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.

The Spring Series crew boasted Alaska Sewell, Autumn Carpenter, Conway Selznick, Ulrich Rossi, Tucker Reimund, Alyssa Huntsman, Ava Huey, Amilia Selznick and Lucy Olson. Missing are Ruby Smith and Sammy Milne.

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.