Giro skiers are poised to storm the podium as the 2025 alpine and freestyle seasons conclude in Sun Valley, ID and Corvatsch Park, Silvaplana, Switzerland. Megan Oldham and Evan McEachran are fighting for freeski Gold, while Paula Moltzan and Daniel Yule are leading the charge in alpine. All four took time out of their final preparations to share thoughts in the week before competition.
Megan Oldham
The 7x X Games medalist including 3 Golds, made history as the first woman to land a triple cork, but surgery for a torn meniscus made her miss the 2024 competitive season. Back to form with a win in Freeski Big Air last month in Aspen, Oldham is currently leading the World Cup and is the big favorite for Slopestyle.
You had a long recovery last year from a torn meniscus - when do you feel like you really were back 100% and able to not hold anything back?
The road to recovery after injury is never linear and I feel the biggest challenge I faced was getting my confidence back up on my skis after returning to sport. Physically wise, my knee felt 100% after 6 months, however it was hard for my mind to trust my body again. It was a slow build to get all my tricks back but after about 9 months recovery I finally rebuilt the trust between my body and mind and felt comfortable in the air again.
World Championships this year take place in Corvatsch, Switzerland - what is one special memory you have of competing there?
I am so excited! This is one of my favourite places to ride. They always have one of the most advanced courses of the season. Typically 3 massive jumps which allows us athletes to bring out our biggest tricks. This course is actually where I won my first ever World Cup and also the Crystal Globe on my first season competing so it holds a special place in my heart.
As a true leader in advancing what women are capable of in the sport, how do you balance competition and progression?
Balancing competition and progression is certainly a hard challenge and is still something I struggle with. In order to do this, I try to pick out a few major events that are my top priority during a season (like X-Games, World Champs, etc.). During the times where there are lots of back to back competitions I typically choose one event and use the rest of the time to go somewhere and train new skills. I find too many events back-to-back becomes an injury risk with all the time changes and intense riding, so mixing in training during those blocks also allows the body to rest from the fight-or-flight state of competing.
How does competing in Europe compare to North American venues?
I absolutely love competing in Europe. Skiing is the most beloved sport in Europe so the crowds and support that come out to these events is extra special! The mountains themselves are also breathtaking. I love the atmosphere of competing in my home country, but something about the European ski culture makes riding just that much more magical.
Evan McEachran
The 2x Olympian freeskier from Canada is also a 3x X Games Medalist - including Bronze in Street Style this season. A past World Cup winner in Slopestyle who is renowned for his rail skills, McEachran has over a decade of experience competing in Corvatsch.
When did you realize you had an extra talent for rails?
Growing up in Eastern Canada, rails were our bread and butter. We didn’t necessarily have the biggest jumps, so we spent day in and day out hiking rails and having the best time ever. Those days as a grom shaped my rail skills into what they are today.
What keeps you inspired to continue progressing?
Over the years I’ve learned to love the process. It’s not just about an end goal for me anymore— seeing what I can accomplish and overcome on any given day inspires me to continue to progress. Staying true to my roots and my passion for skiing, I focus on keeping things fun while also acknowledging how lucky I am to do what I do.
World Championships this year take place in Corvatsch, Switzerland - do you have any good memories of competing there?
Back in 2013, I was lucky enough to compete at the Engadin World Cup with my brother, Reid. That event turned out to be the first time I made a World Cup final, so that venue will always be special to me. It’s also one of my favourite venues on the calendar, and I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time there over the past few years.
Paula Moltzan
Originally from Minnesota, the 30-year-old first made a name for herself on the world stage with a Gold medal at Junior World Championships in 2015. She raced collegiately at University of Vermont in Burlington, competed at the 2022 Olympics, and has a pair of Bronze medals on the World Cup this season.
What has been a favorite moment for you this season?
I have two favorite moments from this year that are both special to me. The first was earning bronze in the giant slalom at the World Championships, and the second was sharing the slalom podium with Mikaela when she reached 100 World Cup wins. It's tough to choose between them because they each hold unique significance. Winning my first individual World Championship medal has been a long-standing goal, and finally achieving it feels like an enormous accomplishment. At the same time, being part of Mikaela’s historic milestone in our sport is an absolute honor. Both moments have a special place in my heart this season!
American women have truly been at the top in Alpine skiing - how does the success of Team USA motivate you?
The entire U.S. Women's Alpine Team has been on fire this year, and it’s been inspiring to watch. On any given day, an American can land on the podium. It's truly exciting to be a part of this momentum. Being part of such a strong team motivates me to push harder on race day because I know success is within reach, and I witness my teammates achieving incredible results. Their relentless work and dedication set a high standard, and that pushes me to bring my absolute best every time I step into the start gate.
How does racing on home soil in North America compare to European venues?
Racing at home is always special, largely because of the incredible fans. They cheer for every athlete, from bib 1 to 60, creating an electric atmosphere that makes competing in North America unforgettable. While European venues have their own magic, there’s nothing quite like the comfort and support of racing on familiar snow, surrounded by friends, family, and passionate fans.\
Daniel Yule
The Swiss slalom specialist has competed at the top of the discipline for over a decade, with seven World Cup wins and an Olympic Gold in the 2018 team event. In a thrilling and record-breaking moment last year, Daniel Yule achieved a historic victory in the World Cup slalom event held in Chamonix: ranked 30th after the day’s initial run, Yule made an amazing comeback to win the event in his final run.
How has your remarkable winning comeback performance last year at Chamonix fueled your season?
Sport is full of catchphrases like “never give up”, “keep believing” and “anything is possible”. While they are all true, when one hits a rough patch, it’s natural to start doubting oneself and such phrases don’t ring as true. My comeback win in Chamonix last year is the perfect reminder that I can achieve great things even if I’m currently not performing at the level I would hope for. It has served to strengthen my resolve and belief that better days await if I keep giving my best every day.
You have been quite outspoken about the challenges facing winter sports as the climate changes - what makes you feel this is a responsibility you should take on?
I’m lucky to live and to have grown up in a small alpine valley in Switzerland. Being immersed in nature since a young age, I’ve witnessed the impacts of climate change first hand. I consider myself very lucky to be able to live out my passion for skiing. I’m fully aware that as a skier on the World Cup I am also a big part of the problem. Through speaking out in favour of sustainability I hope that future generations will also be able to experience the joys of winter sports. I didn’t become a racer on the World Cup from one day to the next - it took years of incremental progress. I view the path to sustainable Winter Sports in the same way: we are at the beginning of a long road but hopefully I can contribute to getting things moving.
The World Cup Finals this year take place in Sun Valley - what is one special memory you have of racing there?
I have never raced in Sun Valley before. After over 10 years on the World Cup, it’s amazing to still be discovering new places. As such I can’t wait to race Sun Valley.
How does racing in North America compare to European venues?
Racing in the US is always great fun. America is such a sports crazed country that you can feel the respect and admiration for athletes wherever you go. It always gives the venues a very enthusiastic and upbeat feeling to them.
