Kate Gray

Quick Facts

• Specialty: Women's Freeski Halfpipe
• Gray's family includes three older brothers who inspired her to pursue freeski
• Started skiing at age two in Mammoth, California, and began park skiing at age nine
• Competed on the Mammoth High School softball team while balancing elite-level skiing
• Named to both the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team's halfpipe and slopestyle/big air rosters, making her the only athlete competing in all three freeski disciplines

Biographical Information

At just two years old, Kate Gray was already on skis, and by age nine, she had transitioned to park skiing, inspired and encouraged by her three older brothers. Growing up primarily skiing with boys, Gray used that competitive environment as motivation to push herself further. The unique challenge of keeping pace with her brothers from such a young age helped develop the fearlessness and technical prowess that have come to define her career as one of the few athletes competing in both halfpipe and slopestyle disciplines at the elite level.

Gray's breakthrough moment arrived at the Youth Olympic Winter Games Gangwon 2024, where she captured bronze in the freeski halfpipe competition. The achievement marked the culmination of years of dedication and represented a significant milestone in her young career. Building toward that moment, Gray had already established herself as a force in junior competition, winning both freeski halfpipe and slopestyle titles at USASA Nationals in Copper in 2023, along with back-to-back victories at the Mammoth Rev Tour halfpipe contest in 2021 and 2022. 

As Gray transitioned to world cup competition, she continued to make history and demonstrate her versatility. She became the first woman to land a bone air in competition, showcasing the innovative approach and technical skill that have become hallmarks of her skiing. During the 2024-25 season, Gray competed at the FIS Freestyle Ski World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, representing the United States in all three freeski disciplines—halfpipe, slopestyle and big air—making her the first American athlete to compete across the full spectrum of freeski events. 

Gray's path to elite competition has required significant resilience and determination. After breaking both wrists and undergoing surgery that required two plates and 15 screws in her right wrist, she faced a lengthy recovery that forced her to miss most of a competition season. Gray used the setback as fuel to return stronger, dedicating herself to physical therapy and getting ahead in her schoolwork so she could focus entirely on skiing once healthy. 

Beyond the halfpipe and slopestyle course, Gray maintains a well-rounded life that includes her education and other interests. She attended Mammoth High School through the FLEX program, which allowed her to balance online coursework with training and competition while still participating in traditional high school activities, including playing on the softball team.