David Wise was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, in a family that has a passion for skiing. As a child, David chased his older sisters through slalom, GS, and super G courses across the Tahoe area. At age 11, he convinced his parents to let him try freestyle skiing. By 15, he was so drawn to freeskiing, he decided to specialize.
At 18, David declined his father’s financial support, determined to fully embrace life as a professional skier. Since then, he’s built an extraordinary career, winning every major title in halfpipe skiing, including five X Games Gold Medals, two Olympic Gold Medals, and one Olympic Silver Medal.
David is focused on leaving the sport better than he found it. He dedicates time to mentoring his peers in mental toughness and resilience while continuing to compete at the highest level. His goal is to represent the U.S. in the Winter Olympic Games in 2026. Beyond competition, he aims to spend more time skiing with his kids and grow AKOVA, the company he co-founded. Off the slopes, David can play the banjo and juggle for at least 10 seconds while riding a unicycle!
Sugar Bowl holds a special place in David’s journey. It was where he participated in his first legitimate photoshoot in 2004, and it’s been his go-to spot for countless competitions and secret powder days ever since. He’s particularly excited about the terrain park’s progression and its potential in the coming years.
“I am so excited about the quality of Sugar Bowl’s terrain park and how much better it is going to get over the next couple of years.”
John Jackson is a legend in the world of snowboarding. Originally from Mammoth, California, he cut his teeth in the park before evolving into one of the most respected backcountry riders in the game. With over 20 film segments to his name and accolades like Standout Male Snowboarder of the Year, Rider of the Year, and Segment of the Year, John’s impact on the sport is huge. But for him, it’s not about the awards—it’s about the pure love of riding.
These days, John spends his time deep in the backcountry, chasing massive descents in Alaska, launching backflips off cliffs, and seeking out wild and challenging terrain. His riding is all about style and precision, blending freestyle creativity with big-mountain dominance.
This season, he’s bringing that same energy to Sugar Bowl, using the resort’s open boundaries to access the Sierra Nevada backcountry. He’s also got a multi-day split board mission across the Sierra Mountain Range in the works and a few high-stakes objectives lined up in Alaska.
Beyond the snow, John is devoted to his two young daughters, Rocket and Kelaiah, are following in his footsteps embracing mountain life, and he’s committed to passing down his passion for adventure. Whether he’s chasing deep powder lines or chasing his kids around the mountain, John approaches life with boundless energy and zest.
This winter, expect to see John charging hard, exploring new terrain, and bringing his signature style to Sugar Bowl.
“Being a Sugar Bowl ambassador is intense. It’s top notch. You know, I told these guys from the very start, I’m not this young park guy, okay? I’m like older, backcountry, powder preferred, but they still let me on. So I’m really excited about it. I’m thankful. And it means a lot, man. I love the crew up here, and I’m excited.”
Raised in Truckee, Xander Guldman started skiing competitively at ten years old with the Sugar Bowl Ski Team. His passion for freeride skiing deepened during his time at Sugar Bowl Academy.
Xander's skiing career includes standout achievements as a junior athlete: winning the overall North American IFSA title in 2015, placing third in the 2016 Freeride Junior World Championships, and receiving the IFSA Mayor of Freeride community spirit award. After stepping away from competition while studying at UC Davis, Xander returned to the FWQ circuit in 2022, placing 2nd overall and qualifying for the Freeride World Tour. Since then, he has achieved two top-ten finishes on the FWT23 and starred in acclaimed film segments, including The Land of Giants with Matchstick Productions and UNIFIED with Head Skis, which earned him the IF3 2023 Breakout Skier of the Year award.
In 2024, Xander filmed for Head's Beyond and MSP's Calm Beneath Castles while helping establish the Silver Belt as a peer-judged backcountry freestyle event at Sugar Bowl. This winter, he's filming with MSP and Head, contributing to the Silver Belt, and working on an independent video project. Off the slopes, Xander loves whitewater kayaking, raft guiding, and pottery.
The supportive community, playful terrain, and inspiring environment of Sugar Bowl have been a constant in his life, and he's excited to continue representing the mountain that has always felt like home.
"One of my goals is to bring new people into the sport and work to make the places I love more accessible and inclusive."
Hannah Epsteyn grew up in Reno but spent many of her winters in Truckee, where her family has a home. Thanks to her dad, skiing has been a part of her life since she was 18 months old.
Her accomplishments include first-place finishes in the 12-14 IFSA Nationals at Kirkwood and Palisades Tahoe, multiple wins in TJFS Regional competitions, and podium finishes at the North American Championships at Kicking Horse and the Silver Belt competition. In 2025 Hannah took top honors at the Silver Belt. Currently sponsored by Nordica, Helly Hansen, Smith, and Olympic Bootworks, Hannah has big plans for her future: qualifying for the Junior Freeride World Tour, winning the North American Championships, joining the Freeride World Tour, and pursuing a career in ski films with companies like TGR and MSP. She's also passionate about using her platform to encourage and grow the field of women's skiing.
Off the slopes, Hannah enjoys mountain biking—she competed in cross-country mountain biking from age 9 to 15. She's also an avid rock climber.
She appreciates Sugar Bowl's welcoming community, hardworking staff, and the mountain's features that offer opportunities to progress. As a Sugar Bowl ambassador, she's excited to represent a mountain she and her family love and looks forward to inspiring others on and off the slopes.
"I have skied Sugar Bowl for a few years, mostly during competitions, but after last year's Silver Belt competition, I fell in love with the mountain."
Gustav Legnavsky grew up in Wanaka, New Zealand, and was immersed in the ski industry through his parents, who were heavily involved long before he was born. Gustav has done everything from racing to freestyle, but at 15, he discovered a passion for halfpipe skiing, where he could combine freestyle and ski racing techniques. At 15, he competed in his first World Cup and World Championships, then qualified for the Olympics the following season. Despite a challenging experience in Beijing, Gustav rebounded by winning the Junior World Championships in Switzerland to close out an incredible season.
After the Olympics, Gustav made Sugar Bowl his home. The resort has been a perfect fit for him and his family, offering a strong community and world-class skiing that supports his growth as an athlete.
Gustav's focus remains on halfpipe skiing. He wants to make the sport more widely recognized and is working toward the 2026 Olympics in Milan.
Off the mountain, Gustav enjoys DJing and designing custom clothing.
At Sugar Bowl, Gustav has found a training ground and a community that feels like family. The resort's welcoming vibe, incredible terrain, and support have made it an ideal place for him to thrive. As a Sugar Bowl ambassador, Gustav is excited to represent the mountain and inspire others through his skiing and creativity.
"Sugar Bowl just fits with me and my family so well, so it has been a great tool for us to express ourselves exactly how we want to and to be supported by everyone around us all the way along."
Elena Messner was born and raised in Truckee, California. She grew up skiing at Sugar Bowl with her family, a tradition that continues to this day. Elena attended Sugar Bowl Academy, where she raced in FIS competitions until her junior year of high school before transitioning to freeride skiing. She now attends the University of Utah.
Last season, Elena won the Sugar Bowl Silver Belt event. Her successful competition season included multiple wins on the FWQ circuit. She is now competing as a freeride athlete and representing Armada Skis.
Elena’s goals are to push the boundaries of freeride skiing while showcasing her creativity and passion through film and media. She aims to qualify for the Freeride World Tour and contribute to ski media productions, inspiring others through her skiing and storytelling.
Outside of skiing, Elena channels her creativity into painting, design, and creating. She also enjoys climbing, surfing, and exploring new ways to express herself.
Sugar Bowl has always been more than a mountain for Elena—it’s where she learned the value of pursuing her passions and where she continues to grow as a skier and a person. She feels proud and grateful to represent a resort that has shaped her journey, and looks forward to inspiring others in the Sugar Bowl community and beyond.
“Growing up at Sugar Bowl has taught me that having a passion for your goals can bring you so many great things.”
Growing up in Soda Springs, CA, and skiing since he could walk, Henry Schrichte has called Sugar Bowl home for as long as he can remember. This year, his hard work has paid off with a qualification for the Junior Freeride World Championships, where he'll proudly represent Tahoe in January 2025.
When he's not skiing, Henry is passionate about sewing, design, and the outdoors. He makes fleece beanies, customized pants, and pajamas and plans to create custom-designed snow pants. He loves exploring the Tahoe wilderness, biking, and camping. As a Sugar Bowl ambassador, he is excited to represent the resort he's always called home and share his passion for skiing and creativity with the community.
"I've been around Sugar Bowl my entire life and have skied here for as long as I can remember. I love the mountain, the terrain, the village, and, most of all, the community."
Indy Boyer is a Tahoe-based freeride athlete with roots in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Indy attends school at Montana State University in Bozeman and is studying studio arts. She will be skiing Bridger Bowl and Big Sky partially during the 2025/26 season, and will be competing in the adult IFSA competitions.
Skiing, art, and painting are her greatest passions, and she's determined to make them the centerpiece of her life. Indy's big-picture dreams are as bold as her turns on the mountain: skiing in the Freeride World Tour, appearing in ski films, designing her own ski graphics, and representing freeride skiing in the 2030 Olympic Games.
As a Sugar Bowl ambassador, she's excited to create inspiring content and grow her name in the ski community.
"Skiing is one of my greatest passions in my life, along with art and painting."
Kestrel Sullivan doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t skiing, and being on the snow has shaped her into the person she is today. Her first taste of the sport was when she was only 10 months old. She’s been competing as a ski racer for the last 14 years, finding her way to Sugar Bowl Academy when she was a sophomore in high school. At 18 years old, she transitioned to freeride, and knew that Sugar Bowl was the perfect place to do that.
The idea that skiing can provide anyone with an outlet to be themselves is what makes the sport so special to her. She loves watching women's skiing progress as fast as it is, and is so excited to be part of it. Kestrel is incredibly grateful for the opportunities skiing has brought her, she’s proud of what she has accomplished so far, and she’s excited to see where it all takes her. Outside of skiing, she loves to workout, work on puzzles, and roller blade.
“The environment that Sugar Bowl provides, both the terrain and the people that it has brought into my life, has allowed me to become the skier I am today. It’s exactly the kind of place I want to call my home resort. I know that every time I drive up to Sugar Bowl, it’s going to be a good day.”
Freya Hammerlein, born in Pambula, NSW, Australia, moved to South Lake Tahoe when she was just 2 years old. Her parents put her on skis at a very young age, and she spent much of her childhood watching her mom dominate in competitions like the X Games boardercross and halfpipe and in freeride. Her mother’s success and love for the sport inspired Freya to start snowboarding, which is now her whole world.
When she’s not on the snow, she loves making snow pants, beanies, and other accessories with her mom. You can also find her skating or playing hacky sack.
Freya’s career highlights include the Winter Games Junior World Championships 2023 in Cardrona, New Zealand; the Cattleman’s Cup Hip Hero at Mt. Buller, Australia (2023); and the Jamie Anderson Enjoy event at Woodward Boreal (2025).
“Snowboarding has shaped who I am, and I’m forever grateful to be part of this sport and its community.”
Abby Winterberger, born and raised in Truckee, started skiing at the age of 2, and began her competition career at the young age of 6. She grew up skiing for OVFree and continues to ski in their freeski program.
Abby is a World Cup freeskier competing in Halfpipe, Slopestyle, and Big Air, traveling year-round for training and competing. However, she always loves a perfect pow day hitting airs and ripping turns at home in the Truckee mountains.
“I love skiing at Sugar Bowl because it has a true locals' feel and next-level terrain/parks.”
Tait Cowan was born in Pacifica, splitting his time between Truckee and his hometown until he turned 10, when his family moved to Truckee full time. While he’s been competing in slope style and halfpipe since he was 7 years old, in 2021 he started really focusing on halfpipe. Tait’s goal for the 2025/26 season is to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics. When he’s not perfecting his style, you can find Tait surfing, dirt biking riding, fishing, backpacking, and trying to golf.
“Some of my best childhood memories are from Sugar Bowl, from my first few USASAs to some of the best powder days of my life! I’ve always loved Sugar Bowl and I’m super stoked to be a part of the team.”
Keva Kelly, who’s been skiing since she could walk, was born and raised in Tahoe City, California. Growing up in the snowy mountains sparked her love for both competing and free skiing while also shaping her passion for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
“When I’m not training or competing, I love skiing powder, hanging out with friends at the lake, mountain biking, and playing soccer.”
Mack Winterberger is a freeskier, born and raised in Truckee. Tait competes in halfpipe on the World Cup, traveling across North America, Europe, and New Zealand for contests and in pursuit of new experiences. Alongside competition, he also has a passion for freeride and backcountry skiing. This past season, he created a backcountry freeride film called Truancy. The debut premiere gathered over 300 people and reached over 200,000 views across social media. He plans to make another film this year.
“I grew up on skis, and the mountains have shaped who I am from the very beginning.”
Keegan Hosefros is a Truckee local who has been part of the film and snowboard community for the past 10 years, since the age of 15. He currently rides for 686, Rome Snowboards, Autumn Headwear, and the Sugar Bowl Ambassador Athlete Team.
“I'm really excited to ride the new and improved park and the side country of the Sugarbowl!”
Porter Sullivan was born in Jackson, Wyoming, where he was put on skis at 2 years old. At age 6, his family moved to Oregon, and from then through age 14, he spent every weekend at Mt. Hood Meadows skiing with the Meadows Race Team.
He moved to Truckee and became a boarding student at Sugar Bowl Academy until his junior year, when his parents moved out to California. The 2025/26 year will be his 5th skiing at Sugar Bowl Resort.
His passion for skiing was developed during COVID, while he was living in Oregon. The experience of still being able to spend weekends on Mt. Hood grew his appreciation for the sport for the amazing thing it is.
Aside from ski racing, Porter enjoys rock climbing, surfing, and the simple act of just skiing around the mountain with his friends and enjoying the freedom that comes with freeskiing.
“I never fully felt a part of a ski community until I moved to Truckee and started skiing at Sugar Bowl.”
Lola Cowan grew up living the surf and snow lifestyle, trading her time between Pacifica, CA and Truckee. When her family moved to Truckee full time, she immediately started her competitive riding career.
Although she travels 75% of the year, when she’s home, she’s in the mountains hiking, dirt biking, and hanging out with family.
“Sugar bowl is the first place I dropped a cliff on a snowboard when I was 10!”
Jay Rawe, originally from Bradenton, Florida, is an all-around fearless athlete. He’s trained in gymnastics, wrestling, wakeboarding, rollerblading, skateboarding, skydiving, and BASE jumping. In 2014, he suffered an incomplete Spinal Cord Injury from a BASE jumping accident, which had him learning how to live with his new abilities while trying to find his place in the world. He found that place in sitskiing.
Sitskiing allowed Jay to reconnect with the outdoors, and he found a love for snow; something he didn’t expect as someone raised in sunny Florida. The sport became his new passion, and he pushes the limits for what was once thought possible on a sitski.
Jay was the first person in the world to land a 360, 540, and 720 on a sitski, and most recently, he became the first in the world to do a Cork 360 over a 50' gap to 50-50 a 20' down rail. He is working on setting up Slopestyle and Big Air divisions for sitskiers with the help of the National Ability Center, with the hopes of bringing those sports to the 2034 Paralympics in Park City. He’s also working with athletes on the Rider's Committee for the new FIS Freeride World Tour to add sitskiers into the rules with hopes for the Olympics/Paralympics in Freeriding.
Outside of sitskiing, Jay enjoys playing golf and riding a sit-wakeboard behind a boat or at cable parks.
“I am super excited to be an ambassador for Sugar Bowl this season! It's such an honor to be able to represent such an amazing resort!”
Micah Rodarte was born to ski, starting before he could even walk. He has lived in Truckee his entire life, where he was raised by a family that is embedded in ski culture — his dad is a ski race coach, and his mom is a former racer. Once he was old enough, Micah joined the all-mountain and race teams at Northstar California. At age 11, he switched over to OV Free and became the skier he is today.
Passionate about growing the sport of freeskiing, Michah is skiing for the Sugar Bowl Ski Team this year and helping to promote Sugar Bowl’s fast-growing park. He gets most hyped about inspiring other kids, encouraging them to try new things and enjoy the mountain in all conditions, pushing them to learn new tricks, and helping them become better all-around skiers. He’s all about pushing creativity on rail tricks, soaring through the air on massive jumps, and playing in the halfpipe. But he’s never one to say no to deep powder and big sends off the many hits all over the mountain.
Micah has had success on the competitive circuit in Rail Jam, Slopestyle, and Halfpipe. He is a 3-time National Halfpipe Champion for his age class and a major contender in Slopestyle. He won three Futures Tour Halfpipe events and placed in the top 10 in two Futures Slopestyle events in 2024/25. His goals for the 2025/26 season are to win Futures Tour Halfpipe and Slopestyle events and place in the top 10 on the Rev Tour. Long-term goals include competing in the Youth Olympic Games in 2028, the X Games, and, eventually, the Olympics.
When Micah is not on the mountain, he enjoys playing high school and club soccer, fishing, playing guitar, wakeboarding, pow, and ocean surfing.
“Whenever I get up to Sugar Bowl, it’s hard to leave. It is definitely one of our family favorites. I can’t wait to see the park scene explode here. I’m so happy for all the energy and effort being put into it. I just love this community.”
Sebastian Baranchuk was born in California and raised among Tahoe’s snowy peaks. He discovered his passion for skiing at the very young age of 3.
His journey in freeride skiing has taken him across borders and mountain ranges, from the Sierra Nevada and Tetons in the United States, to the vast landscapes of the Andes in Argentina, and the dense forests and wild terrain of Canada. He finds new challenges and inspiration in every new mountain terrain he visits.
Living on Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl Resort has been like a second home for Sebastian. He loves untouched snow in the early morning, the large community events, and fun nights spent in the Belt Room with friends and family. Sugar Bowl has been at the heart of his skiing journey, allowing the sport to become his canvas for creative expression and an avenue to explore the world.
“My dedication to the sport is unwavering, and I am determined to excel in the world of freeride skiing. The freeride community, made up of both my friends and competitors, has become incredibly important to me. The camaraderie and support within this community are unparalleled, making every skiing adventure truly memorable and exciting.”
Angus Blackburn, born in Sydney, Australia, moved to Truckee with his family when he was 4 years old. He joined a ski team that same year, and immediately fell in love with being on the snow. When he was 6, I joined the Sugar Bowl Ski Team, learning right away that Sugar Bowl was the perfect mountain for him.
Angus’ passion is freeride skiing. He loves the creativity, the freedom of the terrain, and the chance to push himself in ways that feel both challenging and natural.
His skiing career has taken him across the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, where he’s gained experience on a wide range of terrain and snow conditions.
He’s committed to continuing his growth as a freeride skier, pushing limits, and exploring new mountains around the world. Skiing has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, and he’s excited to keep progressing and seeing where it takes me next.
“Freeride is where I feel the most connected to the mountain and the most like myself. I’ve spent more days at Sugar Bowl than I can count! It’s where I’ve grown into the skier I am today.”
Anders Leckie first clicked into skis at 2 years old at Sugar Bowl Resort. As a freeride skier still based in Truckee, Anders learned what it meant to push himself, learn new tricks, and grow as an athlete, right here on our mountain.
Every year, Anders looks forward to the source of his happiness: the rush of competitions and meeting new people. For the 2025/26 season, he hopes to qualify for Junior Freeride Championships and Junior Worlds. It’s his goal to continue to compete throughout his career, whether on the Freeride World Tour or in the 2030 Winter Olympics.
“As a Sugar Bowl ambassador, I’m excited to represent a place that feels like home, and share the passion, community, and energy that make Sugar Bowl so special. I’m committed to inspiring younger skiers, supporting the resort, and showcasing the terrain and culture that helped build my love for freeride.”
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