The men’s Giant Slalom at the U.S. Alpine Nationals presented by Stifel delivered a deep international field in Vail, Colorado, where NCAA champions, World Cup veterans, and rising U.S. talent all pushed the limit on a demanding two-run course.
Top 5 – Men’s Giant Slalom
- 1st 🇳🇴 Johs Braathen Herland (2003, University of Utah, All-American) — 2:34.98
- 2nd 🇨🇦 Erik Read (1991, World Cup Independent / University of Denver All-American, Atomic) — +1.58
- 3rd 🇺🇸 Bridger Gile (1999, Stifel U.S. Ski Team / Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, Head, Oakley) — +1.67
- 4th 🇺🇸 Ryder Sarchett (2003, Stifel U.S. Ski Team / Sun Valley Community School / University of Colorado All-American) — +1.89
- 5th 🇺🇸 Jack Schrady (2006, Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy) — +1.98
How Did Braathen Herland Win the Giant Slalom Title?
Norway’s Johs Braathen Herland, racing in the U.S. for the University of Utah, delivered a dominant performance to take the win. He combined a fast, aggressive first run with a composed second run as the surface tightened.
A University of Utah All-American, Braathen Herland is the two-time NCAA Giant Slalom champion (2025, 2026), as well as the 2026 NorAm overall and GS champion this season. His ability to manage rhythm, pressure, and terrain separated him from the field.
“Racing in the U.S. is amazing,” Braathen Herland said. “You wake up almost every day to weather like this and really good conditions—it’s on a different level.”
For Braathen Herland, NCAA skiing has been central to his development.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Utah,” he said. “It means a lot to me to be able to be here, race for Utah, and go to school as well.”
The win added another major milestone to his season.
“Becoming a U.S. national champion in giant slalom—it’s amazing and really hard to describe,” he said.
How Did Erik Read Continue His World Cup Consistency?
Canada’s Erik Read finished 2nd at +1.58, delivering a composed two-run performance on a hill he knows well.
A graduate of the University of Denver, where he earned multiple All-American honors, Read is one of the most accomplished North American technical skiers of his generation. A World Cup veteran, during his career, he has scored World Cup giant slalom points in 11 consecutive seasons, qualified for World Cup Finals four times, and competed in three (with one season impacted by COVID-19 cancellations).
“I have my DU connections, so I have quite a group of friends in the community here,” Read said. “I decided to stay for U.S. Nationals after the NorAm Finals and was super stoked to get on the podium.”
The second run proved challenging as conditions broke down.
“It was a little tricky on the second run because it was peely,” he said. “But this is a hill I’ve raced a lot, so I’m familiar with it.”
Read also emphasized the importance of NCAA skiing in his career.
“Going to school really reset my World Cup career,” he said. “I think NCAA skiing is a super valuable and valid pathway.”
How Did Bridger Gile Perform on Home Snow?
For the U.S., World Cup veteran Bridger Gile led the way, finishing 3rd at +1.67, delivering a strong performance on familiar terrain.
Representing the Stifel U.S. Ski Team / Ski & Snowboard Club Vail and skiing on Head and Oakley, Gile grew up skiing in Vail and showed confidence on a hill he knows intimately.
“It’s awesome coming to U.S. Nationals here in Vail—basically my backyard,” Gile said. “I’ve done a lot of runs on this hill and it feels like home every time I come back.”
For Gile, nationals carries meaning beyond results.
“To compete here for a national title is really the reason I come back,” he said. “And it’s a fun way to end the season.”
The race also carried a personal moment, sharing the hill with longtime friend Jacob Dilling, who is retiring after the series.
“He was my first friend in Vail,” Gile said. “We grew up skiing together… to share his last race here is pretty special.”
What Do Sarchett and Schrady Signal for the Future?
Just off the podium, Ryder Sarchett finished 4th at +1.89, capping a breakout season for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete.
The 2003-born skier spent one season at the University of Colorado, where he earned All-American honors, while also capturing the FIS Junior World Championship title in Giant Slalom. He grew up attending the Sun Valley Community School and is now firmly establishing himself at the highest level.
This season, Sarchett scored World Cup points in three Giant Slalom races, highlighted by a career-best 10th place in Val d’Isère, France, and earned selection to the U.S. Olympic Team—a major step forward in his progression.
In 5th, Jack Schrady (2006) delivered one of the standout performances of the day.
Representing the Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy, Schrady spent much of the season racing in Europe before returning to North America to compete primarily on the NorAm circuit.
Today’s race marked a breakthrough performance—showing he can compete with established athletes and signaling his rapid progression within the U.S. pipeline.
What Does This Result Mean for U.S. Alpine Skiing?
The U.S. Alpine Nationals presented by Stifel continues to highlight the strength of the North American development pathway—from NCAA racing to NorAm competition to the World Cup.
With a mix of NCAA champions, World Cup veterans, and rising young athletes, the men’s Giant Slalom field in Vail showed both depth and progression.
The established names still set the pace—but the next generation is closing fast.
About the Author: Peter Lange
