Skimo Trying to Find Snow to Go Up So It Can Come Down

According to Skimo Director Adam Loomis, the 2026 winter season is shaping up to be an exciting one for PCSS Skimo, even as snow coverage continues to lag behind the calendar. As of December, the program has grown to 40 youth athletes and 17 masters, marking another strong year of momentum for the team. A large portion of the Devo group is brand new to skimo, and the extended fall has been used wisely to dial in equipment setup, transitions, and uphill efficiency.

To keep pace with program growth and ensure access for new athletes, the club doubled its rental fleet of skimo gear this fall. Practices began in early November, with a strong focus on fitness, strength, and team culture. While athletes are eager to get more time on snow, the lack of consistent coverage has led to creative training solutions. Several practices have been held with full gear in controlled environments, allowing athletes to sharpen transitions and gear management skills at the USANA Center of Excellence and Matt Knoop Park.

Earlier this month, December 6 and 7, the skimo community turned its attention to Solitude Mountain Resort, which hosted the ISMF Skimo World Cup, the first World Cup skimo race ever held on US soil. PCSS alum and standout athlete Griffin Briley competed with the US National Team as part of the push to secure an Olympic spot for Team USA at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games. That Saturday, Briley anchored his team to a win in the B Final of the mixed relay with a dramatic late charge. In the A Final, the US team delivered a stunning performance, earning the gold medal and putting a strong stamp on the Olympic qualification effort.

Despite the challenges of an unusually warm start to winter, the PCSS Skimo program continues to move forward with strong participation, focused training, and growing excitement as the season progresses.