FWM Scholarship Athlete Kash Vankirk Foreruns World Cup Downhill at Beaver Creek
Far West Masters scholarship athlete Kash Vankirk took on the Birds of Prey course at Beaver Creek on Thursday, forerunning the Men's World Cup Downhill, and capturing the experience on a POV camera for all of us to see.
Now in his fourth season with the FWM scholarship program, Kash has deep roots in Sierra skiing. He got his start at Kirkwood and currently races for Palisades Tahoe. Off the snow, Kash is an avid fisherman and passionate environmentalist who calls South Lake Tahoe home.
His family, mom Kayleigh, dad Eric, and his sister Molly, made the trip to Colorado to watch him take on one of the most challenging courses on the World Cup circuit. Fresh snow made for challenging conditions. "Talked to Kash right after his forerun—he said even then that it was 'bumpy' in the new snow," said Ryan Ritchie, Diamond Peak Masters coach and FWM scholarship board member.
But Kash isn't done at Beaver Creek. He'll be back on the same course next week for speed Nor-Am races. "He's hoping to get some wins!" Ritchie added.
Looking ahead, Kash plans to continue as a four-event skier this season as he works to lower his FIS points, with the goal of skiing at the college level.
Check out the POV footage below to see the Birds of Prey course through Kash's eyes.
Kash Vankirk’s POV video, taken while forerunning the World Cup Birds of Prey downhill at Beaver Creek on December 4, 2025.