Parkite Alli Macuga has spent all summer preparing for Saturday, when she and the rest of the moguls World Cup circuit hit the course in Ruka, Finland, for the first Cup event. The Ruka Cup entails a men’s and women’s moguls competition. Ruka is the first of 10 stops along the 2024-25 tour. There are two U.S. stops along the moguls tour, one in Waterville, New Hampshire, in late January and another at Deer Valley in early February. There are four Cups before the month-long Christmas break in the schedule. Macuga is looking to improve upon her sixth place finish in the world last year and stay happy and healthy while doing so. She said she’s still recovering from the after-effects from a concussion she suffered early this summer. It’s only the 21 year old’s third season on tour. “I’m extremely excited especially since it’s been such a long and busy prep season,” said Macuga. “Lots of time at the Utah Olympic Park on the water ramps and in the gym. We also went to Austria and Chile for summer training camps this year to chase the snow.”Macuga said she had loads of fun in both Austria and Chile. One of three sisters on U.S. ski teams — Lauren on the alpine team and Sam on the ski jumping team — Macuga is excited for new stops on tour like Beidahu, China and Livigno, Italy, the host of the 2026 Olympic mogul events. While Ruka is solely moguls, Macuga and the field also compete in dual moguls events during the season, recently added to the 2026 Games’ slate. “It’s pretty important to start off strong, but the year isn’t always determined by the first competition,” added Macuga. “Although I want to start strong, I’m always confident it’ll come along the way, too.”Alli Macuga soars through the air at the 2024 Deer Valley World Cup. Credit: Park Record file photo by David JacksonWhile Macuga is excited to ski Livigno and has the 2026 Games on her mind, she’s trying to remain in the present and control what she can. Macuga tabbed Alpe d’Huez, France, the second stop on the circuit, as one of her favorites to return to. She said the food and views are fantastic, and it doesn’t hurt that she landed her first podium there last year (third place in duals). Macuga also finished second in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and is seeking her first win on tour. “I’m very grateful right now to be able to ski,” said Macuga after the concussion. “My main goal is to keep a healthy brain and head.”Macuga’s results can be tracked via her FIS page. If you’d like to live stream any of her races, check out the U.S. Ski Team’s website to see what they’re on. Other Parkites on the moguls team include Nick Page, Kasey Hogg and Cole McDonald.The post Alli Macuga excited to begin third World Cup season appeared first on Park Record.