February 2024 Newsletter
February Updates It’s hard to believe but we’re halfway through another season. Time really does fly when you're having fun! During the month of January, NYSEF athletes competed at every one of our home venues. A huge thank you goes out to our NYSEF staff and volunteers who help run these events, as well as ORDA’s snowmaking crews and venue staff for providing some excellent snow conditions! Members of NYSEF’s cross country, freeride, ski jumping, nordic combined, and alpine teams all stood atop the podium at various competitions this month, and are looking ahead to better those performances by the end of the season. NYSEF Winter Term U14 athlete Poppy Hamilton won this year’s Hovey Memorial GS on Drapers Drop, adding her name to the storied winners’ plaque in the NYSEF Whiteface Training Center. This February, Winter Term Nordic Combined athlete Kai McKinnon traveled to Planica, Slovenia as a member of the US Junior World Championship Team, where she competed for the first time on the international stage. We are also looking forward to once again hosting USCSA Collegiate National Championships at Whiteface, Gore, and Mount Van Hoevenberg. See you out there! John Norton, Executive Director
February 2024 What's Next: Upcoming Races, Camps, & Events Nordic Combined & Ski Jumping Competitions at Home Saturday & Sunday, March 9-10, 2024 - NYSEF Ski Jumping Competition
XC Skiing and Biathlon Competitions at Home Every Tuesday - Tuesday Night XC Races @ Dewey Mountain Saturday, February 24, 2024 - Lake Placid Loppet Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Adirondack Tour de Ski @ Cascade Welcome Center
Alpine & Freeride Competitions at Belleayre Saturday & Sunday, February 24-25, 2024 - Rip Van Winkle U12 Speed Camp Saturday & Sunday, February 27-28, 2024 - USCSA Atlantic Highlands
Alpine & Freeride Competitions at Gore Monday-Tuesday, February 19-20, 2024 - USSS Hole Shot Tour Wednesday-Thursday, February 21-22, 2024 - NorAm Tour Saturday, February 24, 2024 - U16 Slalom Saturday-Sunday, February 24-25, 2024 - USASA ADK Skicross & Boardercross Saturday & Sunday, March 2-3, 2024 - FIS Open Women‘s Giant Slalom Monday-Saturday, March 4-9, 2024 - USCSA Collegiate Championships
Alpine & Freeride Competitions at Whiteface Thursday & Friday, February 15-16, 2024 - FIS Men‘s NJR Giant Slalom/U18 National Qualifier Thursday & Friday, February 22-23, 2024 - USASA ADK Boardercross &Skiercross Sunday, February 25, 2024 - U16 Giant Slalom Monday & Tuesday, February 27-27, 2024 - NYSPHSAA High School State Championships Friday & Saturday, March 1-2, 2024 - NorAm Aerials @ The Olympic Jumping Complex Monday-Saturday, March 4-9, 2024 - USCSA Collegiate Championships
2024 Youth Olympic Games
February 2024 NYSEF’s Head Biathlon Coach Travels to Korea From January 19-February 1, the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, Korea showcased the talent of athletes from around the globe. NYSEF’s own Nordic Combined athlete Kai McKinnon was there to compete and came in 16th overall for the individual women’s event, and 9th overall for the team event. Head Biathlon Coach Maddie Phaneuf was there as well. She was named to a team of biathlon pros who included Tim Burke, former NYSEF athlete, and four-time Olympian now the Director of Athlete Development for U.S. Biathlon. They were on-site to help the athletes with ski testing, waxing skis, assisting athletes on the course, and zeroing and assisting athletes on the range. During her week in Korea, Maddie got to revisit her Olympic past at the 2018 Olympic venue, but this time as a coach rather than an athlete. “I loved how excited the kids were to be there and race, it was such a fun atmosphere,” Phaneuf said. High on her list of highlights? Eating all the authentic Korean BBQ! “I love being able to experience the culture of different countries while traveling, so it was nice to have some great food,” she said! While Kai and Maddie’s time in Korea didn’t overlap, Maddie had some encouraging words for her. “I hope she has the best experience and some great jumps and races out there!” Maddie said. “Good luck Kai, take it all in, everyone at NYSEF is cheering for you!”
Kai McKinnon
February 2024 McKinnon Competes at Youth Olympic Games NYSEF Winter Term/Nordic Combined athlete Kai McKinnon is on fire. After competing in the Youth Olympics, held in Gangwon, Korea January 19 - February 1, the 15-year-old Lake Placid native shares more about her experiences competing on the world stage for the first time. Was this your first international competition? Absolutely! The Youth Olympics in Korea marked my debut on the international stage. It was a surreal experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. What were you feeling when you found out you were going to the Youth Olympics? I was over the moon! The excitement and sense of accomplishment were beyond words. Representing my country at such a prestigious event was a dream come true, and I couldn't wait to compete alongside talented athletes from around the world. What was the experience in Korea like? Korea was fantastic! The culture, the people, and the energy of the event were truly unforgettable. The support from the local fans and volunteers along with the camaraderie among the athletes made it an incredible atmosphere.
What was your favorite part of it all? It's hard to pick just one favorite part, but if I had to choose, I'd say forming connections with athletes from different countries. Sharing experiences, learning from each other, and building friendships were unique and exciting aspects of the Youth Olympics. What's next for your season? Currently, I am preparing for the Junior World Championships in Slovenia! I am super excited to get another chance to compete internationally this season. Kai competed on January 19th in the HS109/4km event. McKinnon landed in 16th place, jumping to 83.0 meters for 78.8 points. Later in the day, athletes took the Cross-Country course, with Kai McKinnon coming in 16th place, as she finished the race with a total time of 10:25.9. The final event for Nordic Combined at the Youth Olympic Games came on January 31st, as all four U.S. athletes competed in the Mixed Team HS109/4×3.3km event. On the hill, McKinnon had the longest jump of the day with 86.0 meters, and the foursome placed 9th overall with a total time of 35:07.3, +3:41.1 behind the winning nation.
February 2024 Farra Competes Internationally, Scores Personal Best NYSEF’s Lina Farra raced to a personal best 46th place in the women’s 7.5km sprint, her second race of the weekend at the IBU Cup in Martell-Val Martello, Italy. Farra cleaned both her prone and standing shoots, avoiding the penalty loop and propelling her to the finish line. “I am excited to be in the pursuit tomorrow,” said Farra. “I really suffered on skis today but I am still working my way to some stronger skiing and health - today was a good reminder of all the good moments of biathlon that sometimes get lost in the tough ones.” At the end of January, Lina was named to the 2024 United States Biathlon World Championship Team.
January Results: U10 Alpine Gore Mini World Cup #1 Gore Mountain hosted its first in-house U10 Mini World Cup of the season on the weekend of January 13th. Congratulations to all of the finishers! Girls Top Ten: 1. Sevan K. 2. Grace G. 3. Evelyn C. 4. Stella M. 5. Lila P. 6. Julia P. 7. Grace M 8. Isabella L. 9. Addison H. 10. Charlotte P. Boys Top Ten: 1. Desmond C. 2. Rory M. 3. Peter Z. 4. Jack P. 5. Charles S. 6. Peter S. 7. Beck M. 8. Edward D. 9. Callum M. 10. George C. Gore Mini World Cup #2 Gore Mountain hosted its second in-house U10 Mini World Cup of the season on the weekend of January 27th. Congratulations to all of the finishers! Girls Top Ten: 1. Rosalind A. 2. Stella M. 3. Grace M. 4. Julia R. 5. Nora S. 6. Charlotte P. 7. Frances D. 8. Evelyn S. 9. Vera G. 10. Anna G. Boys Top Ten: 1. Jack P. 2. Beck M. 3. Noah H. 4. Peter S. 5. Charles S. 6. Stirling M. 7. Aiden G. 8. Henry B. 9. Callum M. 10. Edward D. The Hovey Memorial GS Intro to Ski athletes from Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface raced in the historic Hovey giant slalom on Draper’s Drop on the final weekend in January. Congratulations to all of our participants and medalists! Girls: 2. Grace G (GO) 3. Sevan K. (GO) 5. Evelyn C. (GO) 8. Lila P. (GO) Boys: 2. Theo M (WF) 3. Desmond C. (GO) 6. Rory M. (GO) 8. Tyler W. (WF) 10. Harlan G (BE)
February 2024 U12 Alpine:
Paneled Slalom @ West Mountain (1/7) Boys: 1. Henri M. (WF) 5. Jack G. (GO) 8. Wesley S. (GO) 10. Brannen C. (GO) Girls: 1. Mia M. (WF) 2. Ava R (WF) 4. Rico Z (WF) 7. Addison M (GO) 9. Lexie D (GO) 10. Olivia M (GO)
The Hovey Memorial GS (1/28) Boys: 4. Wesley S. (GO) 6. Branden C. (GO) 9. Antonio B (WF) 10. Kristopher S (GO) Girls: 1. Mia M. (WF) 2. Addison M. (GO) 4. Ava R. (WF) 5. Allegra A. (BE) 6. Emma C. (GO) 8. Alexandra D. (GO) 9. Adelaide D. (GO) 10. Roxy D. (WF)
U12 Alpine: Empire State Winter Games Kombi (1/28) Boys: 2. Henri M. 4. Wesley S. (GO) 9. Brannen C. (GO) 10. Mac M. (WF) Girls: 1. Mia M. (WF) 2. Addison M. (GO) 4. Emma C. (GO) 5. Rico Z (WF) 8. Roxy D. (WF) 9. Leila H. 10. Alexandra D.
U14 Alpine:
The Hovey Memorial GS (1/28) The 61st Annual William Hovey Memorial Giant Slalom at Whiteface Mountain once again brought the best U14 racers in the Northeastern US together to duke it out on Draper’s Drop. Congratulations to Whiteface/Winter Term’s Poppy Hamilton on winning the girls race and getting her name etched into the storied champions plaque! Girls: 1. Poppy H. (WF) 2. Nora P. (WF) 3. Georgie L. (WF) 5. Zoe K. (WF) 6. Evelyn P. (WF) 8. Chloe B. (GO) 10. Zoe M. (GO) Boys: 5. Leland C. (WF) 8. Andrew F. (BE) 9. Sam Miemis (WF)
February 2024 U14 Alpine:
Mud, Sweat, N’ Gears Cup @ Belleayre (1/20) Boys: 2. Charlie E. (WF) 5. Dash H. (WF) Girls: 2. Catalina F. (BE) 4. Evelyn P. (WF) Mud, Sweat, N’ Gears Cup @ Windham (1/21) Boys: 3. Luke W (WF) 7. Francesco D. (GO) 8. Leland C. (WF) 10. Dash H. (WF) Girls: 1. Nora P. (WF) 9. Amelia K, (BE)
U16 Alpine:
MLK Day GS @ Sugarbush Mountain (1/16) Congraulations to Hudson M of Whiteface/Northwood School on a 3rd place overall finish!
U16 Alpine:
NPS Slalom @ Proctor Academy Congraulations to Anja R of Whiteface/Northwood School on a 2nd place overall finish! Windham Giant Slalom (1/27): Girls: 1. Anja R. (WF/NWS) 2. Bella C. (WF/WT) Boys: 1. Hudson M. (WF/NWS) 3. Paul F. (WF/WT) 5. Mikey M. (WF/NWS)
FIS Women:
CAN FIS Super G @ Whiteface: Super G 1: 2. Lea L. (WF/NWS) - 1st place U18 3. Elleanore P. (WF/NWS) - 2nd place U18 Super G 2: 3. Elleanore P. - 2nd place U18 4. Lea L. - 3rd place U18 Clarkson Carnival @ Whiteface: Giant Slalom 1 : 3. Sonja T. (WF/WT) Giant Slalom 2: 2. Elleanore P. (WF/NWS) Eastern Cup at Stowe: Giant Slalom: 4. Lea L (WF/NWS) 7. Elleanore P (WF/NWS) 15. Olivia L. (WF/NWS)
February 2024
FIS Men: CAN FIS Super G @ Whiteface Super G 2: 6. Charlie H. (WF/WT) - 1st place U18
Freeride:
USASA ADK Railjam @ Titus Mountain Freeski Girls 7-10: 1. Yvetta H. 2. Nilana H. 3. Grace R. Snowboard Girls 7-10: 1. Ivy F. Snowboard Girls 11-14: 1. Brynn H. 2. Willow F. Snowboard Boys 11-14: 2. Jack S. Freeski Boys 11-14: 1. Noah B. 2. Cooper M. 3. Max G. Freeski Girls 11-14: 1. Emery K. 2. Nora R. Snowboard Ladies 15-22: 1. Aleksa K. Snowboard Men 15-22: 1. Logan C. Freeski Men 15-22: 2 Kai M. 3. Evan O.
Freeride: USASA ADK Railjam 2 @ Whiteface Mountain: Snowboard Girls 7-10: 1. Ivy F. Snowboard Girls 11-14: 1. Brynn H 2. Willow F. Snowboard Boys 11-14: 3. Jack S. Snowboard Ladies 12-22: 1. Aleksa K. Snowboard Men 15-22: Logan C. Freeski Girls 7-10: 1. Nilana H. 2. Grace R. 3. Everly L. Freeski Girls 11-14: 1. Emery K 2. Nora R. Freeski Boys 11-14: 1. Cooper M. 3. Sawyer D. Freeski Men 15-22: 1. Max H. 2. Clay F. 3. Henry C. USASA ADK Railjam 3 @ Whiteface Mountain: Snowboard Girls 7-10: 1. Ivy F. Snowboard Girls 11-14: 1. Brynn H 2. Willow F. Snowboard Boys 11-14: 3. Jack S. Snowboard Ladies 12-22: 1. Aleksa K. Snowboard Men 15-22: Logan C. Freeski Girls 7-10: 1. Nilana H. 2. Yvetta H. 3. Grace R. Freeski Girls 11-14: 1. Nora R. 2. Emery K. Freeski Boys 11-14: 1. Cooper M. 2. Noah B. 3. Sawyer D. Freeski Men 15-22: 1. Kai M. 2. Jonah B. 3. Max H.
February 2024 Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined:
137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament: ISC Large Hill Tournament: 1. Jack K. 2. Henry L. Nordic Combined: 1. Jack K. 2. Duncan V. Paul Bietila Memorial U16: 1. Henry L. 2. Eli L. Paul Bietila Memorial U20: 1, Jack K. 2. Mitchell P. US Cup - Ishpeming Ski Jumping Day 1: 1, Jack K. 2. Henry L. 4. Mitchell P. 6. Duncan V 7 Eli L Nordic Combined: 1. Jack K. 2. Duncan V. Ski Jumping Day 2 U16: 1. Henry L. 2. Eli L. 3. Duncan V. Ski Jumping Day 2 U20: 1, Jack K. 3. Mitchell P. US Cup - Fox River Grove Ski Jumping Day 1 U16: 1. Henry L. 2. Eli L. Ski Jumping Day 1 U20: 1, Jack K. 5. Mitchell P. Ski Jumping Day 2 (US Cup): 1. Henry L. 3. Jack K. 5. Eli L.
Biathlon: NYSEF’s biathletes kicked off the new year in Minnesota competing in the US Biathlon Youth/Junior International Team Trials. This was some of our athletes’ first experience with an International Team Trials event, and they all held their own! Highlights from the competition include Dolce T. and Kaisa B. landing on the podium in all three of the Junior Women’s Competitions, and clean shooting stages from Jenna S., Dolcie T., Kaisa B., Brady M., and Forrest S.
February 2024 Cross Country:
Gore Mountain Ski Bowl BKL and JNQ races NYSEF’s devo and junior race teams travelled south to the Gore Mountain Ski Bowl on the weekend of January 6th to compete in Bill Koch League races and Junior National Qualifiers. Highlights from the weekend included age group wins from Abi V., Daven L., Filippos K., Kai M., Liam S., Max F., Pippa D., Shane C., Tyler E., and Will P. ADK Tour de Ski @ Mount Van Hoevenberg U10 Boys: 1. Elias M. U12 Boys: 1. Will P. 2. Tyler E. 3. Henry H. U12 Girls: 1. Elizabeth H. 2. Vivienne S. Junior 6.6K Girls: 1. Kai M. Junior 6.6K Boys: 1. Liam S. 3. Shane C. Junior 10K Boys: 1. Connor M. ADK Tour de Ski @ Dewey Mountain Girls Grade 3-4: 1. Pippa D. Boys Grade 3-4: 1. Will S. 3. Elias M. Girls Grade 5-6: 1. Elizabeth H. Boys Grade 5-6: 1. Henry H. 2. Ryan M. 5k Junior Boys: 1. Liam S. 2. Will P. 3. 3. Tyler E.
News from Northwood School The Northwood Ski Team has launched into an impressive start of the season. The competitive period is the ultimate test for our student-athletes as they navigate the delicate balance between academic rigor and athletic commitments. Although the journey is challenging, our team's culture of pursuing excellence makes it appear seamless. We take great pride in the remarkable efforts of each of our 37 student-athletes who are consistently pushing their boundaries. Our alpine teams have achieved unprecedented success this season, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest levels with U16 and FIS athletes across the east coast. The Nordic programs are consistently securing podium positions each week, and our Freestyle team is making remarkable strides, clinching podium spots in both competitions this season. Crucially, 85% of our team members have earned a place on the honor roll, clearly reflecting their dedication. Our student-athletes continually demonstrate discipline and determination, proving to faculty and coaching staff that they are committed to success. We eagerly anticipate our team's continued growth in confidence through focused training and competitive racing environments, propelling them closer to their ambitious goals. Tommy Biesemeyer, Olympian, Director of Skiing Northwood School
Northwood School is a coeducational, independent boarding school in Lake Placid, New York offering a trimester-based college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12, plus a post-graduate year. Through Northwood School and NYSEF’s long-standing partnership, we share experienced coaching staff and work together on dryland programs and on-snow training camps. NYSEF also provides the Northwood Ski Team with lodge facilities and training opportunities at the venues in partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). Learn more at northwoodschool.org and on Instagram @northwoodnysef
February 2024
NYSEF Alumna Morgan Shute Medals at Youth Olympic Games NYSEF Gore Freeride alumna Morgan Shute travelled to the Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea to compete as a member of Team USA’s skier cross team. Morgan won the silver medal in the Women’s Individual competition, and teamed up with Walker Robinson to win silver in the mixed team competition as well. Congratulations Morgan!
February 2024 Explore NYSEF's 50th Anniversary year with our 2023 Annual Report. Learn about the people who helped build this organization, and what the future holds for our young athletes: https://issuu.com/nysefsnowsports/docs/annual_report_202 3_8_?fr=sNjQzYjYzOTE5Njg
February 2024 Belleayre Mountain Lodging Partnership for NYSEF Families NYSEF and the Catskill Seasons Inn are partnering to bring to families fun and reasonably priced accommodations within 10 minutes of Belleayre Mountain. NYSEF families will receive 10% off our published rates with extra amenities, and flexible check-in and check-out times. The Catskill Seasons Inn features a pub with a family-friendly menu, a game room for skiers and their families to relax after a successful day on the slopes, and space for tuning skis. Rooms have been recently updated and many of them have kitchenettes, NYSEF families can check in as early as noon and check out as late as 7 p.m. Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis so if you want to secure yours for the season now, visit: www.catskillseasonsinn.com/NYSEF/ Use the code “NYSEF2024” at checkout to receive your discount.
Thank You! Thank you to our sponsors: Merrill L. Thomas, Long Run Wealth, Lake Placid Family Dental, Black Rock Foundation, Sports Insurance and the Donald C. McGraw Foundation.
Do you have news or photos to share with us? Contact us at media@nysef.org @nysefsnowsports @nysefnordic @nysefbelleayre @nysefwhiteface @nysefgore @nysef_fis