From elite racer to grassroots builder to Olympic team leader, Sarah Cookler is helping shape the future of ski mountaineering in the U.S. In this episode of SKIMO Gold, host Travis Macy sits down with Sarah—Head of Sport for USA Ski Mountaineering Association—to talk about her incredible journey from Vermont Nordic skier to head coach, race director, and force behind Project Podium.

Sarah shares how she’s grown the Silver Fork Ski Mountaineering Club into a powerhouse program, fostering a community-first approach that develops fast, skilled, and enthusiastic athletes—especially among youth. She talks mental prep, race-day transitions, gear tech (yes, we’re talking skin rips and kangaroo pockets), and why the mental game is just as important as physical training.

They dig into what it takes to grow the sport in the U.S.—from local race organizers and family participation to youth programs and Olympic goals. Sarah also reflects on her own race experiences, coaching philosophy, and how her background in emergency medicine helps her thrive under pressure.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a parent of a budding skimo athlete, or dreaming of 2026, this one’s packed with wisdom, inspiration, and community spirit. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Espresso and ski mountaineering—two things Davide Giardini takes very seriously. In this episode, Travis Macy sits down with the Italian-born, Boulder-based endurance athlete to explore the deep cultural roots of ski mountaineering, from its military heritage in World War I to its modern-day evolution as an Olympic sport.

Davide shares his personal journey from triathlon to skimo, the challenges of transitioning between sports, and how he found community and purpose in Boulder’s endurance scene. He and Travis dive into the differences between European and American skimo funding, the rise of youth programs in the U.S., and how the sport can grow through mass participation events and grassroots initiatives.

Oh, and coffee? Davide’s got strong opinions. He and Travis debate espresso culture, ristretto vs. American single origins, and the critical role of caffeine in endurance sports. Whether you’re a seasoned skimo racer, an uphill enthusiast, or just here for the coffee talk, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a vision for the future of ski mountaineering. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Jessie Young isn’t just keeping up—she’s setting the pace. Fresh off an impressive performance at the SKIMO World Cup in Spain, Jessie joins Travis Macy to talk about making the A final alongside her racing partner, Cam Smith, proving that experience, strategy, and grit can go toe-to-toe with raw youth.

A mother of two balancing elite competition, family life, and work, Jessie shares how she ramped up training in October with coach Josiah Middaugh, focusing on VO2 max and threshold workouts to sharpen her speed. She breaks down the art of the mixed relay—why nailing transitions is everything—and how her recent sprint race win at the US National Championships solidified her focus on Olympic qualification.

Travis and Jessie dig into the mindset, resilience, and tactical preparation it takes to compete at the highest level, especially when most of the competition is nearly two decades younger. Jessie’s story is one of pure determination, and with more World Cup races ahead, she’s all in on helping Team USA lock down an Olympic quota.

If you need a dose of motivation, this episode delivers.

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.