See It in Action — Video Feature Below
The Unexpected Path
Ashton Salwan was given a choice: follow the traditional route with the U.S. Ski Team to China for the second phase of the World Cup Tour — or chart his own.
Following a standout performance at the 2025 Deer Valley World Cup he was invited to join the Team for two major stops: Beidahu, China and Almaty, Kazakhstan. For most athletes, this would be the dream — a continuation of the World Cup season, a shot at international points, and a place under the bright lights of the sport’s biggest stage.
But Ashton didn’t say yes.
He said, “Not yet.”
Because for an independent athlete, the path to the U.S. Team is more complex than just showing up. It's about hitting specific performance benchmarks — and proving, without a doubt, that you're ready to be named to the Team.
So instead of packing for China, Ashton made a calculated, unconventional call: commit to the full FIS NorAm Cup Tour, and increase his odds of earning a guaranteed U.S. Ski Team nomination for the 2025/26 season.
The Strategy Behind the Sacrifice
At first glance, passing up a World Cup event might seem like a step back. But Ashton was playing the long game — and playing to win.
According to the U.S. Aerials Team Nomination Criteria for 2025/26, athletes can earn a referral through standout results on the NorAm Cup circuit. Yet, winning the overall NAC title secures both a U.S. Team spot AND official starts at all World Cup competitions the following year.
With that in mind, Ashton chose to commit fully to the 2025 FIS NorAm Cup Tour. The goal? Win medals. Build momentum. Lock in his spot for next season.
It wasn’t about skipping opportunities.
It was about creating one.
Trusting the Process (and Himself)
This wasn’t a decision made lightly. Competing on the FIS World Cup Tour is what Ashton has trained for. But entering the season as an independent athlete meant that every move had to be intentional. And strategic.
He knew he needed to position himself for the long-term, trust his instincts, and take ownership of his path.
No politics. No waiting. Just performance.
He threw himself into the NorAm Cup with full commitment — targeting podiums, chasing precision, and staying focused on what mattered most.
Mission: NorAm Cup Podiums
The NorAm Cup Tour kicked off on home snow at the Utah Olympic Park and Ashton came out charging.
- UOP Day 1: Landed his triple jumps and secured a silver medal.
- UOP Day 2: Canceled due to weather. Momentum paused, but not broken.
With limited points from the U.S. stop, Ashton flew to Quebec, Canada, on February 18 — a familiar site where he’d trained earlier in the season. The stakes were high. The goal was clear.
- Quebec Day 1: 3rd place finish
- Quebec Day 2: 2nd place
That consistent performance across two countries earned Ashton the FIS Freestyle Aerials NorAm Cup Tour 2nd Place Title — a huge boost to his chances of securing a U.S. Team nomination.
Next Stop: Kazakhstan
With the NorAm mission accomplished, Ashton packed up again — this time heading straight to Shymbulak Mountain Resort in Kazakhstan to rejoin the U.S. Team for the final leg of the World Cup Tour.
It was a full-circle moment: the same athlete who had stepped away from the spotlight was now stepping back in — not as a hopeful, but as a proven contender.
The Bigger Picture
This season wasn’t about taking shortcuts. It was about proving readiness — on paper and in performance. Ashton’s decision to bet on the NorAm Tour wasn’t a gamble. It was a strategy.
He didn’t just show up. He showed why he belongs.