Our winter 2020 issue is packed with stories from some of the sport’s most notable voices. Inside, Kikkan Randall shares an update on her recovery from cancer and what she’s been up to over the past year; Bill McKibben (kind of) races Sweden’s famous Vasaloppet; and Pete Vordenberg profiles America’s most decorated cross country skier, Steve Cook. Plus, Cross Country Skier’s Danny Kuzio details life at a Vermont ski academy and how such programs are shaping the U.S.’s future athletes.

FEATURES

GETTING SCHOOLED
With schedules that allow high schoolers the time to train like professionals, ski academies provide possibly the best opportunity for youth skiers to reach their full potential. We take a deep dive inside two Vermont academies—Stratton Mountain School and Green Mountain Valley School—and explore other high-level training opportunities for the sport's up-and-comers and what affect those programs are having on the academy system.

NEVER LOOK BACK
In 1988, at age 20, Steve Cook lost the lower half of his right leg in a farming accident. What he didn't lose was a deep-seated curiosity and drive to solve problems. About a decade later, after racing road bikes for the U.S. in the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia, he embarked on a career that would make him the United States' most decorated cross country skier. He's never looked back and is today making plans to help Utah's youth through skiing.

DEPARTMENT CONTENTS

Mass Start

CONTRIBUTORS
Nordorks and skinny skiers

WAX BOX
Glacial tracks

EDITOR'S NOTE
Always Extra Blue

ESSAY
Pros and their coaches share advice for the sport's up-and-comers

Nordic Nation

TOXIC TALK
What led to the scandal that rocked the 2019 Nordic Skiing World Championships, and can the sport recover?

FAST AND FEMALE
How Jessie and Kikkan are making an impact on junior girls around the country

NOT EXACTLY A RACE
Bill McKibben remembers the Vasaloppet shuffle

A YEAR OF TRANSITION
Kikkan Randall reflects on the past year and her comeback from cancer

Destination

METHOW VALLEY, WASHINGTON
In the Columbia River Valley of central Washington, 200 km of trails and views abound

The Final Stretch

START 'EM YOUNG
How to get kids involved with ski care

FLEXING THE SMALL MUSCLE GROUPS
Using bands to prevent injury and increase stabilization

GEAR BAG
High tech

LOCAL HERO
Sverre Caldwell: Developing independent skiers

SENIOR MOMENT
Waxing off

PHOTO FINISH
Stump jump