with my skis better (than the other competitors) and quicker. The rhythm changes don’t to get me as much … and that just all ads up. Two seconds, it seems like a lot, but it’s not that much. So I could easily see them figuring that out and coming right back to beat me.

I feel like my slalom is 100 percent. My GS … the timing is there sometimes, I’m a little uncertain about tomorrow, but I’m going to try my best. My number one goal is to get a good feeling with the timing and the flow. When you see really good GS skiers ski, you’re like ‘I just want to do that!’”

Shiffrin wins first run of Saturday's slalom.

Resi Stiegler

It was a special day for me; I just wanted to enjoy it. I have not made it to World Cup finals slalom in eight years. 

Having that first run coming down in ninth was awesome! I was maybe a little too pumped up for that second run. I just didn’t nail the top part where you needed to carry the speed on the flats, so I lost a bunch of speed. 

Resi Stiegler skis to 11th in the World Cup Finals slalom.

Broadcast and Streaming Schedule (all times EDT)

Saturday, March 19
1:00 p.m. - Women's slalom, St. Moritz - NBC

Sunday, March 20

3:30 a.m. - Men's slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

4:30 a.m. - Women's giant slalom 1, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBC Sports Live Extra

6:00 a.m. - Men's slalom 2, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBCSN

7:00 p.m. - Women's giant slalom 2, St. Moritz - LIVE - NBCSN

RESULTS

Women’s slalom

Men’s giant slalom

Final World Cup Slalom Standings

Women 

Final World Cup Giant Slalom Standings

Men
 

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (March 20, 2016) – The World Cup season wrapped up Sunday with another sunny and warm spring day in the Swiss Alps at the World Cup Finals with men’s slalom and women’s giant slalom. David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) just missed the top 20, while Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) showed promise in GS despite skiing out in the first run.

“It was an unfortunate way to finish the season, but at the same time, we know (David) has made a huge step and we’ve got to stick to that positive here at the end of the season,” Men’s Head Coach Sasha Rearick said. “He really made a step this season in both GS and slalom. Consistency wise, he’s been much better.”

Chodounsky, who posted seven top-20 World Cup results - including fourth at Val d’Isere - this season, finished 21st in the men’s final slalom race of the season. Meanwhile Shiffrin, who was leading the women’s giant slalom by .76 at the first split, caught an edge and did not finish the first run.

Mikaela Shiffrin crashed the first run of GS.

“I was real excited about my skiing up until that point,” Shiffrin said. “I twisted out of the turn too soon. It’s a really big bummer, but I’m so much happier skiing the course like that and not finishing, than skiing really slow. I know my GS skiing is good, and at least I got to one split to prove that.”

In the men’s slalom race, Sweden’s Andre Myhrer nipped Austria’s Marcel Hirscher by 0.14 to take the victory. Norway’s Sebastian Foss-Solevaag was third. Overall World Cup slalom champion Henrik Kristofferson, who had the title wrapped up before Sunday’s final after winning six slalom events this season, finished 19th. Marcel Hirscher won the overall men’s World Cup title.

In the women’s giant slalom, Germany’s Viktoria Rebensburg skied a spectacular second run to win by 0.46 over France’s Taina Barioz. Overall World Cup winner Lara Gut of Switzerland was third. However, the most exciting finish of the day was Austria’s Eva-Maria Brem, who needed to finish fourth or better in Sunday’s final race to win the overall World Cup giant slalom title – and she did by just 0.04 seconds, finishing two points ahead of Rebensburg.

David Chodounsky took 21st in the men's slalom.

Up next, the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships take place March 22-27 where the best skiers in the nation will head to the place skiing began in the United States – Sun Valley.

“We’re heading to Nationals in Sun Valley. I’m doing the GS and slalom, and I’ve never been there before,” Shiffrin said. “I’m really excited. I feel like I have one more shot at racing GS, and hopefully I can go out with a bang!”

HIGHLIGHTS

• David Chodounsky finished 21st in the final World Cup slalom race of the season Sunday in St. Moritz.
• Chodounsky finished the season ranked 15th in the world in slalom.
• Sweden’s Andre Myhrer won his sixth career World Cup slalom Sunday.
• Henrik Kristofferson won his first overall World Cup slalom crystal globe
• Marcel Hirscher won the overall men’s World Cup title.
• Lara Gut of Switzerland won the overall women’s World Cup title.
• Austria’s Eva-Maria Brem won the overall World Cup giant slalom title by just two points over Germany’s Viktoria Rebensburg.

QUOTES

Mikaela Shiffrin

I was real excited about my skiing up until that point. I twisted out of the turn too soon. It’s a really big bummer, but I’m so much happier skiing the course like that and not finishing, than skiing really slow. I know my GS skiing is good, and at least I got to one split to prove that.

It’s really warm, so (the course) is not rock solid, but the surface was hard - I loved it. Obviously I loved it for the gates that I skied, and then I loved it when I was sliding down the course on my butt. 

We’re heading to Nationals in Sun Valley. I’m doing the GS and slalom, and I’ve never been there before. I’m really excited. I feel like I have one more shot at racing GS there, and hopefully I can go out with a bang! 
 

Sasha Rearick - Men’s Head Coach

[On David Chodounsky's season and today's performance]

Daver has had a great season. He really, really made a step this season in both GS and slalom. Consistency-wise he’s been much better. Working with his service guy, Matteo (Fattor) has done a fantastic job. The coaches have really kept it simple for him. Today first run he came out and executed that. He missed a little bit of time coming on to the flats – that was probably the six tenths he lost in that first run. Second run he tried to push the envelope and I think at the same time he skied just thinking too much – a little tense. It was an unfortunate way to finish the season, but at the same time, we know he’s made a huge step and we've got to stick to that positive here at the end of the season.

[On the depth of the men's tech team and future development]

Only having one guy here in slalom is a bummer…Ted (Ligety) will be back, and we’ve got some young guys coming up that need to put in a lot of hard work and really make the step to broaden their skills to be able to handle all hills at all times and ski consistently fast on the World Cup. That’s AJ Ginnis, Mark Engel and Michael Ankeny. Those guys all have the capacity to make a big step next year and we’re putting together a plan right now so that the athletes can make that step. I look forward to working with them and going through that process. 

Broadcast and Streaming Schedule (all times EDT)

Sunday, March 20

7:00 p.m. - Women's giant slalom, St. Moritz - NBCSN

RESULTS

Women’s giant slalom

Men’s slalom

Final World Cup Giant Slalom Standings

Women 

Final World Cup Slalom Standings

Men

Final World Cup Standings
Men

Women

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 21, 2016) – The Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships kicks off Tuesday and the best skiers from around North America are arriving to the beautiful Sun Valley Resort. While Sun Valley is busy prepping the hill and selecting the best spots for you to watch the race, the athletes are stoked to throw down for one last race series. See who is excited to attend below.

 

So excited to try and defend my Super G title at US Alpine Champs at Sun Valley from March 22-27! #ronnieberlack #bryceastle #forevertrending #usskiteam #USAlpinechamps @sunvalley @nordicaski @shredoptics

A photo posted by Drew Duffy (@drewduffy_) on

Mar 10, 2016 at 3:25pm PST

 

I'm fired up to have the #USAlpineChamps back in the intermountain west at @sunvalley this season! I consider this home turf, racing countless races here as a kid. The races are March 22-27 and the snow has been plentiful in the West this season. Hopefully you can come out and watch Americas best skiers compete for national titles and get some good skiing in for yourself!

A photo posted by Steven Nyman (@steven_nyman) on

Mar 2, 2016 at 5:37am PST

 

It's international women's day. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'm proud and happy to be one. I'm back on the snow now, getting ready to race again. It feels good to have the wind in my face and to connect to the mountains. And I'm looking forward to pushing out of the start gate again... After I finish up finals here in Europe, I'll be heading to @sunvalley to compete at U.S. Nationals. We're racing there from March 22-27, and I'm incredibly excited to race in the States again! I hear the snow is marvelous -- come out and watch us charge in our home country! #USAlpineChamps: Francis Bompard/Agence Zoom

A photo posted by Laurenne Ross (@lalalaurenne) on

Mar 8, 2016 at 5:10am PST

 

An #AmericanDownhiller record 105 career @fisalpine World Cup downhill starts. 15 years of memories with the U.S. Ski Team. Looking forward to seeing @marcolikesit crush his last race at @sunvalley this week for #USAlpinechamps. Thank you for inspiring, Sully! We'll miss you. Did you catch @tomkelly_ussa's Behind the Gold column on Marco? Link in profile. #MarcoRocks

A video posted by U.S. Ski Team (@usskiteam) on

Mar 21, 2016 at 2:39am PDT

 

The training in Sun Valley has been unbelievable this week! #sunvalley #ketchum #idaho #skiracing #svsef #usskiteam #usalpinechamps

A photo posted by Neil Lande (@neillande) on

Mar 6, 2016 at 12:52pm PST

 

The course for the US Alpine Champs is well underway and looking world class! Can't wait! #sunvalley #sv80th #usalpinechamps

A photo posted by Sun Valley (@sunvalley) on

Mar 19, 2016 at 11:56am PDT

Tanner Farrow getting some training runs in for the upcoming US Alpine Championships. #SunValley#USAlpineChampspic.twitter.com/QxnsBiGbdc

— Sun Valley Resort (@sunvalley) March 8, 2016

I thought it was a hug... Getting psyched to race in the US again with these girls! @sunvalley#USAlpineChampspic.twitter.com/83FqOduDaO

— Laurenne Ross (@lalalalaurenne) March 8, 2016

 

Really excited to be in @sunvalley from March 22-27 for #USAlpineChamps. Come check out the action as us up and comers get to race against the World Cup guys! There is nothing better than ski racing in the spring sun! #bryceastle #ronnieberlack #forevertrending #usskiteam #khombu @usskiteam @khombu

A photo posted by Erik Arvidsson (@erik_arvidsson) on

Mar 10, 2016 at 7:48pm PST

 

Who is ready for Nationals @sunvalley @svsef ? It's gonna be a blast. : @bsaxe68

A photo posted by tommyford (@tommyford) on

Mar 16, 2016 at 2:35pm PDT

Test dummy on the US National gs track. She's steep ladies and gentlemen. I hope everyone can come check it out March 22-27 @sunvalley @svsef @usskiteam #hyped @kiplingww99 @neillande

A video posted by (@tanmanfarrow) on Mar 2, 2016 at 4:08pm PST

Remember to follow @usskiteam on Twitter for live updates throughout the U.S. Alpine Championships and post about it using #USAlpineChamps.

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 22, 2016) – Day one of the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships kicked off with a bang, with Brennan Rubie (Salt Lake City, UT – U.S. Ski Team) taking the big win in alpine combined for his first national title.

A well-rounded super G, giant slalom and slalom skier, Rubie was solid against the strong field - finishing second in the super G and third in the slalom to boost him 1.46 seconds ahead of Kieffer Christianson (Anchorage, AK – U.S. Ski Team) in second place. Hig Roberts (Steamboat Springs, CO – U.S. Ski Team) fought from 12th in the super G to win the slalom race by almost a half second, launching him to third place.

Fastest junior of the day went to River Radamus (Edwards, CO – U.S. Ski Team), who finished seventh overall.

River Radamus was the fastest junior, followed by Drew Duffy (Warren, VT – U.S. Ski Team) in second and (not pictured) Kipling Weisel (San Francisco, CA – U.S. Ski Team).

It was a beautiful, bluebird day, but the course sets were tight and tough, as 21 skiers failed to finish the super G, including regular World Cup stars Steven Nyman (Sundance, UT – U.S. Ski Team) and Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV – U.S. Ski Team). “The course sets were really difficult,” said Roberts, who was skiing his first super G in years. “You had to bring the right tactics, but also be aggressive in the super G.”

Great Britain’s Jack Gower won the super G portion of the combined - with the super G counting as a FIS race, but not a national championship - but declined to race the slalom. Rubie was positioned in second after the super G, allowing the well-rounded skier to push into first place after the second run.

A member of the U.S. Ski Team for five years, Rubie has been regularly top three finisher on the NorAm circuit and frequenting the Europa Cup top 15. With a few World Cup starts under his belt, he raced giant slalom at World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek last season. While he has finished top three in previous U.S. Alpine Championships, this was his first win. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Brennan Rubie won the men’s alpine combined.
• It was the first time a standalone alpine combined race has been held at the U.S. Alpine Championships.
• Kieffer Christianson was second and Hig Roberts third.
• Next up, the women race alpine combined Wednesday.

QUOTES

Hig Roberts
The course sets were really difficult. You had to bring the right tactics but also be aggressive in the super G. It was my first super g in years, so I just hung in there and fought to make it in the slalom. The slalom had a solid rut in it but it was perfect for slalom specialists to go for it. Dope. Bluebird day.

RESULTS
Men’s alpine combined

Two weeks before the close of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup season in St. Moritz, Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin had a decision to make. Having just come back from a December knee injury, she had to decide whether or not to go to Lenzerheide, Switzerland for a super G and an alpine combined leading into the World Cup Finals. 

She was coming off a top-10 combined finish in Andorra – her first World Cup in that discipline. And speed events were definitely in her plans. It was a challenging decision for the then 20-year-old (she turned 21 a week later). 

She chose conservatively, as is often the case. And she chose wisely. Last week, on a course where a year from now she will battle for an unprecedented third straight World Championship, she won her fifth slalom in five races this season to close out a crazy but productive season. It was her 20th career World Cup victory.

Every night, the coaches from competing nations look at the video, trying to find kinks in her armor or the secret to her success. When you watch her race, you think you see a mistake but then the margin grows ever larger.

“When I watch the video, it just seems like I’m able to be connected with my skis better and quicker,” said Shiffrin. “The rhythm changes don’t get to me as much and that just all adds up. 

“Two seconds - it seems like a lot but it’s not that much,” she laughed. “So I could easily see them figuring that out and coming right back to beat me.”

Mikaela Shiffrin won her fifth-straight Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup March 19, 2016 in St Moritz, Switzerland. (Getty Images-Matthias Hangst)

But so far they have not. In five World Cup slaloms this year, Mikaela Shiffrin has won each by an average of over two seconds.

Despite her streak of five slalom wins this season, she didn’t get the crystal globe. The knee injury kept her sidelined for two months, missing five slaloms and conceding the title she had won the past three seasons.

All told, Shiffrin has now won the last eight World Cup slaloms she’s started. Her last defeat came at the hands of Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter at Flachau, Austria in January of 2015. Although Shiffrin’s mark was punctuated with the five races she missed, it puts her in the league with slalom greats Janica Kostelic and Vreni Schneider, who hold the World Cup record with eight consecutive slalom wins.

Since her first World Cup victory in December of 2012 in Are, Sweden, Shiffrin has endeared herself to fans, fellow competitors and news media. She’s constantly in learning mode, gracious in victory and humble to the core. She frustrates photographers in the finish with her lack of celebratory emotion. But in her mind, she’s still processing and learning, analyzing her run and preparing for the next. She’s a true student of the sport – much like her own childhood idol Marlies Schild of Austria, who had her own five-race win streak in slalom just four years ago.

Through that constant learning process, she’s learned what it takes to win a World Cup ski race. She knows how to focus and get in her zone. Most of all, she’s learned how to transfer the mental knowledge she has amassed and transfer it to her skis.

After smiling on the victory podium for her race win in St. Moritz, she climbed down and stepped aside. Now it was Frida Hansdotter’s turn to climb the podium to accept the crystal globe for slalom – the first for Sweden since Anja Paerson in 2004.

Shiffrin smiled and cheered for Hansdotter, who won over Slovakia’s Veronika Velez Zuzulova. “I was a little bummed,” said Shiffrin, who had stood on that spot the last three seasons. “But at the same time I'm happy for her because I know the feeling of holding that in your hand.”
 

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 23, 2016) – 17-year-old Galena Wardle (Aspen, CO – U.S. Ski Team) took home her first-ever national title at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships in the event’s inaugural standalone women’s alpine combined.

On another bluebird morning, the women were excited to shred the tight and technical super G course on Sun Valley's Greyhawk before launching into slalom in the afternoon. “It’s a difficult (super G) hill and they have to put so many gates on it because of the amount of vertical,” said Laurenne Ross (Bend, OR – U.S. Ski Team), who won the super G portion of the day. “It’s really turny, very GS-y. Super technical the whole way down and doesn’t ever let up.”

Ross led coming into the slalom, with Jackie Wiles (Aurora, OR – U.S. Ski Team) and Anna Marno (Centennial, WY – U.S. Ski Team) hot on her heals in second and third, respectively. But the slalom was quick and turny, favoring the tech experts. Ross was on her way to winning the combined, but crashed at the bottom the hill and DNFed, while Wiles and Marno moved back into fourth and fifth. Wardle, who was eighth after first run, threw down a blazing run to take second in the slalom and the overall win.

“I was really nervous at the top of the slalom!” said Wardle after her win. “It’s my first time here. My dad spent a lot of time here. It’s a cool hill. I’m still in shock! This is definitely a career highlight for me.”

Galena Wardle raced to first place in Sun Valley. (USSA)

Wardle hails from Aspen, CO and the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club before being named to the D Team this season. She has been a regular in the NorAm top 10 and scored an excellent sixth place in the 2016 FIS Junior World Ski Championships alpine combined. She’s a well-rounded skier, regularly competing in downhill, super G, giant slalom and slalom—making her a mean competitor in combined events.

Behind Wardle, Megan McJames (Park City, UT – Park City Ski Education Foundation) missed first place by just .02 and settled for second. She has won national titles in alpine combined before, but when they weren’t standalone races. “I’m 28, so this is probably my 12th (U.S. Alpine Championships) or so,” said McJames. “I’ve won the combined before. But this is different—before the super G and slalom were on separate days and they would take the best runs. This is cool because this is a standalone combined. It’s exciting!”

Wardle’s D Team teammate Patricia Mangan (Buffalo, NY – U.S. Ski Team) took third, attacking from sixth place after the super G.

Next up, both men and women race super G on Thursday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Galena Wardle won the women’s alpine combined national title. It’s her first national title and her first year on the U.S. Ski Team.
• Laurenne Ross won the super G portion before crashing in the slalom.
• 2015’s GS national champion Nina O’Brien won the slalom run.
• Megan McJames took second with Patricia Mangan third overall.

QUOTES

Galena Wardle
I was really nervous at the top of the slalom. It was really fun and quick. The super G was super technical this morning, so that was awesome. Really steep, tough hill. I loved it. It’s my first time here. My dad spent a lot of time here. It’s a cool hill. I’m still in shock! This is definitely a career highlight for me, but the week is still going. We have another super G run tomorrow, so the set will probably be pretty similar. It was good to get out this morning and test it out and tomorrow we’ll go again.

Megan McJames
I think today everyone had mistakes. It was a hard-charger award. Both the super G and the slalom were really turny. Even when you made a mistake, you had to keep charging. Those were the girls that were fast today.

I’m 28, so this is probably my 12th (U.S. Alpine Championships) or so. I’ve won combined before. But this is different—before the super G and slalom was on separate days and they would take the best runs. This is cool because this is a standalone combined. It’s exciting!

Laurenne Ross
It’s a difficult (super G) hill and they have to put so many gates on it because of the amount of vertical. It’s really turny, very GS-y. Super technical the whole way down and doesn’t ever let up. For being a minute 15, a minute 20, it feels longer. You’re fighting the whole way. It’s a really tough hill, but conditions are great.

It’s definitely been hard to keep my energy levels up. I’m just struggling right now to wake up in the morning and get the energy to race!

It’s so nice to be back here in Sun Valley. It feels like home.

RESULTS
Women's alpine combined

OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA (March 24, 2016) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has selected Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows as the proposed site of an Audi FIS Ski World Cup in 2017. U.S. Ski Team officials are supporting the return of World Cup ski racing to the Olympic venue of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for the first time since 1969. The USSA is submitting Squaw Valley as a candidate for a March, 2017 World Cup that would bring Olympic champions Julia Mancuso, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin to Squaw Valley for a giant slalom and slalom. The International Ski Federation will make its final decision on the 2016-17 calendar this June at the FIS Congress meeting in Cancun.

With the 2017 season culminating in the March 15-19 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Aspen, the USSA had a unique opportunity to schedule an additional women’s World Cup weekend in the USA leading into the Finals. Squaw Valley was selected by the USSA as a candidate based on its strong history of managing large events and the rich heritage of alpine ski racing in the area. The proposed event would be Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, 2017, with Squaw Valley a stop for the tour between the Olympic test events in PyeongChang South Korea and Aspen.

“Squaw Valley represents another opportunity for us to highlight stars like Julia Mancuso, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin to our American audience on the eve of the Aspen World Cup Finals here in the USA,” said USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “Squaw Valley has always been a strong partner and has a rich history in alpine ski racing. The kids who will be exposed to these world class stars are the future generation of Olympic champions.”

The proposal is for Squaw Valley to hold the races on its Red Dog run in the shadow of the fabled KT-22 peak. The venue was the host for the 2013 and 2014 Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships, attracting large crowds of kids who came to see their favorite ski racing stars.

“It is an honor to be chosen by our national governing body to play host to an Audi FIS Ski World Cup, particularly when one considers the many great mountains around the world that seek to play host to a FIS World Cup event,” said Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows President and CEO Andy Wirth. “Being selected by the USSA speaks favorably towards Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows’ ski racing heritage, our world class staff and our community and mountains. We look forward to continuing work on our bid with U.S. Ski Team and the International Ski Federation staff and truly hope for a successful outcome at the June FIS meetings.”

Voted 2016 ‘Best Ski Resort’ in North America by USA Today and 10 Best Readers’ Choice, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is an internationally renowned mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe that spans over 6,000 skiable acres. Built on the legacy of the 1960 Winter Olympics hosted at Squaw Valley, the resort has since reared celebrated athletes such as Jonny Moseley, Julia Mancuso, Travis Ganong, Marco Sullivan, JT Holmes, Michelle Parker, Cody Townsend, Jeremy Jones, Ralph Backstrom, Nate Holland, and Errol Kerr.

The Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows proposal is part of a broad initiative by the USSA to raise the profile of alpine ski racing in America. Last year’s World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek attracted record U.S. television audiences with live coverage on NBC and NBCSN, plus a global reach of 800 million. The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Aspen will also attract a large global audience. The USSA has taken the opportunity to also move into new venues including an already confirmed Nov. 25-26, 2016 women’s giant slalom and slalom in Killington, VT, plus the traditional Dec. 2-4, 2016 men’s World Cup in Beaver Creek, CO. If Squaw Valley is added to the calendar, it would give the USA a record 16 Audi FIS Ski World Cup events in America next season.

“Part of growing up in Squaw Valley is its legacy of developing world class athletes and playing host to world class events like the 1960 Olympics,” said Olympic champion and Squaw Valley native Julia Mancuso. “America has always had great ski champions, but they are often overshadowed by the vast number of European venues. Bringing the World Cup to Squaw Valley will build more awareness of the World Cup tour in the America. As an Olympian, I appreciate that Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has been so proactive about supporting our athletes and the U.S. Ski Team.”

The event will be broadcast across American on NBC and NBCSN, and will be seen during primetime evening hours in Europe as well as across the globe.

The 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup calendar, including the World Cup Finals in Aspen and the proposed weekend at Squaw Valley, will be finalized by the international federation at its June 6-10 FIS Congress.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is being submitted by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association as a candidate for a March, 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
• The proposed March 10-11 World Cup would feature women’s giant slalom and slalom.
• The International Ski Federation will make its final 2017 calendar decision in June.
• Squaw Valley last played host to an alpine World Cup in 1969 with men’s and women’s giant slalom and slalom. The legendary Billy Kidd won the slalom.
• Racing will take place on Squaw’s Red Dog run.
• The race would be a lead-in to the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals scheduled in Aspen March 15-19.
• If the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows proposal is accepted, it would mean a record 16 Audi FIS Ski World Cup events would be held in America in the 2016-17 season.
• Both the World Cup Finals in Aspen as well as the additional World Cup weekend in Squaw Valley, will be confirmed by the FIS in June.

QUOTES

Julia Mancuso, Olympic champion and Squaw Valley native
Part of growing up in Squaw Valley is its legacy of developing world class athletes and playing host to world class events like the 1960 Olympics. America has always had great ski champions, but they are often overshadowed by the vast number of European venues. Bringing the World Cup to Squaw Valley will build more awareness of the World Cup tour in the America. As an Olympian, I appreciate that Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has been so proactive about supporting our athletes and the U.S. Ski Team.

Tiger Shaw, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association
Squaw Valley represents another opportunity for us to highlight ski racing to our American audience on the eve of the World Cup Finals here in the USA. Squaw Valley has always been a strong partner and has a rich history in alpine ski racing. The kids who will be exposed to these world class stars are the future generation of Olympic champions.

Andy Wirth, President and CEO, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
It is an honor to be chosen by our national governing body to play host to an Audi FIS Ski World Cup, particularly when one considers the many great mountains around the world that seek to host a FIS World Cup event. Being selected by the USSA speaks favorably towards Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows’ ski racing heritage, our world class staff and our community and mountains. We look forward to continuing work on our bid with U.S. Ski Team and the International Ski Federation staff and truly hope for a successful outcome at the June FIS meetings.

Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympic champion
I really hope that we get to race at Squaw Valley next year on the World Cup circuit. The hill is awesome, definitely meets World Cup standards and the atmosphere is so cool. It's a relaxed and fun west coast ski town. With the added pressure of competition it will be amazing.

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 24, 2016) – Anna Marno (Centennial, WY – U.S. Ski Team) took her first national title as five-time U.S. national giant slalom champion Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV – U.S. Ski Team) scored his first in super G Thursday at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships. Thursday’s super G was also Marco Sullivan’s (Squaw Valley, CA – U.S. Ski Team) final race, capping a 17-year U.S. Ski Team career.

In the afternoon women’s race, Marno nipped World Cup veteran Laurenne Ross (Bend, OR) by .28 for the victory. Tricia Mangan (Buffalo, NY – U.S. Ski Team), who was third in Wednesday’s alpine combined, grabbed her second bronze medal of the National Championships. Mangan was also the top junior.

“I’ve been to eight Nationals now, and I’ve been close a few years. So this is a good place to do it – I love Sun Valley,” Marno said. “I’ve had some good results here and I finally made it up to the top step.”

Jitloff grabbed his first super G national title on a tight, twisty and technical track that kept the racers on their toes. Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT – U.S. Ski Team) was second, followed by Erik Arvidsson (Woodside, CA – U.S. Ski Team), who was the top-placed junior, in third.

Tim Jitloff took his first super G national title in Sun Valley. (USSA)

“The course is very challenging,” Jitloff said. “I think when people come to nationals they think that maybe it’s going to be a little bit easier, but they definitely didn’t give us an easy track here. A lot of guys were close to going out, or (did) go out. I certainly was on the limit. But the track is excellent. They did a heck of a job with the new (trail) they made here for us. It’s kind of unforgiving the whole way down.”

While 51 of the 52 racers were hanging on the entire way down the mountain, Sullivan made the most out of his final ski race. Sporting Lederhosen and a flannel shirt, Sullivan glided down the track sporting his infectious smile, while hand shaking, high-fiving and hugging coaches and course workers. At the finish, he was greeted by a champagne shower from his teammates to celebrate his retirement.

“So much goes into ski racing - over the years – it’s a pretty small community,” Sullivan said. “Going down the course, I knew a lot of the course workers, coaches—they’ve had a hand in my career helping me up along the way. I was just giving thanks to them and saying that it’s been a great ride.”

Marco Sullivan celebrates his retirement in Lederhosen. 

Up next, the men and women compete in slalom Friday, followed by men’s giant slalom Saturday and women’s giant slalom Sunday.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tim Jitloff, a five-time U.S. national GS Champion, won his first super G title Thursday in Sun Valley.
• Anna Marno won her first U.S. national super G title.
• Current Junior World Downhill Champion Erik Arvidsson finished third and won his first junior Men’s national super G title.
• Tricia Magnan finished third and won the junior women’s U.S. national super G title.
• Marco Sullivan, a 17-year member of the U.S. Ski Team, skied his final super G race.

QUOTES

Tim Jitloff
The course is very challenging. I think when people come to Nationals they think that maybe it’s going to be a little bit easier, but they definitely didn’t give us an easy track here. A lot of guys were close to going out, or (did) go out. I was certainly on the limit. But the track is excellent. They did a heck of a job with the new (trail) they made here for us. It’s kind of unforgiving the whole way down. I enjoyed myself a lot.

I’ve had a hard end of the season. The beginning was really good this year, but then I had some issue towards the end. So anytime you can come back to Nationals and win a title, it makes you feel good. It’s a lot of fun to see the next generation (of ski racers) too. Hopefully it inspires them to pick up where we’re at.

I’ve done a lot of racing here at Sun Valley growing up. I love racing here, not just racing, but I actually really like skiing here too. This place has amazing vertical.

Steven Nyman
It’s a demanding track, a very technical track. I wanted to redeem myself because as a kid I’d always come here and I was horrible. And I didn’t finish either run. But in two years when we come back, I’ll have another chance.

Tanner Farrow
It’s probably my best super G in a while, so I’m going to move forward with that and then get into the events that I’ve been training more (GS and slalom) and hope to do well.

Everywhere I go in town people are talking about it. It’s pretty awesome that the town is so excited. An event like this has been missing way too long and the town does an awesome job making it happen.

Marco Sullivan
It’s a ton of mixed emotions for sure. I’ve been on the U.S. Ski Team for 17 years—right out of high school that’s been my passion and my job and my whole life basically. To kind of hang it up after all these years, it’s sad in a way, but at the same time I see all these young kids with so much passion for it, just like I had at that age. It’s just exciting to see their journey is continuing and I’m kind of wrapping it up, so good things are still to come.

So much goes into ski racing over the years; it a pretty small community. Going down the course, I know a lot of the course workers, coaches—they’ve had a hand in my career helping me up along the way. I was just giving thanks back to them and saying that it’s been a great ride.

[On his favorite career memory]
If I had to say one, it was the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake. It was my first Olympics, it was close to home and I had stars in my eyes. That was a great memory.

Tricia Magnan
It feels good (to be the top Junior). (All of the Development Team athletes) are so fast and it’s always competitive between us. But we all have each other’s backs, so it’s awesome to be on top today. It’s nice to know that they’re all cheering for me and when it’s vice-versa, I’ll be psyched for them as well.

Towards the end of the season, I was starting to ski a little bit faster, so hopefully that continues into the slalom.

Anna Marno
I’ve been to eight Nationals now, and I’ve been close a few years. So this is a good place to do it – I love Sun Valley. I’ve had some good results here and I finally made it up to the top step.

On one hand I had a really successful season: I was in the top 30 for the first time at World Cups and won the NorAm (super G title). But I was kind of struggling to break through on the World Cup level. So it was really good, but on the other hand it was a little bit less than I wanted.

RESULTS
Men’s super G
Women’s super G

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 25, 2016) – Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) and David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) brought their "A" game to the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships slalom Friday, proving to the rest of the field that it’s hard to beat two of the best slalom skiers in the world.

“I need to congratulate Mikaela for showing the world where she stands,” said Lila Lapanja (Incline Village, NV), who finished second to Shiffrin. “It really fires me up because I have something to chase and I have some work to do, but I’m excited about it.”

“I think Dave skis faster than anybody else in the world right now,” noted Robby Kelly (Starksboro, VT), who finished second Friday. “It’s awesome just to watch that.”

Men’s slalom podium: Michael Ankeny (left) in third, winner David Chodounsky and second-place finisher Robby Kelly. (USSA)

Chodounsky, who finished the season ranked in the top 15 of the best slalom skiers in the world, won his fourth U.S. national slalom title by 2.36 seconds. Behind Kelley in second, Michael Ankeny (Deephaven, MN) finished third. 

“This has been my best season, hands down,” Chodounsky said. “I just felt really good today, skiing really well and I’m just so comfortable skiing right now. To get this at the end of the season is awesome.”

In the women’s race, Shiffrin once again proved that she is indeed the best slalom skier in the world, en route to winning her fourth U.S. national slalom title by almost seven seconds. Canada’s Roni Remme finished third behind Shiffrin and Lapanja.  

“I was going for it today,” Shiffrin said. “If feel like if you’re going to race, you need to go as fast as you can. It’s a nice springtime environment. I love the sun. I love this kind of snow, so it’s more relaxing in a sense, but when I got in the starting gate, my heart was beating in my chest.”

Up next, is the men’s giant slalom Saturday and women’s giant slalom Sunday.

“The hill is so awesome, so fun. But, I’m itching to see the GS,” Shiffrin said. “I'm waiting for Sunday to roll around now.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• David Chodounsky won his fourth career U.S. national slalom title.
• Mikaela Shiffrin won her fourth career U.S. national slalom title.
• Jake Keane (Vail, CO) won the junior men’s slalom title.
• Mikaela Shiffrin was also the top-place junior in the women’s race.

QUOTES

David Chodounsky

This has been my best season, hands down. I just felt really good today, skiing really well and I’m just so comfortable skiing right now. To get this at the end of the season is awesome. 

Robby Kelly

I think Dave skis faster than anybody else in the world right now. It’s awesome just to watch that. 

I thought first run I skied pretty well, a little safe. Second run I got tossed out up top, then I kind of backed off the rest of the way, which really didn’t matter because if I skied out of my mind, I wouldn’t have been able to catch Dave. 

Mike Ankeny

It was a great event. The snow was really aggressive, so it was easy to overturn the first run, but it held up great. 

Mikaela Shiffrin

I was going for it today. If fell like if you’re going to race, you need to go as fast as you can. It’s a nice springtime environment. I love the sun. I love this kind of snow, so it’s more relaxing in a sense, but when I got in the starting gate, my heart was beating in my chest. 

The hill is so awesome, so fun. But, I’m itching to see the GS. Waiting for Sunday to roll around now.

Lila Lapanja

I need to congratulate Mikaela for showing the world where she stands. It really fires me up because I have something to chase and I have some work to do, but I’m excited about it.  

I was really disappointed first run. I’ve been kind of tight the past couple weeks and I just wanted to let go second run a little bit - ski freely and remember why I love skiing slalom. So I just brought an attacking mentality to the second run and that tapped me into my best skiing.

The GS is going to be awesome. I skied spring series here two years ago and had my career-best result. I love this pitch and it’s just going to require the same mentality as I took in the second run of slalom. So when I tap into that, I’ll be fast.

RESULTS

Men’s slalom

Women’s slalom

SUN VALLEY, ID (March 26, 2016) – Kieffer Christianson (Anchorage, AK - U.S. Ski Team) battled a crazy course set to come away with his first giant slalom national title Saturday at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships.

After posting DNFs in Thursday’s super G and Friday’s slalom, Christianson, who has struggled with not finishing this season in NorAm and World Cup races, opted for a change in tactics.

Kieffer Christianson attacks the GS course at Sun Valley. (USSA)

“I pretty much just adopted a whole new approach today,” Christianson said. “It’s still just a course that you have to go and ski. So I put my effort in just freeskiing, and then let the rest take care of itself. I DNFed the past few races, then today I had a lot of fun warming up. I just had a really fun time skiing the course. It was awesome to finally put it together.”

Christianson won the first run, and then added to his .83 margin of victory in the second to grab the GS title. Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT - U.S. Ski Team) was second, followed by Canadian Erik Read in third.

The skiers had to battle a crazy and fun course set - complete with six delays - with grippy snow on the top section and slick conditions at the bottom. But Christianson was positive throughout the day and was excited about the course. "I'm used to seeing the same thing over and over," he said. "So this is really cool."

Drew Duffy (Warren, VT - U.S. Ski Team) snagged the junior title, while River Radamus (Edwards, CO - U.S. Ski Team), who won three gold medals last month at the Youth Olympic Games, was second among the juniors after finishing 12th. Earlier in the week, Radamus and Duffy switched places, with Radamus winning the alpine combined junior title and Duffy taking second.

Drew Duffy won the juniors title, with River Radamus second and Alex Leever third. (USSA)

Up next, the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships wrap up Sunday with the women’s giant slalom.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kieffer Christianson won his first U.S. national GS title Saturday.
• Drew Duffy won the junior title following his ninth place finish.
• The Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships wrap up Sunday with the women’s giant slalom.

QUOTES

Kieffer Christianson

I pretty much just adopted a whole new approach today. It’s still just a course that you have to go and ski. So I put my effort in just freeskiing and then let the rest take care of itself. I DNFed the past few races, then today I had a lot of fun warming up. I just had a really fun time skiing the course. It was awesome to finally put it together. 

They are doing a great job here. Great energy and really fun, something that you don’t see very often in the U.S – ski racing has a lot of energy in Europe – but in the U.S. it’s more of a pain to have one run closed off to have a race. So it’s really cool to be here.

Ryan Cochran-Siegle skis to second place. (USSA)

Ryan Cochran-Siegle

I’m happy to be on the podium today. Looking back on the year, I put a lot of focus on GS. Earlier on, I kind of struggled with it, I had some good results, but I felt that they were more lucky than just my skiing. Thin I hit a switch between the World Cups in Kranjska Gora and figured something out. Ever since that first run, I gained a lot of confidence and have been rolling with it since then.

This is the toughest venue I have ever raced for nationals. It’s steep the whole way. You have to fight the whole way. This is probably the closest venue I’ve raced to a World Cup venue all year.

RESULTS

Men’s giant slalom
 

From local ski hills to the PyeongChang Olympics, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) encompasses all athletes that share a passion for skiing and snowboarding. We explore what makes each skier and rider a champion with stories from the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing, next to kids winning a NASTAR medal, landing their first cork 7 or joining a club team. Alongside USSA’s mascot Champ, take a look at how all of these athletes strive to be Best in the World.

As we continue to explore what makes USSA athletes champions, we’re learning more than we ever expected. To be a champion is holistic – it goes beyond the medals and the titles. It’s someone with great character and an undying belief in themselves; it’s someone who loves their sport with an unmatched passion. We are honored to share these stories with you. In this installation, Alpine Press Officer Megan Harrod sits down with Resi Stiegler to discuss #WhatMakesAChamp.

A 14-year veteran of the U.S. Ski Team, Resi Stiegler (Jackson, WY) has always danced by the beat of a different drummer. Like a wild horse, she’s visually stunning, fierce and free. She’s grown through the ranks alongside current teammates like Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO), Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) and – more recently – Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO). With a one-of-a-kind vibrant spirit and a heart of gold, Stiegler has certainly not hidden in the shadows. In fact, she shines through. Brightly.

Stiegler says that upon joining the U.S. Ski Team, she was inspired by former teammate Sarah Schleper, who now skis for Team Mexico. “Sarah Schleper was a big (skiing idol) for me,” Stiegler said. “She loves skiing the way I do. She was a fierce competitor, and I loved that to see the fire in her eye.”

Coined “La Tigre” in her early days, in her first race on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit – and much to the organizer’s chagrin – Stiegler donned tiger ears attached to her helmet. For her, this act was more than just a fashion statement. It was a statement about being different and finding comfort in being uniquely and undeniably yourself…and having fun while doing it. That statement has carried Stiegler through her career, and it’s a message she loves to share with fans.

“I find everything to be fun,” Stiegler says with a wide smile and a laugh. “I’m not as competitive with others, so I can really enjoy where I am in the moment. Be present. Results affect me less than just having a good time. Of course I want to win every time I go out there, and I work hard to be the best, but I can also appreciate what a crazy, amazing life we are living.”

Stiegler crushes the slalom at World Cup Finals in St. Moritz, proving once again that she belongs among the top 15 in the world. (Getty Images)

Perhaps the best example of Stiegler’s mental grit and undying spirit has emerged over the last two seasons. After being on the team for 13 years, two-time Olympian Stiegler didn’t make criteria for the 2015 season. A slalom specialist, she fought back to the top 25 in the world to make “A” team criteria for 2016, though sustaining a knee injury prior to the Flachau night race.

Diving into a return-to-snow program with coach Bernd Brunner and teammates Thomas Biesemeyer (Keene, New York), Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT) and Erik Arvidsson (Woodside, CA), fittingly dubbed “#teamresitommyryanANDerik,” Stiegler found comfort in a new family, and inspiration to fight. She battled back to what ended up being the best comeback season of her career, grabbing seven top-15 finishes, two top-10 finishes and was ranked 13th in the world in slalom.

 

We started out together. Slowly and with precision. We were into details and working harder. We wanted something. We were on a mission. We cried we laughed we hated we loved. We had eachothers' back. I could call them whenever I wanted and they knew what I was talking about how I felt and put things in perspective. Goals and dreams combined to create us. I am soooooo incredibly proud of you boys. It was a very fun year and so exciting to watch and cheer and have you as friends. You are my family. My team. #teamresitommyryanANDerik

A photo posted by Resi Stiegler (@resistiegler) on

Mar 31, 2016 at 12:28pm PDT

Stiegler shares her thoughts on the importance of #teamresitommyryanANDerik in her comeback season.

Under the counsel of Brunner, who knows all to well what it’s like to fight through injuries and rehab back in his skiing days, Stiegler’s tribe built each other up and propelled each other forward. By the end of this season, this group would go on to collectively snag top-15 finishes in the World Cup, NorAm titles, a Junior Worlds downhill gold medal and numerous podiums at U.S. Alpine Championships.

Stiegler also worked closely this season with another genuine soul: coach Karin Harjo, who became the first woman in World Cup history to set a slalom course. Harjo created something special for Stiegler: a supportive environment where Stiegler could be herself and excel. And excel she did.

Next time you’re watching a World Cup race, keep a close eye on Stiegler in the finish. Whether in eighth or 25th, Stiegler comes through the finish and greets the crowd with a smile, throwing her arms up the air in celebration and laughing contagiously. The reaction? The crowd goes wild. This simple, pure act of joy is an example for all – whether it be her teammates or young competitors – to find joy in what you do for a living and share that joy with everyone around you.

Resi celebrates in the finish at the Aspen Winternational.

We sat down with Resi to discuss what she believes defines a champion.

U.S. SKI TEAM: In your words, what makes a champion?

RESI STIEGLER: I would say there are so many different types of champions – I think it’s a lot of things, but it’s really cool to see good sportsmanship and someone who inspires others – not just a few people – but who really shows the world something magical. Golds and globes are a bonus in my book. I think being a team player and leader makes a champion! To be something powerful that people look up to is a champion. To shine and sparkle. There are a lot of aspects to being a champion.

U.S. SKI TEAM: Do you remember the first time you felt like a champion?

RS: I felt like champion at Intermountain Division Championships. I felt like a star – and that put the taste in my mouth of always wanting to be on the podium and get trophies. From then on, it was always wanting more, and wanting to be better!

U.S. SKI TEAM: What is the biggest piece of advice you have for aspiring kids who want to be sitting where you are today?

RS: Love what you do and WORK HARD, but make sure it’s what you want. No one else can carry you through life. There is more to life after skiing, and it’s important to find yourself and what kind of person you want to be. Go out, explore and find it out…and live your life to the fullest!

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Now, we want to hear your answers! Tell us what makes you a champion on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and include #WhatMakesAChamp.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s March was one for the ages. After suffering a knee injury in December, Shiffrin came back to the World Cup tour with a vengeance, winning the Jasna World Cup slalom, the World Cup finals slalom in St. Moritz and two national titles—one in slalom and one in GS. And all of her wins were by a combined 11.85 seconds. Whoa.

It wasn’t only the ski racing community that noticed Shiffrin’s remarkable comeback. Team USA nominated her for their ‘Best of March’ award.

Help Shiffrin get this prestigious award by voting for her here before 7 p.m. ET on April 6.

READ MORE ABOUT SHIFFRIN'S REMARKABLE 2015-16 SEASON.

With her second season in the books, U.S. Ski Team alpine press officer Megan Harrod takes some time to sit down and look back on the 2015-16 season.

Last year I recall sitting in the Center of Excellence in Park City with the sun shining on my face as I wrote the 2014-2015 season recap. It was a stunning first season to be a part of something special – from Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) becoming the winningest female in alpine ski racing history to Ted Ligety (Park City, UT) and Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) defending their World Championship titles on home soil at Vail/Beaver Creek. It’s no surprise that this season was different. It was full of highs and lows and everything in between. Let's talk about it, shall we?!

The dynamic duo of speed queen Vonn and slalom queen Shiffrin led the way in a strong, though injury-marred season for the U.S. Ski Team, where many of the stars were noticeably missing. Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) opted to sit the season out, while Vonn, Shiffrin, Ligety and Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) all took turns on the sidelines, battling injuries. However, the season was full of shining star moments as well, which is the reason why we’re here today after all. Grab a coffee (or beer) and join me as I reflect on the most memorable moments of the 2015-16 season.

Bennett reacts after seeing his sixth-place time on the scoreboard at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Men's downhill on December 19, 2015 in Val Gardena, Italy. (Getty Images-Agence Zoom-Francis Bompard)

Bryce Bennett’s surprise sixth place at Val Gardena
I’m often asked what my favorite moment of the season was and it was, without a doubt, Bryce Bennett’s (Squaw Valley, CA) reaction when he finished sixth from bib 57 in the classic Val Gardena downhill on the Saslong. No one expected it. Not even the big man himself. That moment when Bennett came through the finish line and looked at the timer in utter disbelief will go down in U.S. ski racing history as one of the most authentic finish area reactions.

Ted Ligety, Marcel Hirscher of Austria and Andrew Weibrecht spray champagne on the podium after the Birds of Prey super G on December 5, 2015 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. (Getty Images-Ezra Shaw)

Five guys in the top 30 at Birds of Prey super G
December 5, 2015: It was a historical day at Beaver Creek for the Americans, with four in the top 11 and five in the top 30. Before December 5, only one American—Bode Miller—had podiumed in Super G at Birds of Prey. That was in 2004, and he snagged second. But on this day with a shortened super G course due to weather, Ted Ligety took second place and Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, NY) grabbed his first World Cup podium with a third place finish. Add to that Travis Ganong’s (Squaw Valley, CA) sixth place, Tommy Biesemeyer’s (Keene, NY) astounding 11th place comeback finish and Tommy Ford (Bend, OR) in 28th and – VOILA!– history made.

Resi Stiegler exhibits her classic finish area celebration after her second run of the women's slalom in Flachau, on January 12, 2016. (Getty Images-Barbara Gindl)

Resi Stiegler shines with best comeback season of her career
After sustaining a knee injury prior to Flachau’s night race in 2015, Resi Stiegler (Jackson, WY) battled back to what ended up being the best comeback season of her career, grabbing seven top-15 finishes and two top-10 finishes – proving to everyone that she belongs among the world’s 15 fastest skiers in the world, ranked 13th. Read more about what sets Stiegler apart in our recent What Makes a Champ feature.

Marco Sullivan makes history with his 105th downhill start in Kvitfjell, and the next day after his super G run is greeted by teammates in the finish to celebrate his retirement.

Marco Sullivan pushes out of the start for the 105th time in downhill, then retires
Sullivan didn’t plan for it to be that day, but in Kvitfjell he pushed out of the start for the 105th time – more than any American Downhiller in history (Bode Miller had 104) – and decided it was the right time to move on. The next day, during the super G, his teammates met him in the finish with champagne and the American Downhiller vest to appropriately celebrate his 15-year career on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup circuit. He capped off his season with a grand finale, when he donned lederhosen at U.S. Alpine Championships in Sun Valley. I’ll tell you this much: Marco will always rock, and he will be deeply missed. #MarcoRocks

Andrew Weibrecht celebrates after his super G run on January 22, 2016 in Kitzbuehel, Austria. (Getty Images-Alexis Boichard)

Andrew Weibrecht grabs second at the Kitzbuehel SG and honors fallen legend Bill Johnson
To win Kitzbuehel is a dream, but for Andrew Weibrecht, podiuming was just as sweet, and so were his sentiments after placing second when he dedicated his performance to 1994 Olympic Downhill Champion Bill Johnson, who passed away just one day earlier. “(Bill) really jump started American downhill racing,” said Weibrecht. “In 1984 when Bill came and put down that fantastic run in Sarajevo, he really revitalized the sport and paved the way for guys like Tommy Moe, AJ Kitt, and Kyle Rasmussen…and those guys paved the way for our generation. It’s really important to recognize where we have come from as a country in this sport, and Bill was a big part of that.”

Mikaela Shiffrin competes during the World Cup slalom on March 19, 2016 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. (Getty Images-Alexis Boichard)

Mikaela Shiffrin wins every slalom she enters, by a combined time of 10.56 seconds
For the first time in her young career, a knee injury sustained prior to the third slalom of the season in Are, Sweden, forced Shiffrin to miss eight weeks of competition, including six of the 11 World Cup slalom races this season. However, what’s still mind-blowing is that she won all five World Cup slalom races she competed in this season, with a combined winning time of 10.56 seconds – a 2.11 second average margin of victory! When asked if she knows what she’s doing to win races by two seconds or more, she replied with a short answer and a giggle, not giving anything away: “Yeah.”

Lila Lapanja shows how fierce she can be in a slalom at the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational earlier this season (Getty Images-Doug Pensinger)

Lila Lapanja sparkles in slalom with first career World Cup points
It took Shiffrin four races to score World Cup points. It took Vonn 12 races. But in her comeback season, Lila Lapanja (Incline Village, NV) scored in just her third World Cup start. Impressive, right? On that magical night, the stage was set for the ladies to sparkle...and sparkle they did. Lapanja shined bright, coming from bib 37 to land in 23rd under the lights in Flachau, where all three of the American women – including teammates Resi Stiegler and Paula Moltzan (Lakeville, MN) finished in the points. In Crans Montana, Lapanja was en route to another solid finish before skiing out...but her performance this season, complete with a NorAm slalom title, has given her some major confidence for the next. Promising things from this one for years to come!

Stacey Cook performs what she calls a "moonie" and lands in the powder with a huge smile on her face. (USSA)

Powder skiing with the Speed Unicorns
With an intense World Cup training and race schedule, it's not often the athletes get an opportunity to just ski for pure enjoyment and fun. But one of the most unique things about our team – both the women and men – is that when they get the opportunity, they embrace it whole-heartedly. After more than 20 inches of fresh snow in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, the downhill was canceled. Though they were bummed, Lindsey Vonn, Laurenne Ross (Bend, OR), Stacey Cook (Mammoth Lakes, CA), Alice McKennis (New Castle, CO) and Jackie Wiles (Aurora, OR) happily opted for freshies and face shots. In this case it was all about friends on powder days as the team took pow laps. Like I always say, when they're not skiing, they're skiing. The Americans' true love for the sport of skiing especially shines through on a powder day.

Steven Nyman flies through the air during downhill training in St Moritz, Switzerland. (Getty Images-Matthias Hangst)

Steven Nyman goes down in American Downhiller history
It was a slower start to the season for Steven Nyman (Sundance, UT), but boy oh boy, when he got in his groove did he absolutely #NAMASLAY or what?! It all began with Jeongseon, who played host to the first Olympic official test event for PyeongChang 2018. Not only did the event exceed all American Downhiller expectations, but Nyman sent a very clear message to everyone that he has a reason to come back in 2018, finishing third in the downhill. From there, he just rolled right on: Chamonix second, Kvitfjell third and St. Moritz second. Four straight podiums. You know what that means, folks? It means he goes down in history as the first ever American Downhiller to do that.

The men's speed team coaches and Marco Sullivan goof off and go skiing.

Off-hill shenanigans with the American Downhillers and U.S. Tech Nerds
Soccer and wiffleball games in Soelden. Off-piste skiing at Les Grands Montets in Chamonix. Pie in the face, a korean BBQ and karaoke in Seoul for Nyman's birthday. Countless dodgeball and volleyball games at the gym across from the hotel in Kitzbuehel. A visit to Montafon in Austria for the traditional tower burning – their version of Groundhog Day – to ring in the warmer months. The U.S. men continue the tradition of their tight-knit family feel – a special vibe fostered by Head Men's Coach Sasha Rearick and embraced by his entire coaching staff. Rearick believes the key differentiatior and the magic is, in part, due to the fact that the entire assistant coaching staff is American and understands that functioning as a family is vital to their success. It's all about team unity for this crew. From Assistant Coach Pete Anderson's calm and calculated demeanor and Justin Johnson's pure authenticity and love for his athletes, to Chris Beckmann's undying energy and Scotty Veenis' genuine smile and good vibes...these guys have got it going on and know how to keep their crew close and motivated.

In the most consistent season of her career, Laurenne Ross smiles wide on the podium after the super G in Soldeu, Andorra. (Getty Images-Alexis Boichard)

Laurenne Ross’ steady and beautiful climb to the podium
Ross made a big leap this season. Not only did she battle her way back to the podium for the first time since 2013 with a second place finish in rough weather conditions at Soldeu-El Tarter, Andorra, but she was also more consistent than she’s ever been. Prior to her Soldeu podium, Ross was on a roll with five straight top-10 finishes. She’d go on to end the season with an impressive nine top-10 finishes. What’s more? More than half of her total top 10s came this season. In her career, she’s snagged 18 top 10 finishes. Whoa. Get that podium warm for the 2017 season!

David "Daver" Chodounsky slays in St. Moritz. (Getty Images/Agence Zoom-Alexis Boichard)

David Chodounsky earns himself "top 15 in the world" status
Not only did David Chodounsky (Crested Butte, CO) taste his career-best finish at Val d’Isere, France in the slalom with fourth place, but he also finished the season among the best slalom skiers in the world. For those of you who follow the circuit closely, you know that the depth of the men's slalom field is impressive to say the least. In the end, Chodounsky posted seven top-20 results in the season. That consistency in slalom is something for "Daver" to be stoked about, along with glimpses of brilliance in giant slalom with a 16th place finish at Birds of Prey in December. Watch out, 2016-17. Big things to come from this guy!

Lindsey Vonn poses with the downhill crystal globe – her eighth in the discipline and record 20th Globe – in St Moritz, Switzerland. (Getty Images-Matthias Hangst)

Lindsey Vonn continues to break her own records
It all began with her “Lake Lindsey” podium sweep in Lake Louise and rolled on from there. Prior to her season-ending injury in Andorra, Vonn continued her streak of record-breaking, smashing the record for most World Cup downhill wins in Cortina, with her 37th victory. Even after calling the season due to injury, she would go on to clinch the downhill globe – her eighth in the discipline and her 20th career globe – surpassing Ingemar Stenmark’s previous record of 19. She also finished the season with 76 career victories – just 10 shy of Stenmark’s record 86 victories. Speed queen, indeed.

Radamus smiles with one of his three gold medals at Hafjell. (YIS-IOC).

River runs gold with YOG hat trick
All eyes turned to the freshly turned 18-year-old River Radamus (Edwards, CO) when he grabbed the hat trick at the Winter Youth Olympic Games, winning three straight gold medals in super G, giant slalom and alpine combined. Radamus became the first skier or snowboarder in history to win three individual gold medals. His finish area celebration was just as gold medal-worthy.

Erik Arvidsson shares the podium with his teammates as they celebrate four in the top 10 on downhill day in Sochi.

Arvidsson leads four into the top 10 at Sochi
The next generation of American Downhillers looks promising, as Erik Arvidsson (Woodside, CA) led a historic four Americans into the top 10 at Junior Worlds in the downhill. Arvidsson is a unique spirit; he understands the importance of team, and was quick to note the win was a team effort. Sam Morse (Sugarloaf, ME) took fourth with Florian Szwebel (Avon, CO, National Training Group) seventh and Drew Duffy (Warren, VT) in 10th. I think the obvious question remains: When does Arvidsson get the vest, Nyman?!

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It was another action-packed season, complete with dance moves and lots of laughs by the press officer in the finish area. There’s so much more to look forward to in the 2016-17 season, including a long list of domestic World Cups, featuring a Killington women’s GS and slalom, Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek, a potential women’s GS and slalom at Squaw Valley and World Cup Finals at Aspen. Add to that World Championships at St. Moritz and women’s Olympic speed test events at Jeongseon and we’ve got quite the season ahead of us. Buckle up, folks…PyeongChang 2018 will be here before you know it.

Total season results count:

• One World Cup title (Vonn, downhill)
• 29 World Cup podiums
• 15 wins (Vonn 9, Shiffrin 5, Ligety 1)
• Eight second-place finishes (Vonn 2, Nyman 2, Ligety 1, Ross 1, Shiffrin 1, Weibrecht 1)
• Six third-place finishes (Vonn 2, Nyman 2, Ganong 1, Weibrecht 1)
• One Junior Worlds gold (Arvidsson)
• Three Winter Youth Olympic Games gold medals (Radamus).

Like a Ping-Pong ball throughout Europe, Megan travels with the men and women’s alpine teams throughout the season. If you’d like to be added to her daily World Cup notes distribution list (she sends a preview email every race day morning), please send her an email at mharrod@ussa.org.

Standing at the top of Aztec, you see the town of Aspen below – an awe-inspiring sight. Close your eyes and you can visualize Olympic champion Bill Johnson charging off Ruthie’s at nearly 70 mph, laying down the edge of his right ski just feet from the safety fence – hands in front of his face in an aerodynamic tuck - arcing across the face of Aztec then pointing his Atomics down into the fall line heading for Spring Pitch.

Last Saturday, hundreds of Bill Johnson’s family, friends and fans gathered at the start atop Ruthie’s Run to ski down the course that many say galvanized his position as a truly great downhill ski racer when he won there on March 4, 1984.

Johnson had claimed the Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland that January and was coming off wins in the Olympic downhill at Sarajevo and U.S. Championships in Copper Mountain. Thousands lined the course in Aspen to see the Olympic champion in a race delayed by a day with over a foot of new snow.

“Wait until he gets to Aspen,” said the naysayers, convinced that Johnson was simply a lucky glider. The world knew Johnson for his finish line bravado. They didn’t know the brilliant athlete who had carefully prepared for that day in Aspen.

“He was calm and confident at the start,” said Atomic serviceman Blake Lewis.

“When we woke up that morning, he told me to find a place for the victory party,” laughed former roommate Barry Thys.

While the Olympic downhill in Sarajevo favored gliders, Aspen’s downhill was known for its technical turns. It starts with undulating terrain across the top flats on Ruthie’s where gliding skills and well-prepared skis are vital. But then it drops precipitously down Aztec into Spring Pitch and onto Strawpile where it’s all in the hands of the pilot.

Johnson ran 19th that day – outside of top 15 first seed. In the finish, Austrians Helmut Hoeflehner and Anton Steiner shared the lead at one minute, 49.85 seconds. The Olympic champion clicked into his Tyrolia bindings, then held each ski up for a final wipe by Lewis. The team’s physical therapist Topper Hagerman gave him a quick rub down to warm up his thighs. The clock beeped down and Johnson was on course.

He was quick to get into his tuck, looking for every hundredth of a second down the rolls of Ruthie’s Run. As he flew by the interval time at the top of Aztec, he was .07 behind the leaders. The gliding was over. Now it was time to turn on the technical skills.

Johnson knifed through Aztec carrying top speed into the high banks of the Airplane Turn through Spring Pitch. He was gaining time in the very section of the course his adversaries expected him to fail. Sweeping off Summer Road and down into Strawpile, Norway Island and the finish area were coming into sight.

It was all a blur to Johnson as the Aspen fans erupted. This was what they had come to see – bad boy Billy Johnson had beaten the Austrians at their own game by a full quarter second on one of the White Circus’ toughest race courses.

The ever-gracious Austrian, Steiner was one of the first to congratulate him. “It's good for all ski racers to have Americans win,” he said. “It makes it more interesting when someone other than the Swiss or Austrians are winning.”

A huge crowd stands atop Ruthie’s Run for the celebration of Bill Johnson's life. (USSA-Tom Kelly)

As skiers gathered at a makeshift finish line marked by American and U.S. Ski Team flags last Saturday, menacing storm clouds darkened the Aspen sky. Almost if on cue, a lightning bolt and thunderclap rang out.

Once again, Bill Johnson got the last laugh.

While friends shared war stories about the glory year of 1984, Johnson’s sons Nick and Tyler understood for the first time what a hero their father had been to a nation of skiers. Love him or not, they saw the respect and admiration his teammates shared for the man who they called their dad and would play cribbage with them hours on end, but who they never knew as a ski racer.

“I had great years with my dad,” said Tyler. “He really raised me and my brother as best he could. We all make choices. His choices have led me to becoming a better man. Seeing everybody today and learning how my dad was truly loved is really awesome.”

“He was one of my heroes and always will be,” said Thys.

Raising a toast to his father: “As my dad used to say, cheers to the next drink, everyone. Second place is open.”

KVITFJELL, Norway (April 13, 2016) – Resorts are closing, racers are putting summer wax on their skis and bikes are emerging into the warming weather, but the U.S. Ski Team isn’t done with winter yet.

Sun Valley’s U.S. Alpine Championships weren’t the end of the season for the World Cup and Europa Cup guys, who have landed in Norway for a spring camp. And not only are they training on a great track, they’ll be training with the talented Norwegian ski team.

 

25 runs on the 1st day of Norway camp! @jacuzzi.europe @usskiteam @bolle_eyewear

A photo posted by Tim Jitloff (@timjitloff) on

Apr 11, 2016 at 2:53am PDT

“Last summer, we partnered with the Norwegians for a couple of reasons,” shared Head Men’s Coach Sasha Rearick. “We split resources in speed events—video positions, course reports—and share training venues. But more so, the guys feed off of each other. It increases training quality to have a sparring partner like that.”

This means that American World Cup stars like Steven Nyman (Sundance, UT) and Tim Jitloff (Reno, NV) are training with podium frequenters Kjetil Jansrud, Henrik Kristoffersen and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

“The Norwegians are clearly the fastest guys right now,” said Rearick. “It’s helping to train with them in that we know we’re going the right way in our direction. It gives us confidence.”

 

Living the Norwegian dream. Going downhill in the morning and uphill in the afternoon @steven_nyman @tiituromar @kvitfjellalpinanlegg @usskiteam

A photo posted by Tommy Biesemeyer (@tcbiesemeyer) on

Apr 12, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

New skis are also out at this camp, with all athletes testing shiny new equipment from their sponsors. This is the time to dial it all in, so they’re ready for summer training and the impending World Cup season. Also important at this camp? Fundamental skills. The guys are still at race-level fitness, meaning they can add intensity to their already honed timing and rhythm.

 

Brown cheese, potatoes and salmon are the fuel. The skis sound different, visibility changes: left, right. #lekiusa #HEAD #waxedbywend #whatsyourlimit #fromthecore #REPBend #GoPro

A photo posted by tommyford (@tommyford) on

Apr 13, 2016 at 5:01am PDT

Plus, many of the guys are working on expanding their second and third events. So keep an eye on your favorite athletes’ social media to see which speed skiers are skiing tech courses and if any slalom skiers are ripping super G runs.

For the last 11 years, the U.S. Ski Team has dominated Arctic Man. Names like Scott Macartney (Kirkland, WA) and Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) have snatched the title year after year, refusing to let the bragging rights and cash prize go to mere non-national team mortals. This year, after days of delays, four-time Olympian Daron Rahlves (Sugar Bowl, CA) and pro snowmobiler Levi LaVallee—a dominant rider in X Games Snocross and Freestyle events— snagged the top prize for the first time at the 2016 Arctic Man.

Started as a bar bet by Howard Thies when he was 35 years old, Arctic Man is an exhilarating combination of snowmobiling and skiing. The skier kicks out of the start gate to instantly descend 1,700 vertical feet in about a mile and a half before grabbing the tow rope of his partner’s in-motion snowmobile in a ravine called the Hookup to ascend 2.2 miles up another mountain. At the top, the snowmobile slingshots the skier, who then tucks—going over 90 mph—the last 1,200 feet descent to the finish. The fastest racer to the finish line wins.

“It was sketchy up there!” said Rahlves. “But it was redemption for Levi and me. In 2014, we blew up our sled at the top of the canyon. And this year we started off with problems, but it worked out and came together for race day.”

This year, Rahlves and LeVallee were unbeatable, finishing the 5.5 mile course in 4 minutes, 2.8 seconds. But it wasn’t an easy win. Their snowmobile had issues and it took two days to get parts to the remote camp where the Arctic Man competitors were living. “I was just sitting there watching racers take laps and practicing. It was frustrating,” said Rahlves, whose competitive fire honed during 12 years on the World Cup is clearly still burning. “You want to go up there and have fun on the track.”

But like ski racing, it all comes down to race day. “You can have a horrible training day and then go out and execute,” laughed Rahlves. “And that’s what I did.”

Weather and luck also worked out for Rahlves. Women’s snowboarding and skiing got off on Thursday, along with 11 male skiers before the race was postponed. Snow and clouds rolled in, sending athletes down the track at 90 mph with no idea where they were going. “It was really bad visibility—all white and bad light,” said Rahlves. “You couldn’t see the snow banks on the side of the track, so people were crashing everywhere.”

After two days, the men were finally able to race. Wearing bib 23, Rahlves pushed out of the gate. There was fresh snow, but the 22 guys in front of him helped smooth out the track, making the snow faster. Expecting to be beaten by the guys that weigh in at 200-plus pounds, the downhiller pushed the skis and knew he could make it up on the snowmobile pull—since leaving the World Cup, Rahlves had dropped to only around 170 pounds, giving him the advantage on the uphill portion. He grabbed the tow rope and flew up the mountain before dropping into the last skiing leg of the race—over a mile in a tuck, battling burning legs and heavy breathing. He came through the finish and…yes. That was the run he was looking for. He had won all three splits.

It was a big win for Rahlves, taking home $61,000—the biggest purse in Arctic Man history. Last year’s race had been canceled due to weather, so the money rolled over into an extra lucrative prize.

Men's skiing winners Daron Rahlves and Levi LeVallee (right) stand with the men's snowboarding winners Jayson Hale and Tyson Johnson (left). (Jayson Hale)

“There’s no other race in the world like Arctic Man,” said Rahlves. “There’s a kind of romance with it. It’s unique, one of a kind—a bucket list event.”

Amongst Rahlves’s competitors was Marco Sullivan, who recently joined Rahlves in retiring from the U.S. Ski Team. Sullivan and his snowmobiling partner Tyler Aklestad still hold the fastest time set on the track, 3 minutes and 52.7 seconds in 2013 and has won Arctic Man five times, the last four years in a row. Many other former U.S. Ski Team members have participated over the years, including Scott Macartney, current U.S. Ski Team coach Chris Beckmann, Steven Nyman, Erik Fisher and Wiley Maple.

“When we started this, there were 10 teams and 60 people,” said race director and founder Howard Thies. “Now there are 55 teams, 15,000 people watching and 30 percent of the racers are Olympians. Not bad for a bar bet.”

RECENT ARCTIC MAN WINNERS
2016: Daron Rahlves
2014: Marco Sullivan
2013: Marco Sullivan
2012: Marco Sullivan
2011: Marco Sullivan
2010: Scott Macartney
2009: Eric Heil
2008: Marco Sullivan
2007: Scott Macartney
2006: Scott Macartney
2005: Eric Heil
2004: Petr Kakes
2003: Sacha Gros
2002: Sacha Gros

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After a tough beginning of the 2015-16 season, Steven Nyman attacked the second half with force and power—snagging four podiums in the last four downhills. But while he’s a big guy with a killer skiing resume, he’s a grounded, personable character with a drive to take home a downhill globe next season.

Dave Brennan of Powder sat down with Nyman to talk with him about the sacrifices he’s had to make, ski racing’s public perception, his future and more. Read the powerful interview here.

Powder: Chasing Gravity and a Globe