Two athletes from Summit County, Stanley Buzek and Camden Palmquist, have earned spots on the Stifel US Alpine Ski Team for the 2025-26 season. This announcement from US Ski and Snowboard highlights 49 top skiers ready to compete in a crucial Olympic buildup year, with events kicking off soon.
Team Announcement Highlights
US Ski and Snowboard revealed the full roster on October 13, 2025, featuring a mix of veterans and rising stars. The team includes big names like Mikaela Shiffrin, who holds the record for most World Cup wins, and Lindsey Vonn, back after coming out of retirement last winter.
This season marks an exciting time as the team prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Officials selected athletes based on past performances, training results, and potential to shine on the global stage.
The men’s and women’s teams are divided into A, B, C, and development groups. Buzek and Palmquist landed on the men’s C team, a step up for promising competitors aiming for higher levels.
Profiles of Summit County Stars
Stanley Buzek, a 2024 Summit High School graduate from Silverthorne, Colorado, has been making waves in alpine skiing. He started with Team Summit and earned the Alpine Rookie of the Year award from US Ski and Snowboard in 2024.
Buzek specializes in technical events like slalom and giant slalom. His journey includes strong showings in junior world championships and consistent results in North American cups.
Camden Palmquist, also from Team Summit, hails from Eagan, Minnesota, but trains in Summit County. At 22, he has been on the US development team since 2021 and competed in the 2023 Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in Austria.
Both athletes have been part of the men’s C team for recent seasons. They train rigorously at local resorts, benefiting from Colorado’s high-altitude slopes.
Their inclusion reflects Summit County’s role as a hub for ski talent. Local coaches praise their work ethic and speed.
Key Returning Athletes
The women’s A team boasts Mikaela Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with eight world championships. She continues to dominate slalom and giant slalom events.
Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, returns at 40 after unretiring. Her experience in downhill and super-G adds depth.
On the men’s side, Ryan Cochran-Siegle leads with his 2022 Olympic super-G silver. River Radamus from Edwards, Colorado, and Tommy Ford from Bend, Oregon, round out the A team.
Here is a quick look at some standout team members:
- Mikaela Shiffrin: Record 97 World Cup wins, focusing on technical disciplines.
- Lindsey Vonn: 82 World Cup victories, emphasizing speed events.
- Ryan Cochran-Siegle: Olympic medalist, strong in super-G and downhill.
- Paula Moltzan: Recent podium finisher in slalom, adding consistency.
Upcoming Events and Season Outlook
The season starts with domestic races, including the new Stifel Copper Cup at Copper Mountain from November 27 to 30, 2025. This event will feature men’s and women’s competitions in slalom and giant slalom.
Fans can expect World Cup stops in Europe and North America. The team aims for strong showings to build momentum toward the 2026 Olympics.
Training camps have already begun, with athletes fine-tuning skills in places like New Zealand and Colorado. Coaches emphasize injury prevention and mental preparation.
| Event | Date | Location | Key Races |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stifel Copper Cup | Nov 27-30, 2025 | Copper Mountain, CO | Slalom, Giant Slalom |
| FIS Alpine World Cup Opener | Late October 2025 | Soelden, Austria | Giant Slalom |
| Birds of Prey World Cup | December 2025 | Beaver Creek, CO | Downhill, Super-G |
| Alpine World Championships | February 2027 | Crans-Montana, Switzerland | Various Disciplines |
Impact on Local Community
Summit County celebrates these selections as a boost for youth skiing programs. Team Summit, where both athletes trained, has produced several national team members over the years.
Local businesses and resorts see increased interest in skiing. Events like the Copper Cup draw crowds, supporting the economy.
Buzek and Palmquist serve as role models for young skiers. Their success shows that hard work in smaller programs can lead to big opportunities.
Challenges and Expectations
The team faces tough competition from European powerhouses like Austria and Switzerland. Injuries remain a risk in this high-speed sport.
Experts predict a strong season if key athletes stay healthy. Shiffrin’s form could lead to more records, while newcomers like Buzek and Palmquist might break into top ranks.
With the Olympics looming, every race counts. The US team has improved in recent years, winning more medals at world events.
What do you think about the US Alpine Ski Team’s chances this season? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow ski fans.
