As the ISMF World Cup arrives in the United States, Solitude Mountain Resort is preparing to welcome the world’s best athletes on 6–7 December. The event is not only a milestone for the sport in North America — it is also the final World Cup opportunity to secure qualification points for Milano Cortina 2026.
For the Pan-American nations, the stakes are especially high. With one continental quota place available, Team USA and Canada enter Solitude separated by just a single point in the Olympic Mixed Relay Ranking, setting up a decisive head-to-head battle on home snow.
In anticipation of the weekend, international media have profiled both the host venue and Team USA athletes.
Olympics.com recently highlighted Griffin Briley, one of the rising talents of U.S. ski mountaineering. Now competing in the senior ranks, Briley shared his approach to preparation and performance, noting:
“I want to show up as my best self and give it everything I have while keeping a positive attitude and smiling… If I’m not winning, it doesn’t really matter as long as I’m giving 100 per cent.”
He also reflected on the significance of competing at home:
“Growing up in Park City… I was surrounded by amazing opportunities to try different sports and get out into the mountains right out my front door.”
Read the full athlete profile here:
Olympics.com – Griffin Briley Feature
Further coverage from TeamUSA.com explores the operational and community effort behind bringing the World Cup to U.S. snow.
Sarah Cookler, Head of Sport for the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association and Race Director for Solitude, underscored the collective commitment required to deliver a world-class event, emphasising:
“There’s a lot that goes into it… not only the racecourse preparation but all of the behind-the-scenes work.”
She also highlighted the strength of the local community and the significance of hosting a milestone event at elevation:
“We’ve got a very large and supportive skimo community in the Salt Lake area… Solitude was really willing to jump in and do everything they can.”
Full article available here:
TeamUSA.com – Solitude World Cup Feature
With athletes from 22 nations arriving in Utah, Olympic qualification at stake, and many teams adjusting to racing at 8,000 feet, Solitude is set to deliver a vibrant and competitive start to the season.