American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Club

Kon'nichiwa From Niseko

64th World Airline Ski Championships 2025

I think I can speak for all 90+ members who found their way across the pacific to the northernmost island of Japan... fun was had by all.

Four Ski areas to choose from: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono... lots of terrain to explore. Just about any weather conditions from bluebird to blizzard. And snow conditions from packed powder to slush... we had it all. The schedule was full of fun activities from Sunday to Thursday sunup to sundown. (Or for some sunup to sunup)

A special Kudos to Carol Kerr for coordinating with WASC and Niseko Village and putting this together for all of us. Thank You Carol for you diligence and patience!!

Opening Night Parade:

Touch the picture below to listen to the Taiko Japanese drums

Race Events:

Nordic Sprint

Thank you nordic athletes for your courage to tackle the 1KM classic sprint race.
Due to a lack of equipment all of our nordic racers were unable to compete, but the ones who did, congratulations on an outstanding performance.
Notable mention, our Nordic team was the #8 overall and the #1 team representing all US airlines.

Mens: Kent Johnson (1st out of all Domestic airlines), Jim Hershey (5th out of all domestic airlines)

Women: Maggie Mohr (3rd out of all Domestic airlines), Nicole Mott (4th out of all Domestic airlines), Kelly Regan (6th out of all Domestic airlines), Ellen Garvey (7th out of all Domestic airlines)

Snowboard

Our Snowboard Team rocked!!! Hollie and Patrice qualified in the top 16 and Hollie went on to finish 2nd in the world!! Congratulations!!!

Mens: Jeff Gilbert, Duane "Rock" Verrett, Dennis Mellon, Scott Ingraham
Women: Hollie Lazzareschi, Patrice Law, Josephine Pascua
Touch the picture below to see Hollie win 2nd Place!!

Alpine GS/SL

Our Alpine team placed 5th overall behind Swiss (1), Edelweiss (2), Delta (3), Helvetic (4). A good showing by all who participated.
Thank you Bob Antal and Eric Kowalski for stepping up to fill in for our injured Clement Hirae. Clement Injured his calf muscle while training on Monday. Also, a huge SHOUT OUT to Rick Wilson and Eric Kowalski for finishing a slushy, rutted GS course to bring home team points.
Nicole Mott and Ellen Wardrop finished the SL to complete the requirement for team points, and all of our women finished the GS.

Mens: Kent "KJ" Johnson (SL 10th, GS 11th), John Eidman (SL 12th, GS 13th), Jim Hershey, Rick Wilson, Clement Hirae (Injured), Bob Antal, Eric Kowalski.
Women: Nicole Mott (SL 13th, GS 17th), Ellen Wardrop, Patricia Jordan, Cherileigh Dawson.

Nordic Distance 5KM Women 7.5KM Men

Our Nordic Warriors Persevered!!! It's worth stating again... 8th overall and #1 team representing U.S. airlines. A special thank you to Hollie Lazzareschi for banging out 2nd place in the snowboard race then coming out to ski the grueling 5k race. Also a special mention to Rick Wilson who decided an extra lap was worth it. Hats off to all who participated.

Mens: Kent Johnson, Jim Hershey, Rick Wilson.
Women: Nicole Mott (9th overall, 2nd U.S. Airline), Maggie Mohr (17th overall, 4th U.S. Airline), Kelly Regan, Hollie Lazzareschi, Ellen Garvey.

Team Dinner: Shabu Shabu

A Japanese Hot Pot Style Dinner... Lots of food and fun cooking it with Teammates.

Theme Party: Lost In Translation

Fun Race / International Festival:

Emme White and her crew did an outstanding job of putting together our "Table". Our treat for the day was a Crab sandwich dipped in melted butter and and the drink was "Lemon Drop Shots" (Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka from Austin TX). The temperature was cold and the wind was blowing... Emme's crew kept the fire burning to keep the butter melted and served a bazillion sandwiches and shots. Definitely one of the most popular tables. A heartfelt Thank You to Emme for pulling this off!!
Not sure why but the Fun Race Never happened... maybe weather, but nonetheless, we had a fun afternoon.

Awards Banquet:

Congratulations American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Team!! 5th Place out of 32 International Teams. Well done to all of the competitors and thanks to all of the supporters who came out and cheered them on.

American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Club

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