Vail Mountain School Celebrates Alumni & Former Students Competing on the Olympic Stage

Photo courtesy of Vail Mountain School.

As the world’s best athletes step onto the Olympic stage this season, Vail Mountain School is celebrating with a deep sense of pride as several alumni represent their countries at the highest level of international competition. 

These athletes once walked the halls of Vail Mountain School, learned in its classrooms, and trained on Vail Mountain alongside classmates and teachers. Today, they carry those experiences with them onto the global stage. Among them are Phoebe Heaydon ’23 representing Australia, Annie Zurbay skiing for Ireland, and Lasse Gaxiola competing for Mexico. The school also recognizes Liv Mortiz ’23 and Kjersti Mortiz ’23 as they continue their development with the USA Alpine C Team. While Mikaela Shiffrin continued her educational journey beyond Vail Mountain School after her early elementary years, the community is grateful to have been part of the beginning of her remarkable path. 

Each of these young people spent formative years learning to balance demanding training schedules with the responsibilities of being students, teammates, and engaged community members. 

What stands out most is not simply their accomplishments on the world stage, but the character they demonstrated long before podiums and national flags. They were known for their dedication, humility, and perseverance. They showed up for one another, supported their peers, and approached challenges with courage and joy. Those qualities, cultivated over time, remain central to the Vail Mountain School experience. 

Their stories reflect a core belief at Vail Mountain School: when students feel known, supported, and connected, they grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. The school celebrates these alumni not only as elite athletes, but as lifelong members of a community grounded in belonging and purpose. 

Balancing academic excellence with athletic and artistic pursuits has long defined the school’s approach. Many students pursue demanding commitments outside the classroom, particularly in snow sports. Through close collaboration among faculty, families, and coaches, Vail Mountain School provides the structure and flexibility students need to train, compete, and perform at a high level while maintaining academic excellence. Students are supported as both scholars and athletes or artists, with equal care given to each role. 

The school’s formal academic partnership with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail strengthens that commitment. A dedicated ski program director works closely with teachers and Student Support Services to help student-athletes navigate the rhythm of travel, training, and competition while staying connected to their learning and to one another. The school also partners with athletes training through Team Summit and other independent programs, always prioritizing strong relationships and a meaningful sense of belonging. 

While Vail Mountain School is not a ski academy, it is proud to be a place where high-level athletes thrive academically and personally. The success of its alumni on the world stage is one reflection of that commitment. More importantly, it speaks to what is possible when students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow in every dimension of their lives. 

As these athletes compete around the world, the Vail Mountain School community cheers them on with pride and gratitude, inspired by who they are as much as what they have achieved.