Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand

Jevin Palmquist is a name that stands out in the alpine skiing and hockey communities. At just 17, Jevin has achieved remarkable milestones in his athletic career. This year, he is the only male rookie named to the Stifel US Ski Alpine Team. Moreover, Palmquist is ranked the number one slalom skier worldwide for his 2007 birth year and 153 in slalom, including all FIS ages.

From Buck Hill to Colorado

Palmquist’s skiing journey began at Buck Hill in Minnesota when he was two years old. “I started skiing at Buck Hill and got into racing around age five,” Palmquist recalls. His love for the sport grew as he experienced the slopes of Minnesota. When Jevin was 13, his family decided to move to Colorado to further his family’s skiing career. “We all came over to Team Summit, and it’s been great ever since,” he says. The move allowed Jevin to experience varied terrains, enhancing his ability and broadening his skill set.

Balancing Hockey and Skiing

In addition to his skiing prowess, Palmquist is a talented hockey player. He plays for the Summit Tigers varsity team, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to both sports. “I grew up doing both, so I tell people I’m a bit of both,” Jevin says. Balancing the demands of two high-level sports is no easy feat, but Palmquist excels in both arenas. Recently, he scored two goals in the Class 4A Colorado state semifinals, including the game winner, helping Summit reach the state championship game against Durango.

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A Passion for Golf

Beyond skiing and hockey, Palmquist has a passion for golf. He enjoys playing whenever possible and has two hole-in-ones to his credit. “I’m a big golfer. My little brother and I get out probably six times a week in Minnesota,” Palmquist shares. This love for golf adds another layer to his multifaceted athletic profile.

Free Skiing and Family

Palmquist’s family plays a significant role in his athletic journey. His older brother, Camden, is also a Stifel US Ski Team member, and the siblings often push each other to improve. “Having two older siblings was an advantage. I got to see their successes and failures, learning from their experiences,” Jevin explains. His training with Team Summit Colorado has been a highlight, offering him diverse venues and focused coaching.

Palmquist also takes full advantage of the fantastic free skiing opportunities in Colorado. “Every chance I get, I go out and ski the mountain. It’s important to have fun and enjoy the mountain without thinking about racing,” he says. This approach keeps him grounded and enhances his overall skiing skills.

The Drive to Succeed

Palmquist’s passion for ski racing is evident in his dedication and achievements. “My goal is to be the best, which motivates me. I hope to inspire the next generation of alpine skiers,” he says. His love for the sport and commitment to pushing himself keep him going. Whether it’s slalom or giant slalom, Jevin strives to improve and reach new heights.

Future Goals

While Jevin focuses on slalom, he aspires to expand into other disciplines. “I’ll do some speed events. I think learning from them is important, even though my focus will remain on tech events,” he says. His ambition and willingness to build his skills make him a promising talent in the skiing world.

Embracing Challenges

Palmquist’s ability to juggle multiple sports, rigorous training, and academic commitments is a testament to his exceptional time management and determination. “Balancing skiing and hockey was challenging, but I handled it well,” Jevin reflects. His story is not just about athletic prowess but also about resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Inspired by Legends

Palmquist draws inspiration from skiing legends, particularly Ted Ligety, the US Ski Team winner of five GS globes and 24 World Cup GSs. “Ted Ligety inspired me most as a kid. I just loved the way he skied. I was always trying to copy his hip drag when I was little,” Jevin shares. This admiration for Ligety’s style has undoubtedly influenced Palmquist’s approach to skiing.

Jevin Palmquist is undoubtedly a rising star. His journey from Buck Hill to the peaks of Colorado, combined with his hockey achievements and passion for golf, paints the picture of a well-rounded and determined athlete. With his sights set on inspiring the next generation and achieving greatness, Palmquist’s story is about passion, perseverance, and an unwavering love for sports.