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Ski Mountaineering

Mountain Sports

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A Ski Mountaineering program unlike any other in the U.S.

Members of the Ski Mountaineering Team find organized training, coaching, travel, competition and endless winter mountains within the Mountain Sports program at Western Colorado University.

When it comes to location, Western is the ideal spot for ski mountaineering (Skimo) athletes. Campus is nestled right between Monarch Ski Area and Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and the Gunnison Valley is known for world-class backcountry skiing. Skimo, a rapidly growing sport that will soon make its Olympic debut, incorporates both uphill and downhill skiing in an incredibly adventurous and gritty race format.

Unlike any other program in the U.S, Western’s skimo team trains and competes on the national level with opportunities to compete internationally as well. Head coach Jacob Dewey, an elite skimo athlete himself, provides structure and support for skimo athletes to foster individual growth and learning for each athlete. The team has scheduled training throughout the week and travels to a variety of races, with both partner and individual competitions, throughout the winter. Many top athletes in trail running or mountain biking find skimo to be the perfect transition during the winter time to continue chasing athletic and personal goals. If you are a winter endurance fanatic looking to dabble in the race scene or are an experienced skimo athlete looking to step up to the next level, Western’s skimo team will provide an epic environment for growth!


Dues: $500

Covers: Coaching, travel, food and race registrations.

Doesn’t Cover: Equipment and ski passes.

Practice: Two-three weekdays and Saturdays

Spring 2024

January 6th | Viking Sprints, Eden, UT

January 27th | Santa Fe Fireball, Santa Fe, NM

March 1st | USSMA Nationals at Wasatch Powderkeg, Salt Lake City, UT

March 30th | Wy’East Skimo Races, Mount Hood, OR

Register

Coaching Staff

Jacob Dewey

Jacob Dewey

Jacob Dewey is the head coach of the Skimo Team here at Western Colorado University. Jacob raced for Western during his undergraduate career and is […]

Questions? Contact us.

To connect with one of our coaches, contact mountainsports@western.edu.

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We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

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