World Cup for Climate
Join us at the Melted Gondola art installation in Wagner Park on Friday, March 3 at 3pm for a panel sponsored by Aspen Snowmass, Protect Our Winters and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team to discuss how we can help bring about systemic, impactful change for generations to come.
March 3, 2023 | Wagner Park in Aspen
Winters are getting shorter. Snowfall is more sporadic. Ski races are being cancelled. If we care about skiing and riding, we should care about our changing climate—and take drastic steps to address it. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team has dubbed the Audi FIS Ski World Cup the official “World Cup for Climate” in order to call attention to these issues on a global stage, at a mountain where climate action is core to our ethos. Join us at the Melted Gondola art installation in Wagner Park on Friday, March 3 at 3pm for a panel sponsored by Aspen Snowmass, Protect Our Winters and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team to discuss how we can help bring about systemic, impactful change for generations to come.
Moderated by Aspen Skiing Company SVP of Sustainability Auden Schendler, the panel will feature leading industry voices like alpine ski racer and POW athlete Travis Ganong and U.S. Ski & Snowboard President & CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, as well as Erik Snyder, Founder & CEO of the Drawdown Growth Capital Fund and Daniel Weissland, President of Audi of America.
World Cup for Climate Panelists
Daniel Weissland
Daniel began as President of Audi of America in September 2019 from Canada where he served as President and CEO of Volkswagen, Canada. He quickly joined in leading the brand in the U.S. during a pivotal moment for the automotive industry, as Audi continues to pursue the transformation to electrification, and shapes the future of progressive premium mobility.
Sophie Goldschmidt
Sophie comes to U.S. Ski & Snowboard most recently as CEO of the World Surf League (WSL). She has also held executive positions at the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), amongst others. She brings a unique experience of working closely with athletes across multiple sports from grassroots to the elite level.
Erik Snyder
Erik Snyder is an entrepreneur, investor, advisor and creator of Drawdown Growth Capital Fund I and Tiger Grass Management. Formerly Managing Director of Chain Reaction Capital and CEO of Armada Skis, Erik received his MBA from Harvard Business School and his undergraduate from Cornell University. Erik’s background is as diverse as his passions, which include climbing, soccer and ultra-marathon running.
Travis Ganong
Travis Ganong is a two-time Olympian, two-time World Cup winner, and World Championships silver medalist. A long-time member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, men’s speed team. Ganong most recently scored a third place World Cup podium at the famous Kitzbühel downhill track, a result that had been a career goal for the Lake Tahoe-based skier.
Visit the Melted Gondola
Guests are encouraged to visit the Melted Gondola art installation in Wagner Park all weekend long and share pictures using the hashtag #WorldCupforClimate. Even better, donate to or become a member of Protect Our Winters and learn more about climate action today.