The opening day of the U.S. Alpine National Championships presented by Stifel in Vail, Colorado, delivered an exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill, highlighted by an unprecedented dead heat in the men’s Super-G and a commanding victory for two-time Olympian Keely Cashman in the women’s event. Under brilliant blue skies and unusually warm temperatures, the Golden Peak course provided a challenging yet fast track, expertly preserved by an overnight freeze that offered a firm surface for the early starters. This combination of pristine conditions and demanding terrain set the stage for a day of memorable performances, showcasing both seasoned World Cup veterans and promising rising stars of American alpine skiing.
Men’s Super-G: A Shared National Title
The men’s Super-G race unfolded with immediate drama, setting a high bar from the very first run. River Radamus, representing the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, stormed out of the start gate with bib number 1. Fresh off a strong showing at the World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell/Hafjell, Norway, the hometown hero leveraged his intimate knowledge of the Vail terrain and his recent World Cup form. Radamus attacked the course with precision and aggressive intent, clocking an impressive time of 1:08.38, instantly putting pressure on the formidable field that followed.
Remarkably, just two skiers later, Isaiah Nelson, wearing bib number 3, replicated Radamus’s performance with astounding accuracy. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete from Buck Hill, skiing on SHRED equipment, carved through the challenging sections of Golden Peak with exceptional flow, matching Radamus’s time to the hundredth of a second: 1:08.38. This rare occurrence resulted in a historic tie for the national title, a testament to both athletes’ skill and the intense competitiveness of the event. The identical times held through the remainder of the race, cementing their shared victory and adding an indelible chapter to the U.S. Alpine National Championships.
For Isaiah Nelson, this shared triumph marked a significant turning point in what he described as an "interesting year." Reflecting on his season, Nelson candidly admitted, "The beginning was pretty tough. I was pushing really hard in GS and struggling a bit." Faced with early season setbacks in Giant Slalom, Nelson made a strategic decision to diversify his focus. "I decided to change the plan and race more disciplines," he explained. This pivotal shift saw him competing across multiple circuits—Europa Cup, World Cup, and NorAm speed events—spanning three disciplines and two continents. This rigorous schedule, initially a challenge, ultimately proved beneficial. "With that, I built confidence and started having better results," Nelson stated, his voice reflecting the satisfaction of perseverance. This adaptability and resilience culminated not only in his national title but also in a remarkable first-place overall finish in the 2026 NorAm standings, a crucial achievement that earned him regular-season World Cup start positions in all four disciplines for the upcoming 2026 season. This NorAm success is a direct pathway for emerging talent, providing invaluable opportunities for development and progression onto the global stage.
While Radamus was not quoted directly on the unique shared victory, his performance underscored his status as a leading American speed specialist. For a local athlete to claim a national title on home snow, especially after competing at the sport’s highest level, adds a layer of personal triumph to his season. His ability to translate World Cup intensity to the national stage speaks volumes about his consistency and competitive drive.
The high-speed nature of the Golden Peak course challenged many, with some favorites finding themselves caught off guard. Nevertheless, the top of the results sheet was populated by a mix of established names and emerging talents, underscoring the depth of U.S. alpine skiing. Bradshaw Underhill, starting from bib 7, secured an impressive third place, finishing just 0.26 seconds behind the co-champions. The New Hampshire native, celebrated as a GS and Slalom All-American during his collegiate career at Middlebury College, now skis for the Apex 2100 pro team based in northern Italy. His strong execution on the demanding, high-speed track demonstrated a successful transition from collegiate racing to the professional circuit, highlighting the diverse pathways available to American ski racers.
Kyle Negomir, another representative of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, skiing on Atomic, continued to demonstrate his prowess in the speed disciplines, finishing fourth at +0.41. Negomir’s consistent presence near the top of speed events further solidifies his position as a key component of the U.S. team’s future in Super-G and Downhill. Rounding out the top five was Tristan Lane, an Aspen Valley Ski Club athlete and Stifel U.S. Ski Team Europa Cup invitee, who placed fifth at +0.60, skiing on Stöckli. Lane’s confident performance against a deep national field signals his potential to make significant strides in his career, particularly as he gains more experience on the Europa Cup circuit, a vital proving ground for aspiring World Cup racers.
The men’s Super-G thus delivered a compelling narrative: two athletes pushed the limits of speed and precision to an identical degree, while a strong cohort of proven names and promising contenders followed closely, signaling a vibrant competitive landscape for American men’s alpine skiing.
Top 5 – Men’s Super-G
- 1st (tie): River Radamus – 1:08.38
- 1st (tie): Isaiah Nelson – 1:08.38
- 3rd: Bradshaw Underhill – +0.26
- 4th: Kyle Negomir – +0.41
- 5th: Tristan Lane – +0.60
Click here for full results
Women’s Super-G: Cashman’s Dominant Performance
Following the thrilling conclusion of the men’s race, the women’s Super-G took center stage, with two-time Olympian Keely Cashman delivering a dominant performance to claim the national title. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team World Cup athlete from Strawberry, California, crossed the finish line in a winning time of 1:11.69, carrying her best season form directly into the national championships.
Cashman’s victory was a culmination of a breakthrough season on the international circuit. "Yeah, it was my best season yet," Cashman affirmed, beaming with satisfaction. "I finished 14th in the Super-G standings and was able to take that next step in Super-G and downhill." This progression on the World Cup circuit, which saw her consistently challenging for top positions, provided a strong foundation for her national championship success. A key adjustment that she credits for this upward trajectory was a return to her roots: "I started traveling this year with my dad again," she revealed. "He’s coached me since I started skiing, and that’s really been the difference maker." This personal connection and long-standing coaching relationship evidently provided the stability and tailored support needed for Cashman to unlock new levels of performance. Her experience shone brightly as the course conditions gradually deteriorated under the warm sun, navigating the challenges with a poise that reflected her World Cup pedigree. Looking ahead, Cashman’s ambition remains undimmed: "I’m eager for more. I want to get on the podium," she declared, setting her sights on a World Cup podium finish, a goal that this national title undoubtedly fuels.
The women’s podium also featured a mix of seasoned Olympians and promising young talent, underscoring the strength of the U.S. women’s speed program. Cashman’s teammate, Tricia Mangan, a two-time Olympian and Dartmouth College All-American, secured second place, finishing just 0.15 seconds behind with a time of 1:11.84. Mangan, who honed her skills skiing for HoliMont Snowsports, utilized her extensive experience to maintain strength and precision as the course conditions worsened, a testament to her technical proficiency and mental fortitude. Her ability to balance elite collegiate athletics with a professional racing career highlights a unique and successful path in American ski racing.
Claiming third place was Logan Grosdidier, finishing at +0.65. As the youngest member of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, Grosdidier’s bronze medal is a significant achievement. Her season has been nothing short of stellar, marked by a second-place overall finish in the NorAm Cup standings, earning her the coveted title of top North American. This accomplishment grants her World Cup start rights in all four disciplines for the upcoming season, a crucial step in her burgeoning career. The Wenatchee, Washington native, who previously skied for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, represents the future of U.S. alpine racing, demonstrating remarkable potential at a young age.
Rising Stars and the Future of U.S. Alpine Skiing
The U.S. Alpine National Championships serve as a vital platform not just for crowning champions, but also for identifying the next generation of talent. The women’s Super-G particularly highlighted several rising stars making their mark. In fourth place, hometown skier Mari Renick delivered a standout performance, finishing at +1.69 on a track that had become increasingly demanding. The Ski & Snowboard Club Vail athlete, in her first year as a FIS racer, showed remarkable confidence on her home snow, building on her strong season where she finished second in the NorAm downhill standings. Her rapid ascent underscores the effectiveness of local club programs and the talent pipeline in Vail.
Rounding out the top five was Tatum Grosdidier, Logan’s older sister, finishing at +2.74. A Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete, Tatum’s consistent presence near the top of national races contributes to a strong family narrative within the team and signals her continued development in the sport.
Despite it being late in the season, the national championships hold a special significance for athletes like Keely Cashman. "A lot of athletes we don’t see during the season come together here," she noted, emphasizing the unique camaraderie of the event. "It’s relaxed, it’s fun—I always look forward to it." This environment, she feels, reflects her roots at Palisades Tahoe, a resort renowned for producing legendary skiers. Referring to the rich history of the Palisades Tahoe Ski Team racers, Cashman passionately articulated a philosophy that has clearly shaped her approach: "The mountain itself is the best coach. You learn to adapt to any terrain and any conditions." This ethos of adaptability and resilience, honed on diverse natural terrain, is a powerful lesson for any aspiring ski racer, and it was evident in her masterful navigation of the changing conditions on Golden Peak.
The implications of these results for U.S. Alpine Skiing are significant. The shared victory in the men’s Super-G not only created a memorable moment but also underscored the burgeoning depth in the men’s speed program, with both an established World Cup athlete in Radamus and a rapidly ascending talent in Nelson demonstrating peak performance. Nelson’s NorAm success and subsequent World Cup starts across all disciplines signal a promising future, providing a critical boost to the pipeline of American talent.
On the women’s side, Keely Cashman’s dominant win, coupled with her World Cup progression, reaffirms her leadership role and potential for future international podiums. The strong performances of Tricia Mangan, a seasoned Olympian, and the rapid rise of Logan Grosdidier, with her NorAm success and World Cup start rights, indicate a robust and competitive women’s team with a healthy mix of experience and youthful dynamism. The emergence of talents like Mari Renick further solidifies the strength of development programs at the club and regional levels, ensuring a continuous flow of new competitors.
Overall, the U.S. Alpine National Championships in Vail served as a vibrant showcase of American ski racing. The pattern at the top of the results sheets was clear: while experience and seasoned skill won the day, the next generation is rapidly closing the gap, pushing the limits and signaling a bright future for U.S. Alpine Skiing on the global stage. The event successfully combined high-stakes competition with a supportive atmosphere, embodying the spirit of alpine racing and setting an optimistic tone for the seasons to come, all made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, and sponsors like Stifel.
Top 5 – Women’s Super-G
- 1st: Keely Cashman – 1:11.69
- 2nd: Tricia Mangan – +0.15
- 3rd: Logan Grosdidier – +0.65
- 4th: Mari Renick – +1.69
- 5th: Tatum Grosdidier – +2.74
Click here for full results
