With Skimo’s Olympic Debut Nearing, Sarah Cookler Hopes The 2026 Games Can Spark Future Olympic Success For The U.S.
Sarah Cookler was appointed head of sport for the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association in August 2024, just as ski mountaineering (skimo) was poised to make its Olympic debut in under two years. She faced the immediate challenge of preparing USA Skimo for the demanding Olympic qualifying process.
Preparing for the 2025-26 Season and Olympics
The 2025-26 World Cup season will open at Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah, marking a key event before the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 in February. Cookler expressed cautious optimism:
“We’re feeling optimistic about our chances in December. Our athletes are improving significantly every day. I think medal potential in this Olympics is probably not as realistic as it will be in the future. However, I wouldn’t count anything out.”
Qualification and Competitive Edge
The top mixed relay team from each eligible continent will secure a quota spot for the Olympics. The USA currently trails Canada by a single point in the world rankings but aims to leverage home advantage in Utah to clinch a position.
“The elevation here in Utah is significantly higher than any World Cup held in Europe,” Cookler noted. “Elevation is a significant factor that the Europeans are not used to. Certainly, our snow conditions are a little bit different.”
Key Factors for Success
- Intense preparation for the Olympic qualifying process
- Capitalizing on home conditions and high elevation terrain
- Rapid athlete improvement leading into December competitions
- Building towards future Olympic medal prospects beyond 2026
Author’s summary: Sarah Cookler’s leadership as USA Skimo’s head of sport focuses on overcoming immediate Olympic qualification challenges while setting the foundation for future success in the sport.