YOUTH SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Coach Travis Macy of Salida is gauging interest for a youth ski mountaineering program to serve high school students in and around Salida, BV, Gunnison, and beyond. 

Ski mountaineering (also known as skimo, randonee, rando, etc.) is healthy and active in Colorado and other parts of the United States.  The sport involves skinning uphill and skiing downhill.  It's a fantastic winter pursuit for people who enjoy cycling, running, mountaineering, and other sports.  Ski mountaineering debuts in the 2026 Olympics; professional and junior athletes across the country are already working hard!  

The training is directed towards race preparation (fitness, gear, fueling, mindset, transitions, skill, etc.).  Light-weight, race-focused gear is important; telemark and most alpine touring gear are not a good fit.  We'd like to help you find discounts on new/used race gear and maybe even build a supply of loaner gear if the program grows.

High school students are the focus; middle school and post-high school athletes may also be considered.

Please email travis.macy@gmail.com to inquire and express interest. Kids, YOU are encouraged to take the lead by initiating communications and planning. For 2023-24 we plan on an informal “meetup” schedule to build interest and help kids explore the sport.

Additional coaches are desired. Coach Travis’ skimo experience includes a decade of coaching adults plus finishes at dozens of skimo races.

Training may occur Friday and/or Sunday mornings likely at 9:00 a.m. approximately December through March. Please contact Travis before showing up.

Resources for gear and racing:

www.travismacy.com/youth-skimo

https://www.haganskimountaineering.com/ (contact Travis regarding significant discounts for youth)

https://www.usaskimo.org/ (membership recommended)

https://www.rockymountainskimo.com/races (MOST RACES LINKED HERE)

https://www.arapahoebasin.com/to-do/events/ (Tuesday morning races at A-Basin)

https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events/audi-power-of-four-ski-mountaineering

https://thegrandtraverse.org/ski/

http://www.skintrack.com/videos-skimo-racing-transitions/ (great videos on transitions and skills)

https://skimo.co/ (gear)

Program values:

Community, Relationships, Team

Health & Fitness: Mental & Physical

Differentiated & Individualized Coaching

FUN!

Results are great, but the PROCESS is the POINT

We support kids who want to pursue multiple sports at the same time and/or throughout the year