US Ski Team moguls fundraiser being held Saturday at Red Sky Ranch

WOLCOTT — Moguls skiing isn’t exactly a big money event in the world of snowsports.

With that fact in mind, a fundraiser to help the athletes on the U.S. Ski Team’s moguls program is being held at Red Sky Ranch on Saturday.

Known as the B Team, the lower tier of the moguls program is difficult to make, and even more difficult to maintain for those who do have the talent to be offered a spot on the team. Largely self-funded, these athletes must find a way to squeeze the difficult prospect of paying for their training in with the actual training itself.

For B team skiers, the stress of fundraising can compromise their true focus — skiing fast and performing difficult maneuvers in the air.

It’s a dynamic local moguls skier Tess Johnson knows well, as she spent time on the B Team herself before being nominated for the A Team this spring.

Johnson will be among the speakers at Saturday’s event.

“At the beginning of the season we were told by the U.S. Ski Team staff that we were the only team without a fundraiser,” Johnson said. “Jaelin Kauf went to the foundation and asked if it would be possible.”

Kauf, who was also born in Vail, is expected to speak along with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail alum Dylan Walczyk.

“We’re hoping that the guests who do come, after they talk with us … they’ll be inspired to write a check for a donation,” Johnson said. “Pretty much the whole team will be there.”

The event will be free to attend, and Johnson is hoping Vail locals show up to support freestyle skiing even if they can’t donate to the team.

“There’s more athletes from Vail on the U.S. Freestyle Moguls team than any other place,” Johnson said.

For those who can’t make it, donations can also be made by visiting donations.usskiandsnowboard.org. Those who donate more than $1,000 before the event are invited to join the team for a hike in Vail on Saturday morning.

jlaconte@vaildaily.com