The snow of Cortina is already gearing up for next year’s Winter Olympics. It did so with a World Cup Skiing event—an exciting preview—that we had the privilege to experience thanks to Kappa. This experience celebrated the partnership between the legendary Italian brand and the US Ski & Snowboard Federation, a connection that is as iconic as it is contemporary. Since 2022, Kappa’s trademark “Omini” logo has officially joined the kits of American athletes on the slopes, continuing a bond that dates back to the 1980s.

This relationship between Kappa and U.S. sports has taken many forms over the years, as we previously explored in a special feature here, where we chronicled the Olympic cycle alongside track and field legends like Flo-Jo, Edwin Moses, and Carl Lewis. Now, the story repeats itself in the present and into the future—this partnership will extend until the 2030 Winter Olympics—bringing Kappa’s aesthetic and technology to a different type of terrain: the vertical, rugged mountain slopes.

We had the privilege of attending the Kappa Mountain Tour, a traveling event that showcases the brand’s deep-rooted legacy and ongoing commitment to the ski world. The tour seamlessly blends Kappa’s technical innovations and aesthetic revolution with the raw emotion of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Immersed in the ever-inspiring alpine landscape, we savored a preview of the emotional whirlwind that will soon take the shape of the five Olympic rings. We also had the chance to experience the Kappa x US Ski & Snowboard Federation capsule collection, while engaging in conversations with some of the leading American skiers—Isabella Wright, Jacqueline Wiles, and Tricia Mangan.

Their reflections serve as fluid personal testimonies—insights into the current state of a sport that has shaped their lives. These quick, fleeting glimpses into their personal perspectives allow us to once again draw a parallel between the minds of world-class athletes and the profound emotions of human beings.

Isabella Wright – On her cinematic passion and Olympic journey

“It’s true, I’m a huge Clint Eastwood fan. I grew up watching Westerns with my grandfather. It’s something I hold close to my heart. Growing up with that shared passion gave me so many special memories… I own all of Clint Eastwood’s films, and I have his artwork on every wall of my room. It’s something I’ve always loved collecting. He’s directed so many incredible productions—it’s amazing what he’s accomplished—and he’s an inspiration in so many ways. What really stands out to me is his passion. He’s loved cinema his whole life, and at over 90 years old, he’s still doing it. It’s amazing to see someone who truly loves their career. I try to bring that same energy to my relationship with skiing: to love and be passionate about what you do.

Milan-Cortina 2026 will be my second Olympics. It’s exciting to think about. I believe I’ve moved past those initial Olympic jitters. I’m hoping to enter the next year with a lot of confidence and aim for a medal. That’s the dream, the goal. I think that’s what the whole team wants. We push each other because we know we have so much potential. And we all know that we can make it. Now, it’s just about sticking with it, staying strong, and showing up when that day comes. This track is amazing—we all love it. We know it will let us showcase our schemes at their best. Plus, unlike Beijing 2022, I won’t be coming back from an injury… Back then, I was betting on myself, coming back after a long break just in time for the Olympics. Fighting, pushing my recovery to make it in time was a blessing. The opening ceremony was one of the best moments of my life. As I was marching, I realized a childhood dream was coming true. Even though everything was slightly different from how I’d imagined, it was perfect in its own way…”

Jacqueline Wiles – On Cortina d’Ampezzo and her 4th Olympic Games

“Cortina is an incredible place. The town is amazing, and the scenery is equally magical. It’s always a pleasure to be here; I’ve loved this place from the very first time I visited. My first World Cup points came here, so it really holds a special place in my heart. I’ve also had two podium finishes here—one with Lindsey Vonn and another just last year, after coming back from a series of injuries. It was a full-circle moment. I think this is a favorite stop on the World Cup circuit, and it will be a dream to return to a place I’ve loved throughout my career, especially for the Winter Olympics.

After three Olympics, I can say that they are a moment where the entire world comes together, and you truly feel this sense of unity among all nations. I’ve never experienced anything like it. In 2014, it was an eye-opening experience. It was so special to feel the entire world unite for a single moment of sport. During the Olympic days, from a performance standpoint, nothing is guaranteed—even if you’ve had a stellar season. So, I think it’s important to appreciate the moment and bring everything you’ve got. Growing up and through experience, I’ve learned to trust myself more and feel more comfortable on these special occasions. In the end, we know what we’re doing, we know why we’re here, and we know we need to represent our country as best as we can.”

Tricia Mangan – On her unconventional academic Journey, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and her example for the next generation

“My journey has definitely been different—it’s not a path many athletes choose. College gave me the chance to mature as a person and realize that skiing was truly what I wanted to pursue. I’m proud of my journey, despite the many ups and downs, and I think it serves as a good example of doing what you believe is right. I want to emphasize that everyone has their own personal vision for their path—there isn’t a single truth. What I love about skiing is that there are so many athletes with such different personalities and approaches. Personally, I’m quite analytical. I watch a ton of videos to gather as much information as possible, so that when race day comes, I know I’ve done all the work. That’s my approach to skiing. At the same time, I hope this analytical side doesn’t show in my skiing—it becomes much more natural and instinctive on the slopes.

Medals are fantastic, and we all work hard to earn them, but I think there’s a lot to be said about the journey of an athlete. If you focus solely on the result, it’s easy to forget all the work that went into it. That’s why I share my entire journey with my community, with all its ups and downs, because it’s important to tell the truth. I think it’s more honest than presenting a false picture. There’s so much behind a podium, and sometimes it’s just not enough… You have to be proud of the sacrifices and the desire to reach a goal. With my community, I talk about everything—from sports to femininity. Building confidence, especially in young girls, means showing them to aim high: whether you succeed or not doesn’t matter. What’s important is passion and hard work. That’s a crucial message for the younger generation, and it’s one of the greatest lessons sports can teach. Believe in yourself.

Leading up to Milan-Cortina, tough moments will come, as during the past weeks, but I always try to take a step back, reflect, and figure out how I can improve for the next time. In skiing, there are so many factors beyond your control… It’s not a sport where everything is black and white. It’s essential to be in the best headspace, and that’s important both for yourself and for the team. I try not to set goals that are beyond my control, like the outcome of a race. Instead, I focus on the small details, checking the boxes that allow me to perform while being at peace with myself. Ultimately, my goal is simply to do the best turns, get to the bottom and see how that compares to the rest of the best in the world.”