Big Dogs Represent USA at Junior World Ski Cross Championships
Four CVA athletes and one coach have been selected to represent Team USA at the 2026 FIS Junior World Ski Cross Championships, March 18–21 in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Those athletes are Jamison Hering ’26, of Kingfield, ME; Aidan Butler ’26, of Carrabassett Valley, ME; Sullivan Butler ’24, of Carrabassett Valley, ME; and Morgan Shute ’25, of Allentown, NJ.
The FIS Junior World Championships bring together the top ski cross athletes ages 16–20 from around the world and are considered one of the sport’s most important development events, often serving as a stepping stone to World Cup and Olympic competition.
“We are incredibly proud to see these athletes and Coach Phelan represent both CVA and the United States at Junior Worlds,” said CVA Head of School Alex Godomsky ’91. “Opportunities like this reflect years of dedication, resilience, and hard work. It also speaks to the strength of the ski cross program here at CVA and the community that supports these athletes as they pursue their goals.”
CVA’s presence on the roster is particularly notable, with four of the ten athletes selected to represent the United States coming from the Academy. The strong showing reflects CVA’s leadership in ski cross development and the program’s reputation as the premier academy-level ski cross program in the United States.
Joining the team as a coach is CVA Ski Cross Program Manager Michael Phelan, who will help lead the U.S. squad in St. Moritz. Since 2015, Phelan has played a key role in the growth and success of the Academy’s ski cross program, guiding athletes to national titles, international starts, and elite development pathways. In 2024, he was named Head Coach for Team USA at both the Youth Olympic Games and the Junior World Championships.
Athletes competing in St. Moritz will face a highly competitive international field that includes racers from traditional ski cross powerhouses such as Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and France, offering a valuable opportunity to gain experience on the global stage against the sport’s top junior competitors.
CVA’s continued representation at events like the FIS Junior World Ski Cross Championships reflects the Academy’s commitment to developing world-class athletes while supporting their academic and personal growth. With multiple athletes representing the United States this year, CVA continues to play a central role in shaping the future of American ski cross.
Follow the U.S. Team in St. Moritz. Race results and team updates will be posted on skicross.org and across U.S. Ski Cross social channels. Official event results are available through the FIS freestyle ski cross calendar. Follow FIS Ski Cross social media for additional coverage of the international competition field.
At Carrabassett Valley Academy, we know what it means to help young athletes and scholars thrive both in the classroom and on snow. This fall, we are excited to reintroduce the advisory program to serve as a support system for student life and success at CVA.
Before settling into the rhythm of a new school year, CVA students head out on Orientation Trips that take each class beyond campus and into some of Maine’s most memorable places. From paddling and climbing to exploring the outdoors together, the trips give students the chance to build connections before the school year gets underway.
Carrabassett Valley Academy prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any member or group based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry or other categories protected by Maine or federal law. CVA does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of its admission process, scholarship and aid programs, educational policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs.