Killington Mountain School (KMS) is thrilled senior Ella Andrews, 17, has made the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team for the upcoming 2024-25 season where she competes in Big Air Slopestyle and Halfpipe events.
Andrews earned her first podium on the World Cup last March, placing second in Slopestyle at Mammoth Mountain in California. She also had a top-five finish at the Youth Olympic Games and a top-10 finish at Junior Worlds.
“Andrews, a rising star in the world of freeskiing, has shown exceptional talent and dedication, earning a well-deserved spot on the prestigious team,” KMS said in a statement. “Ella has been making waves in the skiing community with impressive performances in recent competitions.”
Some highlights from last season include: a podium finish at her first World Cup event, a top-five place at the Youth Olympic Games and a top-10 finish at Junior Worlds, and numerous wins at the national level.
“I am incredibly honored to be part of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team,” said Andrews. “This has been a dream of mine, and I am excited to compete alongside such talented athletes. I look forward to representing my country and giving my best in every competition.”
Peter DuBois, director of the Freeski Program at KMS and Andrews’ coach, said, “Ella is one of the hardest-working students at school, both athletically and academically. She doesn’t take coaching personally but thrives on it to improve her technical skills.” DuBois added, “Ella is kind, humble, a positive influence on other athletes, and an all-around great teammate.”
Andrews started skiing at a young age on weekends at Killington Resort with the KSC/KMS Development Program and quickly advanced, eventually attending KMS.
“My mom originally wanted me to be able to ski anything on the mountain so she put me into an all-mountain program. There, I discovered my love for park skiing and started to specialize. When we moved to Killington, I joined the park team at KMS,” said Andrews. “My passion for the sport slowly built over time and I grew to love the competition environment and seeing how hard work can pay off… I am so grateful for the opportunity to pursue free skiing.”
Q&A: Ella Andrews
By Katy Savage
What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington?
Ella Andrews: Having the World Cup in Killington is a really cool opportunity for young girls in our community to see the pros. They are such good role models and I know that personally seeing these amazing athletes up close definitely influenced me when I was younger. I wanted to be just like them and it showed me how strong and amazing female skiers can be.
What are your future goals for the sport (for your own race career or for any other career in skiing)?
EA: My main two goals results wise have always been to make the Olympics and the U.S. Pro Team. However, I’ve always said that my goal is just to keep improving and loving the sport, which is the most important thing.
Are there any female ski racers or athletes who have inspired you to pursue your goals? What have you learned?
EA: Older teammates on my various teams have always been my biggest inspiration over time. Looking up to them and seeing them ski up close gave me examples of what I can be if I try hard. Being on the U.S. rookie team right now, Rell Harwood, Marin Hamill, and Grace Henderson are the oldest pros on the U.S. Team and they are so cool to see out on the hill. I’ve learned from them that women can lift weights and train just as hard as men and can be so courageous. I remember their encouraging words while I am skiing all the time.
What does it mean to you to be part of a growing community of female athletes in freeskiing?
EA: Female freeskiing has always been a small group of people, and we all have to stick together and support each other. It’s been growing so quickly and the progression I have seen over the past few years has been incredible. I am so excited to push the envelope along with some of my closest friends who have always pushed me to be my best. It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to see where the sport goes!
How do you think the freeskiing community can further support and uplift women in the sport?
EA: I would love to see more female ski movies or female features in ski movies. I think girls have just as much of a place in those film areas of skiing as the men do. It would be really great to be able to inspire more younger girls in the sport and would hopefully grow the sport. If we can get more girls into skiing, we will have more visibility and progression.
