The 2026 U.S. Alpine Nationals presented by Stifel culminated in a thrilling display of technical skiing at Vail, Colorado, where A.J. Hurt secured her third career national slalom title and Cooper Puckett celebrated his first, marking a significant milestone in front of a home-state crowd. Both races, held under unseasonably warm conditions that severely tested the course, underscored the depth of talent within the Stifel U.S. Ski Team pipeline, showcasing a blend of seasoned World Cup competitors and promising young stars. Nina O’Brien and Kjersti Moritz joined Hurt on the women’s podium, while Jett Seymour and Jevin Palmquist completed the men’s top three, highlighting strong Colorado ties and the resilience required to excel in deteriorating conditions.
The Challenging Arena of Vail: A Test of Skill and Stamina
Vail, Colorado, known for its expansive terrain and pristine slopes, presented a unique challenge for the final technical events of the U.S. Alpine Nationals season. Unseasonably warm temperatures led to soft, rapidly deteriorating snow conditions across both the women’s and men’s slalom courses. This transformed the races from a straightforward test of speed into a grueling examination of an athlete’s focus, timing, and precise execution. As each competitor carved their way down the gate-filled piste, the surface broke down further, making it increasingly difficult to maintain rhythm and carry speed. Every turn demanded absolute precision; even a momentary lapse in concentration resulted in a costly loss of momentum. It was in these demanding circumstances that the most disciplined and adaptable skiers truly distinguished themselves, demonstrating their mastery over the elements and the technical demands of slalom racing. The ability to stay "on time" with the rapidly changing course, rather than forcing the line, became the ultimate differentiator. Spectators and coaches alike observed a tangible shift in strategy throughout the day, where conservation of energy and flawless technique outweighed aggressive, high-risk maneuvers. The variable conditions, while challenging, ultimately provided a fair and comprehensive test of alpine skill.
Women’s Slalom: A.J. Hurt’s Dominance Amidst Rising Stars
The women’s slalom event on the demanding Vail track was a testament to both veteran experience and burgeoning talent. A.J. Hurt, a prominent figure on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, delivered an exceptional performance, navigating two impeccably clean runs to claim her third U.S. National slalom title. Her victory was not merely a display of raw speed, but a masterclass in adapting to the challenging, warm conditions that plagued the course. This marks a significant addition to her already impressive career, further solidifying her position as a leading force in American alpine skiing.
A.J. Hurt’s Masterclass in Precision and Poise
Hurt’s triumph solidified her reputation as one of the most consistent and resilient athletes in American alpine skiing. A two-time Olympian (Beijing 2022, Cortina 2026) and a World Cup podium athlete in both slalom and giant slalom, her extensive experience shone through. Her primary advantage lay in her innate ability to remain perfectly locked into the rhythm of the course. Where many struggled with the softening snow and groove formation, Hurt expertly matched her timing to the terrain, releasing cleanly between turns and carrying speed organically without resorting to aggressive, high-risk maneuvers. She maintained a composed, precise line, building velocity through flawless execution rather than pushing the limits and risking errors. This level of disciplined skiing is precisely what holds up when conditions are at their most difficult, a hallmark of elite performance. "It’s nice to end on a good race," Hurt reflected, acknowledging the culmination of a demanding season that saw her navigate numerous international competitions. "It’s been a long season, so I’m really looking forward to going home." Her ability to execute under pressure, on any stage, underscores her value to the U.S. Ski Team and her continued trajectory in the sport, serving as an inspiring example for younger athletes.
Nina O’Brien: Composed and Consistent on Home Snow
Finishing a mere 0.18 seconds behind Hurt, Nina O’Brien delivered a powerful performance, securing second place with skiing characterized by its composure and discipline. Representing the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Burke Mountain Academy, O’Brien’s second run was particularly noteworthy, showcasing a marked improvement in her timing and an ability to stay deeply connected to the course even as it degraded further. Her capacity to maintain rhythm while others faltered demonstrated the kind of seasoned control expected from a World Cup Finals qualifier and a confirmed 2026 Olympian. "Honestly, it feels great," O’Brien shared, expressing palpable relief and satisfaction after a rigorous season. "I feel like I haven’t been letting myself see the finish line of the season until today, so I’m really glad I could end it on a high note." The added layer of racing in Colorado, her current home, imbued the event with a special significance, turning the final race of her season into a personal triumph witnessed by her local community and supporters. Her consistent presence at the top of the leaderboard reinforces her critical role within the U.S. women’s technical team.
Kjersti Moritz: Local Talent Shines on the Podium
Rounding out the women’s podium in third place was Kjersti Moritz, a true local hero from the Vail Valley. Her performance was a vibrant demonstration of both speed and impeccable timing, crucial attributes on the challenging Vail course. A Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete, affiliated with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail and Middlebury College, Moritz thrived under pressure on her home snow. She maintained a strong connection to the course, preserving her rhythm as conditions steadily worsened. "It was a really good end of the season," Moritz remarked, her joy palpable. "It feels really good to do it in front of all my friends and family—they’re here to celebrate with me." The familial aspect was particularly touching, with both of her sisters also competing in the race, making the moment even more profound. "Both my sisters are here too, so it’s just a special place," she added. Her deep connection to Vail provided not just comfort, but a tangible advantage in execution, allowing her to anticipate nuances of the terrain. "I stayed at home, which is really nice," she said, highlighting the rare opportunity to sleep in her own bed after months on the road. "I haven’t been home since before Thanksgiving." Moritz’s impressive season also saw her finish second in the NorAm slalom standings, a critical achievement that earns her a fixed World Cup start position for the upcoming season. Having already made multiple World Cup starts, her podium finish at Nationals confirms her ability to perform at the highest level and deliver when it matters most, especially on familiar terrain. This performance marks a significant step in her burgeoning career, positioning her as a strong contender on the international stage.
Beyond the Podium: Hoffman and Hensien Complete the Top Five
The women’s top five was further solidified by strong performances from Madison Hoffman and Katie Hensien, showcasing the depth of talent extending beyond the immediate medalists. Madison Hoffman, an All-American from the University of Utah representing Australia, secured fourth place. Her disciplined skiing allowed her to manage the deteriorating course with composure, a testament to her experience as a World Cup points scorer in Levi and a confirmed 2026 Olympian. Her ability to consistently perform under pressure, regardless of representing Australia, adds to the competitive caliber of the field. Katie Hensien, a Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete from Rowmark Ski Academy and a University of Denver All-American (SHRED), rounded out the top five. Overcoming injury challenges earlier in the season, Hensien delivered two consistent runs, maintaining her timing and avoiding significant errors in the difficult conditions. Her performance, much like her reliable showing in the giant slalom earlier in the week, underscored her ability to deliver when precise execution is paramount, demonstrating resilience and mental toughness.
Men’s Slalom: Cooper Puckett’s Breakthrough on Home Soil
The men’s slalom event mirrored the women’s in its intensity and the challenging conditions, culminating in a breakthrough victory for Cooper Puckett. His performance, a career-defining moment, earned him his first U.S. National slalom title and resonated deeply with the local Colorado crowd. This victory serves as a powerful indicator of his development and future potential. Jett Seymour and Jevin Palmquist completed the podium, further underscoring the strong regional ties and the robust development pipeline within the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
Cooper Puckett: A Maiden National Title and World Cup Promise
Cooper Puckett’s first U.S. National slalom title was the result of the most complete race of the day, a testament to his adaptability and innate skiing talent. A Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete and former Dartmouth College skier, Puckett’s roots in Colorado skiing run deep, having grown up with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and attended Steamboat Mountain School. This foundational experience was evident in his ability to adjust seamlessly as the course progressively deteriorated. "It was a really, really challenging year," Puckett admitted, reflecting on a season that demanded resilience and adaptability. "But to end it like this is incredible—I’m really happy." His defining strength, much like Hurt’s, was his exceptional timing. He synchronized his movements perfectly with the terrain, executed clean releases, and carried speed without ever forcing his line. Where other competitors struggled to stay on track, Puckett remained connected, demonstrating a natural feel for the snow.
His season included a particularly standout moment on the World Cup circuit, where he started with bib 69 in Levi and remarkably finished 26th, scoring World Cup points in his debut slalom event. This is an exceptionally rare achievement for any athlete, signaling his immediate potential on the global stage. "That was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done," he recalled, emphasizing the significance of that early season success. Despite a season characterized by limited slalom preparation and frequent travel between continents and disciplines, Puckett consistently improved his world ranking through strong performances on the NorAm circuit, ultimately delivering his career-best performance when it mattered most at Nationals. His connection to the local community and his development roots were clear: "I love racing here—so many friends and family," he shared. "Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club means everything to me… it takes a village." This sentiment highlights the crucial role of local clubs and support systems in nurturing elite talent, emphasizing the collective effort behind individual success.
Jett Seymour: The Epitome of U.S. Slalom Consistency
Jett Seymour’s second-place finish further cemented his status as one of America’s most reliable and proven slalom athletes. Another product of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and a Stifel U.S. Ski Team skier, Seymour has now achieved the remarkable feat of scoring World Cup slalom points in four consecutive seasons. This consistent performance at the sport’s highest level underscores his enduring skill and competitive drive, making him a cornerstone of the U.S. men’s technical team. "It’s a great way to end the season," Seymour stated, appreciating the competitive environment and the camaraderie it fosters. "It’s fun to bring all the best in America together and compete for the national title." Beyond the individual competition, Seymour emphasized the broader importance of the Nationals event for the development pipeline. "It’s important for the next generation to see us, to race against us, and to get to know us," he articulated, highlighting the mentorship and inspirational role of established athletes. Racing in Colorado also offered him the unique advantage of competing close to home, with family able to attend and cheer him on, adding another layer of motivation and satisfaction to his performance.
Jevin Palmquist: The Future of U.S. Slalom Shines Bright
At just 19 years old, Jevin Palmquist delivered one of the most compelling performances of the men’s race, earning a well-deserved third place on the podium. This achievement firmly establishes him as one of the top rising talents in U.S. skiing. A Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete, Palmquist’s development journey began with Team Summit and traces back to Buck Hill, Minnesota, a renowned training ground for many American ski stars. "To end with a strong result like this feels really good," Palmquist remarked, reflecting on his significant progress throughout the season. "My skiing kept getting better as the season went on." His impressive season included a fourth-place finish at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Narvik, a significant indicator of his international potential and ability to perform on a global stage. Furthermore, he secured third place in the NorAm slalom standings, ranking second among North Americans, a result that guarantees him a personal World Cup start position for the 2027 slalom season. This direct pathway to the World Cup is a testament to his talent and consistent results. The familial atmosphere at Nationals was also a highlight for Palmquist, with two brothers and a sister also competing in the event. "It was super fun racing with my brothers and watching my sisters," he shared, underscoring the supportive and competitive environment within his family, a common theme among successful ski racers.
Rounding Out the Men’s Top Five: Winters and Herland
The men’s top five was completed by two more notable performances, showcasing a mix of veteran experience and versatile skill. New father Luke Winters, a Stifel U.S. Ski Team veteran, finished fourth, showing clear signs of a strong return to the elite level that has characterized his World Cup career. As the only athlete in the field to have qualified for World Cup Finals, his experience at the pinnacle of the sport is undeniable. After navigating a challenging period, Winters concluded the World Cup season with improved form, carrying that momentum into Nationals. He skied with remarkable efficiency, remaining a strong contender on a demanding surface that quickly exposed any imperfections. His performance served as a powerful reminder of his capabilities: when in rhythm, Winters remains a formidable factor in slalom racing, demonstrating the perseverance required at the highest levels.
Following his giant slalom victory earlier in the week, Johs Braathen Herland finished fifth, adding another strong result to his successful Nationals campaign. The Norwegian standout, a multi-time All-American from the University of Utah, demonstrated his formidable strength across both technical disciplines. While he exhibited strong fundamentals and speed in the slalom, the deeply grooved course demanded near-perfect timing, a factor that ultimately created the separation between the podium finishers and
