The U.S. Moguls Championships have arrived in Palisades, and the mountain is already full of energy. Course crews are working early to check fencing and snow conditions after windy weather and a light snowfall. The temperature drop means faster snow for athletes, and the event is drawing top skiers from around the country.
One name to watch is Dylan Marcelline, a 22-year-old skier who grew up on these slopes. After a strong season, he’s earned a direct spot in the finals and is spending the day with friends and family before competing tomorrow. His goal is clear: a strong World Cup season and a possible ticket to the Olympics.
The event is free to attend, easy to access, and full of the Olympic spirit. Whether you’re a local or just curious, it’s a chance to see elite skiing up close—and watch the next generation of athletes rise.
Crews Prepare the Course Early as Weather Conditions Shift
As the sun rises in Palisades, work is already underway to get the moguls course ready for competition. Early snow and a light breeze are making the job more demanding for the course crews. After strong winds the previous day, safety checks are a top priority. Staff are walking the fence lines and making sure everything held together overnight.
Even though temperatures have dropped in recent days, that’s actually a benefit for athletes. Colder weather means firmer snow at the top of the course, which often leads to faster runs. It might be chilly for spectators, but for the athletes, it’s near perfect. These small details, handled early in the morning, make a big difference once the action begins.
A Familiar Face Returns to Compete in Front of Hometown Crowds
Dylan Marcelline, a rising moguls skier, is set to compete this weekend—and for him, it’s a bit of a homecoming. Born in Walnut Creek and raised skiing on this very mountain, Dylan has spent years building his career from this starting point. His family later moved to Park City so he could pursue his ski dreams more seriously, and that move paid off.
Now 22 and studying at the University of Utah, Dylan just won the North America Tour, which earned him a spot on the full World Cup circuit next year. This is a major step forward for any skier, and he now has a guaranteed spot. Nobody can take it away. With eyes on the 2026 Olympics in Italy, he’s hoping to rank among the top U.S. athletes in the coming season.
Today Is Rest Day for Dylan, But Finals Await
Dylan’s strong performance this season means he doesn’t need to compete in the qualifiers. Instead, he advances straight to the final round tomorrow. That gives him a full day to rest, watch the other competitors, and spend time with friends and family.
This small break is rare in the high-pressure world of skiing, so it’s a chance for him to enjoy the atmosphere without the stress of competition. He can also observe other athletes and study the course—valuable information for when it’s his turn to race.
Spectators Get a Close-Up Look at Elite Competition—for Free
If you’re thinking about coming to watch, there’s good news. The event is free to attend, and it’s easy to access. Parking is only a short walk from the course, and the viewing areas give you a clear look at the action.
This isn’t just any weekend race—it’s the U.S. Moguls Championships. That means top athletes from across the country are here, bringing their best moves and highest speeds. If you’ve never seen ski racing in person, this is a good place to start. You don’t need tickets or equipment—just warm clothes and curiosity.
The Olympic Spirit Is Strong in Palisades This Weekend
There’s something different in the air when an Olympic-level event is happening. You can feel it in the energy from the crowds and in the focus of the athletes. For many, this event feels like a preview of what’s to come on the world stage.
Families, coaches, and local fans all come together to support skiers like Dylan. For younger kids watching from the sidelines, it’s a chance to see what hard work and dedication can lead to. For the older generations, it’s a reminder of how sports bring communities together.
It may not be the Olympics, but it brings the same feeling—one of purpose, hope, and shared pride. The snow, the flags, the cheering—it all adds to that once-in-a-lifetime energy that fills the mountain.
Behind the Scenes, the Effort Never Stops
While the crowds watch the athletes, a different team is making sure everything runs smoothly. From course maintenance to sound checks and safety patrols, many people are working behind the scenes.
Each fence must be secure. Timing equipment must work perfectly. Announcers need updated start lists. It’s a complex operation that begins before the first athlete takes a warm-up run. And because the weather keeps changing, the crew must be ready for anything—sun, wind, or snow.
These details might go unnoticed by most, but without them, the event couldn’t happen. It’s a reminder that sports are built not only on talent and training, but also on planning, teamwork, and preparation.
Looking Ahead to the Finals and the Future of U.S. Skiing
This weekend is just one step in a much longer journey for many athletes. For Dylan and others, it’s about more than a single race. It’s a test of their skills, a chance to qualify for bigger competitions, and a moment to stand out on a national stage.
With the World Cup ahead, and the Olympics just two years away, each run down the course matters. One great performance here could be the start of a bigger chapter. And that’s something every skier on the mountain knows.
These races aren’t just for trophies. They’re for confidence, recognition, and future opportunities. They’re about showing what you’ve built over years of hard work—and proving you’re ready for what comes next.