The prestigious Aspen Highlands played host to the culmination of the NorAm circuit, the NorAm Finals, from March 23rd to 26th, where an elite field of athletes, including seasoned World Cup veterans and accomplished NCAA champions, converged with the coveted prize of World Cup start positions for the 2027 season hanging in the balance. This series of races, encompassing both slalom and giant slalom events for men and women, served as a critical battleground for North America’s top ski racers, alongside international competitors, to prove their mettle and secure their future on the global stage. Despite the challenges posed by unseasonably warm temperatures that led to the cancellation of the women’s giant slalom events, the finals delivered high-stakes drama, remarkable performances, and a clear indication of the rising talent within the North American ski racing pipeline. This comprehensive report delves into the race results, analyzes the competitive landscape, and highlights the athletes who successfully navigated the intense competition to earn their spots in the upcoming World Cup season.
The Significance of the NorAm Circuit: A Gateway to Global Racing
The NorAm Cup, or North American Cup, stands as a pivotal developmental circuit sanctioned by the International Ski Federation (FIS). It serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete on the World Cup circuit, the highest level of international alpine ski racing. The series provides a platform for emerging talents to gain valuable experience, improve their FIS points, and ultimately earn the right to start in World Cup races. The NorAm Finals, in particular, are the climax of the season, offering the most direct pathway to World Cup qualification for North American athletes. The top-ranked North Americans in each discipline’s overall NorAm standings are awarded a guaranteed World Cup start for the following season, making these final races immensely impactful for career progression. The presence of World Cup veterans and NCAA champions further elevates the level of competition, providing invaluable benchmarking opportunities for the younger athletes. For many, performing well at NorAm Finals represents years of dedication and sacrifice, offering a tangible reward that can propel their careers to new heights.
Women’s Slalom: A Tale of Veterans and Rising Stars
The women’s slalom events, held on March 23rd and 24th, showcased a compelling mix of experienced racers and collegiate standouts, battling not only each other but also the demanding course conditions at Aspen Highlands.
March 23 – Women’s Slalom #1: Smart Dominates Challenging Conditions
The opening women’s slalom race saw Canadian Amelia Smart charge to a decisive victory. A highly decorated athlete from the University of Denver, Smart, a three-time NCAA champion, demonstrated exceptional composure and aggression on a course described by many as "pretty tough." Her strategic approach paid dividends, as she focused on maintaining balance while pushing for speed, a testament to her technical prowess and mental fortitude. "I knew it was pretty tough conditions, so I just focused on staying balanced and still pushing the speed as much as I could. I’m glad it paid off," Smart remarked after her win, highlighting her adaptability. She also expressed a personal connection to the venue, calling her return to Colorado "like coming back to my second home," underscoring the deep roots many collegiate athletes develop in the region.
Austrian World Cup veteran Franziska Gritsch secured a strong second place, utilizing her extensive international experience to navigate the challenging terrain and set a high standard for the series. Her consistent performance hinted at her ambition for the subsequent races. Rounding out the podium was Justine Lamontagne, who continued her stellar form from the 2026 NCAA championships, where she claimed double titles in both giant slalom and slalom. Her third-place finish further solidified her reputation as one of the most promising collegiate athletes transitioning to higher levels of competition. Just outside the podium, American Kjersti Moritz delivered a commendable performance to finish fourth, leading the charge for the U.S. contingent. Canadian Arianne Forget also registered a strong result, adding to Alpine Canada’s impressive showing in the opening event. The tight margins and high-level skiing immediately established the tone for a fiercely contested series.
March 24 – Women’s Slalom #2: Gritsch’s Experience Shines
The second day of women’s slalom saw Franziska Gritsch ascend to the top step of the podium, capitalizing on her eight seasons of World Cup experience. Her masterful control and strategic skiing allowed her to dominate the field, showcasing the difference that high-level international exposure can make. Gritsch’s victory was a clear statement of her caliber, demonstrating her ability to perform consistently under pressure.
Madison Hoffman, a standout from the University of Utah and a double NCAA champion in both GS and SL in 2023, delivered a powerful and confident performance to claim second place. Her strong showing underscored the significant talent emerging from the NCAA collegiate circuit, proving that these athletes are well-prepared to compete with the best. The University of Denver pipeline continued to deliver, with Eleri Smart, Amelia’s sister, earning her first career NorAm podium by securing a composed third-place finish. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career and highlights the strength of the Denver program. Amelia Smart, fresh off her Day 1 victory, finished just behind her sister in fourth, maintaining her strong presence at the top of the leaderboard. Justine Lamontagne, concluding her highly decorated collegiate career at Montana State with a 2026 NCAA double title, rounded out the top five, further emphasizing the depth of talent from the collegiate ranks.
Women’s Giant Slalom: Impact of Weather and World Cup Berths
Unfortunately, the women’s NorAm Finals giant slalom races scheduled for Aspen were canceled due to persistently warm temperatures. This regrettable decision, made in the interest of athlete safety and fair competition, prevented any further on-snow results from influencing the standings. Consequently, Franziska Gritsch (AUT, born 1997) was awarded the NorAm giant slalom title based on her superior performance in prior races throughout the season.
Despite the cancellation, the crucial World Cup start positions for the 2027 World Cup season were still determined based on the accumulated NorAm standings for North American athletes. Arianne Forget (CAN) and Grosdidier (USA) were the fortunate recipients of these highly sought-after berths in women’s giant slalom. At just 17 years old, Grosdidier, already the youngest member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, earning a World Cup start opportunity is a monumental step forward in her promising career. This early qualification provides an invaluable opportunity for her to gain exposure and experience at the highest level of the sport. Arianne Forget, who demonstrated remarkable consistency across various disciplines throughout the NorAm campaign, adds a World Cup GS start to her impressive résumé for the 2027 season, affirming her status as a versatile and formidable competitor for Alpine Canada.
Men’s Giant Slalom: Gile’s Dominance and Emerging American Talent
The men’s giant slalom events on March 23rd and 24th saw a masterclass performance by a local favorite, while also spotlighting the consistent strength of collegiate athletes and the rising stars of the U.S. Ski Team.
March 23 – Men’s Giant Slalom #1: Gile’s Home-Snow Advantage
Bridger Gile, skiing on his home snow in Aspen, kicked off the men’s GS series with a masterful and controlled performance, securing the victory. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team World Cup veteran leveraged his intimate familiarity with the demanding Aspen terrain to deliver a composed run, showcasing the benefits of local knowledge. "It meant a lot to do it at home," Gile stated, expressing the personal significance of his win. His ability to blend aggression with precision proved unbeatable on the day.
Johs Braathen Herland, a standout from the University of Utah and a two-time NCAA GS champion (2025, 2026), demonstrated exceptional pace and technical skill to finish second. His strong opening performance immediately established him as a frontrunner for the overall NorAm GS title, which he would eventually secure. Patrick Kenney, another experienced Stifel U.S. Ski Team World Cup veteran and a former University of New Hampshire All-American, delivered a consistent performance to claim third place, reinforcing the depth of talent within the American ranks. The podium reflected a powerful blend of World Cup experience and collegiate dominance, setting the stage for an exciting series.
March 24 – Men’s Giant Slalom #2: Gile Completes the Sweep
Bridger Gile continued his formidable performance, completing a clean sweep of the men’s giant slalom events in Aspen. His second victory was a testament to his sustained strength and efficiency across both runs, leaving no doubt about his command of the course. "Winning one race is hard, so to win two days in a row is a super sweet feeling," Gile shared, reflecting on his remarkable achievement. He attributed his success to a build-up of speed and confidence over the preceding month, noting, "I’ve been skiing fast since the beginning of February. This was just the moment to put it together." He also praised the course itself, describing the Highlands track as "a really cool hill – it’s got pitch, terrain, but also really good flow," highlighting the demanding yet rewarding nature of the venue.
Patrick Kenney maintained his consistent form, securing second place and further solidifying his strong showing in the series. His reliability and technical execution were notable throughout the two days. The third spot on the podium went to Isaiah Nelson, a rising member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, who delivered a crucial performance to secure not only a podium finish but also a key World Cup opportunity. Nelson’s result is a significant indicator of his rapid progression and his potential to become a consistent presence on the World Cup circuit.
Men’s Giant Slalom: NorAm Title and World Cup Qualification
While Johs Braathen Herland (NOR) ultimately secured the overall NorAm GS title, demonstrating his consistent excellence throughout the season, the coveted World Cup start positions for the 2027 World Cup season are specifically awarded to the top North American athletes in the standings. This year, Isaiah Nelson (USA) earned a World Cup GS start, a pivotal moment in his career. This opportunity underscores the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s commitment to developing its young talent and providing them with pathways to the highest level of competition. Nelson’s strong performances at the NorAm Finals solidified his position, marking him as one to watch in the coming seasons.
Men’s Slalom: Thrilling Finishes and Pipeline Success
The men’s slalom events on March 25th and 26th delivered some of the most nail-biting finishes of the NorAm Finals, with hundredths of a second separating the top contenders and highlighting the intense competition for World Cup berths.
March 25 – Men’s Slalom #1: Puckett’s World Cup Experience Pays Off
Cooper Puckett delivered a composed and powerful performance to claim victory in the first men’s slalom race, fending off an incredibly tight field. As an athlete from the Stifel U.S. Ski Team who had already competed in seven World Cup slaloms this season and notably scored points in his very first World Cup start in Levi, Puckett brought a high level of experience and confidence to the NorAm circuit. His win demonstrated his ability to execute under pressure and manage the demands of elite-level racing.
Just behind him, Jevin Palmquist narrowly missed the win by a mere four hundredths of a second, showcasing his rapidly improving form. The rising American talent, who secured an impressive fourth place at the 2026 FIS Junior World Ski Championships in slalom, continued to prove his capability to compete at the forefront against both established and experienced athletes. Matej Vidovič (CRO), the eventual NorAm slalom title winner, added another podium finish with a strong second run, highlighting his consistent presence at the top. Maximilien Hoder, another World Cup start qualifier, and Stanley Buzek rounded out a tightly packed top five, emphasizing the razor-thin margins that characterized the race.
March 26 – Men’s Slalom #2: Palmquist’s Redemption
The second men’s slalom race saw Jevin Palmquist deliver a stunning performance to claim victory, responding emphatically after narrowly missing the win the previous day. He edged out the competition by just one hundredth of a second, a testament to his mental resilience and ability to perform under extreme pressure. Palmquist’s win further built on his momentum from his fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIS Junior World Championships, demonstrating his growth and readiness to contend at the highest levels of the NorAm circuit.
Matej Vidovič, the NorAm slalom title winner, once again pushed hard and finished just off the top step, missing the win by the smallest margin of the week. His consistent podium finishes cemented his status as the circuit’s top slalom skier. In third place, Étienne Mazellier, hailing from Stoneham, Canada, delivered a strong and balanced performance to secure a well-deserved podium finish, further underscoring Canada’s growing depth in the discipline. Cooper Puckett, fresh off his Day 1 victory, backed it up with another solid result in fourth, while Bradshaw Underhill rounded out the top five in another fiercely contested race.
Men’s Slalom: NorAm Title and World Cup Qualification
The 2026 NorAm slalom title was ultimately secured by Matej Vidovič (CRO, born 1993, Head), an experienced Croatian athlete whose World Cup-level consistency proved dominant throughout the circuit. However, mirroring the other disciplines, the coveted World Cup start positions for the 2027 World Cup season were awarded to the top North American athletes in the standings. Maximilien Hoder (USA) and Jevin Palmquist (USA) emerged as the recipients of these significant berths in men’s slalom.
Both Hoder and Palmquist represent the next generation of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team pipeline. Hoder’s development through the Mount Mansfield Ski Academy and Palmquist’s progression with Team Summit exemplify the robust American development system. Their achievements in earning World Cup start opportunities are a direct result of dedicated training and successful performances on the NorAm circuit, signaling a bright future for U.S. alpine skiing. These young athletes are poised to step onto the World Cup stage, gaining invaluable experience and contributing to the strength of their national team.
Broader Impact and Future Implications
The 2026 NorAm Finals in Aspen underscored the critical role this circuit plays in shaping the future of North American alpine ski racing. Despite the challenges presented by unseasonably warm temperatures that led to the cancellation of the women’s giant slalom, the events that proceeded were a vivid display of talent, determination, and the fierce competition inherent in the pursuit of World Cup dreams.
The results highlight several key trends:
- The Collegiate Powerhouse: The strong performances from athletes associated with NCAA programs (University of Denver, University of Utah, Montana State) demonstrate the collegiate system’s vital role as a development pipeline, bridging high-level academic and athletic pursuits with professional ski racing.
- Veterans Guiding New Talent: The presence and success of World Cup veterans like Franziska Gritsch and Bridger Gile provided a high benchmark and invaluable competitive experience for the younger generation, pushing them to elevate their game.
- North American Talent Ascendant: The qualification of young North American athletes such as Grosdidier, Arianne Forget, Isaiah Nelson, Maximilien Hoder, and Jevin Palmquist for World Cup starts signals a healthy and promising future for both the U.S. Ski Team and Alpine Canada. These athletes are not just filling spots; they are demonstrating the capability to compete at a high level, having gained significant experience and confidence on the NorAm circuit.
- The Unpredictability of Nature: The cancellation of races due to warm weather serves as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change on winter sports and the operational challenges faced by event organizers. This unpredictability necessitates adaptability and robust contingency planning for future seasons.
The successful conclusion of the NorAm Finals, thanks to the immense effort of all the coaches, volunteers, and the Aspen Valley Ski Club, ensured that these crucial races happened. Their hard work, often behind the scenes, is indispensable in creating the conditions for athletes to perform at their best and realize their aspirations. As these athletes prepare for the 2027 World Cup season, the NorAm Finals will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment, launching a new generation of North American ski racers onto the international stage and reinforcing the strength of the development systems in place. The legacy of Aspen Highlands as a premier racing venue continues, fostering the dreams of future Olympic and World Cup champions.
