In this episode of Skimo Gold, Travis Macy is joined by co-host Cam Smith and special guest Doug Stenclik of Cripple Creek Backcountry to unpack one of North America's most iconic endurance races: The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse.

From gear choices and sleep strategies to course beta and big-picture training plans, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone tackling the Grand Traverse—or any big backcountry mission. Cam breaks down what makes the GT so unique, Doug shares stories from years of racing and outfitting athletes, and Travis reflects on the mental game and preparation needed for a point-to-point race through the Rockies.

Whether you're toeing the line in Crested Butte this year or just dreaming about it, this conversation covers everything you need to know: logistics, nutrition, pacing, and how to find joy in a long night on skins.

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Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What happens when two of skimo’s most cerebral minds sit down to talk training? You get this episode of Skimo Gold.

Travis Macy and Cam Smith are joined by longtime coach Joe Howdyshell for a deep dive into the principles that drive high performance in endurance sports—and how those principles apply to athletes of all levels.

From heart rate zones and strength training to mindset, nutrition, and recovery, Travis, Joe, and Cam cover the strategies behind building consistency and long-term gains. It’s part science, part philosophy, and totally accessible for anyone looking to train smarter—whether you're racing World Cups or just chasing your personal best.

This is your front-row seat to a masterclass in endurance performance.

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Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Join host Travis Macy for a special episode of the SKIMO Gold podcast as he sits down with trailblazing American ski mountaineering athlete Nina Silitch. Nina shares her remarkable journey from competing (and winning) on the World Cup stage in Europe to pioneering ski mountaineering clubs and mentoring new generations of athletes in both France and the U.S. Listeners will hear Nina’s insights on balancing elite athletics with life as a parent, teacher, and artist, and the powerful role community and multi-sport participation have played in her success.

Nina opens up about her experiences as one of the first Americans to break through in international skimo, the growth of the sport in the U.S., the keys to her mental and physical training, and what it means to be a role model for women and girls in sports. Whether you’re a longtime fan of ski mountaineering or new to the sport, this episode offers valuable lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the joy of striving together.

Let's go!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Team USA is officially headed to Milano Cortina 2026 and they’re doing it in style. In this episode of SKIMO Gold, Cam Smith, Travis Macy and some special friends break down Team USA’s historic World Cup victory where the Mixed Relay squad clinched an Olympic quota spot with a gold medal finish.

Cam takes us behind the scenes of the race, including what it felt like to cross the line first, the strategy behind the team’s performance, and what this milestone means for the future of skimo in the U.S. Travis and Cam also reflect on the pressure of Olympic qualification, share insights on team chemistry, and celebrate the breakthrough of U.S. athletes on the global stage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gracie Hinz

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What does it really take to bring a grassroots mountain sport onto the world’s biggest stage and advocate for the athletes behind it?

In this episode of Skimo Gold, Travis Macy and Cam Smith sit down with skimo racer, engineer, and Athlete Advisory Council liaison Rory Kelly for a candid look at the rise of ski mountaineering in the U.S. Rory shares how he found the sport later than most, climbed his way onto the national team, and ultimately became the bridge between Team USA athletes and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

From navigating the growing pains of skimo as a new Olympic discipline to pushing for better athlete support, Rory offers an honest, inside look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the sport’s future.

If you’re an athlete, a skimo diehard, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes Olympic stories, this conversation brings the humor, heart, and hard truths of a sport on the rise.

Let's go!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

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Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this numbers-packed episode of Skimo Gold, Cam Smith and Travis Macy welcome Roland Hric, the stat wizard behind Skimo Stats. Roland dives into what the data reveals about last season’s standout performances, Olympic qualification odds, and which athletes are trending up heading into 2025-26 skimo season.

From who’s dominating the vertical events to which countries are best positioned, Roland breaks down the stats in a way that’s insightful and fun. They also explore how technology is changing the game, what makes a great skimo course, and why the sport's growing visibility is changing the data game too.

Let's go!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this episode of Skimo Gold, Travis and Cam are joined by elite trail runner Anna Gibson to recap their 2025 trail season and look ahead to the upcoming skimo winter. They reflect on the highs and lows of racing in Europe, managing injuries, and staying mentally resilient through setbacks and surprises.

Anna opens up about navigating a tough year with humor and perspective, while Cam shares what it’s like to pivot goals mid-season and return to his skimo roots. Together, they talk about training adaptations, lessons learned, and why community matters just as much as competition.

Let's go!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

In this episode of Skimo Gold, Cam Smith and Travis Macy chat with Italy’s Nicolo Conclini, a rising star on the international circuit and a strong contender for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. Hailing from the iconic ski town of Bormio, Nicolo shares what it’s like to grow up in a place where mountains and racing are a way of life.

They dig into his breakout season, his approach to training and recovery, and the passion that fuels his Olympic dreams. From World Cup courses to the alpine culture of northern Italy, this is a conversation full of insight, humility, and genuine love for the sport.

Let's go!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.