Western Newsroom

Team USA’s ski mountaineering team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics includes Cameron Smith, a Western Colorado University alumnus who helped secure the United States’ first Olympic spot in the sport by winning the mixed relay at a World Cup qualifier. The article highlights Smith and teammate Anna Gibson as the pioneering American athletes representing the U.S. in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut.

Colorado athletes headed to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics include Crested Butte native Cam Smith, who will represent Team USA in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut. A Western Colorado University alumnus, Smith reflects how the Gunnison Valley’s mountain culture and Western’s hands-on, outdoor-focused environment help athletes reach the highest levels of international competition.

Colorado’s contingent at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics includes more athletes than any other state, with competitors across skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, bobsled, and other winter sports. Among them is Cam Smith, a Western Colorado University alumnus from Crested Butte who will compete in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut—a testament to how Western’s mountain environment and opportunities help athletes reach elite international competition.