Megan Smallhouse Announces Retirement From Aerials

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced that Megan Smallhouse of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials team is hanging up her aerials competition skis after five seasons with the team.

Smallhouse, originally from Reno, Nevada, started her career as a successful gymnast before pivoting to aerials skiing in 2015. Prior to joining the national team in 2019, Smallhouse began her aerials training in Lake Placid at the Olympic Training Center and with Park City Ski & Snowboard at the Utah Olympic Park to build her skills and foster her love for the sport. Just four years into her career, Smallhouse made her first World Cup start, finishing 18th in the Lake Placid World Cup in her first appearance.

Over the next four years, Smallhouse became a staple on the NorAm and World Cup circuits, earning 19 NorAm podiums and four wins. In 2021, she was named to the widely successful World Championships team, bringing home the second-best U.S. women’s aerials performance, finishing seventh overall. Across five seasons, Smallhouse made 19 World Cup appearances, finishing in the top 10 six times. During the 2023-24 season, Megan finished second place at the 2024 U.S. Freestyle Championships, just behind teammate Winter Vinecki.

“My time with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team was some of the best of my life, said Smallhouse. “Over these five years, I had the honor of representing my country. I was able to grow both as a person and as an athlete, and I was able to overcome a major injury and return to competition. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by U.S. Ski and Snowboard to pursue my athletic career as well as my academic career. Although I am choosing to move on to the next chapter of my life, I will forever cherish the memories I made as an athlete.”

Throughout her career, Smallhouse faced numerous challenges, including injuries and the intense pressure of competition. However, her resilience and determination allowed her to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue pushing the boundaries of the sport has been a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for aerial skiing.

Smallhouse recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Kinesiology. She plans to continue her education while working in applied physical therapy settings to enhance her learning. Smallhouse noted that one of the biggest takeaways from her time as an athlete was the knowledge she gained from the strength coaches, trainers and therapists she worked with. “Their creativity and dedication to me and the other athletes they worked with have inspired me to pursue a similar career path. I am planning on pursuing my doctorate of physical therapy so I can give back to the athletes in generations to come.”