Sölden Photo Jochen Müller

As the anticipation for the 2023-24 skiing season peaks, the Stifel US Ski Team, under the leadership of head technical coach Ian Garner, stands ready for the challenges ahead. Their preparation has been nothing short of professional, adapting to diverse training at many locations, including the Utah Olympic Park and the formidable slopes of Pitztal, Austria. United by a spirit of camaraderie and bolstered by athletes like George Steffey, Brian McLaughlin, Isaiah Nelson, Tommy Ford, River Radamus and the independent talent Patrick Kenney, the team is primed for success.

Ian Garner, Stifel US Ski Team Head men’s Technical Coach

Anticipating the 2023-24 skiing season, Ian Garner, head coach of the Stifel US Ski Team, is confident. “Our prep period has been great,” he asserts, emphasizing their adaptability across diverse training locations from the Utah Olympic Park to Pitztal, Austria.

Crucial to their success is the unity within the technical team. Garner praises their harmony, noting joint training camps for the SL and GS groups fostered camaraderie and understanding among athletes.

The US athletes racing have experience with the Sölden Rettenbach glacier. Garner values this familiarity, stating, “Knowing the slope eases pre-race nerves and sharpens our awareness, giving us a strategic edge.”

Despite weather challenges affecting their preparations, Garner remains optimistic. “Training in Saas-Fee and Pitztal has honed our skills,” he says. Excitement and determination drive the team, with months of gym work and on-snow training fueling their confidence. Their readiness justifies expectations for a successful season.

George Steffey; Stifel US Ski Team

As the 2023-24 season opener at Sölden looms, George Steffey, at 26, exudes confidence in his comprehensive preparation. “We’ve had a great prep period,” he affirms, emphasizing fruitful spring skiing in Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain and a highly productive camp in Ushuaia. Every element has aligned, from skiing to physical training, guiding him on a promising path into the season.

Reflecting on team chemistry, Steffey notes the ease of transition back into the US Team, attributing it to his familiarity with teammates and staff.

Steffey’s anticipation for the Rettenbach slope is palpable. He acknowledges its uniqueness in the World Cup circuit due to the length and consistency of the main pitch. “Strong and consistent skiing will play well,” he observes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining speed onto the last flat. He is clearly excited about tackling this challenging terrain.  

Approaching the race, Steffey strikes a balance between eagerness and gratitude. “I am certainly excited to kick things off this season and am feeling very grateful to have the opportunity in front of me this year,” he shares. Despite the perpetual drive for improvement, Steffey acknowledges his preparedness.

Brian McLaughlin; Stifel US Ski Team invitee

Approaching the season’s inaugural race, Brian McLaughlin, the 30-year-old World Cup veteran and Stifel US Ski Team invitee, feels “very confident” about his preparation. The intensive training blocks in Ushuaia, Saas-Fee, and Pitztal have sharpened his skills, setting the stage for his return to the competitive arena. Additionally, he eagerly anticipates the final prep in Sölden, ready to reignite his competition season in Sunday’s start gate.

Delving into the team dynamics, he notes, “The team chemistry is really good,” reflecting the camaraderie that defines their training sessions. He values the mix of teammates and staff, all moving together toward shared goals. Furthermore, training alongside the slalom team in Ushuaia and Saas-Fee sharpened their skills and brought added enjoyment to their demanding routine.

McLaughlin remains confident despite the formidable challenge posed by the Sölden GS slope: “The Sölden GS slope is quite demanding,” he observes thoughtfully, reflecting a profound understanding of the demands of the terrain. He emphasizes the need for disciplined skiing and precise lines, recognizing the importance of strategic aggressiveness on the lengthy pitch. “I am excited for the challenge,” he declares, embracing the exhilarating opportunity ahead. He is determined and eager to face Sunday’s competition.

Amidst his excitement, McLaughlin acknowledges the inherent nervous energy that precedes the season’s first race. “I am excited to get back to racing,” he states. Racing is not merely a competition for him but a source of inspiration, propelling him to push his limits against the best in the world. He eagerly anticipates the showdown, ready to go against the formidable competitors on the demanding Sölden slopes.

Isaiah Nelson; Stifel US Ski Team

Isaiah Nelson, the 22-year-old Stifel US Ski Team member, approaches the season-opening World Cup in Sölden with excited anticipation. Reflecting on the lengthy preparation, he states, “I’m very happy with the work we put in this prep period.” Acknowledging his challenges, he believes his skiing is heading in the right direction. Despite undergoing constant development, he’s excited and eager to return to the competitive arena.

Speaking about the iconic Sölden slope, he shares, “Sölden is a special slope for me.” Recalling his debut World Cup start there last season, he describes it as challenging yet fundamentally simple. His strategy involves navigating the slope’s changing terrain, charging the top flat section, maneuvering down the pitch, and selecting his release point to maintain speed across the finish flats.

Nelson maintains a composed perspective in the face of the season’s first race. “I’m trying to stay relaxed about the race coming up,” he affirms. Recognizing the inherent pressure of a full World Cup Season, he is focused on appreciating the opportunity and having faith in his capabilities. His goal is clear: to ski his best, embracing the challenge of the upcoming competition with a calm determination.

Patrick Kenney: Independent with Global Racing

As the season-opening World Cup in Sölden is on the horizon, 26-year-old Patrick Kenney from Global Racing stands poised and confident. “I’ve never felt more physically and mentally prepared. Kenney’s preparation took a significant leap, aided by his collaboration with a mental performance coach during the off-season. “I feel I have progressed in several areas that needed growth, and I’m really excited about that,” he shares, clearly optimistic for the challenges ahead.

Within the Global team, Kenney finds inspiration in the camaraderie. “The chemistry is great,” he emphasizes, underscoring the team’s collective strength. Adding seasoned World Cup veterans has brought a wealth of experience, making the Global team dynamic and highly competitive.

The mention of the iconic Sölden Rettenbach GS slope ignites Kenney. “It’s epic,” he exclaims, capturing the essence of the venue. Despite its intimidating look, Kenney approaches the slope with determination. He outlines his strategy, emphasizing the need for focus and discipline on the lengthy, challenging pitch.

In the final stages of preparation, Kenney reflects on the realities of Pitztal’s training slope. “It really forces you to push through the difficulties of the hill and conditions,” he reveals, underscoring the resilience cultivated in the face of adversity. His breakthrough moments at the training in Pitztal exemplify his unwavering dedication, reinforcing his confidence. Kenney is excited and grateful as he approaches the season’s first race. “Sweet Emotion!” he exclaims, capturing the thrill of the moment. Kenney channels his determination with a resounding “LFG!” (Let’s Freaking Go!), gearing up for a spectacular performance on the slopes of Sölden.

Ready for Sunday

As the first race at Sölden approaches, the energy within the Stifel US Ski Team is electric. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination are the hallmarks of success. With Ian Garner’s strategic guidance and the athletes’ passion, the team confidently enters the season. From Steffey’s focused approach to McLaughlin’s disciplined skiing and Kenney’s mental fortitude, each member embodies the essence of competitive excellence. The slopes of Sölden await, and these athletes, driven by their shared pursuit of greatness, are set to carve their names into skiing history. Prepare for an exhilarating season filled with unforgettable moments as the Stifel US Ski Team takes on the world. Let the games begin!