From Local Talent to Global Stage: Ski and Snowboard Club Vail Alumna Shines in World Cup Giant Slalom Debut at Kronplatz

Liv Moritz, a talented skier from Vail, made her World Cup debut this week in Kronplatz, Italy, competing in giant slalom. A graduate of the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and Vail Mountain School, she finished 55th in her first run and did not qualify for the second run.

Despite the nerves, Liv enjoyed the experience. “I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been. My legs were a little numb at the start, but I had fun,” she shared with U.S. Ski and Snowboard.

New Zealand’s Alice Robinson took first place, finishing both runs in 1 minute, 55.28 seconds. Lara Gut-Behrami, the defending champion, was second, while American Paula Moltzan secured third with a time of 1:56.22.

Moltzan spoke about her experience, saying, “I told myself I didn’t want to ski like a baby. I gave it my all, made mistakes, but I recovered well and kept my speed.” This performance marked her fourth career podium.

Fellow Ski and Snowboard Club Vail alumni also had a strong showing, with Nina O’Brien finishing in the top 10. “I’m happy with another top-10 finish,” O’Brien reflected. “It’s an amazing day for the team, and I’m really excited for Paula.”

Moritz is in her second year with the U.S. Ski Team. Last year, she represented the team at the Junior Championships and has already made a mark as a dual-sport athlete at the University of Denver, excelling in both skiing and soccer.

After taking home a win at the Holiday Classic in Steamboat Springs, Moritz stepped onto the Europa Cup circuit this January. In her debut race, she faced challenges, including losing a pole, but remained positive about her performance. “I skied well at the top, but needed to adjust more on the pitch,” she said, looking forward to future races.

When asked about her debut, she said it lived up to her expectations. “It’s a bit different because I’ve been watching these athletes on TV. It’s cool to ski alongside such talented skiers.”

Other Competitors Shine

Meanwhile, River Radamus, another Vail skier, participated in the World Cup super-G in Wengen, Switzerland, finishing 29th. He also competed in the slalom but did not qualify for the second run. Currently, Radamus stands 32nd overall in the World Cup rankings.

His fellow alumni, Kyle Negomir, managed a 38th place finish in the super-G and struggled in downhill, reflecting on the competitive nature of the events. “It’s tough to have these opportunities and make mistakes,” he expressed, trying to stay motivated through the challenges.

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