Industry News
For the first time in U.S. skiing history, Jaelin Kauf has claimed all three FIS Freestyle Crystal Globes, capping off a dominant season with a second-place finish in the dual moguls event in Livigno, Italy. The result marked Kauf’s 14th podium of the season and the 50th of her career, solidifying her status as one of the most consistent competitors in freestyle skiing.
“It’s been a whole lot of fun competing against these girls out here,” Kauf said. “It’s been an incredible year of skiing all around, and there’s been a really good push all year from a lot of my teammates and other competitors—it’s been a crazy season.”
Team USA’s success extended beyond Kauf’s historic feat. Teammate Tess Johnson secured third place in the overall moguls standings, while Olivia Giaccio finished in sixth and Kasey Hogg in 10th. Kai Owens and Kylie Kariotis were not far off, ending the season in 14th and 16th place, respectively, while Alli Macuga, sister of Alpine ski racer Lauren Macuga, finished in 23rd for the season. In the men’s team, Nick Page finished the season in fifth. place, Charlie Mickel in ninth, and Dylan Walczyk in 15th place. Asher Michel was not far behind in 17th and Dylan Marcellini ended in 29th place. With this strong performance, Team USA claimed the prestigious Nation’s Cup, awarded annually to the country accumulating the most points throughout the season. USA also won the Nations Cup last season.
The final event of the season was marked by unpredictable conditions, as thick clouds and intermittent snowfall made for a challenging duals day. Despite the weather, all eight American athletes advanced to the finals, setting the stage for intense head-to-head matchups.
For the U.S. men, the round of 16 featured two all-American showdowns: Nick Page edged out Asher Michel, while Walczyk narrowly defeated Charlie Mickel in a tight duel. On the women’s side, Kylie Kariotis advanced past teammate Tess Johnson, who took a hard fall but was able to ski away on her own.
In the quarterfinals, Kauf made quick work of Japan’s Marin Ito, advancing with a decisive 27-8 victory. Meanwhile, Walczyk faced an uphill battle against Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury, the most decorated moguls skier of all time, who was on his way to his 99th career World Cup win. Walczyk put up a strong fight but ultimately moved on to the small final.
In the women’s big final, Kauf squared off against Australia’s Charlotte Wilson, who had stunned the field by defeating Olympic champion Perrine Laffont (FRA) in the semifinals. Despite Kauf’s trademark speed and precision, Wilson delivered a career-best performance to take the victory, leaving Kauf with silver. “All of the ladies out here, especially this week, are such strong competitors,” Kauf said. “It’s super fun to watch Charlotte get her first podium and win today—absolutely crushing it. They really just continue to push the sport and push all of us.”
Walczyk, meanwhile, faced Sweden’s Filip Gravenfors in the small final but came up just short, finishing fourth—still his best result of the season. Page took sixth, while Mickel and Michel finished ninth and 13th, respectively.
For Johnson, securing third place in the overall moguls standings was a career milestone. “This feels like a dream come true,” she said. “My previous best overall result was fifth, so to top that and finish top three is really special. The level of skiing is incredible across the board, and it’s just an honor to be a part of it.”
The mogul season will wrap up next week after the 2025 FIS World Championships at Engadin St. Moritz, Switzerland. Team USA is sending Kasey Hogg, Tess Johnson, Kylie Kariotis, and Jaelin Kauf from the women’s team, and Asher Michel, Charlie Mickel, Nick Page, and Dylan Walczyk from the men’s team to the Moguls World Championships, which will be held from March 18 to 21 at Corviglia.
