COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — On Saturday, 21-year-old Kjersti Moritz will step into a World Cup start gate for the first time, racing in the Stifel Copper Cup giant slalom against the best in the world. The moment arrives on familiar snow. Moritz grew up just over the pass in the Vail Valley, trained countless days at Copper, and now gets to make her debut in front of family and friends — something she once imagined happening in the distant future.
A Dream Years in the Making
Moritz learned she had earned a start on November 17 after a U.S. team GS time trial.
“I was so excited, and the reality set in that I was actually going to start a World Cup,” she said. “A part of me didn’t believe it because I’ve dreamt of skiing in a World Cup for as long as I can remember.”
That dream took root early. Growing up in Vail, Moritz often watched Mikaela Shiffrin train when the superstar returned home to the Vail Valley. Those days shaped everything.
“Watching her throughout the years has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said.
Earning the Copper Start
Seven athletes were vying for three U.S. spots. Two were reserved for skiers ranked inside the top 120 in the world. Moritz was outside that cutoff, which meant her only route was to win the head-to-head selection for the basic spot.
To qualify, the athletes raced three runs — the first counted, and the better of the second or third, combined with the first, sealed the final ranking.
“I won the first run, so I had high hopes going into the next two,” she said.
After the third run, the coaches came down and congratulated Moritz, Keely Cashman, and Tricia Mangan, confirming the additional three starters for Copper.
“I was so excited,” Moritz said.
Starting Close to Home
Copper Mountain is more than a debut venue for Moritz — it’s part of her development story.
“It’s especially meaningful to make my World Cup debut here in Copper, where most of my family can be there to share the moment,” she said. “They’re a big part of the reason I’ve gotten to where I am.”
Her family will line the fences on Saturday, and that feeling lands deeply.
“It feels so special and honestly surreal to have them all here,” she said. “I’ve always imagined my first World Cup somewhere abroad and in a different time zone, so it’s amazing to share this moment with them at home.”
The Twin Factor: Racing With Liv
Moritz is the twin sister of Liv Moritz, who has raced on the World Cup. Their dynamic has shaped both athletes.
“We are definitely competitive with each other, but in a loving and supportive way,” she said. “We push each other to be better, and it’s really fun that I get to share all of these cool and new experiences with her.”
And this weekend brings an extra layer of meaning: the twins celebrate their 21st birthday today, the day before Kjersti’s debut. It adds a joyful note to an already emotional moment — a milestone in life and in sport, shared with the person who has been alongside her from the very beginning.
Middlebury Panther, Multi-Sport Athlete
Moritz balances World Cup aspirations with life as a Middlebury College student-athlete. She has raced NCAA carnivals and played two seasons of soccer for the Panthers.
“I love my teammates, and they push me to be better athletically and academically,” she said. “Collegiate skiing feels very team-oriented, and the way we all push each other to grow makes every day exciting. I’m really looking forward to the carnival season.”
Final Prep in Colorado
Her lead-up to Copper has been steady and productive.
“Copper always does a good job providing good training for us U.S. athletes, and every day has felt really productive,” she said. “I’ve been focusing on staying balanced and aggressive so I can maintain my speed even when I make mistakes.”
Race-Day Mindset
Stepping into her first World Cup start brings both excitement and nerves — exactly the mix she expected.
“I’m definitely a little nervous, so I’m just going to focus on having fun and taking in the experience,” she said. “I’ll push as hard as I can so I have no regrets, but I want to enjoy it as much as possible.”
As Saturday approaches, one thought keeps returning.
“I’m just reminding myself to have fun and appreciate the opportunity that’s come my way.”
The Thrill and the Unknown
What excites her most is simple — the chance to finally do it.
“I’m most excited to race my first World Cup in Copper and have my family and friends there,” she said.
And the nerves?
“I’m most nervous about the newness of it all because I have no idea what to expect.”
About the Author: Peter Lange
