Haley Cutler downhill jump.. Photo credit: Haley Cutler

The season’s first Stifel Success NorAm cup speed series has wrapped up. Over three days, the ladies competed in two downhill and super-G races dueled as both NorAms and National Championships. Tricia Mangan dominated the downhills, while NorAm overall leader Kiki Alexander captured victory in both super-Gs.

Downhill

Two-time Olympian Mangan is an independent USA athlete competing to ski on the World Cup circuit. She joined forces with fellow independent Canadian Stef Fleckenstein. This season was her first with a speed event focused prep period, and she is excited about her progress.

“I have had so much help from all over the ski community,” said Mangan. “I am so grateful since we’re racing as independents this season. I’m excited to keep working hard and building on a positive start in Copper.”

After two days of downhill racing, Mangan leads the NorAm downhill standings. She was also crowned National Champion while 18-year-old Allison Mollin from Palisades Tahoe was named Junior National Champion. Her second and fourth-place finishes place her second in the Stifel Success NorAm downhill standings behind Mangan.

Rounding out the standings is independent Haley Cutler skiing for Sun Valley (SVSEF). The former D1 University of New Mexico skier shifted her focus to speed NorAms intending to race on the World Cup circuit next season. Cutler finished third and fourth, respectively.

“Speed has always been so much fun for me, and I’m stoked that I’ve gotten myself into a place mentally and physically to race speed again,” said Cutler. “Crossing the finish line with the feeling of a fast run and knowing I nailed my inspection marks is always a confidence booster.”

Stifel Access NorAm Super-G

After accumulating a strong lead in the NorAm overall title during the tech series, Canada’s Kiki Alexander captured back-to-back super-G wins. It was blue skies, perfect Colorado snow, and a repeated course for a day of double races.

Teammate Sarah Bennett claimed double silvers for the races. US Stifel team member Mary Bocock grabbed bronze in the day’s first race. Independent Haley Cutler returned to the podium in third for the afternoon super-G.  

“It was my first time skiing the hill, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the day was the perfect speed day,” said Alexander. “I didn’t have much speed training going into the races, so I was just trying to ski my best.” 

After a first and third place in slalom, Alexander leads the NorAm overall standings ahead of Bennett. Alexander spent most of her pre-season training slalom but has previously skied many GS and super-G races. With competitive and supportive teammates to push her, Alexander feels confident Alpine Canada will show some of its best this season.

Current Women’s Stifel Access NorAm top 21 downhill and super-G standings