The Unexpected Path
Ashton Salwan was finally given the green light: an official invite to travel with the U.S. Ski Team to the second phase of the 2024/25 FIS World Cup Tour — elite circuit stops in Beidahu, China and Almaty, Kazakhstan. For most athletes, the decision would be a no-brainer. Being selected is both an honor and a rare opportunity.
But Ashton didn’t say yes.
He said, “Not yet.”
Not because he wasn’t proud. Not because he didn’t want the chance to represent the U.S. on one of the sport’s biggest stages. But because sometimes the boldest move an athlete can make is to step off the expected path — and bet on performance over prestige.
Instead of packing for China, Ashton made a gutsy, calculated call: stay behind and chase podiums on the FIS NorAm Cup Tour — results that could solidify his spot on the U.S. Aerial Ski Team and the World Cup Tour 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 is playing the long game — and playing to win.
According to the U.S. Aerials Team Nomination Criteria for 2025/26, athletes can earn a guaranteed nomination through standout results on the NorAm circuit. Podium finishes — or an overall title — can secure a place outright and automatic starts at all World Cup competitions for one 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 was a high-stakes decision — but he knew what was on the line, and what he was capable of delivering.
Trusting the Process (and Himself)
This wasn’t a decision made lightly. Competing on the FIS World Cup Tour circuit is what Ashton has trained for, year after year. But experience has taught him the importance of timing and momentum.
After spending last season as an independent athlete — earning respect on the FIS Europa Cup and making his 2025 World Cup debut in Lake Placid — he’s learned to trust his instincts. So he threw himself into the NorAm Cup Tour with full commitment. Eyes on the podium. Eyes on the future.
This choice wasn’t about skipping opportunities. It was about earning better ones. By choosing the less glamorous path in the short term, Ashton positioned himself for a stronger long-term outcome. He’s betting on results — not reputation. And that mindset — calculated, patient, unshakably focused — is what separates contenders from champions.
Mission: NorAm Podiums
The NorAm Cup Tour kicked off on home snow at the Utah Olympic Park and Ashton came out charging.
- UOP Day 1: Ashton landed his triple jumps and secured a silver medal.
- UOP Day 2: Canceled due to weather. Momentum paused, but not broken.
With limited results from the U.S. stop, Ashton quickly pivoted and flew to Quebec, Canada, on February 18th— a site he had competed at earlier in the season. Familiar snow. High stakes. Everything to prove.
- Quebec Day 1: He earned a 3rd place finish.
- Quebec Day 2: He came back even stronger, claiming 2nd place.
That consistent performance across two countries earned Ashton the overall FIS NorAm Cup Tour 2nd Place Title — a huge boost to his chances of securing a U.S. Team nomination.
When your hard work lands you on the US Freestyle Skiing IG, you know you’re doing something right. ~Ashton Salwan
Next Stop: Kazakhstan
With the NorAm mission complete, Ashton packed up once again — this time headed straight to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort in Kazakhstan to rejoin the U.S. Team. It’s a full-circle moment: the same athlete who chose performance over prestige is now stepping back onto the world stage — not as a hopeful, but as a proven contender. The bet is paying off and the season isn’t over yet.
