The U.S. Paralympic Nordic Skiing Team has called Bozeman, Montana, its home base since 2016, providing crucial support for athletes competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics in Italy. Multiple team members with Montana ties are set to race in cross-country skiing and biathlon events from March 6 to 15. Crosscut Mountain Sports Center offers specialized facilities that foster an inclusive training environment for para and non-para athletes alike.
The 2026 U.S. Paralympics Nordic Ski Team, which includes 16 athletes competing in cross-country skiing and biathlon, trains at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center north of Bozeman. Established in 2016 after the expansion of Bohart Ranch to 500 acres, the center features a biathlon event stadium built in 2021 with 30 firing lanes and 12 para biathlon targets, along with trails designed for sit skis and dedicated equipment spaces.
Crosscut Executive Director Angie Weikert highlighted the significance of the program: “This is the only Olympic or Paralympic program that calls Montana its home base. So I think it's something all of us in Montana should be really proud of.” The partnership developed organically from athletes' interest in training at the site, evolving into a close collaboration. Until last year, both the U.S. team and Crosscut were coached by Nick Michaud, who now leads the U.S. squad in Italy.
Team members include Jake Adicoff, Dani Aravich, Jack Berry, Dan Cnossen, Reid Goble, Kendall Gretsch, Michael Kneeland, Erin Martin, Oksana Masters, Max Nelson, Sydney Peterson, Aaron Pike, Gus Schatzlein, Josh Sweeney, Peter Wolter, and Nicole Zaino. Several have strong Montana connections: Kneeland from Bozeman began skiing three years ago through local programs; Aravich and Zaino are based in Bozeman, with Aravich attending Montana State University; and Berry hails from Missoula. Other Montanans competing in the Paralympics include Brenna Huckaby in para snowboarding from Kalispell and Katie Verderber in wheelchair curling from Valier/Jefferson City.
Aravich noted the previous lack of a centralized base: “The team before, to my understanding, was just there was no home base, and all the athletes kind of lived wherever it made sense for them to train.” Now, full-time Bozeman residents and visiting athletes benefit from year-round resources, including education opportunities at Montana State.
The inclusive setup allows para and non-para athletes to train together, inspiring the community. Weikert said, “Having programs where our para athletes are training side by side with non para athletes is something that brings stronger training to all of our athletes regardless.” Local events include a recent Free Ski Day at Crosscut and watch parties in Bozeman and Missoula. Competitions stream live on Peacock and air on NBC networks, with events in Central European Time, eight hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time.
