U.S. Ski & Snowboard Announces 2026 Congress Award Recipients

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is proud to announce the winners of the annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted the world of elite skiing and snowboarding. The list of winners from the 2025-26 season includes those who have demonstrated talent in athletics, coaching, governance and more, fostering the growth of skiing and snowboarding in the United States and worldwide.

Dr. Tom Hackett, who has spent decades in the medical field and helping assist U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and disciplines, took home the most prestigious prize: the Julius Blegen Award. In years past, Tom Kelly, Walt Evans, Bruce Crane, Bob Dart, Thelma Hoessler, Dexter Paine, Chuck Heckert, Spencer Eccles and others have been recognized with the Julius Blegen award.

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and three-time Olympic medalist, Lindsey Vonn, is the 2026 recipient of the Beck International Award. The Coach of the Year award was won by Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team moguls coach Bryon Wilson. And, Mt. Mansfield Academy took home the Club of the Year award due to its strength in development, coaching and academics.

Other noteworthy recognitions include Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team athlete Jessie Diggins (2026 Buddy Werner Award), Bjorn & Kathy Borgen (2026 John J. Clair Jr. Award) and many others who continue to inspire the current and next generation of skiers and snowboarders.

Find the complete list of winners below.

DIAMOND AWARD

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Julius Blegen Award: Dr. Tom Hackett

The Julius Blegen Award is given annually to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard member who has contributed outstanding service to skiing or snowboarding in the United States. It is designed to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution over a sustained period on behalf of U.S. Ski & Snowboard's vision and mission. The award began in 1946 in memory of Julius Blegen, a former treasurer of the NSA from 1937-42 and the first president of the Central U.S. Ski & Snowboard, as well as the American Olympic coach in 1932.

Dr. Tom Hackett has dedicated more than a decade of extraordinary service to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, volunteering his expertise at training camps, World Cup races and multiple Olympic Winter Games, while consistently prioritizing athlete health, safety and success. Widely regarded as one of the top orthopedic surgeons in sports medicine, Dr. Hackett has treated and operated on countless elite athletes, helping preserve and extend careers at the highest level of competition.

Beyond his surgical accomplishments, Dr. Hackett is respected for his limitless dedication to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard community, making him a deserving recipient of the Julius Blegen Award.

GOLD AWARDS

2026 Beck International Award: Lindsey Vonn

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Beck International Award, its highest athletic award, is presented to a competitor based on outstanding performance in international competition during the past season. The Beck award was inaugurated in 1931.

Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete and three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn had a historic season, making an incredible comeback after over five years of retirement. During the 2025-26 season, Vonn earned two World Cup wins and seven World Cup podiums, led the FIS Crystal Globe downhill standings until her crash at the Olympic Winter Games in Cortina and made an impact far beyond the snow.

2026 Development Club of the Year: Bridger Ski Foundation

Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) delivered an exceptional 2025-26 season, highlighted by back-to-back U.S. Junior National Club Championships, 18 national qualifiers and 17 All-American honors from eight athletes. The program placed athletes on the international stage, with qualifiers heading to the World Cup circuit, U23 World Championships, U18 World Championships and U18 Nordic Nations trip.

2026 Inclusion and OpportunityAward: The Chill Foundation

The award recognizes a person, group, organization, or program that has contributed significantly and sustainably to advancing inclusion, opportunity and diversity in skiing and snowboarding.

Founded in 1995 by Jake and Donna Carpenter, the Chill Foundation has served more than 30,000 young people and now works with more than 2,000 youth annually through partnerships with community organizations across the country. By providing all equipment, instruction and access to board sports at no cost, Chill helps participants build confidence, develop new skills and foster a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year Award: Mt. Mansfield Academy

Mount Mansfield Academy (MMA) delivered an outstanding 2025-26 season, showcasing success at every stage of its athlete development pipeline. Junior athletes recorded multiple podium and top 10 finishes throughout the season, with numerous athletes qualifying for the Eastern Region Championships and U16 Nationals. At the elite level, MMA alumni continued to compete internationally on the World Cup and NorAm circuits, highlighted by Ryan Cochran-Siegle earning an Olympic silver medal at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Coach of the Year Award: Karl Denney

Karl Denney’s leadership during the 2025-26 season was transformative for U.S. nordic combined and ski jumping, extending far beyond his club program. Drawing on his background in Exercise Science and Psychology, Denney guided athletes to strong performances at the 2026 Junior World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. He also led a high-performance European Development Tour across World Cup venues in Slovenia and Austria, mentoring 22 athletes and providing invaluable international experience.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard International Coach of the Year Award: Bryon Wilson

Four Olympic medals, Nations Cup award and the Overall Crystal Globe were just part of the impact of Bryon Wilson’s coaching this season. A driving force behind the success of the U.S. moguls program, Wilson brings elite-level experience, technical expertise and a deep understanding of the sport to his role. An Olympic medalist himself, he has translated his competitive knowledge into world-class coaching, helping guide athletes to success on the World Cup stage and beyond. His leadership, dedication and passion for the sport have made him an invaluable figure within the moguls community and a deserving recipient of Coach of the Year honors.

2026 Westhaven Award: Curt Hammond

The Westhaven Award is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes an outstanding FIS technical delegate for their service. Nominations come from the pool of current FIS TDs.

Curt Hammond was recognized for his decades of leadership and lasting impact on U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the Western Region and the Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA). Involved in the sport since the 1960s, Hammond has served as a coach, official, administrator and mentor at every level of alpine skiing. A former PNSA Executive Director and U.S. Ski Team men’s coach, he played a key role in establishing U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s three-region structure that remains in place today.

SILVER AWARDS

2026 Bud & Mary Little Award: Paul Van Slyke

The Bud and Mary Little Award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team skiing or snowboard interests through a long-term involvement in the FIS or Olympic sports communities, internationally or nationally. Dr. Amos R. “Bud” Little was a noted ski racer, coach and U.S. Ski Team doctor, and he served as an influential leader with the International Ski Federation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Paul Van Slyke is widely recognized as a respected leader within U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the international officiating community, dedicating countless hours to mentoring and educating officials on current rules, procedures and best practices. A strong advocate for safety and education, Paul has been instrumental in advancing initiatives such as the “Clean Hill Initiative,” helping shape a safer future for snow sports for generations to come.

2026 Buddy Werner Award: Jessie Diggins

The Wallace “Buddy” Werner Award is given to the outstanding U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitor who demonstrated leadership and good sportsmanship in national or international competition. It is presented in memory of Buddy Werner, an outstanding U.S. alpine racer who was killed in an avalanche after the 1964 Olympics at the height of his ski career.

Jessie Diggins is the most decorated American cross country in U.S. history, but it’s her efforts off the snow that matter most. During the fall of 2026, NYSEF hosted the ‘Climb to the Castle’ rollerski race, where Jessie Diggins exemplified the spirit of the award throughout the entire weekend. She consistently went out of her way to connect with young athletes, sign autographs, offer encouragement and serve as a positive role model both on and off the course. Her humility, generosity with her time and genuine engagement with the ski community left a lasting impression on athletes, families and coaches alike.

2026 Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award: Diann Roffe

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Eileen Shiffrin HERoic Development Coach of the Year Award is given to the female coach who has a significant impact on her athletes throughout the season. The coach provides leadership, guidance and support in technical, tactical and programmatic ways for her athletes. This award is inspired after Eileen Shiffrin, Mikaela Shiffrin's mother who consistently goes above and beyond in helping her achieve her dreams.

As Junior Program Director at Burke Mountain Academy, Diann Roffe has built one of the nation’s premier junior programs by creating an environment centered on fun, teamwork and athlete development while leveraging Vermont’s Flexible Pathways Initiative for success. A two-time Olympic medalist, Roffe brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Working daily with nearly 50 U12 and U14 athletes, she is passionate about fostering a lifelong love for the sport and guiding young athletes on a path of continuous growth, confidence and improvement.

2026 John J. Clair Jr. Award: Bjorn & Kathy Borgen

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s John J. Clair Jr. Award is given for outstanding service that benefited the U.S. Ski or Snowboard Team. The award was established by the Long Island Ski Club in memory of John Clair.

Bjorn Erik Borgen is recognized for his longstanding leadership, philanthropy and meaningful impact on U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes. Through his service as a Trustee of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation and the family’s continued support of initiatives such as the Bob Beattie Athlete Travel Fund, Bjorn Erik Borgen has helped provide critical resources that enable athletes to train and compete at the highest level. Kathy’s extensive nonprofit leadership and stewardship have further strengthened the organization and its culture of giving.

Their support is also deeply personal, with their granddaughters, Liv and Kjersti Moritz, currently competing on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and Solveig Moritz progressing through the development pipeline. Bjorn Erik exemplifies the spirit of the John J. Clair Jr. Award through his sustained generosity, leadership and dedication to the future of the sport.

2026 Paul Bacon Award: New York Ski Educational Foundation & Olympic Regional Development Authority (NYSEF/ORDA)

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Paul Bacon Award is given to an individual or group for the most significant contribution to U. S. Ski & Snowboard in race organization. It was founded by the Bacon family and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Rocky Mountain Division in memory of Paul Bacon, an outstanding race organizer.

The New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) and the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) partnered throughout the 2026 season to deliver a premier slate of regional, national and international events. ORDA successfully hosted two FIS World Cup aerials competitions in January, as well as the Stifel World Cup Finals for cross country, bringing elite competition to the upstate New York region. NYSEF organized an 11-day, four-event NorAm Cup series, highlighted by the development of a brand-new downhill track at Whiteface Mountain. Together, NYSEF and ORDA also hosted dozens of additional events, including the NYSSRA Championships, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Eastern Championships, HoleShot SX/BX competitions and many more.

2026 Russell Wilder Award: Forest Carey

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Russell Wilder Award is given annually to recognize the most outstanding effort in focusing the interests of American youth on the sports of skiing or snowboarding.

Former U.S. Ski Team member, NCAA All-American and three-time USSA International Coach of the Year Forest Carey has brought decades of elite coaching experience to the grassroots level at Park City Ski & Snowboard (PCSS). In 2025-26, serving as Technical Director and Youth Program Coach, Carey grew the Utah Olympic Park-based youth racing program to 125 athletes with a waitlist of more than 100 children. His programming has created one of the country’s most in-demand youth ski racing programs. By combining elite-level coaching with an emphasis on fun, development and broad access to the sport, Carey is helping build the next generation of American ski racers ahead of the 2034 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

2026 Team Athletes Giving Back Award: Tristan Feinberg - Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club

Many U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes donate time, money and their persona to various charitable and nonprofit endeavors. The award includes a $5K grant to the athlete's charitable cause or organization and was made possible by the generosity of an anonymous Trustee donor.

Last year, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Tristan Feinberg launched the inaugural Halfpipe Rodeo, an event focused on building mentorship, community and opportunity for Aspen’s youth. Through a partnership with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club (AVSC), the event raised enough funds to provide a full-program scholarship and a season pass for a local child. Centered on inclusivity and mental health awareness, the Halfpipe Rodeo reflects Feinberg’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport while creating a supportive and welcoming environment for young people.

2026 West Family Award: Troy Price

The West Family Award is given annually to recognize an outstanding, dedicated U.S. Ski & Snowboard certified official for the year and/or over numerous years, from the 'grass root' membership – the lowliest gatekeeper on up. The donor of this award is the Fraser and Teddy West family.

For decades, Troy Price has been a leader in the alpine officiating community, known for his commitment to developing the next generation of officials. This 2025-26 season, he led training for more than 50 officials, hosted supplemental clinics across the division and volunteered additional time to administer Level 3 exams for rising technical delegates. Price served with distinction as a technical delegate at the Mont Tremblant World Cup while continuing to mentor officials and volunteers at Snowbasin Resort in preparation for future major events, including the 2034 Olympic Winter Games. Through his leadership, collaboration and dedication to education and relationship building, Troy has made a lasting impact on the sport.

2026 Sosman Award: Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher

U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s J. Leland Sosman Award is presented to a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Physicians’ Pool who has made great contributions as a volunteer medical provider. In recognition of Doc Sosman and his endless commitment as a volunteer for the U. S. Ski & Snowboard, this award is given to an exceptional member of the "medical support team" who has provided outstanding medical coverage and service to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes.

Dr. Kutcher has distinguished himself as an exceptional medical professional serving the U.S. Ski & Snowboard teams, playing an instrumental role in the organization’s success throughout the season and at the highest levels of international competition. He consistently demonstrated extraordinary dedication and accessibility, ensuring athletes had immediate access to expert medical care while providing trusted concussion-related guidance across the organization. During the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Dr. Kutcher further exemplified his commitment by stepping in to provide additional medical coverage when it was needed most, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality care for athletes during the most demanding moments of competition.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

2026 Adaptive Athlete of the Year: Patrick Halgren

Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team athlete Patrick Halgren delivered one of the standout performances of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, earning a silver medal in super-G. His achievement showcased not only world-class skill but unrivaled determination on the biggest stage in sports.

2026 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team Athletes of the Year: Lindsey Vonn & Ryan Cochran-Siegle

Lindsey Vonn made a historic comeback season, earning seven World Cup podiums and becoming the oldest skier to win a World Cup race, all while leading the downhill standings before her injury in the Olympic downhill.

Ryan Cochran-Siegle captured his second Olympic medal in super-G and added two downhill World Cup podiums to his resume, leading the men’s alpine team through one of the strongest seasons of his career.

2026 Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Athletes of the Year: Jessie Diggins & Ben Ogden

Jessie Diggins capped off her historic career in U.S. cross country history with 11 World Cup podiums, a Tour de Ski title, an Olympic bronze medal and the overall and distance FIS Crystal Globes. Diggins retired at the end of the 2026-27 season as the most decorated American cross country skier in history.

Ben Ogden ended his season as the most decorated male cross country skier in U.S. history, winning two Olympic silver medals. In Milano Cortina, Ogden became the first American male to win an Olympic medal since Bill Koch in 1972 in the men’s classic sprint, and then days later, secured his second medal of the Games in the men’s team sprint with long-time teammate, Gus Schumacher.

2026 Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Athletes of the Year: Grace Henderson & Mac Forehand

Grace Henderson overcame multiple injuries to earn an Olympic team spot while demonstrating resilience, progression and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Mac Forehand delivered a breakthrough year highlighted by an Olympic silver medal with a never-before-seen trick, X Games gold and multiple World Cup podiums – cementing himself as one of the sport’s most progressive athletes.

2026 Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Athlete of the Year: Olivia Giaccio (moguls) & Chris Lillis (aerials)

Olivia Giaccio captured the moguls Overall World Cup title in 2026, establishing herself as the world’s top moguls athlete, while helping her team take home the Nations Cup for the fourth year in a row. Giaccio also recently graduated from Columbia University.

Chris Lillis continued his success as one of the world's top aerial skiers. At the Olympic Winter Games, Lillis defended his 2022 Olympic gold medal and brought home the gold once again in the team event alongside Kaila Kuhn and Connor Curran. Lillis is the most decorated U.S. aerialists in history.

2026 Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Athletes of the Year: Annika Belshaw & Kevin Bickner

Annika Belshaw delivered a historic season for the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team, earning a career-best seventh-place World Cup finish, competing in all Olympic events and setting a women’s program record with a 196-meter ski flying jump.

Kevin Bickner continued to lead the men’s program with veteran leadership and strong international results, including four top-15 World Cup finishes and his third Olympic appearance.

2026 Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team Athletes of the Year: Alexa Brabec & Niklas Malacinski

Alexa Brabec had a breakthrough season and her best season to date, with eight World Cup podiums, including her first career victory, finishing second overall in the World Cup standings.

Niklas Malacinski earned his first Olympic team selection, his first World Cup top-10 result and qualified for the sport’s first ski flying event, marking a major step forward in his career.

2026 Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Athletes of the Year: Chloe Kim & Jake Canter

Despite battling a serious shoulder injury ahead of the Olympics, Chloe Kim earned her third consecutive Olympic medal with a silver in halfpipe, reinforcing her legacy as one of the greatest riders in snowboard history.

Jake Canter broke through with his first World Cup victory in Aspen before earning an Olympic bronze at his first Games, a testament to his resilience throughout the years after suffering a near-life-ending injury at age 13.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD DEVELOPMENT COACHES OF THE YEAR

2026 Alpine Development Coach of the Year: Matt Underhill

As head coach of the men’s Regional Development Program, Matt Underhill helped launch the Regional Development Program as the Rocky Region Coach leading elite boys across the country. This 2025-26 season, his athletes earned two World Junior Championship medals, including silver in team combined and bronze in slalom, while Maximilien Hoder captured the NorAm Cup slalom title and Jevin Palmquist finished second. Five RDP athletes are also on track for Stifel U.S. Ski Team nominations next season, highlighting Underhill’s impact on the U.S. alpine development pipeline.

2026 Cross Country Development Coach of the Year: Piotr Bednarski

As head coach of Loppet Nordic Racing, Piotr Bednarski has left a lasting impact on nordic skiing development in the Midwest. This season, his athletes excelled internationally, including Linnea Ousdigian, who won the overall U18 Scando Cup. Piotr also coached multiple LNR alumni at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and has spent decades mentoring thousands of athletes through the Loppet Foundation.

2026 Freeski Development Coach of the Year: Dave Zweig

Dave Zweig led an outstanding season at AVSC, coaching athletes to success across Rev Tour, NorAm, Junior Worlds and World Cup events. Highlights included multiple World Cup halfpipe finals appearances by Hunter Maytin and strong Junior World performances from several athletes. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Zweig is recognized for combining technical expertise, mentorship and athlete-centered development.

2026 Freestyle Development Coach of the Year: Sean Ennis

Sean Ennis guided a successful moguls program with athletes qualifying for Junior Nationals, U.S. Nationals, NorAms and Junior World Championships. Known for his technical expertise and supportive coaching style, Ennis plays a key role in athlete development at all levels and contributes extensively to course development.

2026 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Development Coach of the Year: Karl Denney

Karl Denney led a historic season for SSWSC, helping athletes earn medals at the 2026 Junior World Championships. Combining expertise in exercise science and psychology, Denney has elevated athlete development through an athlete-first approach focused on performance and resilience. He also led a European Development Tour and continues to shape the future of ski jumping and nordic combined in the U.S.

2026 Snowboard Development Coach of the Year: Casey Lehmicke

Casey Lehmicke has played a major role in growing the midwest freestyle snowboard scene through Buck Hill Freestyle. A longtime coach and mentor, he has helped athletes progress from grassroots competition to international events and professional opportunities. Lehmicke is known for building an inclusive, hard-working culture that emphasizes skill development, confidence, creativity and a lasting love for snowboarding.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD NATIONAL COACHES OF THE YEAR

2026 Alpine National Coach of the Year: Kip Spangler

Kip Spangler played a critical role in the success of the women’s alpine speed team this year, leading both strength and conditioning and on-hill coaching efforts year-round. His dedication in the gym and at the USANA Center of Excellence powered by iFIT helped drive the team’s strong performance throughout the season.

2026 Cross Country National Coach of the Year: Matt Whitcomb

Over 20 years with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, Matt Whitcomb has been instrumental in the growth of U.S. cross country skiing as a development coach, World Cup coach and Head Coach. Known for both his expertise and genuine care for the community, Whitcomb has helped shape the culture and long-term success of cross country skiing in the United States and this 2025-26 season, helped guide the team to three Olympic medals in Milano Cortina – the most medals won by the cross country program in Olympic history.

2026 Freeski National Staff Member of the Year: Ryan Wyble

Ryan Wyble’s strategic leadership and analytical coaching helped guide the Pro Team to two Olympic silver medals and several additional World Cup and X Games podiums during the 2025-26 season. His professionalism, preparation and athlete management were key to the team’s success.

2026 Freestyle National Coach of the Year: Walter Crijanovschi

In his first season with the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team, Walter Crijanovschi made an immediate impact by implementing a comprehensive strength and conditioning program focused on durability, power and consistency. His athlete-centered leadership helped elevate the team’s high-performance environment.

2026 Ski Jumping Coach of the Year: Karl Vegard Andersen

In his first season with the program, Karl Vegard Andersen quickly became a key leader for the Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team women’s program, bringing technical expertise, consistency and professionalism. His impact earned him a role on the Olympic staff and helped drive the team’s progression throughout the season.

2026 Nordic Combined National Coach of the Year: Emil Vilhemsen

Emil Vilhemsen made an immediate impact in his first season as head coach, building a culture of trust, accountability and performance. Under his leadership, the program achieved its most successful World Cup season in more than a decade.

2026 Snowboard National Coach of the Year: Ben Bright

Ben Bright made a major impact in his first season with the halfpipe program, helping athletes secure six World Cup podiums and Snow League podiums. His experience, technical insight and commitment to athlete progression were especially valuable in supporting Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team athlete Maddie Mastro and the broader team throughout the season.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD SPORT CLUBS OF THE YEAR

• 2026 Alpine Club of the Year: Mt. Mansfield Academy

• 2026 Cross Country Club of the Year: Bridger Ski Foundation

• 2026 Freestyle Club of the Year: Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club

• 2026 Freeski Club of the Year: Waterville Valley BBTS

• 2026 Ski Jumping/Nordic Combined Club of the Year: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

• 2026 Snowboard Club of the Year: Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club