Macuga maintains edge with summer training at Utah Olympic Park

Alli Macuga. Photo: Neighbors of Park City

For Park City local Alli Macuga, the end of the US Ski Team’s season in April doesn’t mean an end to training. Her hometown provides the perfect backdrop for year-round preparation, especially after a record-breaking year.

At the heart of Park City’s summer activities lies Utah Olympic Park, a crucial training ground for the US Ski team. The park’s mogul-specific jump is a key feature for Macuga’s continuous improvement. “I jump there almost every day in the summer to get my reps in for all the jumps needed before the winter,” she said.

Balancing athletics and entertainment, Macuga showcases her skills in the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show on weekends. This unique opportunity allows her to combine training, adrenaline, and income in one exhilarating package.

When not airborne at the Olympic Park, Macuga juggles online classes at the University of Utah with daily gym sessions focused on strength, conditioning, trampoline work, and knee recovery. Her dedication has paid off in 2024, with personal bests throughout the season, including a 2nd place finish in the World Cup and 3rd in the US Championships. These accomplishments culminated in a world ranking of 5th overall.

Macuga’s training regimen extends beyond Park City. Recent trips included a training camp on a glacier in Hintertux, Austria, followed by travels to Mt. Hood, Oregon. Come November, she’ll return to competition for the season’s first World Cups.

The mogul skier attributes her success to a strong support system. “I learn most from my teammates, they’re basically my mentors,” Macuga shared. This mentorship shifts seamlessly between her teammates and her family, depending on her location. The Macuga family’s deep roots in Park City, dating back to their 2007 relocation, have fostered a community of support that extends from local businesses to world-class training facilities.

Macuga’s journey in skiing began with the Get Out & Play program through the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), where she explored various winter sports before focusing on Big Mountain and Moguls. “Moguls have always been my favorite,” she recalled, “with the aspects of speed, turns, and jumping.”

Family time for the Macugas often revolves around shared athletic pursuits. “We go to the facilities together where they have trampolines, basketball courts, and all that we would need. Sometimes we play hockey, ice skate, you name it. We also like to go to Top Golf together or Nicklecade,” Macuga said.

Since making the US Ski team in 2022 and earning the FIS Rookie of the Year award in 2023, Macuga has faced her share of challenges, including a hand injury and a fall during a run. However, she reflects on these setbacks with a champion’s mindset. “I’ve grown a lot to accept that while it’s not always perfect, I can learn from everything I’ve done,” she said.