Aspen local Wiley Maple has the body for hockey and was originally headed in that direction when skiing provided him a slap-shot opportunity to ski with the U.S. Development Team. He's made it count and is now a rising star among the men's speed team.

Though Maple has struggled with injuries, he's one of the most resilient athletes on the U.S. Ski Team and is a consistent points scorer on the World Cup circuit. His 2016 season was highlighted by three top-30 finishes including a 24th in super G at the Olympic test event in Jeongseon, South Korea. On top of that, Maple won his second consecutive U.S. National downhill title on home turf in Aspen to cap off the season, on a course he's very familiar with, known as "America's Downhill." You can bet the tough-as-nails, no BS Aspen local is looking forward to the possibility of competing at World Cup Finals in Aspen in the 2017 season.

“This is my hill. I ski this every day when I’m here,” Maple said in an interview with the Aspen Times this spring. “I hope I can get back here (at Aspen Mountain) next year and ski with the big boys,” Maple said of the 2017 World Cup Finals, scheduled for Aspen Mountain one year from next week. We hope so too, Wiley.

FIRST TRACKS
Growing up in one of America's quintessential ski towns was a good indication that Maple would find his way onto the slopes. It helped that his parents, real estate manager Mike and architect Julie, were big time skiers. He comes from a skiing family—his grandparents met at the Columbia Icefields in Alberta, Canada and relocated to Aspen, Colorado to set up shop in the mountains. His father excelled in ski racing and went on to lead CU to to NCAA titles when he was there. Plus, younger sis Alexandra is pretty good, too. She went the college route and skied for the University of Colorado…just like dad. Solid junior results earned Maple a spot in the U.S. Development program in 2009 and he's been focused on World Cup ever since.

OFF THE SNOW
Maple, like his name, is the man with the wily hair. When not skiing, he's skiing some more. An Aspen native, Maple loves to ski first lift to last lift. When the snow's not flying, you'll find Maple running around hiking, biking, climbing and just playing in the mountains around Aspen or surfing the bowls at the local skate park. Aside from sports, he likes hanging out with good people and kicking back to a little classic rock or bluegrass.