Völkl skis and US skiers set sights on new achievements for 23/24

Press release provided by Völkl Marker Dalbello

Lebanon, NH (June 28, 2023) – Four US skiers on Völkl skis head into the 23/24 ski season with high expectations following strong 22/23 campaigns. George Steffey, Brian McLaughlin, Cooper Puckett, and Camden Palmquist had successful seasons and eye new goals for the coming season.

“With these four talented men on our gear and representing the USA next season, we have a strong foundation for continued success for our domestic race program,” said Sarah Lauridsen, Völkl promotions manager. “We are providing George, Brian, Cooper, and Camden with the best product and highest level of service to help them to continue their momentum and exceed their goals for the upcoming season.”

Steffey, of Lyme, NH, scored his career first World Cup points in 2023, racing the Palisades Tahoe giant slalom race, where he finished 21st. Additionally, he had multiple Europa Cup and NorAm GS podium finishes, including a Europa Cup win in Fogaria, Italy, and two third-place finishes in Obergurgl, Austria. Steffey moved up to 24^th on the FIS GS 2024 Base List, which not only secured him GS World Cup starts for next year but also put him back on the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Men’s B team after a two-year hiatus during which he skied with Global Racing.

“Last spring, I knew I needed to change something up to keep my ski career going and the decision to switch to Völkl/Dalbello/Marker was the right move,” said Steffey. “On the new equipment, I was finally able to break through to the next level, scoring the first World Cup points of my career and landing my first European Cup victory. I think the setup suits my style very well and I’m psyched to continue with the company.”

McLaughlin, of Topsfield, MA, finished the 2023 season 40th on the men’s GS World Cup Start List, thus securing a World Cup start spot for next season. The Dartmouth graduate and 2018 NCAA GS National Champion has been racing with Global Racing for the past three years after multiple stints on the USST.  McLaughlin represented the USA this past season at the 2023 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Courchevel, France, finishing 20th in the GS. McLaughlin also had three top-eight European Cup finishes and a February Nor-Am Cup win in Mt. Tremblant, Canada. The GS specialist then capped the season with a 2nd place GS finish at the US Alpine National Championships.

Cooper Puckett, of Steamboat Springs, CO, heads into his 3rd year with the U.S. Ski Team Men’s C team while finishing his sophomore year at Dartmouth College. Last year, in his first race back from a knee injury Puckett won his first Nor-Am slalom race in Burke, VT, and went on to represent the US at FIS Junior World Ski Championships for the second time. Even with his season cut short due to a collarbone injury, he ended the year as the nation’s top-ranked junior.

Palmquist, of Eagan, MN, heads into his third year on the U.S. Ski Team Men’s C team. Last year he finished in the top 10 in 5 Nor-Am slalom events and 6th in the Nor-Am Cup season slalom standings. At the FIS Junior World Ski Championships, Palmquist finished 9th in slalom, improving from his 24th the year before.

Along with Völkl, the racers ski on sister brands Marker bindings and Dalbello boots.

Völkl is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. To learn more about the brand’s legacy, racing and performance skis, and its racing, freeride and touring team members, visit www.volkl.com