U.S. Freeski Team member, Maggie Voisin, 21, from Whitefish, Montana and Park City, Utah, has won the NASJA Competitor of the Year Award for 2020.

The award honors a North American snowsports competitor who has distinguished themselves in amateur or professional competition during the current season. The winner was selected by an online vote of Active Press, Retired Press and Corporate members.

Previous winners include Pam Fletcher, Billy Kidd, Jean Claude Killy, Ted Ligety, Phil Mahre, Bode Miller, Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, and others.

“This award from NASJA is particularly meaningful to me. It shows how hard work pays off. In fact, I’m planning a full competition season next year, with Dew Tour, X Games, the Grand Prix series and international World Cups on the schedule,” Maggie says.

Maggie, a two-time Olympian (2014, 2018) had one of the best comeback seasons the freeski community has ever seen. After getting ACL surgery at the beginning of 2019, there was much uncertainty surrounding her success last season. She proved her strength and determination, however, with multiple podiums and a variety of new tricks. On the X Games Tour specifically, Voisin showed exponential progression throughout the season. She gradually improved in every X Games competition, earning bronze in Aspen slopestyle, silver in Norway’s big air, and gold in Norway’s slopestyle. Voisin also podiumed at the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix and Dew Tour.

To close out the season in Norway, Maggie completed a perfect double cork 1260 safety, marking the end of her incredibly successful contest season. Voisin’s triumphant season was a direct result from the hard work and passion she put into getting back to the top of the sport. She is resilient, determined, and hungry to become one of the best female freeski athletes in the world. In addition to being an impressive athlete, she is a positive, encouraging, and cooperative leader within the team.

Voisin deserves the recognition for her legendary comeback season.

The award is named for ski and travel journalist Paul Robbins, a wordsmith and historian for the U.S. Ski Team for 30 years, who died at his home in Vermont in February 2007. Robbins, whose wit, humor and vast knowledge was legendary, was 68. 

Words by NASJA.org 
 

U.S. Ski & Snowboard does not condone acts of violence, underage drinking, or discriminatory language or actions that criticize, ridicule or otherwise disparage another individual’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or age. U.S. Ski & Snowboard recently became aware of content that portrays Deven and Kiernan Fagan behaving in a way that is in violation of U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Athlete Agreement and Code of Conduct. Effective immediately, Deven and Kiernan will be subject to a formal, indefinite suspension. Kiernan and Deven’s return to U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned activities is reliant upon completing diversity and sensitivity education. U.S. Ski & Snowboard will work closely with Kiernan and Deven in the coming months to evaluate their progress and team status.

Spring usually means crushing slush bumps at U.S. Ski & Snowboard official training site Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for the mogul skiers of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. However, due to the impacts of Covid-19, this prep season is unprecedented for professional skiers across the country and around the world. 

Stay-at-home restrictions meant U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s high-performance staff had to pivot in a major way to make sure athletes could still successfully execute their prep season training programs. Limited access to gym equipment and the inability to train together in person created an opportunity for improvisation.

The Moguls’ Athletic Development Coach, Josh Bullock, devised #OperationHomebody to address his new reality of remote training. Josh’s approach was simple: combine each athlete’s individual program with a few weekly challenges and incorporate social media to engage and connect with the whole team, including staff. New U.S. Ski & Snowboard partner, Hydro Flask, provided gear to keep everyone hydrated throughout #OperationHomebody and quickly became favorite adventure companions as athletes sought to diversify their physical fitness outside.

 

 

 

 

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Now that ski season over I’d prefer if the weather would stay more like this and less like that ➡️ #hydroflask #heyletsgo #operationhomebody #mygorillabow #iamspecialized

A post shared by Hannah Soar (@hannsoar) on May 12, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT

“OperationHomebody was a huge success!” said Hannah Soar. “Over the weeks I pushed myself to improve my mile time — one of the once-weekly challenges — and met my goal of a sub-6-minute mile. It was both physically and mentally challenging to get myself to push my limits each week. Having the leaderboard and OperationHomebody made me feel connected with my team, encouraging me to put my best foot forward every week in pursuit of my goals.”

Every Sunday the week’s theme was announced to the group, from supporting Goggles for Docs to celebrating Mothers’ Day. On Monday athletes had to complete a one-mile timed trial and Wednesday athletes did a one-minute pushup challenge. In an individual sport like mogul skiing, being part of a team creates camaraderie and friendly competition. Athletes push themselves when they are around each other. Incorporating social media into training created a sense of community that would otherwise be missing during this camp. 

 

 

 

 

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Hiking around 🙂 #heyletsgo #operationhomebody #hydroflaskadventures

A post shared by Kai (@kai.owens_) on May 10, 2020 at 7:45pm PDT

Learning to adapt to virtual reality for moguls wasn’t as impossible a task some might assume. “Since the onset of my tenure, I have made the attempt to educate [my athletes] to the point of being out of a job, to where they can function independently of direct supervision,” Josh explained. “Good coaching means the athlete can develop and solve motor problems independently. Training is training, so nothing has really changed. We still want quality movement and we still want athletes to reach certain physical capacities so that they can ski at the highest level  while remaining healthy.” 

That is not to say there are no challenges. Like every organization right now, the U.S. Moguls Team is figuring it out. The biggest challenge is that every athlete is on a slightly different program based on the resources available to them. Some athletes have in-home gyms, while others have traded weights for sandbags. The inability to coach in person also means that most feedback is retroactive and based on video content. Josh can’t correct technique in the moment as he’d be able to when on-site with someone.  

 

 

 

 

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How nice is to be outside?! Thank you, @hydroflask for keeping me hydrated and happy out on the golf course! @usskiteam @hydroflask 🏌🏼‍♂️ #HeyLetsGo #OperationHomebody

A post shared by Nick Page (@nickpage58) on May 5, 2020 at 10:44am PDT

The goals for the team during the early prep season remain unchanged in this very changed world. “We first want to see great movement quality,” explained Josh. “Then we can focus on the capacity for exertion, and stress tolerance. They need to accumulate enough training so that they can tolerate stress, eventually the stress of competition and everything that comes with that.” Athletes being able to perform a variety of movements efficiently plays into injury prevention. Laying the groundwork before getting on snow, before the season ramps up, means that their bodies are prepared to tolerate the added exertion of the competition circuit, including travel, jet lag and access to varied nutrition while on the road.

 

 

 

 

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First camp adventure of the season📍// @hydroflask #heyletsgo

A post shared by Jaelin Kauf (@jaekauf) on May 23, 2020 at 10:45am PDT

The true test of #OperationHomebody will be when athletes are able to get back into a more typical training routine. But so far Josh is pleased to see that the team has learned to work together remotely. “The current team is a natural split-squat, with athletes on World Cup, NorAm, or in rehab, and I can’t always be with each sub-group,” said Josh. “Right now I’m able to meet athletes where they’re at. Some want to video chat, some want to text, etc. Being more versed in e-learning and virtual engagement will make for more fine-tuned processes as we move through this next season.”

 

 

 

 

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Staying hydrated in the mountains thanks to @hydroflask #heyletsgo #operationhomebody @usskiteam pc: @aliciamitchelll

A post shared by Landon Wendler (@_landonwendler) on May 24, 2020 at 4:23pm PDT

Athletes at the highest level of sport confront challenges that are difficult to comprehend for the average Joe. They juggle training, competition, sponsorship obligations, media requests, time with family, and the more obvious physical challenges that come along with competing against the best athletes in the world. 

However, one of the most taxing elements elite athletes face involves the mental side of the sport. U.S. Freeski Halfpipe Team member and double-Olympic gold medalist David Wise is no stranger to the mental strength required to achieve greatness. 

“My career, for better or for worse, can only be described as tumultuous,” said David. “I have had the opportunity to stand on the peak of all peaks and been dragged through the lowest of lows. Along the way, I’ve learned that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we think and even feel about it. If we can control how we think and feel about a situation, we can control how we react to it. If we can maintain control of our actions in the midst of difficult situations, our chances at a favorable outcome drastically increase.”

Most recently, David has been working to pass on his knowledge, strategy, and perspective to other athletes as part of his newly formed Mental Giants program.  

“I saw both a need and an opportunity to help up and coming athletes with mental strength because of my history as a competitor,” said David. “Over the years, I learned tips and tactics that develop mental strength. I learned how to be in a relaxed state of mind in the midst of chaos. I knew that if I could help other athletes overcome mental hurdles and be the best athletes they could be, that it would be worth it. It has become one of the most rewarding things that I do. I love watching people do their absolute best when it counts.”

Most recently David has been working with U.S. Moguls Team athlete and Columbia University student Olivia Giaccio. Olivia discovered a post from David on social media that really resonated with her personal situation. She took it upon herself to reach out to David and they have been working together ever since. 

“I initially got involved with the Mental Giants program through David's Instagram,” Olivia reflected. “At the very end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, David posted a series of photos with lengthy captions reflecting upon the past decade. His commentary felt eerily similar to what I was going through at that exact moment, which was wild to read. Especially from a skier that I had initially followed due to his success at the Olympics and X Games. When I was reading his posts, I was one day away from getting ACL surgery. I direct-messaged David to say that his posts were incredibly inspiring and to see if he had any particular sports psychologists that he'd recommend. I woke up to his response on the morning of my surgery, and I was honestly pretty stunned. Not only by the fact that he had actually responded, but also to hear that he was actually developing a mental program of his own and would be willing to work with me. I jumped at the opportunity and we got started immediately.”

So, how does a moguls and halfpipe skier work together? Their sports are not the same and they are both very different people, yet they still have the ability to relate and learn from each other. Olivia outlined exactly how they were able to successfully connect. 

“We’ve both put way too much pressure on ourselves in the past,” she said. “We both find it exciting to push the sport in new ways. Both of our identities have been centered around skiing, even though we’ve also learned to ground ourselves in other ways. In short, I think we’ve learned a bunch of the same lessons, particularly those that he experienced early on in his competitive career.”

David and Olivia have spoken about once a month and have regularly communicated by email and text since that first direct message on Instagram. However, the new COVID-19 landscape has proved challenging and most of their conversations have shifted to the digital arena. This hasn’t slowed down their pace at all with Olivia sending David weekly emails detailing her progress both within and outside the sport. David’s initial focus with Olivia has been rooted in goal setting. 

“Most people set goals based around external things like podiums or dollar figures or likes or followers, but that is not mentally tough goal setting. For example, If I approach any given competition with the goal of winning, I could land the best run that has ever been done, but if the judges don’t like my skiing on that particular day, I will be dissatisfied because I didn’t win. However, if I set a goal of doing my best run on that day, I will still be satisfied and joyful when I land a good run. Even if I am slightly disappointed that the judges didn’t see it the same way. It’s about not giving people or circumstances power over you. I like to start slow and have an athlete focus on what parts of their sport they enjoy right now and why they are doing what they do. That way when the competition gets more intense, they can stay tied to the moment and enjoy the ride.”

Olivia has taken David’s lessons to heart. Although she has dreamed of taking home Olympic gold, today she understands that there is much more to it. It will be a beautiful journey as Olivia’s physical talent and mental toughness pave the way for future success. 

“Since I was 10, I’ve always said that Olympic Gold is the biggest goal of mine, so who better to help me achieve it than a two-time Olympic Gold medalist? But, as cheesy as it sounds, I want to strive to become the best version of myself as an athlete, competitor, and individual each and every day. I like to think that I’m open to learning in order to foster self-improvement in whatever way I can, and while David’s help isn’t the only way I’m improving my mental game, I’m incredibly grateful for his vital role in my journey thus far.”

FOLLOW:

Instagram
@oliviagiaccio
@mrdavidwise

Facebook
@OGMogulSkier
@mrDavidWise

Website
http://www.oliviagiaccio.com/

I have been wrestling with what the right response is from us and me, as our country is rocked by unrest following the unjust killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. What can our organization do as a member of the bigger snow sports industry? The current state of affairs has necessitated much introspection. I want to share with you our initial reaction and plans.

As a lifelong member of the ski industry, I admit that it is easy to feel isolated from discrimination, racism, and inequality. The mountains are our safe haven and provide a convenient block from the broader pain and suffering of our world. I regret my lack of attention. As an industry, much work remains in creating wider access to the mountains.

It is no secret that U.S. Ski & Snowboard and our sports are historically white and despite many great programs in place, we could use more widespread initiatives for marginalized communities to participate. We could attempt to justify this with excuses, but when you drill down, the core issue is that there has been a lack of broad responsibility to do so. We can start by improving our organization, and better engage with and support those around us. We will lead by action and use our influence to help others.

This effort will not come without its challenges. Frankly, we have a long way to go to ensuring progress and creating more diversity across our industry. In 2017, U.S. Ski & Snowboard created the Diversity and Inclusion Committee which was tasked with assessing the state of diversity and inclusion in the organization and to make recommendations moving forward. In 2018, we committed to creating and executing a plan to develop a more diverse and inclusive community within U.S. Ski & Snowboard in line with our Mission and Vision, and our Diversity and Inclusion Statement. 

We have so far made progress in the area of gender equality, specifically creating more opportunities for women in coaching, as well as incorporating diversity and inclusion initiatives as part of our club certification process beginning FY20. But we need to make more headway in creating a real connection between the sports we love and underrepresented communities. 

Moving forward, we will not make promises we cannot keep, but will commit to tangible actions as an organization.

• We will host an Athlete Town Hall on June 18 focused on increasing diversity in our sport. We will discuss this topic and bring forth honest conversation creating awareness, and offering realistic steps towards making positive change.

• Locally, we will open the lines of communication with Park City and Salt Lake City-based non-profits to introduce underrepresented youth to winter sports and support the fight for racial justice. 

• Nationally, we will work with our member clubs to promote inclusivity at the grassroots level. Many clubs are extraordinary in this aspect but many also need our leadership.

• Additionally, nationally, we will open the lines of communication with organizations that work to promote the sports of skiing and snowboarding to underrepresented youth to understand how we can affect change.

• Internally, we will open new and replacement staff positions for longer amounts of time and use different advertising avenues than normal.

• We will engage experts to better guide and train us and our employees, on tolerance and diversity.

• We will step up our effort to better diversify our boards in all respects.

The sadness and confusion that has resulted from the tragic events have created a sense of unrest for many around the nation. We will use this moment as a catalyst. We hope to increase and celebrate diversity within the organization, our athletes, members, donors, and our fans across the world.

If you have thoughts, suggestions or ideas on how we can better ourselves and strengthen this organization by creating true inclusivity, please reach out.

Sincerely,

Tiger

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin was recently featured in Reuters, in an article entitled, "Alpine skiing: Faced with tragedy, Shiffrin chooses to give back" highlighting her involvement with Goggles for Docs, the ALL IN Challenge, Kindness in Crisis, and more this spring. 

Upon returning from Europe as the FIS Ski World Cup Tour season was cut short in Europe, Mikaela wanted to find a way to give back as the entire world had come to a screeching halt⁠—a halt she had experienced just one month earlier when her father Jeff tragically passed away. 

Confronted with the tragedy, Shiffrin has channeled her energy into charitable causes.

This month she performed a song as part of “Goggles for Docs,” which provides ski goggles to health care workers.

She also recently joined the popular All-In Challenge charity auction.

The winning bidder will receive a raft of prizes including professional ski equipment plus VIP tickets and a ‘meet and greet’ with Shiffrin at the Women’s World Cup in Killington, Vermont, where she claimed four of her 66 World Cup race wins.

Shiffrin, who is by nature a private person, has also taken on a leadership role alongside tennis player Madison Keys with Kindness Wins, a foundation that advocates for the better treatment of others and stamping out of bullying.

“I really identify with the kids out there who have an introverted personality in an extroverted world and are not sure how to navigate that,” she said.

Shiffrin said giving back has helped her keep grounded and grateful.

Read the full story on Reuters.com.

Following the International Ski Federation's (FIS) annual spring meetings, there was some misinformation being circulated about decisions made and key dates discussed. This week, the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF), organizer of the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, made it clear in a release that it is still too early to determine the possible effects of COVID-19 on the event, which is currently scheduled to take place Dec. 4-6 in Beaver Creek, Colo.

Note: following the FIS meetings, the 2020-21 calendars have been confirmed, though the situation will be monitored closely. On request of the FIS Discipline Technical Committees, a Task Force specific to each event will be installed to undertake on-going monitoring of Covid-19 relating matters that may arise leading up to each FIS World Cup Event and implement necessary actions.

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The nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation, the local organizers of the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, today released a statement that it is too early to tell the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the event, which is currently scheduled to take place Dec. 4-6 in Beaver Creek.

“We are working closely with the FIS, U.S. Ski and Snowboard, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, and many others to take a look at all possible options to host our races this season, but it is too early to tell what effects the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the World Cup season,” said Sarah Franke, Vice President of Operations and Marketing for the Vail Valley Foundation.

“The safety and well-being of our athletes, fans, staff, volunteers, media, and everyone involved in this spectacular athletic event each year are paramount,” Franke said. “With that in mind, we are doing our due diligence with our partners, and looking at all options, including the continuation of the event as planned,” Franke said.

The event as planned includes a weeklong celebration of the sport of ski racing, welcoming winter into the Rocky Mountains, culminating with three days of top-tier racing from the world’s best men’s ski racers in super G, downhill, and giant slalom racing.

Ideas for changing or rescheduling the FIS Ski World Cup racing season, including the Xfinity Birds of Prey, have abounded in the media and in ski racing fan circles, but organizers say there have been no decisions made at this time, and none are expected until late summer or early autumn.

On request of the FIS Discipline Technical Committees, a Task Force specific to each event will be installed to undertake on-going monitoring of Covid-19 relating matters that may arise leading up to each FIS World Cup Event and implement necessary actions.

The group per event will comprise the key stakeholders from the decision-making bodies and experts who can provide advice with one representative each from the National Ski Association organizing nation, the respective LOC, broadcast-commercial rights holder, FIS Race Director and Management, Medical Committee representative, Discipline Committee Chair and Council Member from the organizing nation.

The Vail Valley Foundation, which serves as the local organizing committee for the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, said they would communicate any new information to partners, volunteers, and the public as soon as any decisions are made.

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About the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup
Ranked as the number one overall stop by the athletes and coaches who participate, the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup in Beaver Creek has become legendary in the ski world.

Beaver Creek Mountain is home to the formidable Birds of Prey racecourse, challenging an international roster of top athletes for one week of racing featuring Men’s alpine super G, downhill and giant slalom competitions. The event is organized by the non-profit Vail Valley Foundation, in close partnership with the FIS, United States Ski and Snowboard, Vail Resorts, the Beaver Creek Resort Company, Beaver Creek Resort, Xfinity, and TIAA Bank.

About the Vail Valley Foundation
The Vail Valley Foundation is a 501c3 Colorado nonprofit corporation with a mission to enhance the quality of life in the Vail Valley and showcase our community to a global audience through arts, athletics, and education.

The organization’s work in education is through YouthPower365, a 501c3 Colorado nonprofit corporation with a mission to provide year-round extended learning opportunities that empower and educate the youth and families of Eagle County from cradle-to-career readiness. The Vail Valley Foundation also provides the Vail Valley with several of its most treasured annual events, such as the GoPro Mountain Games, the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup races, the Vail Dance Festival, and the Hot Summer Nights and ShowDown Town free concert series’. The Vail Valley Foundation also manages and operates two performing arts centers, the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek Village and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, providing more than 100 Broadway, dance, comedy, classical, rock, pop, jazz, community and family events per year.

Vail Valley Foundation activities and events are in part made possible by cornerstone partners: the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, GMC, and TIAA Bank.

To learn more about the Vail Valley Foundation activities and events visit www.vvf.org.

Release courtesy of the Vail Valley Foundation

Active Interest Media (AIM) and U.S. Ski & Snowboard today announced that NASTAR operations will transfer to its previous ownership, AIM. Through this transition, AIM and U.S. Ski & Snowboard will continue to partner in the marketing, promotion, and growth of the 52-year-old NAtional STAndard Race series that boasts more than 100,000 annual races at over 100 resorts around the country.

“NASTAR can trace its roots back to 1968 when the program was developed by SKI Magazine,” said AIM CEO Andrew Clurman. “We are excited to bring NASTAR back under our roof at AIM with SKI Magazine. AIM is well-positioned to continue to develop the lauded NASTAR brand, and we look forward to garnering greater awareness and participation in the sport of ski racing nationally.”

“NASTAR has always been an important entry point for aspiring racers to our development pipeline in alpine ski racing and we are excited to see it continue to grow under AIM once again,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “Many of the best U.S. Ski Team athletes got their start at NASTAR - a tradition we expect to continue. We look forward to working with AIM to inspire participants of all ages to get involved in ski racing.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard will transfer operations to AIM in the coming months. AIM will handle all forward operations interfacing with resorts while U.S. Ski & Snowboard will complete any outstanding business operations from last season. Any advance registrations for the Nationals this year will be honored in 2021 and will be transferred to AIM in the transition.

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders in 2020, competing in seven teams; alpine, cross country, freeski, freestyle, snowboard, nordic combined and ski jumping. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org

About Active Interest Media
One of the world's largest enthusiast-media companies, Active Interest Media publishes leading consumer magazines such as Yoga Journal, Backpacker, SKI, Vegetarian Times, Sail, Old House Journal, and more. The company's five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group, and Outdoor Group—reach more than 39 million people in 85 countries. AIM also operates thriving B2B platforms, online universities, and retail events. Core competencies include lead generation, marketing services (through its in-house agency, Catapult Creative Labs), and video production. Its businesses include Warren Miller Entertainment, the most successful adventure-film company in history; IDEAFit, the world's leading organization of fitness and wellness professionals; and AIM Studios, a seven-person unit dedicated to digital video. Active Interest Media's customers are smart, engaged, and loyal, and they look to our brands for trustworthy information and services that will inspire and enable them to enjoy their passions.

Media inquiries:
Lara Carlton, lara.carlton@usskiandsnowboard.org
U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Jess McGee, jmcgee@aimmedia.com
Active Interest Media

Outstanding business regarding last season:
Lindsay Arnold, lindsay.arnold@usskiandsnowboard.org
U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Questions regarding all future activity:
Jess McGee, jmcgee@aimmedia.com
Active Interest Media

National Championships Entry Information
(855) 912-5965
https://nastarsupport.ussa.org

FIS Vice-President Janez Kocijančič has died after a long illness at the age of 78, Kocijancic served on the FIS Council since 1981 and was elected Vice President in 2010.

Kocijančič, who was also active in politics and business, was the president of the Slovenian Olympic Committee between 1991 and 2014, and headed the European Olympic Committees since 2017.

Born in 1941, he graduated in law in 1965 and earned a master's and a doctoral degree in the same field, while he also entered politics at a young age, presiding over the League of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia in 1968-1971.

Since then, he was active in business, including as the chief executive of the flag carrier Adria Airways between 1982 and 1993.

Kocijančič returned to politics in the late 1980s, and in 1993, two years after Slovenia gained independence, he became the leader of the United List of Social Democrats (ZLSD), the precursor of today's Social Democrats (SD). In the same year, he became a member of the National Assembly and stayed at the helm of the ZLSD until the end of his MP term in 1997.

But Kocijančič will be most remembered by his work in sports, where he has left an indelible mark, especially in skiing, while also serving at important international posts.

First, he headed the Ski Association of Slovenia (1974-1984) and Yugoslavia (1984-1988), before in 1991 after Slovenia became an independent nation, he led the creation of the Ski Association of Slovenia which became one of the most active FIS member nations.

Janez Kocijančič was also elected the first president of the Slovenian Olympic Committee and served at the post for more than 23 years. Since 2005, he was also a member of the executive committee of the European Olympic Committees, becoming the organization's Vice-President in 2013 and its President in 2017.

In 1981, Kocijančič was elected a member of the Council of the International Ski Federation (FIS), and served as vice president since 2010. During his outstanding service for FIS, Kocijančič began as a member of the Legal and Safety Committee. Alongside his role as FIS Vice-President, he also chaired the Marc Hodler Foundation Board and FIS Marketing Ltd.

He is the recipient of the Bloudek Award (1985), Slovenia's most prestigious sports accolade, and of the Norwegian King Olav Trophy (2014) for his global promotion of skiing.

FIS President Gian Franco Kasper said of Kocijančič, “FIS and the world of sport has lost a true friend. Janez Kocijančič was a dedicated member of the Council who served FIS and the sport with distinction and wisdom. His wonderful sense of humour will also be warmly remembered. It is with a heavy heart that I express the deepest condolences of FIS to his wife Andrea and their family, the Ski Association of Slovenia community and his many friends all over the world.”

Release courtesy of FIS

PAUL BACON AWARD (Service to events)
John Munger/Loppet Foundation
Minneapolis, Minn.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has honored visionary cross country skiing leader John Munger and The Loppet Foundation in Minneapolis with its Paul Bacon Award. The award is given to an individual or group for the greatest contribution in competition organization in the previous year. 

Munger and The Loppet Foundation had a vision. With the Olympic success of local star Jessie Diggins, his organization wanted to help the greater cross country community in bringing World Cup cross country ski racing back to America after nearly 20 years. The Loppet Foundation is a remarkable organization, not just for its race training programs but for its ability to bring together the youth of the city with outdoor recreation. 

Munger, his staff, and hundreds of volunteers worked for nearly two years leading up to the March 17 event, only to cancel just five days out as a part of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite that, the cross country community saw immense benefit from the effort, as Munger and his team dramatically lifted the profile of cross country skiing.

“What we realize in times like this is that hope and anticipation are much more important than we ordinarily give them credit for,” said Munger. “Looking back, what we did was provide hope and anticipation for people all across the country (and the world) every day for the past two years. Every day, kids and athletes and skiers and fans would wake up and think to themselves how excited they were for the World Cup day to come. The fact that the day never actually came does not take away from that very real sense of hope and anticipation that the world had. We are really proud of that. The event itself would have been icing on the cake - but the cake itself was really about hope.” 

“I’m proud of our team. This was our first time doing an event like this. They performed like Jessie did in PyeongChang. At Loppet, we are not about results, we are about process and enjoying the journey. This was a long, hard journey that ended prematurely. I fell down a lot. But I hope to be even stronger going forward. I know this is true of our Loppet community.”

Despite the trauma of losing the event, The Loppet Foundation set its sights ahead on when it can try again to bring World Cup cross country ski racing back to America.

JOHN CLAIR AWARD (Service to team)
Mike Mallon
USASA

Over the past two decades, United States of American Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) Executive Director Mike Mallon has served tirelessly in a wide range of roles that have had a direct impact on the success of freeski and snowboard athletes. Mallon was honored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard with its John Clair Award Award for service to the national team.

In his role with USASA, Mallon has overseen the grassroots development pipeline for those sports coordinating over 500 USASA events annually. His leadership has put great value on education for coaches, judges, and officials. In addition to his USASA role, he has served as a coach, program director, chair of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sport Committee, a FIS technical delegate, and currently sits on both the Snowboard and Freeski Committees. His hallmark over the past 20 years has been that he’s always looking to fill a need or lend a hand. He has been a consistent, positive presence in the sport.

Mallon honed his craft for 15 years as a FIS snowboard technical delegate. In 20 years as a coach, he had over 15 athletes make it to the U.S. national team. He also coached 10 Junior World Championship teams. In his role with USASA, he now works with over 600 coaches and 5,000 athletes.

“I am constantly amazed by the progression of winter sport, the happiness it instills in others, and the ability to sort out some of life's biggest problems in a seven-minute chairlift ride,” said Mallon. “These are the joys of being a coach. Nothing is more fulfilling than watching an athlete succeed at a task, or reach a lifetime goal. I am honored to be considered in this class of greats, many who have mentored me along the way, and I will continue to try to bring up the next batch of athletes for years to come.” 

RUSSELL WILDER AWARD (Contribution to youth)
Cindy Berlack
Franconia N.H.
Burke Mountain Academy/Franconia Ski Club

Cindy Berlack, whose son Ronnie was one of two U.S. Ski Team athletes killed in an avalanche five years ago, was honored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard with the Russell Wilder Award for service to youth for her work in avalanche education. The BRASS 101 programs she has spearheaded have reached thousands with the message on avalanche safety.

Berlack is passionate about helping youth. Her efforts to bring avalanche safety education to clubs around New England is making a difference. In the memory of Ronnie and his friend Bryce Astle, the BRASS Foundation was formed to help educate athletes and coaches about the danger of avalanches. 

A certified level 200 alpine coach, Berlack has been the pied piper of the BRASS 101 program. Through her initiatives across New England, the free program has been delivered to over 2,000 youth and young adults at clubs, academies, and other public presentations. She helped architect the program and its content, find presenters and schedule workshops. 

The program was designed to highlight the basics of avalanche education, with a turnkey curriculum that can be delivered by local presenters. It’s most impactful component is the 13-minute film, Off-Piste, which features a poignant re-creation of the accident.

Together, the Berlack and Astle families have grown BRASS to be a highly respected advocacy organization with its work impacting the entire ski and snowboard industry nationwide. Berlack has appeared at avalanche workshops around the world and at national conferences around the country, redirecting her life from mother, teacher, and coach to be a tireless proponent of snow safety on behalf of the organization that was so much a part of Ronnie's life.

"What’s been most gratifying to me is that, across the board, coaches and administrators have been extremely appreciative and the young people have been so enthusiastic,” said Berlack. “Ronnie knew nothing about avalanches. I’m so thankful for the opportunity through BRASS to draw in an audience. People feel we can be trusted. And I accept this award on behalf of BRASS."
 

BUD & MARY LITTLE AWARD (Service to FIS or USOPC)
Herwig Demschar
Park City, Utah

Herwig Demschar, one of the most highly respected coaches and leaders over the last quarter-century in America, was honored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard with the Bud & Mary Little Award. Named in honor of the longtime FIS Vice President Bud Little, the award honors lifetime service to the International Ski Federation or U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee on behalf of U.S. interests.

An Austrian native, Demschar came to the USA in 1994 as a women’s alpine coach for the U.S. Ski Team. He has had a profound impact on sport through his work on a national and international basis, including his influence on behalf of U.S. Ski & Snowboard in the International Ski Federation community. In recent years, he was the pivotal figure at Killington for the development of what is now regarded as one of the most notable events on the FIS Ski World Cup tour.

During his tenure as a World Cup coach and program director for both Austria and the U.S. Ski Team from 1985 to 1998, he became one of the most highly-respected leaders in alpine sport within FIS. His influence continued in his roles with the 2002 Salt Lake City, 2006 Torino and 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. He went on to represent the USA as a member of the FIS Alpine Committee, sitting on its Alpine Executive board. Since 2007 he has worked with POWDR, serving in an executive role with the resort and adventure company. 

His vision for the Killington World Cup was threefold. First, by bringing the world’s best ski racers to New England, it would generate tremendous enthusiasm amongst the many clubs and academies nearby. Secondly, it would be a way of promoting POWDR’s resort, Killington. Finally, it would serve as a catalyst for the sales of ski equipment in the early season. With the largest crowds on the women’s tour, over 30,000 each year, the event was a huge success.

As a coach, program leader, businessman, and FIS leader, Demschar has brought great influence for U.S. Ski & Snowboard within the FIS community worldwide.

“Why do I do this?” said Demschar. “It’s simple - it’s for the athletes. There’s really nothing more. Whatever I focused on was for the kids. It was fun to see them succeed. That’s what motivated me." 

WEST FAMILY AWARD
Paul Jastrow
Eau Claire, Wisc.
Flying Eagles Ski Club

Longtime ski jumping official Paul Jastrow (Eau Claire, Wis./Flying Eagles Ski Club) has been honored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard with its West Family Cup, given annually to recognize a dedicated certified official for his or her contributions over their career - from the grassroots membership and lowliest gatekeeper on up. 

Jastrow is engaged in ski jumping at every level and the main driver behind the Flying Eagle Ski Club’s huge annual Silver Mine tournament in Eau Claire every January. His influence extends across the division as president of Central Ski Jumping where he manages a wide range of meetings, camps, and workshops to benefit Central Division clubs. =

An IT professional by trade, he’s also created a scoring program used by many clubs. He and wife Tami can be found at most junior and senior ski jumping and nordic combined competitions in the Midwest, running the scoring and getting results out to stakeholders. He and Tami also host and manage the Central Ski Jumping website ensuring results, news, and criteria are accessible to all jumpers, coaches, and families. 

On a national scale, Jastrow also chairs the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Ski Jumping Officials Committee as well as the Hills Committee, which inventories ski jumps across the nation and will soon begin to certify jumps. He was cited by U.S. Ski & Snowboard for the breadth of his engagement on the local, divisional and national level.

“Thinking back to when my officiating career started, I remember only wanting to become an official just to keep busy at ski jumping tournaments while my son was traveling and competing,” said Jastrow. “Never once did I ever think I would receive an award like this! I also never dreamed that I would experience some of the things that I was able to accomplish. From judging my first tournament in Chicago to being chief of competition for two FIS Cups in Eau Claire. 

“It's hard to put in words what it means to be an official. I do it because I enjoy the sport. I do it because I enjoy the family atmosphere that is part of the ski jumping/nordic combined community and most of all, the biggest thrill for me, is to watch these young kids grow up both in age and experience as an athlete, to reach their personal goals, whether that is competing at their own tournament, obtaining a personal record on their favorite hill or reaching the pinnacle of the sport and competing in the Olympics. To see a U6 athlete jump in their first tournament and see the huge smile on their face is priceless.” 

The award was implemented in 1996 by The donor of Fraser and Teddy West family.
 

WESTHAVEN AWARD (FIS TD)
Bill Hicks
Sandy, Utah

Technical delegates play one of the most important roles in ski and snowboard competition, overseeing events to ensure they are conducted safely and by the rules. U.S. Ski & Snowboard has recognized Bill Hicks with its Westhaven Award, recognizing service as an International Ski Federation (FIS) technical delegate over his career. The award was originated by longtime TD Fraser West in 1991.

Over three decades, Hicks has volunteered his time, energy, and expertise in support of alpine competition. He is one of just 50 certified FIS alpine technical delegates in America. Beyond his role as a TD, Hicks has served in virtually every competition official’s role and has always been willing to help in any way he can. He also plays a vital role as the liaison between U.S. Ski & Snowboard, FIS, and Intermountain Division coordinating with event organizers. Hick was recognized for his longtime commitment to alpine ski racing - not because he had a child in the sport, but because of his true passion.

Hicks was a racer for Dartmouth College who moved to Utah after graduation to ski. He became a ski racing official to help the Snowbird Ski Team. He takes great pride in being nominated as a technical delegate in 1986 by Fraser West, for whom the award is named. At the time, he was the youngest TD in America.

“I have met so many wonderful people in my tenure of being a TD,” said Hicks. “This ‘hobby’ has defined me as a person. I have been so fortunate to be able to be a part of the FIS family. It is a true honor to receive the Westhaven Award.”

Among his favorite events in his long career have been Whistler Cup youth races and Para racing. Hicks has been slated as TD for the 2002 Paralympics in Beijing.

J. LELAND ‘DOC’ AWARD (Service to physician’s pool)
Dr. Jonathan Finnoff
Edina, Minn.

Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, a highly respected team physician who has worked with the nordic combined team since 2002, was recognized by U.S. Ski & Snowboard with its J. Leland Sosman Award. The award recognizes contributions as a volunteer member of the team’s physician’s pool.  

As the head team physician for nordic combined, Finnoff has served at countless Olympics, World Cups, and two Olympic Winter Games including the stunning four-medal performance of the team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Finnoff has served as an invaluable member and leader of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Medical Committee, helping drive its Medical Policy and Procedure, as well as assisting with redesign of our medications bags and trauma kits. He was also known for his leadership in athlete medical education. Dr. Finnoff was known for his engagement with athletes across all teams. He was also a leader in advocating for world-leading strategies for non-surgical management of injuries.

He recently left his practice at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to become chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Prior to his departure from his role with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s volunteer physician’s pool, he took a proactive role in recruiting new candidates. He also supported USA Nordic in obtaining a sponsorship with the Mayo Clinic.