From Curiosity to Writing History: Cam Smith and Ski Mountaineering’s Olympic Debut

As the discipline of ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut in Milan, a new generation of athletes is stepping forward to define what the sport (and the mindset behind it) looks like on the world stage.

Cam Smith is one of them.

When Back The Team sat down with Cam, his story stood out not because it began with Olympic ambition, but because it began with curiosity.

A Story Rooted in Exploration

After moving from Illinois to Colorado for college at Western Colorado University, Smith was introduced to the sport through his sister, who encouraged him to join a mountain sports program that blended skiing, biking, trail running, and climbing. She helped him find used gear, taught him the basics, and convinced him to sign up for the Grand Traverse: a grueling partner race from Crested Butte to Aspen.

He didn’t finish his first race. But instead of walking away, Cam leaned in.

“I wasn’t afraid to be embarrassed,” he shared. “I just wanted to learn and see what was possible.”

His mentality of curiosity became the foundation for a 12-year journey that would eventually propel him to Team USA’s 2026 Olympic Team.

Chasing Improvement, Not Outcomes

Rather than fixating on titles or long-term results, Cam approached each season with one simple question: What’s possible this year?

“I’ve always focused on getting a little better season to season,” he said. “Working on weaknesses, accentuating strengths, and seeing where the limit is for that year.”

That pursuit of continuous improvement has carried him forward and helped him navigate the inevitable setbacks along the way. Cam’s career has included torn ligaments, multiple shoulder surgeries, and seasons cut short. Each time, he questioned whether continuing was worth it.

A major source of strength during those years was his wife, Lynn, a physical therapist who supported him emotionally while also holding him accountable to doing the work properly. “I didn’t want an injury to be the end of my story,” he said.

But Cam’s most powerful reframe came when he stopped trying to move past his injuries and instead let them become part of who he is.

“Instead of trying not to let setbacks define you,” he shared, “let them define you in a way that makes you a better athlete and person.”

Years of Preparation Came Down to 30 Minutes

This past year, Cam and teammate Anna Gibson faced a moment that would determine Team USA’s Olympic fate: a single World Cup race where everything — years of preparation, donor support, staff effort — came down to 30 minutes on the course.

Rather than racing in fear, they raced with pride.

“We reminded ourselves that everyone who supported us knew there was a chance it wouldn’t work out,” Cam said. “What mattered was giving our absolute best.”

They delivered. And with that performance, Team USA secured its place in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut.

Now, as Milan approaches, Cam doesn’t view this moment as his alone, but a testament to those who have supported him along the way. From teammates who earned qualification points, to coaches, donors, and staff who believed in the mission — Cam and Ana see themselves as carrying the torch on behalf of an entire community.

And that perspective is exactly what defines elite sport at its best.

Cam’s Parting Advice

When asked what he’d share with other athletes watching his journey unfold, Cam returned to the same mindset that’s guided him from the beginning:

“Be open to what’s next. You don’t know yet what outcome is best for you. Every race, every match, every season builds toward who you become. Wonderful things will happen. Hard things will too. Be ready for all of it.”

And perhaps most importantly:

“There are limitless possibilities if you just keep pushing forward.”

Stories like Cam’s are exactly what Back The Team is built to share. Join our limited Milan 2026 edition and go behind-the-scenes of the Winter Games through real conversations about mindset, pressure, and performance from one-quarter of America’s athletes . To mark the moment, access is open for $26.