Sam Morse

Quick Facts

• Specialty: Men's Downhill
• Born in Maine to parents Pam and Earle Morse
• Morse began skiing at age 23 months on the slopes of Sugarloaf
• Nicknamed “Moose”  for his solidness and Maine woods roots, he followed in his brother Ben’s foot steps to Carrabassett Valley Academy and then onto the US Ski Team
• The 10 year veteran speed specialist on the US Ski Team, first broke onto the world stage when he became the Jr. World’s Downhill Champion in 2017
• He now joins his fellow teammates on the US Speed team in seeking to be the first American to win the FIS World Cup downhill title
• As a Maine Guide, Morse’s outdoor pursuits also include whitewater kayaking, wilderness canoeing, rock climbing, camping and trying to keep up with his wife on the rink
• Pre-race rituals include parents kissing top of his helmet as in “kiss the lucky egg” from Cool Runnings, and always double fist pumps his ski technician before leaving the gate

Biographical Information

Nicknamed "Moose" for his Maine roots and solid presence, Morse began skiing at Sugarloaf at just 23 months old. Growing up seven minutes from the mountain, he trained at Carrabassett Valley Academy—the same institution that helped develop Olympic champion Bode Miller—and dominated the junior circuit before joining the U.S. Ski Team in 2014. That same year, he became the number one downhiller in the country within his age group, obliterating the FIS race circuit and earning the Golden Ski Award as the top junior skier in the East. His fourth-place finish at the 2014 Junior World Championships in Sochi on the Olympic track signaled his potential, and he followed through with consistent improvement over the following years. He earned his breakthrough moment in 2017 when he captured the FIS Junior World Championships downhill title in Åre, Sweden, part of a historic gold medal sweep alongside teammate Alice Merryweather.

Morse's patient, methodical approach to ski racing has defined his career trajectory. Rather than taking excessive risks early, he has built his strong foundation through technical refinement and track knowledge, steadily climbing the world cup rankings. He earned his first world cup points in December 2020 with a 29th-place finish in Val Gardena, Italy, marking a milestone moment in his career. 

Beyond racing, Morse brings depth and purpose to his athletic career. A registered Maine Guide, he leads wilderness trips and shares his passion for the outdoors through whitewater kayaking, wilderness canoeing, rock climbing and mountain biking. Morse founded and runs FAST (Faith and Ski Training) Camps, a faith-based ski racing program held annually at Mount Hood that helps young racers develop both as athletes and individuals. He is also involved as a speaker with Camps Farthest Out, a Christian family camp organization, and volunteers with Winter Special Olympics at Sugarloaf.

Morse was nominated to represent Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, marking his Olympic debut. Morse's pre-race rituals include having his parents kiss the top of his helmet—inspired by the film "Cool Runnings"—and always giving double fist pumps to his ski technician before leaving the start gate.

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2025 – 36th (Downhill - Men)
• Years of participation: Downhill - Men 2025
• Top finish: 36th – 2025 (Downhill - Men)