Hunter Wonders

Quick Facts

• Specialty: Men's Cross-Country Skiing
• Parents: Ray and Roberta Wonders
• Graduated from South Anchorage High School in 2017
• Enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, running, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and long-distance canoe racing
• Interested in piloting and has independently flown solo through Alaska

Biographical Information

Hunter Wonders has established himself as one of the most accomplished cross-country skiers to emerge from Alaska's thriving Nordic community. Born and raised in Anchorage, Wonders developed his love for skiing in the backyard of one of America's premier cross-country skiing hubs.

Wonders burst onto the international stage as a junior athlete, earning a silver medal as part of the 4x5-kilometer men's relay team at the 2018 FIS Cross-Country Ski Junior World Championships. That breakthrough performance signaled the arrival of a promising talent who would go on to represent the United States at multiple world championships, including competitions in Oberstdorf, Germany, and Planica, Slovenia. He made his world cup debut in January 2021 in Lahti, Finland, competing in the 30-kilometer skiathlon. He continued his world cup success into the 2022-2023 season with multiple top 20 finishes.

Known by his nickname "Wonderboy," Wonders briefly stepped away from world cup racing following the 2022-23 season, seeking to reconnect with the aspects of Alaska life he cherished most. After just six months, he returned to competition with renewed perspective and a commitment to finding joy in the sport. His comeback proved successful, as he captured a national championship title in the 10-kilometer classic at the 2026 U.S. Cross-Country Skiing National Championships and earned selection to the U.S. Olympic team for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Beyond skiing, Wonders pursues diverse outdoor interests that reflect his Alaska upbringing. He competes in long-distance canoe races and regularly ventures into the backcountry for skiing and mountain biking adventures. Wonders is also interested in aviation, successfully completing a solo flight in Alaska. Throughout his career, coaches have praised not only his athletic abilities but also his character, noting his willingness to help teammates and contribute to the team environment. Whether racing at the highest levels of international competition or exploring Alaska's wilderness, Wonders embodies the adventurous spirit of his home state.

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2023 – 7th (4 x 10km Relay - Men), 24th (2 x 15km Skiathlon - Men), 31th (50km Classic Style - Men), 33th (15km Freestyle - Men)
• Years of participation: 15km Freestyle - Men 2023; 2 x 15km Skiathlon - Men 2021, 2023; 4 x 10km Relay - Men 2023; 50km Classic Style - Men 2021, 2023
• Top finish: 7th – 2023 (4 x 10km Relay - Men)

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian
• Olympic Games Milan 2026, 31th (2 x 10km Skiathlon - Men), 35th (50km Classic Style - Men)