U.S. Ski & Snowboard Expands Stifel and Toyota Partnerships to Support Para Alpine and Para Snowboard Teams

Press release and photo provided by U.S. Ski & Snowboard

PARK CITY, Utah (October 9, 2024) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced expanded partnerships with Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF) and Toyota (NYSE: TM). Stifel will become the official Team Naming Partner of the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and Toyota the official Team Naming Partner of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team. 

In addition to Stifel’s title sponsorship of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, which was established in October 2022, and the naming of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team in March 2023, the global investment banking and wealth management firm will also be the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. The partnership makes Stifel the Team Naming Partner of all ski teams under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization. 

Toyota rejoined U.S. Ski & Snowboard in August 2021 as the organization’s Official Mobility Partner and Official Vehicle, focusing on increasing athlete opportunities and successes on and off the snow. It is the brand’s first team naming partnership. The expanded naming rights for both Stifel and Toyota are effective immediately.

Para alpine and Para snowboard were reintegrated under the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization in May 2023 and had an extremely successful first season back. Seven-time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens and two-time Paralympic medalist Andrew Kurka led the Para alpine team this year, earning a World Cup win and five podiums, respectively. Exciting newcomers like Audrey Crowley and Jesse Keefe offer promising talent leading into the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina. On the Para snowboard side, three-time Paralympic gold medalist Brenna Huckaby and two-time Paralympic medalist Noah Elliott had standout seasons, each bringing home multiple FIS Crystal Globes. 

“We’re thrilled that Stifel and Toyota are expanding their partnerships to also invest directly into our Para sports,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel’s commitment to supporting all of our ski teams has been incredible. It’s a true partnership that has had such a meaningful impact on our sports and athletes. Toyota has consistently shown their commitment to supporting our athletes on and off the snow, and having them as a Team Naming Partner further demonstrates their dedication.”

Through this support, Para alpine and Para snowboard will receive more financial support, increasing the team’s budget, allowing the programs to further develop.

“Having Stifel on board with our team is so exciting,” said Laurie Stephens, seven-time Paralympic medalist and Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team athlete. “The impact they have made with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team so far has been great, and I am thrilled to see what we can do together moving forward.” 

“I am really proud and excited to be representing U.S. Ski & Snowboard again this season and to have Toyota as our Team Naming Partner,” said Noah Elliott, Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team athlete and two-time Paralympic medalist. “Toyota’s motto is ‘Let’s Go Places,’ which is exactly what they allow us to do as our Team Naming Partner. Their support gives us the opportunity to get the proper training and support we need to be at our best for competitions and empowers us to get better and better every day.”

“The Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team is filled with stories of hard work and triumph, and we’re excited to support these inspiring athletes on their road to success,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the Paralympics continue to grow as a global sports event, we’re pleased to sponsor the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team through the next Paralympic Winter Games cycle in March 2026.”

“Toyota’s passion for innovation and commitment to empowering all people truly embodies the Paralympic spirit and we continue to support Paralympians by becoming the official Team Naming Partner of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team,” said Dedra DeLilli, Toyota VP Vehicle Marketing & Communications.