USA dominates as Para Snowboard World Cup makes long-awaited return to Steamboat

Feb 28, 2025·Para Snowboard

The American Team @usparaskisnowboard

The FIS Para Snowboard World Cup returned to the United States for the first time since 2017, with Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado, hosting the highly anticipated snowboard cross finals from 25th to 27th February. The home team made the most of their long-awaited opportunity, claiming an impressive 12 podiums, including five victories and a remarkable podium sweep in the Women’s Lower Limb (LL) category during the second race. With that, the American team successfully defended both the women’s and men’s Nations Cup globes, reaffirming their status as the most successful nation on the FIS Para Snowboard World Cup circuit.

Amazing to be back on home snow. You get the whole crowd energy from all our families, all our supporters. It’s just U.S. vibes, U.S. energy!– Noah Elliott (USA)

Hicks takes debut wins and shares globe with Idiakez Lopez

In the Women’s Upper Limb (UL) category, Isabelle Hicks (USA) made a name for herself in her maiden World Cup season. Racing on home soil, she secured her first career victories and, in doing so, earned her first-ever Crystal Globe. She shares the discipline title with Spain’s Irati Idiakez Lopez, who had already clinched the Banked Slalom globe earlier in Kühtai (AUT) but did not compete in Steamboat.

Delson and Huckaby Clegg shine in Women’s LL

Kate Delson (USA) continued her upward trajectory this season, following up her breakthrough victory in Lenk (SUI) with another win in Steamboat. She led an all-American podium in the second race, finishing ahead of Brenna Huckaby Clegg and Courtney Godfrey.

Despite the growing challenge from a new generation of athletes and the absence of key rival Cécile Hernandez (FRA), Huckaby Clegg demonstrated her consistency, securing 180 points over the weekend to successfully defend her discipline globe.

Brenna Huckaby Clegg (USA), Kate Delson (USA) and Courtney Godfrey (USA) @usparaskisnowboard

Luchini’s double win keeps the Men’s UL title race tight

Jacopo Luchini (ITA) was untouchable in the Men’s UL category, winning both races in Steamboat and collecting 200 valuable points to defend his Crystal Globe. Switzerland’s Aron Fahrni also delivered a standout performance, claiming back-to-back second-place finishes—his first snowboard cross podiums of the season—to finish third in the final discipline standings.

Turner edges Elliott in Men’s LL1 showdown

The Men’s LL1 title race came down to the finest of margins, with just 20 points separating Tyler Turner (CAN) and Noah Elliott (USA) in the final standings. Turner ultimately came out on top, defending his globe. Meanwhile, Mike Schultz (USA) made a statement in Steamboat by winning the first race and finishing third in the second, securing a strong third place in the discipline rankings.

It's been a long time since we've raced a world cup here in the US and it felt amazing to land in top of the podium today!! Beautiful day, exciting racing and a fun course to ride. [...] It's been too long since I've taken the #1 spot, so this one feels incredible, especially since my family was here to experience it. They haven't seen me race since 2018, so this one was special.– Mike Schultz (USA)

Perathoner continues his reign in Men’s LL2

Emanuel Perathoner (ITA) once again proved unstoppable in the Men’s LL2 category, extending his streak of podium finishes in every snowboard cross race this season. His main rival, Ben Tudhope (AUS), also capped off an impressive season, having claimed the first victory of the campaign in Pyhä and securing three additional podium finishes. One of the biggest revelations of the season was Fabrice von Grünigen (SUI), who capitalized on his first career podium in Lenk and went on to claim two second-place finishes in Steamboat, securing third in the final standings.

2024/25 Overall World Cup Winners

Women UL: Irati Idiakez Lopez (ESP) – 600 points
Women LL: Cécile Hernandez (FRA) – 640 points
Men UL: Jacopo Luchini (ITA) – 665 points
Men LL1: Noah Elliott (USA) – 760 points
Men LL2: Emanuel Perathoner (ITA) – 840 points

That’s a full circle moment for me. Getting that Crystal Globe is actually like… where it all started for me, in Steamboat, first day ever on snow, first time seeing the mountains and coming back getting the overall Crystal Globe, awarded to me here, is priceless, truly.– Noah Elliott (USA)

All rankings are available here: FIS | FIS Points & Rankings

The thrilling conclusion in Steamboat wrapped up another exhilarating Para Snowboard World Cup season, setting the stage for even greater rivalries in the future.

Next and last on the schedule is the biggest event of the season: the FIS Para Snowboard World Championships in Big White (CAN) from 5th to 10th March, with the first medal event taking place on 6th March.