Ally soaring into World Cup debut

Ally Hickman is a 15-year-old going places.

After debuting with a treble of Australia New Zealand Cup top 10s at Perisher in 2022, she announced herself as a future star with a podium finish in snowboard slopestyle at the 2023 World Junior Championships in New Zealand.

She then went on to score a pair of top 10s at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon 12 months ago and now she is on the precipice of breaking through in the senior ranks.

Despite her age, Hickman will make her World Cup debut this week at the Laax Open, one of the most prestigious events on the Tour.

And while the teenager is looking forward to stepping up to the highest level of the sport, she is modest in knowing what it is going to be like standing at the top of the run to compete against athletes she had only before admired from afar.

“It feels amazing to be making my World Cup debut, especially at such a big event like the Laax Open,” said Hickman. “I’ve always dreamed of competing at this level, so it’s really exciting to be here and take in the experience.

“It's such a privilege to be riding next to the best snowboarders in the world.

“I’m hoping to gain a lot from this experience and see what it’s like to compete at this level. It’s a chance to challenge myself, learn from snowboarders I have always looked up to, and enjoy being part of such an awesome event.

“I just want to do my best and take in everything I can to help me improve in the future.”

Hickman, who is coached by Turn & Burn’s Ryan Tiene, spent much of the Australian winter training both on and off snow, utilising the facilities at the National Snowsports Training Centre to hone the skills she plans to unleash in Switzerland.

“I’ve been doing a lot of training on the NSTC airbag over the past few months,” she said. “During the Southern season in Jindabyne, I worked on my tricks and runs with my coach, and off the snow, I’ve been doing fitness training to get stronger.

“I’ve also been focusing on staying positive and ready for the competition.”

While Hickman is realistic about her expectations this week, she is not resting on her laurels.

She believes that the opportunity to showcase her wares against the best in the business over the remainder of the 2025 season will hold her in good stead for future success.

“I’m planning to make the most of my World Cup spot and compete in the remaining three events on the circuit - Aspen, Calgary and Absolut Park, Flachauwinkl.

“I'm hoping this will give me the experience to be competitive in the years to come.

“I want to keep improving my tricks and stay consistent throughout the season. Most of all, I want to have fun and keep enjoying snowboarding.”

Hickman will be competing alongside compatriot Mela Stalker in snowboard slopestyle qualifying on Thursday night at 8:15pm.

Stream the action via Snow Live.