Norwegian skier Rasmus Windingstad has announced his retirement after 11 years on the World Cup tour, where he earned three podiums, one victory, and competed at the 2022 Olympics. The 30-year-old giant slalom specialist will be remembered for his Attacking Viking style and consistent presence in one of the sport’s deepest teams.
Sarrazin’s crash on the Stelvio, the slope set to host the men’s Olympic downhill this February, has renewed concerns about safety. The fall last December highlighted just how unforgiving Bormio can be in midwinter. Organizers point out that conditions in February — with more direct sun and the opportunity to prepare the piste from top to bottom in a more uniform manner — should make the Olympic surface safer. Still, the questions raised by his accident continue to echo as the Games approach. For Sarrazin, the focus is no longer on what was lost but on what lies ahead. His determination is clear: recover fully, return in 2026–27, and chase the dream of competing at the 2030 Olympics in front of a home crowd.
Roland Assinger will remain head coach of the Austrian women’s Alpine team through the 2025–26 Olympic season despite sharp criticism from several athletes, including recently retired world champion Stephanie Venier. Accused of poor communication and an intimidating leadership style, Assinger acknowledged the controversy, admitted he considered resigning, and vowed to improve trust and collaboration moving forward.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Women’s World Cup Tech Team is kicking off its first training camp, under the leadership of new head coach Alek Glebov. Learn more about Alek and his goals in his new coaching role.
Sixteen-year-old Logan Grosdidier of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Europa Cup tech group swept both South American Continental Cup slaloms in Ushuaia on Aug. 14, earning her first two Continental Cup victories in icy, challenging conditions. Liv Moritz added two podiums, and U.S. teammates Storm Klomhaus, Galena Wardle, and Kjersti Moritz all secured top-10 finishes.
After a breakout 2024–25 season that included World Cup points, a Junior Worlds medal, and a national title, 19-year-old Elisabeth Bocock is emerging as a serious contender for the U.S. Olympic giant slalom team. With 13 World Cup starts over two seasons and a full-time move to the World Cup squad, she’s gaining momentum at just the right time.
Stephanie Venier, the 31-year-old Tyrolean who won the 2025 super-G world title in Saalbach, has announced her retirement from ski racing. The Austrian speed specialist ends her career with 169 World Cup starts, 12 podiums split evenly between super-G and downhill, and three wins. Venier also raced in five World Championships, earning three medals, and competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
Tanguy Nef is carving his own path to Olympic contention, blending Ivy League academics with World Cup success. The 28-year-old Swiss slalom skier, now ranked among the world’s top ten, reflects on his unique journey through the NCAA system, his breakthrough season, and what it means to chase the Olympic dream.
Lindsey Vonn has enlisted fellow Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal as her coach and equipment strategist for her 2026 Olympic comeback. The longtime friends and Head Ski athletes are joining forces to chase one more shot at Olympic glory in Cortina.
When Sierra Ryder saw a Ski Racing Media Facebook post about an opening with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, she had no idea it would launch her into a fast-paced, globe-trotting role as Alpine Communications Manager. Now in her fourth season, Ryder navigates the demands of covering two teams often racing far apart, building athlete trust, and preparing for her first Olympic Games—all with a team-first mindset and a spreadsheet that keeps it all moving.
On July 29th at the Hahnenkamm, James (Jack) Crawford’s was honored with the naming of a gondola for his legendary win last season on the Kitzbühel Streif. Another Canadian legend had an honorary recognition as well! Read more.
ChatGPT said: With six medal contenders in giant slalom—including Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin—and four downhill stars like World Champion Breezy Johnson and comeback legend Lindsey Vonn, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team faces an Olympic selection puzzle ahead of Cortina 2026, where fierce internal competition will make every start spot hard-earned.
After breaking both legs in a World Cup crash, Sam DuPratt fought his way back to the start gate in Val Gardena—three years later, on the same hill. This is the story of grit, setbacks, and a comeback built on total ownership.
Marta Bassino and Salomon have ended their partnership after more than 20 years together. The Italian star, who won the 2021 giant slalom discipline globe and multiple World Championship titles with the brand, announced the split following a challenging season.
Kenyan Olympic skier Sabrina Simader has ended her career despite qualifying for the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina. A lack of financial support and broken promises from her national federation forced the 27-year-old World Cup athlete to retire, bringing a premature end to one of alpine skiing’s most inspiring journeys.
On a cold December morning in 1975, Ken Read shocked the ski racing world by winning Canada’s first men’s World Cup downhill in Val d’Isère. Fifty years later, he reflects on that breakthrough moment, the rise of the Crazy Canucks, and how one run changed the course of Canadian winter sport.
Daron Rahlves, the most successful U.S. men’s World Cup downhill skier in history, reflects on the bold moves, fierce rivalries, and fearless skiing that defined his career. From Squaw Valley freeskiing to Kitzbühel glory, his story is one of risk, resilience, and relentless detail.
Lindsey Vonn has earned yet another ESPY nomination, this time for Best Comeback Athlete, following her remarkable return to the World Cup circuit this year. Learn more about other ESPYS she has won and was nominated for and a recap on her comeback.
Kicking off their summer series, the Skiing is Believing podcast, hosted by grandfather-grandson duo Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg, chatted with Norwegian tech star Mina Fuerst Holtmann in their first episode.
Lauren Macuga’s breakout season delivered a World Cup win, a World Championship medal, and a bold Olympic trajectory. Known for her fearless skiing and fun-loving energy, the 22-year-old U.S. star is charging into 2026 with momentum—and her stars-and-stripes bucket hat in tow.
You will notice several fresh faces on the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team this season; six to be exact. Here is the 2025/26 rookie list.
FIS has approved the 2025–26 Alpine World Cup calendar, setting the stage for a high-stakes Olympic season with 75 races across 30 resorts. The schedule includes key qualification events, a new men’s super-G in Livigno, and a men’s downhill in Crans Montana serving as a test event for the 2027 World Championships.
The Stifel U.S. Ski Team announced key staffing changes for the 2025–26 season, including new hires and role shifts across the men’s and women’s alpine programs. With Olympic preparations underway, the team added international experience and promoted from within to build on a successful 2024–25 campaign.
FIS approved a prize money increase of up to 20% for all World Cup disciplines starting next season, as top earners from 2024–25 included Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Italy’s Federica Brignone. All top three men were Swiss, two of the top three women were Italian, and no Austrians cracked either podium
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