With Skimo’s Olympic Debut Nearing, Sarah Cookler Hopes The 2026 Games Can Spark Future Olympic Success For The U.S.

The U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association hired Cookler to be its head of sport in August 2024.

When Sarah Cookler became the head of sport for the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association in August 2024, she had to hit the ground running. After all, skimo was about to make its Olympic debut in less than two years.

Cookler knew that preparing USA Skimo for the Olympic qualifying process would present a formidable challenge. That process concludes Dec. 6-7 with the 2025-26 world cup season opener at Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.

“We’re feeling optimistic about our chances in December,” Cookler said. “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.”

The more immediate goal is to qualify for Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026, which take place Feb. 6-22 in Italy. The top mixed relay team from each eligible continent will earn a quota spot, and the Americans are currently a single point behind Canada in the world rankings. 

The Americans will try to take advantage of skiing at home to secure a spot at the Games.

“The elevation here in Utah is significantly higher than any world cup held in Europe,” Cookler pointed out. “Elevation is a significant factor that the Europeans are not used to. Certainly, our snow conditions are a little bit different.”

Having grown up in northern Vermont as a Nordic and alpine skier, Cookler discovered skimo when she moved to Utah after college. She eventually competed at the world championships in 2015 and 2019 for the U.S. national team. She got into coaching in 2017 while she was still in the midst of her skimo career.

“I thought it was a great combination of all aspects of skiing with my Nordic background and alpine background combined,” she said of skimo. “I think it combines the endurance of Nordic (with) the skill and the speed (and) adrenaline of the downhill portion. What’s unique about it is it allows you to explore the mountains on your own.”

Cookler founded and is managing director of Silverfork Ski Mountaineering Club in Brighton, Utah. Silverfork has produced most of the members of the U.S. junior national team. Cookler also serves as a USA Skimo board member and is owner and race director for The Powderkeg Race, which takes place at the Solitude Mountain Resort each January.

When USA Skimo asked her to become its new full-time head of sport just over a year ago, Cookler transitioned out of her career in medicine. She had spent 15 years as a physician assistant in the emergency department at the University of Utah.

“We finally had some funding, and that funding came 100 percent through private donations,” she said. “At the same time, what that’s been able to do is draw a lot more attention to the sport, grow the sport from the grassroots up, and attract a lot more high-level athletes to the sport.”

American junior skiers are now earning medals at the world championships. back in March, Griffin Briley won three world titles in the U20 men’s division. Cookler said that all bodes well for the 2030 Winter Games.

“We’re seeing a lot more crossover athletes from other sports,” Cookler said. “And as soon as these athletes see what (skimo) is, they see that it could suit their talents. They’re really excited about it. But I think it’s just about visibility.”

According to Cookler, USA Skimo has experienced significant growth during her brief tenure with the organization. She noted that last year’s national championships attracted 350 competitors, more than double the number from four years ago. She added that skimo clubs are forming around the country and will provide the foundation for future growth in the sport.

Cookler sees U.S. skiers eventually becoming more competitive with their European counterparts.

“As our youth programs are growing here, and creating a strong foundation, that gap is narrowing,” she said. “It’s just a matter of longevity and how long they’ve been doing the sport.”

Bob Reinert spent 17 years writing sports for The Boston Globe. He also served as a sports information director at Saint Anselm College and Phillips Exeter Academy. He is a contributor to TeamUSA.com on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.