⛷️ The domestic leg of the World Cup season has concluded, leaving U.S. Ski Team athletes exhausted but buoyed by a weekend of high-altitude racing and deep fan engagement. A prominent American ski star—whose recent social media reflections have captured the sentiment—is now packing for a grueling four-month stint abroad, starting with a crucial stop in Mont-Tremblant, Canada.
The athlete took time to pen a heartfelt thank you, acknowledging the massive collective effort required to stage an international event on home soil. The primary appreciation was directed toward the organizing bodies: Copper Mountain, Dustin, and POWDR, for their “tireless work.”
“I wanted to take some time to thank not only Copper, Dustin, and POWDR for all of your tireless work…but also the course crew, volunteers, sponsors, Stifel U.S. Ski Team, and—ESPECIALLY—to all of the fans who came out to support and waited so patiently all weekend for autographs and pictures,” the athlete wrote. The message emphasized that the domestic ski racing fanbase is “truly unmatched.”
High-Altitude Challenge and Family Thanksgiving
The challenge of competing at Copper Mountain, which sits at a lofty 10,000 feet, was clearly taxing. The athlete admitted to the physical toll the high elevation took, even on a top-tier professional.
“Though it was exhausting to race at home at 10,000 feet (my legs—and lungs—are still recovering!), my heart is full and I couldn’t have imagined a more special weekend,” the reflection continued.
The weekend wasn’t just about World Cup points; it was deeply personal. Racing on home snow allowed for precious time with family over the Thanksgiving holiday. Furthermore, the event provided an emotionally significant moment with a teammate: the celebrated return of Aleks to the start gate. These personal highlights transformed a grueling weekend into an unforgettable one.
The Next Stop: Mont-Tremblant and the European Swing
With the bags packed for the next four months, the focus has immediately shifted to the upcoming races. Following an early morning training session, the team is now heading north to Mont-Tremblant, marking the official launch of the intensive mid-season travel schedule.
The stop in Canada is a critical fixture in the World Cup ski calendar, often setting the tone for the long European swing that follows. For the U.S. team, maintaining momentum gained from the early season events is paramount as they transition to the demanding slopes of the Alps.
A final, vital acknowledgement was reserved for the behind-the-scenes support system—the dedicated team surrounding the athlete. “Finally, thank you to my team…you are all working so hard and I am so thankful for the vibe we’ve got going,” the message concluded, underscoring the strong camaraderie essential for success in an individual sport. The rallying cry—”The train don’t stop!”—perfectly encapsulates the relentless dedication required to compete at the elite level of alpine skiing.
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team is now fully engaged in its global campaign, with the promise of more high-stakes competition and inspiring performances on the horizon. The success of the Copper Mountain event, largely credited to the collaboration between organizers and fans, has set a high bar for domestic ski events moving forward.