Keiffer Christianson is the first Alaskan to join the U.S. Ski Team since Andre Horton back in 2001, but he has the legacy of Alaskan skiers and Olympic gold medalists Tommy Moe and Hilary Lindh to help him along.

After capturing his first NorAm win during the Vail tech series, Christianson looked like a serious contender for the giant slalom title and nearly locked it with third in the 2013 NorAm overall GS standings. Combine that with a fourth-place finish (the top junior) in giant slalom at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships and a top 25 in super G at the World Juniors and this Alaskan is due for some Europa Cup (and maybe some World Cup) starts in 2014.

Also taking notice was the Eastern Ski Writers Association, who handed Christianson the Golden Ski Award for 2013, making him the top junior in the East.

FIRST TRACKS
At age two he looked up to his mom at a ski swap and said "me ski" and hasn't looked back. After honing things with star USSA club Burke Mountain Academy, Christianson stepped up to the U.S. Development Team for a few seasons and then jumped up another rung on the ladder after his breakthrough 2013 season.

OFF THE SNOW
When not on snow, he's arcing brain turns at Dartmouth each spring while presiding as the unofficial president of the male redheads club on campus.