22
Oak Creek, CO
Beginning at just two years old, Riley Jacobs took to the slopes with a natural affinity for skiing, and by age 6, she had joined the historic Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, initially competing in moguls. When she transitioned to freeskiing years later, Jacobs found her true calling in halfpipe and slopestyle competition. Often one of the only girls freeskiing in her area, she learned to draw strength from this unique positionality, developing the determination and resilience that would go on to define her career.
Jacobs' breakthrough into international competition came at the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lausanne 2020, where she competed in halfpipe, slopestyle and big air events. Building toward that moment, she had already established herself as a force in junior competition, winning the 2019 USASA National Championship in slopestyle at Copper Mountain with an impressive run featuring a switch 540, flatspin 360 and right-side 720 safety. That same weekend, she captured bronze in the open class halfpipe event, demonstrating the versatility that has become a hallmark of her skiing. Her continued success in NorAm Cup competition, including multiple victories in halfpipe, positioned her for advancement to the U.S. Freeski Team rookie roster in 2020.
After several years on the rookie team, Jacobs earned promotion to the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team pro halfpipe roster for the 2024-25 season. Her elevation to the pro team meant increased financial support and resources, allowing her to focus more wholly and fully on training and competition. In 2024, she received her first invitation to X Games Aspen, where she finished sixth in the superpipe competition.
After suffering a torn ACL injury, she made a triumphant return to competition during the 2025-26 campaign. At the U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Jacobs demonstrated her mental toughness by qualifying seventh for the finals, a performance that showcased both her technical ability and her determination to compete at the highest level despite the lengthy recovery process.
Beyond competition, Jacobs maintains deep connections to her roots in Oak Creek and the broader Routt County community. Each summer, she returns home to work with the next generation of freeskiers, coaching young athletes on trampolines and water ramps. Her commitment to giving back reflects her desire to serve as a role model for young girls pursuing freeskiing, particularly those who may be the only female in their programs. Jacobs has shared her journey through community presentations at the Oak Creek Library, using creative demonstrations with pool noodles to show different grabs and tricks to audiences who might not be familiar with halfpipe skiing. When not in the halfpipe, Jacobs enjoys various outdoor activities, listens to country music and drives her family's antique tractors—a connection to her agricultural community that keeps her grounded.
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