PNW Annual Award Recipients 2026
Ingrid Simonson Lifetime Achievement Award
For long standing service beyond and above the call
Recipients
- Curt Hammond - SARS & PNW Division
“For years of unwavering passion and support of ski racing in the Pacific Northwest and beyond”
Curt’s accomplishments through the years:
1960 Started skiing, Stevens Pass, WA.
1968 Family rented forest service cabin at Stevens Pass, WA
1968-70 Started ski racing with SPAC at age 15, made it to Junior Expert Class in 2 years! Ingrid was my coach!!! Dislocated shoulder at SPAC GS, ended racing as a senior HS.
1973 Started PNSIA ski instructing at Stevens Pass. (Associate to Certified in one year).
1974 Instructed full time at Stevens Pass Ski School
PNSIA spring trip to Austria to study with Austrian National Ski School at St. Christof
1974 Earned BA in Business Administration from University of Washington
1975 Co-Director of Stevens Pass Ski School. Spring attended PSIA National Academy at Grand Targhee, WY
1976 Coached “A” Class athletes at Aspen Ski Club under Sim Thomas.
1977-78 Executive Director/Head Coach Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA)
1978-81 Earned MBA from University of Puget Sound, (night school 2 years).
1978 Associate coach with USST for Ladies Europa Cup Tour
1979-81 US Ski Team, hired as Men’s Coach under Harald Schoenhar, became Level 300 Coach. Later transitioned to Alpine Domestic Director end of 1979. Managed the USST Development Program, Coaches Association and Domestic Race programs including Nor-Am’s and started the Junior Olympics by Age Class. Organized and ran 1st National Coaches Academy in 1980 at Squaw Valley. Developed current US Ski and Snowboard Domestic Organization structure. 3 Regions, each with Director and 2-3 staff coaches.
1979 Married to Maureen M. Quinn!
1981-2014 Became FIS TD at age 29. FIS TD 1981-2014, many races each year, Japanese National Alpine Championships 1994, multiple FIS World Cup DH’s at Whistler and Lake Louise.
1979-2014 US Ski and Snowboard activities:
FIS TD 34 years, worked as mentor to new TD’s,
FIS Youth and Children’s Committee member, Western Region ACC Chair,
Alpine Sport Committee member, US FIS TD Working group member,
PNSA President, PNSEF Trustee.
1998-2002 CMAC BOD President (hired Alan as Program Director!)
2016-19 SARS Ski BOD Treasurer and course crew extrordinaire!
2020 Chaired, Developed and Produced US Ski and Snowboard TD Fall Clinic series as 1st remote update due to Covid.
PNSA Award: Ken Comfort 2003 – Awarded annually to a person who over the years has given freely of
his/her time to help the sport of skiing, either recreationally or competitively. “For outstanding service
to the PNSA and the Sport of Skiing.”
PNSEF Award: Honoring Curt & Maureen Hammond, 2014. “In recognition of your continued
contributions of time, effort and creativity to the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation. Your
boundless energy, outstanding enthusiasm and consistently positive attitude has contributed to making
our organization a success.”
Norrie Lamson Award
For outstanding service to Juniors and Jr. Race Programs over a period of several years.
Recipient:
- Teresa Cravens - Mt Bachelor Ski Education Foundation
Teresa Cravens is exceptionally deserving of the Pacific Northwest Division’s Norrie Lamson Award, presented for “outstanding service to Juniors and the Junior race program over a period of several years.” Through decades of volunteer leadership with Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation, ongoing service to the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation, and her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful experiences for athletes, families, coaches, officials, and volunteers, Teresa has become one of the foundational contributors to junior ski racing in our division. Her service has extended far beyond her years as a race parent, reflecting a rare level of selflessness, generosity, and dedication to the sport and its community that serves as an example for us all to follow and strive to emulate.
As Race Administrator for Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation, Teresa has played an invaluable role in coordinating and elevating countless races at all levels including Division championship events from YSL to Northwest Cup, to USCSA Collegiate Nationals, to Regional FIS events. Hosting races requires constant collaboration between the mountain, club leadership, officials, coaches, volunteers, athletes, and families, and Teresa manages those relationships with professionalism, grace, and positivity. Her calm problem-solving, attention to detail, and genuine care for people and their experience have helped make Mount Bachelor one of the most respected and welcoming race venues in the division.
Equally impactful has been Teresa’s longtime service to the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation, the fundraising arm of our division. Through years of board service and fundraising leadership, she has helped support opportunities for athletes and coaches, safe race hosting initiatives such as B-Net programs, grants, and other important division needs. Teresa brings extraordinary enthusiasm and passion to this work, inspiring others to volunteer, contribute, and invest in the future of junior ski racing. Her energy is contagious, and her belief in the value of the organization has helped strengthen the broader ski racing community throughout the Pacific Northwest.
What makes Teresa especially remarkable is that she has continued to serve with joy and purpose long after her own son finished ski racing. She consistently goes above and beyond because she believes deeply in the people, relationships, and opportunities the sport creates. Teresa Cravens represents the very best of the Pacific Northwest Division and is profoundly deserving of the Norrie Lamson Award for “outstanding service to Juniors and the Junior race program over a period of several years.”
John Genoud Award
Presented annually to the individual contributing notably of their servicer as a race official
Recipients
- Malcolm Ash - Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation & PNW
Malcolm Ash has been a dedicated and valued official within the Pacific Northwest Division for many years, serving consistently and generously in support of alpine racing and the athletes it serves. As Chair of the TD Working Group, Malcolm brings not only experience and leadership, but also a genuine passion for the sport and the community surrounding it.
He is a familiar and dependable presence at division races, giving his time willingly and helping ensure events run smoothly and professionally. Officials like Malcolm are invaluable to our division—not only because of the work they do, but because of the enthusiasm, positivity, and commitment they bring to the role year after year.
Malcolm’s long-standing service, leadership, and continued investment in the PNW racing community make him exceptionally deserving of the John Genoud Award. His recognition is well earned and long overdue.
Ken Comfort Award
Presented annually to a person who over the years has given freely of his/her time to help the sport of skiing, either recreational or competitively. In this small way their efforts are recognized. “For outstanding service to the PNSA and the Sport of Skiing.”
Recipients:
- Rob Cravens - Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation
Rob Cravens – some need a description of why and others do not. Rob does not – he gives to make the sport better!
Rob is constantly working to make our sport better and safer for athletes – he is always around MBSEF and Mt Bachelor fixing b-netting, delegating races, and helping the athletes and staff day in and day out.
Olav Ulland Award
Outstanding Nordic Competitor during the past year.
Recipient:
- Quinten Koch - Plain Valley Nordic Team
Quinten Koch – U20 National Champion this past year among other highlights
Schwabe Award
Outstanding Alpine Competitor during the past year.
Recipient:
- Canyon Osborn - Crystal Mtn. Alpine Club
Canyon Osbourne – CMAC – top 5 result at U16 Nationals. Canyon is a fierce competitor, however, her sportsmanship sets her apart. I have had the chance to be on trips with Canyon and she seeks out coaching, treats all coaches and her teammates with the utmost respect. This is what makes her the outstanding alpine competitor and on top of it she is fast as hell!
Northwest Skier Award
Outstanding Junior both on and off the slopes.
Recipient:
- Braiden Snyder - Mission Ridge Ski Team
Braiden was a second year FIS athlete this year. He competed in Canada and across the Western Region. He loves speed but as we know the snow challenges of this season limited those opportunities. Even with that disappointment, his attitude and work ethic stayed strong. He finished in the top of the NW Cup standings again this season. He is a dedicated ski racer but more than that he is an outstanding young man. He is always willing to help with training set up/tear down, supports his fellow competitors both on, and outside of, our team, and is a positive light in all situations. He is independent but also a great team player.
Braiden has attended the American Downhiller camp at Mammoth and in Saas Fee for several years. He is well liked by the coaches and has been asked to work with them this spring as a Mentor for the two weeks of Mammoth Speed camp that has the younger athletes attending. This is a cool accolade for him as it rewards his hard work as an athlete at camp, but also highlights his strong personality, compassion, and leadership.
Outside of skiing he is involved with 4-H and shows Pigs at the Grant County Fair each summer. Each year Braiden is part of the George 4th of July parade walking with the Float representing his 4-H Club. Through that event he met Senator Judy Warnick. She invited him to be a Page for her on the Senate floor in 2024. This is quite an honor as it is a select few that are invited to apply, and then be selected. His 4-H Club also spearheads the clean up of the fairgrounds prior to the event which is a huge task. Braiden is the president of his 4H Club.
Braiden is in an on line school program so he can ski/train daily through the winter months. He does well with his studies and manages to balance life, school, training and racing very well. He is a consistently named to the PNW Honor Roll and currently maintains a 4.0 grade pt. average.
Alpine Coach Award
Outstanding Alpine Coach
Recipient:
- Alan Lauba - Crystal Mtn. Alpine Club
Alan Lauba – Alan always coaches all athletes at races, regardless of team. He loves skiing, loves to share his knowledge to athletes willing to listen and has elevated PNW continuously
Nordic Coach Award
Outstanding Nordic Coach.
Recipient:
- Pete Leonard - Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation
Peter Leonard – For his continued mentorship of coaches in the region and continued excellence of Methow Valley Nordic Ski Team. Pete Leonard – Made races happen!!
Pete continues to train and push a large group of athletes in the Central Washington area.
Collegiate Nordic Award
Outstanding collegiate Nordic competitor during the past year.
Recipient:
- Zach Jayne - UU & Mt Bachelor Ski Education Foundation
Zach Jayne – World Cup starts, national champion in the freestyle sprint, NCAA all-american
Collegiate Alpine Award
Outstanding collegiate Alpine competitor during the past year.
Recipient:
- Quinn Dennehy - Babson College & CMAC
Quinn Dennehy is a freshman at Babson College in Massachusetts. She grew up skiing at Crystal Mountain and was one of the top skiers in the PNW Division. She took a gap year on the east coast prior to enrolling in college. This year, Quinn finished 2nd in SL at USCSA nationals and helped lead her women’s team to 3rd overall at nationals. She is looking forward to USCSA nationals being held at Mt. Bachelor in 2027 and hopes that being back in the PNW Division will lead her to more top finishes.
Unsung Heros
Given yearly to volunteers who made their clubs great!
Recipients:
- Chris von Melville & Adam VanZutphen, SPAC; Darren Ireland, MRST; Alex Mak, Christa Kleiner, Dalin Kors, Emily Martinson, Guillaume Bouffard, Hayley Doyle, Jamie McKee, Josh Farris, Justin Stenwick, Karin Moughamer, Laura Hart, Matt Jakubek, Megan McCarry, Michael Kudriavtseff; Nasko Oskov, Patricia Forman, Richard Marius, Sarah Bigham, Sean Graham, Tina Hixson, Lorna Harrington, & Mike Frazzini, CMAC; Eric Bonura, MRT; Todd Swanson-Merkens, MVNSEF; Adam Tuff, Momentum NW; Angie Stay, PVNT; Kate Sundquist, Kelly Wright, John Garren, Amy Tarnow, & Andrea Shockey, MBSEF.
Chris Von Melville– Juggled full-time coaching, watching his daughter at FIS races, and volunteering at every race he physically could, while keeping a positive attitude and kind demeanor to every event.
Adam VanZutphen -Every race he attends with his 2 boys he volunteers and works on race doing course maintenance. He is constantly slipping, shoveling, or raking out the courses. I saw him volunteer at both races I attended this year. NW cup 1 and NW cup finals at Crystal. He also volunteers every weekend with our club helping with set-up, tear down of courses, and slipping throughout the day during training.
Darren Ireland has really jumped in this past year with his involvement in our timing crew. MRST recently purchased a Micro Gate Wireless timing system. No one knew much about it so Darren became the go to guy learning the system inside and out. While we did not use it for any sanctioned races he helped us with timing training at all our levels, and also with our Thursday Night Drags Dual citizen racing. He learned how to use the Split second interface and we did use the system for a non sanctioned race. All went with out a hitch.
Darren has helped to train up the rest of our timing crew and at this point they are all confident with the use of the system. His company donated a second transponder so we could complete our equipment with the ability to get primary and back up times as well as run duals.
Darren will spearhead our efforts to become USSS approved to run sanctioned events this coming season.
As with any new system it takes someone to dive in deep and really figure it out so as to be able to a solid job in utilization. Thanks to Darren we are ready for the next steps in our timing adventure!
Eric Bonura – Eric stepped up as the MRT volunteer coordinator – he gave tons of time and did great. Michael Farrell – MRT President – he helped our club navigate some difficult issues with Oregon liability laws.
Todd Swanson-Merkens, Methow Valley Nordic – he stepped up and helped with timing at all PNW events this year integrating a new system (Zone 4) for all clubs and working with their OCs to make it happen. This included a solo drive to and from Bend when his daughters weren’t even racing that weekend!
Josh Farris (Chief of race at Crystal) Josh stepped in to COR role at two quickly pulled together NW Cup races and did a great job.
Press Award
For exceptional service to the sports of Alpine and/or Cross Country skiing by someone from the news media
Recipient:
- Rick Lewis, Methow Valley News
Regular coverage of XC skiing and biathlon in the Methow Valley
Northwest Cup Overall Champions:
- Perry Jones IV, CMAC
- Canyon Osborn, CMAC
Northwest Cup Race of the Year
Voted on by the athletes
- CMAC - NW Cup #1/2 Combo