Charging into the 2025-26 Season: Fresh Faces Fueling the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team
Image Courtesy of US Ski & Snowboard (USSS)
Hey there, ski racing fans—get ready for some exciting off-season updates that'll have you stoked and ready to rip! Our friends at the Stifel U.S. Ski Team just dropped some big news about fresh talent and dynamic coaching changes for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Last season was nothing short of spectacular, with our athletes crushing it to bring home 13 World Cup podium finishes and five massive wins, not to mention four shiny World Championships medals. But here’s the kicker: the team isn’t slowing down—they’re gearing up and kicking it up a notch!
Women's Team: New Coaches, Familiar Excellence
Leading the charge again on the women's side is head coach Paul Kristofic, but he’s got some exciting new company:
Alek Glebov slides in as the new head women's technical coach. A former World Cup ski racer himself and fresh from coaching the Norwegian men's tech team, Alek's experience is next-level. He’ll partner with Zan Spilar, who already nailed huge successes last season.
Anika Angriman, a familiar face from Sun Valley’s Ski Education Foundation FIS program, steps up to assist Miha Kurner with the Europa Cup tech crew.
Christian Herzog, straight from Burke Mountain Academy’s FIS program, joins Marjan Cernigoj to push the women's Europa Cup speed team to new speeds. Bonus cool factor: both Angriman and Herzog came through the newly minted National Coaches Mentorship Program led by Ian Garner.
“I am confident Alek, Anika, and Christian will bring expertise that continues to propel our women's program to new heights,” says Kristofic. Translation: buckle up, folks, because these women are ready to soar!
Men's Team: Returning Legends & New Energy
Men's head coach Mark Tilston keeps the energy high with stellar additions, ensuring the men's team is ready for speed, technique, and strength:
The legendary Johno McBride returns to his roots as head World Cup speed coach. McBride’s past credits include coaching legends like Bode Miller, Daron Rahlves, and Andrew Weibrecht—safe to say, we're pumped for his comeback! Assisting McBride will be former athlete and skilled coach TJ Lanning, adding another powerhouse to the speed lineup.
Clement Tomamichel takes the reins as the head men’s World Cup giant slalom coach, paired up with Nathan Bryant. Tomamichel’s recent magic with junior athletes in the Europa Cup promises even more podium potential.
Tristan Glasse-Davies continues slalom momentum with help from former World Cup slalom specialist Jeffrey Frisch, formerly head coach of Poland’s slalom team—talk about a power duo!
The men’s Europa Cup squad receives fresh leadership from Mike Bansmer and Francio Bertolini, ensuring our young talent continues to climb the ranks.
Strength and conditioning guru Will Horstmann teams up with Hugh Brooks and Tobias Mayrhofer, dialing in peak athletic performance.
“I am very excited about these changes and new additions,” says Tilston, highlighting the fire already sparking in the team as they eye the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Looking Forward
Change is good, especially when it adds this much talent and passion into the mix. From seasoned veterans to fresh talent, the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team is more ready than ever. Milano Cortina, we're looking at you!
Stay tuned right here, folks—because things are about to get fast, furious, and incredibly fun. Stay'nThirsty for POW!
