As the snow begins to blanket our home mountain, we’re thrilled to kick off the inaugural edition of the TWST Newsletter for the 24-25 ski season. This fall has been a whirlwind of excitement as our athletes, families, and supporters came together to prepare for the season ahead. From hosting the Warren Miller Ski Film and Ski Swap to powering through Dry Land Training events and Bake Sales, the energy and enthusiasm have been nothing short of inspiring.
With training officially starting on November 30th, the stoke is high, and we’re sliding into the season at full speed! The fresh snow and familiar trails at Taos provide the perfect setting for our athletes to embrace the spirit of TWST—pushing limits, learning, and embodying the values of teamwork and resilience. As always, our mountain ambassadors continue to shine, showcasing the dedication and ethos that make this program so special. Stay tuned for updates, achievements, and all things TWST as we carve our way through a fantastic winter season here’s to an amazing season ahead!
Bake Sales
Ian McLean earned his well-deserved recognition as a Mountain Ambassador for his incredible fundraising efforts to support the Woodward Scholarship Fund. Ian, alongside his brother Cullen and contributions from fellow athletes including but not limited to Jimmy Hayslip, Grey Elsasser, the Ava Silverman and family, Kelly family, and Konik Pearl, has spearheaded several bake sales throughout 2024. Thanks to Ian’s dedication and hard work (and the support of his team mates) in organizing these events, their baking efforts have successfully raised funds to award two $1,000 scholarships for Woodward-Copper. These scholarships will provide valuable opportunities for recipients to attend the summer 2025 program, helping them further their skills and passion for skiing and snowboarding.
This initiative reflects the true spirit of the TWST community—teamwork, generosity, and a commitment to supporting the growth of our athletes both on and off the mountain. Bravo to Ian and the entire bake sale team for making a lasting impact! Thank you to the Ski Valley for providing an ideal location for our sale and for all the parent volunteers that helped box and staff the bake sale stand. We appreciate the teamwork and community support. Fortunately, everyone seemed to enjoy the holiday treats.
Winterfest Ski Swap
The annual TWST Ski Swap, affectionately known as Winterfest, was a huge success! Over 40 businesses and individuals generously donated items and services to the silent auction, which once again raised over $5,000—an amount included in the event’s total income. The Ski Swap held November 7-9, featured participation from top retailers, including Le Ski Mastery, Boot Doctors, Cottam’s (R+R Sports New Mexico), Just Point It, Rick Chancellor, and Michael Chandler. Field Institute of Taos and Taos Ski Valley (TSV) hosted tents with information and kids’ activities, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Special thanks to the Taos Community Foundation and Sagebrush Inn for their continued support of this cherished event.
- Total Gross Sales: $66,171.84
- Total Payout to Venue, Community, and Retailers: $47,245.42
- Total Income for TWST: $18,936.42
TWST and TSV Celebrate the 75th Annual Warren Miller Film Premiere On Saturday, November 23, 2024, TWST and TSV proudly co-hosted the 75th annual Warren Miller Film Premiere in Taos. This highly anticipated event, brought to the community in collaboration with the Taos Center for the Arts (TCA), featured two screenings—a 4:00 PM matinee and a 7:00 PM evening show—both drawing nearly sold-out crowds. The festivities began with a TWST member orientation prior to the matinee, welcoming new and returning members alike. Dryland training sessions in Kit Carson Park, led by dedicated volunteers Paige Davidson, Alicia Esparza, and Jason Seigel, kept the energy high throughout the day. The evening was expertly emceed by Andrea Krejci, Head Freeride/Big Mountain Coach, alongside Jeff Sherwood and Leah Matamales from TSV. A highlight of the night was the incredible raffle, with a generous selection of prizes donated by TSV. TWST athletes June Thornton, Norah and Max Kelly, Milan VegaCarp, and Rylan Davidson eagerly delivered raffle prizes to the lucky winners. A big thank-you to Cai and Arren Buck, and Emily Roberts for their volunteer efforts during the event. This annual premiere is a true community celebration of the winter season, fueled by the collaboration of TWST, TCA, and TSV. Here’s to another unforgettable night celebrating our shared passion for the mountains!
Pre-Season Race Training From November 22 to 26, athletes Joseph Madrid, Ava Silverman, and Phoebe Snow Desatoff, accompanied by Coaches Julian LaCome and Josh Willette, participated in intensive race training at Aspen Highlands. This collaborative effort was organized alongside the Telluride Race Club, providing a unique opportunity for athletes to refine their skills on the snow early in the season. Meanwhile, Isaac Olson took part in a preseason race camp at Copper Mountain from November 23 to 29. Both programs offered valuable on-snow training time, setting the stage for success in upcoming early-season racing events.
These preseason efforts reflect the team’s commitment to skill development and competition readiness, laying a strong foundation for the months ahead. IFSA Rippin’ Ladies Ava Wannamaker has been selected as an IFSA Rippin’ Ladies Ambassador. The Rippin’ Ladies program, part of the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA), aims to unite and empower female free riders across all nine IFSA regions. Ambassadors serve as role models, mentors, and advocates, promoting gender equality in the freeride community. As an ambassador, Ava will inspire and support fellow female free riders, fostering a sense of community and encouraging others to excel in the sport. Her selection highlights her dedication and passion for freeriding, as well as her commitment to promoting women’s participation in the sport. We are proud of you Ava!
A Warm Welcome to New Athletes: Devo & Gateway Tryouts On December 7th, 2024, TWST hosted tryouts for the Devo and Gateway teams, welcoming 24 enthusiastic skiers new to the program. It was a fun-filled morning as these young athletes hit the slopes with TWST coaches, showcasing their skills, learning about the program, and getting a taste of what it means to be part of a competitive ski team. The tryouts highlighted TWST’s core mission: to challenge athletes to grow, push their limits, and embrace the thrill of skiing in a supportive and encouraging environment.
With tryouts behind us, the season is just around the corner! Session #1 Holiday Camp for Devo and Gateway athletes kicks off on December 21st, followed by Session #2 starting December 27th. Regular season practice officially begins on January 4, 2025, and we’re thrilled to see both returning and new skiers hit the slopes. A big thank-you to the coaches, parents, and volunteers who made tryouts such a positive and memorable experience. Here’s to an exciting season ahead, filled with growth, teamwork, and plenty of time on the snow! For our new athletes and families, we welcome you to TWST. Clothing Drive at Community Days TWST organized a community clothing drive to collect gently used ski apparel and gear, including jackets, ski pants, hats, goggles, and long underwear. This initiative aimed to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the proper clothing needed to enjoy the slopes and stay warm during the winter season. Thanks to the generosity of TWST families and local supporters, the drive collected a wide range of items, which will be distributed to those in need and school students. This effort not only embodies the giving spirit of the TWST community but also reinforces the team’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can share in the joy of skiing and snowboarding. A big thank-you goes out to all who donated and helped make this clothing drive a success. Together, we’re making the mountain more accessible for everyone.
Woodward-Copper
