Piper Arnold

Halfpipe and Slopestyle Skier

When she's not practicing her Left 900 (2.5 rotations) in the pipe, Piper can often be found in a dynamic strength training session at the Center — making sure she’s dialed for her next freestyle skiing competition.

“Smile, you’re doing it because you love it.” - Piper Arnold

Piper Arnold: South Lake Tahoe’s Rising Freestyle Star

March 26, 2025

South Lake Tahoe has long been home to some of the nation’s most talented winter athletes—and at just 17, Piper Arnold is proudly among them. A dedicated halfpipe skier with a passion for pushing her limits, Piper’s journey from local mountains to international competition is one of perseverance, training, and a deep love for the sport.

From Tahoe Slopes to the World Stage

Piper grew up in South Lake Tahoe, where she first clicked into skis at a young age. Inspired by her parents and their love for ski culture, she gravitated toward freestyle skiing early on, drawn to the creativity of the sport. Training at Sierra-at-Tahoe and inspired by local elite athletes including Maddie Bowman and Jamie Anderson, she honed her skills in halfpipe and slopestyle, developing the technical expertise and fearless approach that set her apart.

For years, she’s dominated local and regional events, and her breakthrough came when she began competing in international events. From bringing home fourth at the 2023 Youth Olympic Games to third in Junior World Championships—with each competition, Piper proved she could hold her own against some of the best freestyle skiers in the world. In 2024, she earned a spot with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team as one of two female rookie halfpipe athletes.

Now, as she prepares for her first World Championship event in Switzerland, Piper is embracing the challenge of skiing at the highest level after overcoming a difficult year both physically and mentally. Through injuries and personal setbacks, she has remained focused on her goals, demonstrating the resilience that defines her as an athlete.

Training with Barton Health: Strength, Resilience, and Recovery

A key factor in Piper’s success has been her dedication to training and recovery, an approach she fine-tuned with the support of Barton Health’s performance and rehabilitation teams. At the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, she has worked closely with expert coaches and physical therapists to build the strength, agility, and endurance necessary for elite-level skiing.

Her training regimen includes strength and conditioning exercises tailored to freestyle skiing, mobility work to enhance flexibility, and mental performance strategies to stay focused in high-pressure situations. Additionally, Barton’s sports medicine professionals have played a crucial role in her recovery from the inevitable impacts that come with pushing the limits in freestyle skiing. Whether through physical therapy or strength training, Piper has the support she needs to stay at the top of her game.

Looking Ahead

With her World Championship debut on the horizon, Piper is focused on representing South Lake Tahoe on the international stage. Her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of a strong support system. As she continues to chase her dreams, her community and the team at Barton Health will be cheering her on every step of the way.

Follow Piper’s journey on Instagram at @Pipe_dog and @BartonRehabandPerformance and stay updated on her latest competitions as she reaches new heights in freestyle skiing! More information on local athletes supported by Barton can be found at BartonHealth.org or by tuning into #BartonAthlete on social media.