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Durham, NH
Grace Henderson learned to ski on small mountains across her home state of New Hampshire. Beginning at just two years old, Henderson was instructed by her parents who introduced her to the sport they loved. She initially competed in alpine racing for several seasons before discovering her true calling in freestyle skiing. The transition came naturally when her parents began entering her in her younger brother Hunter's freestyle competitions, sparking a love for park skiing that would shape her career. Recognizing her potential, Henderson was enrolled at Waterville Valley Academy, where she committed fully to Freestyle Skiing and developed the technical skills that would carry her to the national team level.
Henderson joined the U.S. Freeski Slopestyle Rookie Team for the 2019-20 season alongside her brother Hunter, who joined the rookie team the same year. Training together at Waterville Valley's Phil's Hill Bagjump Training Center, the Henderson siblings pursued their shared dream of becoming professional skiers and eventually representing the United States at the Olympic Games.
Henderson's breakthrough into elite-level competition came during the 2022-23 season when she earned her first world cup podium with a third-place finish in slopestyle at Stubai, Austria. Her run featured technical tricks including a switch right 900 tail grab on her first hit, demonstrating the amplitude and style that judges reward. Her consistency continued into subsequent seasons with multiple world cup finals appearances.
After missing the 2024 X Games due to injury, she made a remarkable comeback at X Games Aspen 2025, earning her first X Games medal with a silver finish in big air. The performance was particularly meaningful as Henderson landed a double cork 1080 tail grab—her first double in years after battling through injury recovery. Throughout her career, Henderson has also dealt with other injuries, including a broken collarbone that forced her to miss the 2023 FIS Freestyle Ski World Championships while her brother Hunter competed.
Beyond competition results, Henderson's love for the sport stems from the community and experiences it provides. She supported her brother in hosting the “Henderson Invitational” on their home mountain, Waterville Valley, where locals and visitors come together for a springtime celebration of freeski in all its beauty. The event pays tribute to their New Hampshire roots and allows the Henderson family to share their love of skiing with others.
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