PARK CITY, Utah (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today the expansion of its partnership with Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) to become the official Team Naming Partner of all of the ski teams under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard brand. In addition to their title sponsorship of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, which was established in October 2022, the global wealth management and investment banking firm will now be the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team.

The naming rights of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team are effective immediately until April 2026. Stifel will also become an associate sponsor of the freeski and snowboard Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Mammoth and Copper, the cross country Loppet Cup in Minneapolis and the Intermountain Freestyle International at Deer Valley.  Each of these events will fall under the banner of the “Stifel U.S. Ski Series.” 

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Stifel across all of our ski teams,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel has been a fantastic partner of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team this season, providing opportunities from the developmental level to the World Cup level. As we move forward, Stifel will continue to support the alpine team, and now will also support the freestyle, freeski and cross country teams. Partnerships of this level are crucial to the overall success of our programs and initiatives. We look forward to shaping the future of our ski sports with Stifel on our side.” 

For over 130 years, Stifel has been a firm that recognizes up-and-coming successes, and helps others pursue their own version of success. By lowering financial obstacles for these talented athletes, there will be more possibilities for success on and off the snow. The freestyle, cross country and freeski programs will all be receiving more fiscal support, increasing the budget of each team to be put towards all aspects of the sport, including events, waxing, coaching support, travel and more. Stifel believes this partnership is the epitome of success meeting success.

“I’m so excited to have Stifel come on board and support all of the ski teams under U.S. Ski & Snowboard,” said Jessie Diggins, a three-time Olympic medalist and most decorated American cross country skier in history. “As an athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, the additional funding will be an enormous lift for our sport across all levels—all the way from the development level to the World Cup level. This type of funding is pivotal for the success of our sport on the national and international level.”

“Having Stifel join forces with U.S. Ski and Snowboard in supporting all disciplines is really exciting news!” said Olympic silver medalist moguls skier Jaelin Kauf. “On an international level, Stifel’s support will allow us to have the staff and support we need to continue our success and build for the 2026 Olympics. I am very excited about what’s ahead for our sport and how this can help grow the development level of mogul skiing.”

"It’s super awesome news that Stifel will be jumping on board with all the ski teams," said Olympic gold medalist freeski athlete Alex Hall. "The extra funding will allow athletes to further push themselves and I can’t wait to see what our teams will be able to achieve with the extra support."

“This partnership is very important to us, as we see a lot of parallels between our two organizations. As a firm where ‘success meets success,’ Stifel prides itself on hiring top talent, investing in and developing that talent, and then promoting that talent from within. In many regards, U.S. Ski & Snowboard takes a similar approach to building its roster of world-class athletes, and we couldn’t be more pleased to further align our brand with theirs,” said Stifel Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski. “We are very excited to expand our partnership across every ski team and their specific disciplines. We hope our increased support will help these tremendous athletes continue on their path to becoming the best in the world.”

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About Stifel

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to the fully-funded elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard
Courtney Harkins
Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]

Stifel

Neil Shapiro
Head of Corporate Communications
[email protected] 

MARCH 28, 2023 (PARK CITY, UT) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard and its official mobility partner Toyota have announced that U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s fleet of cars is now entirely hybrid. 

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to taking actionable steps forward to ensure that our teams have a future in winter sports,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Switching to hybrid vehicles for our entire organization is an important step in the right direction. Toyota is an invaluable partner to us, and we thank them for helping us make this important move toward sustainability.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and teams are often on the move, transporting athletes and gear around the world. Toyota’s hybrid vehicles will not only reduce the cost of fuel for the organization, but also decrease the amount of emissions released and benefit the environment that these sports so depend on to compete.

As a leading mobility company in the sustainability movement, Toyota pioneered electrified vehicles and has placed more than 22 million electrified models on the road, more than all other automakers combined. Toyota plans to have an electrified option available for every model globally before the next Olympic Winter Games in 2026.

“I want to first thank Toyota for being such a great partner to work with through the years,” said Tom Horrocks, Director, Commercial Partnerships at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “We would also like to thank Mark Miller Toyota in Salt Lake City, Utah for being an outstanding dealership to work with. The hub of where our athletes live and train in Park City is just 25 miles east of Mark Miller, making this not only a smooth transition, but Mark Miller’s service department keep our Toyota fleet running smooth.”

In addition to the Toyota fleet, Toyota supports the patch program on the alpine, cross country and freestyle team’s Kappa uniforms, and is the title sponsor of the freeski and snowboard Toyota U.S. Grand Prix series, as well as the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel and Toyota U.S. Freestyle Championships. Through U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Toyota Athelte Ambassador Program, 16 athletes representing all teams, are either driving Toyota hybrid vehicles, or are in the process of moving into a Toyota hybrid vehicle.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard made the full switch to hybrid models in March and 10 new Toyota vehicles, including RAV4s, Highlanders, Siennas and Tundras will transport staff, coaches and the world’s best athletes around the United States to compete in various winter sports, by helping them arrive safely and efficiently. 

Park City, UT, March 21, 2023 – U.S. Ski & Snowboard has formally announced the six athletes that have been selected to represent the United States at the 2023 Ski Cross World Junior Championships, which will take place in San Pellegrino, Italy, March 25-28. 

The 2023 team is composed of some of the strongest young athletes in the country who will compete at the international capital of snow sports on the Costabella slope at San Pellegrino Pass.

On the women's squad, Morgan Shute has had a strong season so far, with a win at Gore Mountain Ski Area NorAm Cup and six NorAm top-10 results since December. Along with Shute is her teammate from Carabassett Valley Academy Maggie Swain and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Lindsey Labaugh. Swaine has four top-10’s  in NorAms with a fifth place in Nakiska, Canada. Labaugh also snagged four top-10’s, highlighted by her third place at Gore. 

"The World Juniors are an important international benchmarking event and are a stepping stone to higher-level international competition in the future like the World Cup," said Chip Knight, Athletic Development Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "It’s an honor to be named to represent our country!"

On the men's side, Tanner Murphy, Jack Mitchell and Walker Robinson will represent the red, white and blue. Aleyska Ski Club’s Murphy has had a strong year, taking home second place at the National Championships at Copper Mountain Resort and three first place trophies at the NorAm Cups. Mitchell, who was on the podium in third at the NorAm Cup at Gore and in the top-10 three times, is ready for the next step. Robinson also joins the team, hailing from Team Summit Colorado, with six NorAm World Cups starts this season, landed in the top-10  in three of them.

The 2023 Junior Worlds will include individual ski cross and a team event for both men and women. Live timing will be provided by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

2023 Ski Cross World Junior Championships Athletes
Name – hometown, club, birthdate

Women

Morgan Shute – Allendale, NJ, Carrabassett Valley Academy, 9/13/2006
Maggie Swain – Kingfield, ME, Carrabassett Valley Academy, 7/10/2006
Lindsey Labaugh – Avon, CO, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, 4/10/2005

Men

Tanner Murphy – Tahoma, CA, Alyeska Ski Club, 3/3/2005
Jack Mitchell – Wenatchee, WA, Mission Ridge Ski Team, 3/3/2003
Walker Robinson – Frisco, CO, Team Summit Colorado, 6/27/2006

Coaches

Morgan Haymans
Rodney Robinson
Mike Phelan
Adam Bourns

The top male tech skiers in the world will return to the 1960 Olympic Winter Games venue at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley, California Feb. 25-26 for the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup—one of four domestic Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cups in the United States for the 2022-23 season, the most in history. Hosting two events, the slalom and giant slalom, Palisades Tahoe will welcome back athletes, spectators, friends and family for the second time since 2017.

With the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships wrapping up in Courchevel-Meribel, France earlier this week, World Cup skiers are headed stateside. The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, including 2023 World Championship gold medal winners River Radamus, Tommy Ford and Luke Winters, are among the U.S. athletes that will race in the series. International athletes will race down the storied Olympic venue track in just a couple of days, including 2022 overall World Cup winner Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, 2023 World Championship slalom champion Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway and more of the World Cup’s best technical skiers.

“We are very excited to welcome back the athletes to the states, especially to Palisades Tahoe, a resort known for its incredible skiing, hospitality and a storied racing history,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “With the World Championships just wrapping up with great success in France, we are excited for the U.S. team to come to the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup and be cheered on by fans, friends and family on home snow!”

Palisades Tahoe, formally known as Squaw Valley, has experience in hosting this level of alpine events. In 2017, the resort held the women’s FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, where Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin took home the win in the giant slalom event. Olympic champions were also crowned at this same venue 63 years ago in the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. The renowned slalom track has been described as one of the toughest and most technical on the World Cup circuit, known for its relentlessly steep terrain.

In addition to the races, there is a strong lineup of events to cater to the spectators and fans. Entertaining the crowds all weekend will be musical artists including international sensation Noah Kahan, American rock band 311 and Black Jacket Symphony feat. Marc Matel.

New to the event calendar this year is the Visa® Lounge. Visa, a U.S. Ski & Snowboard partner for 37 years, will host the first-ever multi-day interactive lounge at a men’s FIS Alpine World Cup, including panels, athlete signings and more. While the Visa lounge will host private events throughout the weekend, the space will be open to the public for an autograph signing with the men’s Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 4-5:00 p.m.

For more information on the Stifel Palisades Tahoe Cup, follow this link.

SCHEDULE

February 25, 2023
Giant Slalom

February 26, 2023
Slalom

HOW TO WATCH

(all times ET)

February 25, 2023
1:00 p.m. - men's giant slalom, run 1 - LIVE on Outside+
4:15 p.m. - men's giant slalom, run 2 - LIVE on Outside+

February 26, 2023
12:30 p.m. - men's slalom, run 1 - LIVE on Outside+
1:00 p.m. - men's giant slalom - NBC*
4:15 p.m. - men's slalom, run 2 - LIVE on Outside+

March 4, 2023
10:00 a.m. - men's slalom - CNBC*

*delayed broadcast

Park City, Utah (February 17, 2023) – The United States will be well represented at the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) Nordic World Ski Championships for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined. USA Nordic Sport (USANS) has named a total of 17 athletes to compete in the events from February 22 – March 4, 2023, in Planica, Slovenia.

Five men and women qualified to represent the United States in Ski Jumping. It will be the fourth World Championships appearance for Casey Larson (Barrington, Ill.), the third for Andrew Urlaub (Eau Claire, Wis.) and second for Decker Dean (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) and Erik Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, Colo.). Tate Frantz (Lake Placid, N.Y.) will be making his first World Championships appearance. For Women’s Ski Jumping, this will be the second appearance for Annika Belshaw (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), Anna Hoffmann (Madison, Wis.) and Paige Jones (Park City, Utah), while Josie Johnson (Park City, Utah) and Sam Macuga (Park City, Utah) will make their World Championships debut.

Five men and two women qualified to represent the United States in Nordic Combined. It will be the fourth World Championships appearance for Ben Loomis (Eau Claire, Wis.), the third for Jared Shumate (Park City, Utah) and second for Grant Andrews (Steamboat Springs, Colo.). Stephen Schumann (Park City, Utah) and Niklas Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) will be making their World Championships debut in Planica. For Women’s Nordic Combined, both Annika Malacinski (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) and Alexa Brabec (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) will be making their second appearance at World Championships.

“I am very proud to announce this years World Championship team. From the women’s side, this has been our most successful season in many years. The team has been working very hard this past year and we’ve been very pleased with the progress they’ve shown in their results,” said USA Nordic Men’s and Women’s Ski Jumping Coach, Anders Johnson. “For Anna, Annika and Paige, this will be their second world championships, while Sam and Josie will get a chance to see what it’s like to compete at World Championships for the first time. Planica has been sort of a ‘home away from home’ for the athletes for many years. So, being able to see the valley filled with fans, family and friends, will be an amazing experience that I’m sure the athletes will remember for their entire lives.”

“We are excited to have these five athletes represent USA Nordic at the World Championships in Planica this month. For the first time in a long time, we have four athletes going into the Championships that have scored World Cup points,” said Men’s Nordic Combined Team Director, Nick Hendrickson. “All of these athletes have been competitive at World Cup this season and our trend is continuing to climb. We are looking forward to both the individual and team events in Planica, including the mixed team relay with the Women’s team, which will be the first time this event is at the Championships. Best of luck to all of the athletes, and we hope to have all our supporters following the events.”

This will be the second World Championships for both Alexa and Annika,” said Women’s Nordic Combined Head Coach, Tomas Matura. “We want to showcase all of the hard work we have been putting in during the past few months. We have had some good results leading up to the Championships, and I hope the athletes can set some new personal bests.”

“The World Championship is the culmination of our season,” said USA Nordic Sport CEO, Adam Provost. “Our coaches and athletes have spent the entire year training for the event. I’m looking forward to seeing all the hard work pay off for our athletes. This should be a great two weeks for Team USA.”

2023 USA Nordic FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Teams

Men’s Ski Jumping
Erik Belshaw, 18, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Andrew Urlaub, 21, Eau Claire, Wis., Flying Eagles Ski Club

Decker Dean, 22, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Casey Larson, 24, Barrington, Ill., Norge Ski Club

Tate Frantz, 17, Lake Placid, N.Y., New York Ski Education Foundation 

Women’s Ski Jumping
Annika Belshaw, 20, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Paige Jones, 20, Park City, Utah, Park City Ski & Snowboard

Josie Johnson, 16, Park City, Utah, Park City Ski & Snowboard

Sam Macuga, 22, Park City, Utah, Park City Ski & Snowboard

Anna Hoffmann, 22, Madison, Wis., Blackhawk Ski Club

Men’s Nordic Combined
Ben Loomis, 24, Eau Claire, Wis., Flying Eagles Ski Club

Jared Shumate, 23, Park City, Utah, Park City Ski & Snowboard

Stephen Schumann, 22, Park City, Utah, Park City Ski & Snowboard

Niklas Malacinski, 19, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Grant Andrews, 25, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Women’s Nordic Combined
Annika Malacinski, 21, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Alexa Brabec, 18, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

2023 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Competition Schedule

Wednesday, February 22nd

• FIS Ski Jumping Women’s Qualifying HS100 – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

Thursday, February 23rd

• 11:00am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Women’s Individual HS100 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

Friday, February 24th

• FIS Ski Jumping Men’s Qualifying HS100 – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

• FIS Nordic Combined Women’s HS100/5km – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

Saturday, February 25th

• FIS Nordic Combined Men’s HS100/10km – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

• 6:15am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Women’s Team HS100 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

• 11:00am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Men’s Individual HS100 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

Sunday, February 26th

• FIS Nordic Combined Mixed Team HS100/4x5km – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

• 11:00am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Mixed Team HS100 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

Tuesday, February 28th

• FIS Ski Jumping Women’s Qualifying HS138 – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

Wednesday, March 1st

• FIS Nordic Combined Men’s Team HS138/4x5km – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

• 11:30am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Women’s Individual HS138 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

Thursday, March 2nd

• FIS Ski Jumping Men’s Qualifying HS138 – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

Friday, March 3rd

• 11:30am EST – FIS Ski Jumping Men’s Individual HS138 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

Saturday, March 4th

• FIS Nordic Combined Men’s HS138/10km – Planica, Slovenia, Live Results on FIS

• 10:30am – FIS Ski Jumping Men’s Team HS100 Event – Planica, Slovenia, Streaming on skiandsnowboard.live

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About USA Nordic Sport
USA Nordic Sport (USANS) is the National Leadership Organization for the original Olympic disciplines of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined in the United States. Founded in 2007, USANS is a 501 (c)(3) committed to ensuring the survival and success of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined throughout the country. Built by alumni and driven by former athletes, we are focused on growing and promoting our sports while operating international elite team programs with the goal to be the best in the world. USA Nordic “Elite Athletes” represent the best in the country in their sports and compete as a team at the national and international levels. More information on USA Nordic can be found at usanordic.org or its social media channels @usanordic.

MINNESOTA SET TO BRING THE WORLD TO WIRTH - HOSTING THE 2024 LOPPET CUP, THE COOP FIS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CUP IN MINNEAPOLIS

The Loppet Foundation will host the Loppet Cup over President’s Day weekend in February 2024 in Theodore Wirth Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release courtesy of The Loppet Foundation

MINNEAPOLIS, February 15, 2023  — The Loppet Foundation, Share Winter Foundation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard will welcome the best cross country ski racers in the world to Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Wirth Park for the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup over President’s Day weekend, Feb. 17-19, 2024.* The Loppet Foundation and Share Winter will serve as hosts of the Loppet Cup, taking place on the Loppet’s world class cross country ski trails - setting the stage for one of the only World Cups to be held in a major metropolitan area - and the first on U.S. soil in two decades. 

The FIS Cross Country World Cup Tour is the annual global tour for elite athletes, comprised of a series of distance and sprint races over the course of each winter season. Expected to be present at the Loppet Cup is three-time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins. Diggins is a native of nearby Afton, Minnesota and was the first American athlete to win a gold medal in Olympic cross country ski competition. She was key to securing this international competition for Minnesota. Other U.S. and Minnesota-local athletes will also be representing the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team in the Loppet Cup, a unique chance to ski in front of a hometown crowd. 

“I’m excited to give ski fans from around the U.S. a chance to see the action up close for the first time in over 20 years,” said Diggins. “I am so proud to represent Minnesota as one of the first American athletes to win Olympic gold in cross country, and now to bring the sport I love to the state I call home.”

The Loppet Foundation was ready to host a World Cup in mid-March 2020. The event was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Loppet Foundation looks forward to hosting in 2024 while building on the preparation for the event in 2020.

The 2024 Loppet Cup, hosted by Share Winter Foundation, will be free and open to the public, with races held on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18 and a free community ski day on President’s Day, Monday, February 19.  

“The Loppet is thrilled to bring the world to Wirth Park and to showcase on an international stage the work this organization is doing to expand access to the sport of cross country skiing and the outdoors,” said Claire Wilson, executive director of the Loppet. “While it is unusual for an event of this size and scope to be hosted by a small nonprofit, we believe it is important to shine a light on our unique venue in the heart of a city where the wellbeing of all is promoted through outdoor adventure. We look forward to sharing our vision for a just and equitable winter sport environment with the world - while also cheering on our favorite athletes on the same trails where hundreds of Minnesotans have learned to love cross country skiing.”  

“We are thrilled to work with the Loppet Foundation and Share Winter Foundation to bring back a cross country World Cup to the states,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “We know that this event will be a huge success and allow our athletes to showcase their incredible talent in front of a community that has always supported this sport.”

“Share Winter is excited to partner with the Loppet Foundation to bring this spectacular event to the community and we  hope it will inspire the next generation of skiers,” said Constance Beverley, CEO of the Share Winter Foundation.

“The Loppet Cup is yet another in a string of world-class sporting events Minnesota is hosting,” said Executive Director for Explore Minnesota Lauren Bennett McGinty. “We are proud to be a four season destination for sports enthusiasts from all over the world, and no one does winter quite like Minnesota. With more than 2,000 miles of groomed cross country ski trails, skiing is a highly accessible sport which can be done in every corner of the state. Winter sports and related businesses are integral to driving and sustaining Minnesota’s tourism economy, and we cannot wait to share our great state with the world. We encourage residents and visitors alike to start planning their 2024 President's Day Weekend now!”

Preceding their arrival in Minneapolis, World Cup athletes will descend on Alberta, Canada to complete two sprint races and two distance races from February 9-13 as part of their North American visit. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Minneapolis organization in helping raise the profile of cross country skiing as we get set to host two North American stops for the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cups.” said Norbert Meier, Events Chair, Alberta World Cup Society.

Come learn more and see some of the nation’s top racers on the course at the announcement celebration event on Saturday, February 18 at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis) at 11am. Remarks will be made by former Minneapolis mayor RT Rybak, Share Winter Foundation, the Loppet Foundation, and Explore MN. More information on the World Cup event will be available on the event’s official website, www.loppetcup.com, or on Facebook and Instagram @loppetcup.

# # #

ABOUT THE LOPPET FOUNDATION

The Loppet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. Since 2002, the Loppet Foundation has worked to create high-quality public events, youth education, and outdoor recreation programs for the local community. Learn more at loppet.org.

ABOUT SHARE WINTER:
Share Winter Foundation (Share Winter) is a non-profit grantmaking organization working to improve the lives, health, and fitness of youth through winter sports, and create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming winter sports community. Share Winter works closely with carefully selected grantees to build efficient, effective, sustainable winter sports programs and pipelines to ongoing winter sports participation. Through our partnerships, we strive to make winter sports accessible to a broader, more diverse community and share winter with 100,000 youth by 2028. Learn more at www.sharewinterfoundation.org.

ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD:
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

*Pending final date confirmation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Limited-edition frames celebrate ski heritage ahead of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

Release courtesy of Vaurnet. 

Park City, UT; Paris, France (February 8, 2023) – To commemorate a year of partnership and celebrate alpine heritage and excellence, Vuarnet and U.S. Ski & Snowboard have collaborated on a limited-edition frame, to be released in conjunction with the beginning of 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, France.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard dresses the now iconic Legend 02 Original model in the colors and marks of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and features a line of stars along the temple. The glasses are equipped with SkilynxTM mineral glass lenses specifically designed for exceptional depth perception against intense snowy, alpine conditions.

“Vuarnet has a strong American history,” explains Vuarnet Creative Director Boramy Viguier. “Our founder Jean Vuarnet launched the brand after winning the Winter Olympics in 1960 at now Palisades Tahoe. When the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team approached us to make official shades for the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, it came naturally to dress our LEGEND 02 with the Star-Spangled Banner. I love the Alps, but I also cherish U.S. geology so much: Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming ... each mountain has its own flavour... its own folklore and legends.”

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to release the new, limited-edition frame alongside our partner Vuarnet, in conjunction with the start of the 2023 Alpine Ski World Championships in Courchevel and Meribel,” said Tom Horrocks, Director of Commercial Partnerships. “Vuarnet has a rich history within our community and we look forward to showcasing the history of our two brands into a tangible item that our fans can wear on the snow.”

Vuarnet’s alpine heritage and Olympic legacy run deep. Founded in 1957, Vuarnet’s legend was born when French ski racer Jean Vuarnet won the Olympic downhill at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games wearing the original 02 model with SkilynxTM lenses, a disruptive new lens technology. It became an instant icon, favored by such tastemakers as Mick Jagger and Zendaya, and remains a best-seller of the brand.

Vaurnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard brings together two storied brands across the decades and continents in dedication of craft and pursuit of excellence. A portion of all Vuarnet sales will be directed back to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team to support American athletes’ Olympic dreams. 

Offering the highest level of protection, Vuarnet mineral glass lenses are scratch resistant and provide pure optical clarity in intense lighting conditions. Passionate about quality and innovation, Vuarnet is proud to protect athletes’ sight when it matters most.

Vuarnet x U.S. Ski & Snowboard drops exclusively Thursday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. Paris Time on Vuarnet.com and at Vuarnet boutiques. A very limited number will be available at the Stifel Palisades Tahoe World Cup Feb. 25 & 26, as well as the Stifel America’s Downhill at Aspen World Cup March 3-5.

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About Vuarnet

Vuarnet is the iconic French eyewear mountaineering brand, founded by Jean Vuarnet and optician Roger Pouilloux in 1957.

Jean Vuarnet, a talented French skier, won the Olympic downhill gold medal at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics. A great lover of mountains and nature, he notably created the Avoriza ski resort in 1966, the first French resort without cars, with an avant-garde vision of eco-responsibility.

Today, Vuarnet produces its mineral glass lenses in its own French factory, using traditional manufacturing methods unchanged since its inception. Vuarnet mineral glasses, 100% natural and recyclable, provide the best protection against sunlight sunflection thanks to LynxTM technology. Since 1957, the brand has offered timeless classic iconic frames that are still best sellers. Vuarnet embraces its roots in 1960s skiing, nostalgia for craftsmanship, and the art of living in the French mountains. 

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2022, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined, and ski jumping. In addition to fully funding the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success, and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

For more information, please contact:

Lara Carlton, Vuarnet, [email protected]

Courtney Harkins, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, [email protected]