BY HEATHER FOSTER
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Alpine FIS athletes wrapped up their competitive season at the FIS Elite Spring Series in Big Sky, Mont., this month, bringing the winter campaign full circle at the same venue where it began.
Originally designated as a “FIS Elite Series” event, the competition ultimately opened to athletes from across the entire Western Region, creating a deep and competitive field that included racers from top clubs and collegiate programs nationwide. The series featured two giant slalom and two slalom races over four days.
The event also marked a meaningful milestone for several SVSEF seniors. Alaska Sewell, Autumn Carpenter and Alyssa Huntsman officially closed out their ski racing careers at Big Sky, capping years of dedication to the sport.
Meanwhile, fellow seniors Ulrich Rossi, Ruby Smith, Amilia Selznick, and Samantha Milne were also in attendance and are expected to likely continue racing, though like many graduating athletes, they are currently weighing their options and finalizing plans for next season.
Seniors Thomas Connell and Malaya Yarmark were not in attendance at the race in Big Sky.
“The vibes were high, and the athletes had an awesome opportunity to enjoy some final ski racing turns for the season,” said SVSEF coach Charlotte Gourlay. “Despite some high winds, the surface and sunshine provided a great time for our athletes!”
With the season now complete, SVSEF will look ahead to celebrating its athletes at the End of Season Awards at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the Liberty Theater. There, more reflections and recognitions will mark the close of the 2025–26 season.
SVSEF Athlete Results (Top 30)
Ladies GS – April 6
11th – Ruby Smith
13th – Samantha Milne
23rd – Ava Huey
Men’s GS – April 7
26th – Conway Selznick
Ladies GS – April 7
11th – Samantha Milne
19th – Ruby Smith
23rd – Ava Huey
Men’s SL – April 8
26th – Conway Selznick
29th – Ulrich Rossi
Ladies SL – April 8
10th – Ruby Smith
23rd – Ava Huey
27th – Lucy Olson
Men’s SL – April 9
22nd – Henry Roberts
23rd – Conway Selznick
Ladies SL – April 9
7th – Ruby Smith
16th – Ava Huey
27th – Lucy Olson
29th – Autumn Carpenter
Full event results can be found online at https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=AL&eventid=58650&seasoncode=2026.