Alex Shaffer was born in Aspen, where the mountains quickly captivated her spirit and athleticism. As a youngster growing up on ranches with horses, she divided her time between skiing and equestrian events. At age 13 she decided to chuck equestrian competition for skiing and attended Rowmark Ski Academy in Salt Lake City.

The first time Shaffer strapped on a pair of skis was in her driveway in Aspen. She started skiing at two years old at Aspen/Snowmass and was racing as an Aspenaut by the time she was eight. She continued as an active racer with the Aspen Ski Club until leaving for Rowmark.

After attending Aspen Country Day and the Aspen Middle School, Rowmark offered a college prep school environment with a more intense ski program. "I always had really good coaches in Aspen; there was nothing lacking there," said Shaffer. "I just needed a different combination of influences."

Coming off the best season of her career, Shaffer planned to attack from the start last season and carry herself into World Cup contention. But then she injured her left knee in the season opener and she was held back. Anxious to return by midseason, she reluctantly accepted her doctors’ advice: let your body heal. She did just that and now she’s anxious to cover lost ground this winter with some downhill/super G racing, but with slalom and GS as her focus.

"My goal this season is to gain more confidence," said Shaffer. "I can’t think too far ahead or I won’t learn the lesson for that day. It was good to have a break from the whole circuit. It let me refocus."

Returning to Aspen as a World Cup ski racer is a proud moment for Shaffer. "I have always come back to Aspen," she said. "It’s going to be pretty cool. It’s something I’ve thought about, but it’s never happened and it will be exciting. I’m psyched to go back. Aspen is my home mountain and I know it like the back of my hand. While the other girls are inspecting the super G course, I will know exactly where to go. Coming back in November is sort of like a thank you present. Friends, family, old coaches, a lot of people are still there who have helped me get to where I am."

• Alpine B Team
• Height - 5'7"(1.68m)
• Weight - 154(70kg)
• Birth date - Jan. 23, 1976
• Hometown - Park City, UT
• Year on Team - 6th
• School - Rowmark Ski Academy
• Club - Aspen Ski Club/Rowmark

• First two U.S. titles in ’99 (Giant Slalom/Slalom)
• 15th in ’99 Worlds Slalom
• 17th in ’99 St. Anton Slalom