Featured Image: Team USA infront of the Olympic Rings at Whistler Mountain Resort for the 2024 Whistler Cup. Credit: Giovanni Fassina, Cardigan Mountain School, U16 Head Coach

In Whistler, British Columbia, U14 and U16 alpine ski racers came together to compete in super-G, giant slalom, and slalom at the 2024 Whistler Cup. There were different events off the snow, including two banquet nights and a parade to celebrate the athlete’s efforts throughout the season. 

Team USA had several athletes qualify for the Whistler Cup; the Western Region brought up their top U14 athletes, and the U16 squad brought three women and three men to compete in the race series. The six U16 athletes were selected to race from their results at U16 Nationals, which included: 

Girls Team:

Mari Renick (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)

Lauren Hopkins (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)

Maya Maxson (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail)

Boys Team:

Trevor Palmquist (Team Summit)

Kieren Hildreth (Burke Mountain Academy)

Cameron Blatz (Cardigan Mountain School)

For most, this is their first time competing internationally, which added to the excitement. 

Lisa Perricone, the Ski and Snowboard Club Alpine U16 Women’s Head Coach, stated, “The highlight was that although these athletes didn’t know each other, they were so unified, and they were excited about being a part of Team USA. They were like one unit, embracing being a part of a team and watching out for their group.” 

Lauren Hopkins, a U16 athlete from Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, stated, “My highlight of Whistler Cup was meeting fellow athletes from different backgrounds. It was my first international race, and I was excited to represent the U.S.”

The 31st Whistler Cup commenced from April 11th to the 14th, and throughout the race series, the enthusiasm continued to radiate amongst the athletes at every start, finish, and after-race event. 

During the four days, the snow conditions and weather were variable, but the races were completed successfully. 

“The super-G’s were awesome with a good freeze overnight. For the giant slaloms, it snowed about 16 centimeters, but they worked the hill well and got it off. The slalom was soft but well-salted, so it was okay,” Perricone explained. 

Team USA persevered through the changing conditions to achieve leaderboard results. 

Cameron Blatz from Cardigan Mountain School, stated, “I would say coming down in 1st was the best feeling of the season, but knowing I was in contention for a podium or even a win after the first run was a great feeling.” 

Kieren Hildreth from Burke Mountain Academy was also thrilled about his victory, “My biggest highlight during the Whistler Cup was winning the Men’s GS. It was a cool opportunity to compete against people from around the world and know where I stack up against them. Most importantly, I was very proud of the way I skied my second GS run, tactically and technically.”

Can You Build a SnowMan? Team USA Reflects on the Unity of the Event

During the Whistler Cup, the athletes and coaches worked on camaraderie amongst the teams, as the young athletes had not met most of the other competitors. For Team USA, they decided to build a snowman at every start. They did this to come together and have a meeting spot to put their items. 

“They built a snowman at every start they were at. The first one’s name was Gerald, and then we had a Jose. They built them and decorated them,” Perricone explained. 

The event becomes enjoyable through these activities, fostering a sense of teamwork despite the individual nature of the sport. Additionally, the athletes came together during the two banquets and the parade after the race series, creating an opportunity to celebrate and socialize.

Looking onto Goals for Next Season After the Final Race

The Whistler Cup finalized the season for these athletes, so it is an effective time for reflection and goal setting. 

Here are a few goals from three of the U16 racers heading into next season:

Cameron Blatz  

“I have different stages of goals for myself, so I have ones I know that are going to happen, goals that I really want to accomplish and then reach goals,” He continued, “One of my reach goals for next year is to get top 3 at the National Project Series, which would qualify me for Opa Cup in Europe.” 

Lauren Hopkins

“My goals for next season are to develop my skills technically and tactically and improve my race mindset and confidence. I want to be ready for FIS. I also hope to get more opportunities to race internationally.”

Kieren Hildreth

“I think it would be incredible to achieve a top 3 overall at U16 Nationals and to be able to perform as well as I did at the National Project Series and even qualify for the Opa Cup.”

Overall, the Whistler Cup was an accomplishment for these developing athletes. Team USA celebrated with sportsmanship, undeniable effort, and excitement. 

For full results of the event visit livetiming.com