SKIMO GOLD

Travis Macy
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SPORTS

The premier podcast and YouTube show for ski mountaineering interviews and analysis.  Explore the high-altitude, high-stakes world of skimo as elite athletes prepare for Olympic competition and beyond.  From the World Cup podium to the local skintrack, SKIMO GOLD is THE podcast for smooth-gliding, quick-transitioning, lung-burning, kick-turning beta on training, racing, gear, fueling, mindset, and–most importantly–FUN!  Join hosts Travis Macy and Cam Smith regularly for novel conversations with the world’s best athletes, coaches, organizers, and skimo aficionados plus just-in-time race analysis.  Produced for all podcast players by Palm Tree Pod Co.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Skimo Builds Better Mountain Athletes with Max King

    Trail running legend and multi-time national champion Max King joins us on Skimo Gold for a wide-ranging conversation about mountain sports, aging as an endurance athlete, and why ski mountaineering might be the ultimate cross-training tool. Max shares how watching European mountain runners—especially athletes like Kilian Jornet—inspired him to pick up skimo as a winter training strategy. What started as cross-training turned into racing, and he now credits ski mountaineering with elevating his performance in iconic mountain events like the legendary Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska. We dig into: Why skiing uphill builds specific muscular endurance for mountain runningHow Max balances 40–50 miles of running per week while ski trainingThe physiology behind skimo as preparation for steep European mountain racesTraining structure: threshold work, VO2 intervals, and race prep on skisThe role of friendly rivalry in staying sharpMax also opens up about his evolving perspective as a veteran athlete in a sport now filled with teenagers and 20-somethings—and how experience, strength, and durability shift over time. Beyond racing, Max is building the future of U.S. skimo. He shares the story behind launching a youth ski mountaineering program in Bend, Oregon—growing from just a few kids to a developing middle school team that’s starting to show up at regional races. It’s grassroots development in action, modeled after programs like Silver Fork, and a glimpse into how the U.S. can continue closing the gap internationally. We also touch on: His return attempt at the brutal Barkley MarathonsThe evolution of skimo in the OlympicsWhat it means to see U.S. athletes qualify on the world stageThis episode is about longevity, mountain culture, cross-sport performance, and investing in the next generation. If you’re a runner curious about skimo, a skier looking to get faster uphill, or a coach building youth programming, this one’s for you. Let’s go! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    31 min
  2. Olympic Mixed Relay Breakdown: France Wins Gold, Team USA Just Off the Podium

    FEB 22

    Olympic Mixed Relay Breakdown: France Wins Gold, Team USA Just Off the Podium

    The Olympic debut of ski mountaineering continues with one of the sport’s most dynamic formats: the mixed relay. In this episode of Skimo Gold, Travis Macy is joined by Team USA athletes Ian Clark and Sarah Burke to break down the results and key moments from the Olympic mixed relay race in Bormio. Together they analyze how the race unfolded, from Emily Harrop’s aggressive opening leg for France to the dramatic final laps that decided the podium. The conversation dives into the tactical elements that defined the race, including transition efficiency, pacing on the climbs, and the high-speed downhill sections that kept teams tightly packed. Travis, Ian, and Sarah also highlight the strong performance from Team USA’s Cam Smith and Anna Gibson, who stayed in contention throughout the race and finished just off the podium in fourth place. Along the way they discuss the growing visibility of ski mountaineering thanks to its Olympic debut, the strategy behind the mixed relay format, and what this race says about the future of the sport. Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    57 min
  3. Olympic Sprint Debut: Team USA, Podium Drama & What It Means for the Mixed Relay

    FEB 19

    Olympic Sprint Debut: Team USA, Podium Drama & What It Means for the Mixed Relay

    Ski mountaineering has officially made its Olympic debut and the sprint race delivered drama, chaos, and history. In this Olympic Dispatch episode of Skimo Gold, Travis Macy is joined by former U.S. National Team coach Joe Howdyshell and U.S. athlete rep Rory Kelly to break down the first-ever Olympic Skimo medals. They analyze: Marianne Fatton and Oriol Cardona Coll’s gold medal performancesThe impact of heavy snowfall and ultra-dynamic conditionsKey transition mistakes that changed podium outcomesWhy smooth transitions mattered more than raw speedTeam USA’s strong showing from Anna Gibson and Cam SmithPlus, they look ahead to the Mixed Relay where endurance, team tactics, and cleaner conditions could shake up the podium picture. Beyond the results, this episode captures what it felt like to witness Skimo’s Olympic moment in person from packed spectator stands to fans discovering the sport for the first time. If you’re new to Skimo, welcome. If you’ve been waiting for this moment for years, this one’s for you. Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    56 min
  4. From Track Cycling to Olympic Skimo: Germany’s Tatjana Paller on Finding Her Sport

    FEB 19

    From Track Cycling to Olympic Skimo: Germany’s Tatjana Paller on Finding Her Sport

    Germany’s Tatjana Paller didn’t start in skimo — she came up through alpine skiing and later raced for Germany’s national cycling team on the road and track before realizing she was missing the mountains. In this Olympic Dispatch episode of Skimo Gold, Tatjana shares what pulled her away from cycling, how quickly skimo clicked when she made the switch in her mid-20s, and why the sport finally felt like home. We talk about her World Championship bronze medal, what elite skimo training actually looks like as she prepares for the Olympics, and how racing on the World Cup circuit has shaped her confidence under pressure. Tatjana also reflects on the mental side of competing on a bigger stage and what it means to represent Germany as ski mountaineering steps into the Olympics for the first time — and why she’s trying to soak in every part of this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    28 min
  5. Team USA Skimo: The Road to the Olympics

    FEB 18

    Team USA Skimo: The Road to the Olympics

    Racing starts tomorrow. Ahead of the Olympic skimo sprint, this episode tells the story of Team USA — how the team got here, who these athletes are, and why the U.S. skimo community is so fired up right now. This is a narrative episode built from standout moments across the Skimo Gold archives, brought together to introduce the people behind Team USA. You’ll hear from Cam Smith before the Olympic picture was fully real, reflecting on injuries, staying grounded, and the values that drive him. You’ll hear Cam and Griffin Briley on the World Cup circuit, unpacking what it actually takes to level up for the Olympic disciplines and why “less is more” has changed how Griffin trains. You’ll hear the origin story of Cam and Anna Gibson as teammates, and how Anna went from elite trail running into skimo faster than anyone expected. You’ll also hear from Rory Kelly, reflecting on what the Solitude World Cup meant for Team USA and for the future of the sport in the U.S. That weekend marked a turning point for the program and captured how much work, belief, and community went into making that moment happen. If you’re new to skimo, welcome — this is the place to start. If you’ve been following along, these stories land differently with the Olympics right in front of us. Watch the races, share this episode with someone who’s curious about skimo, and let’s roll. Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    1h 25m
  6. Countdown to Bormio: Sprint, Relay, and the Medal Picture with Catie Friend

    FEB 17

    Countdown to Bormio: Sprint, Relay, and the Medal Picture with Catie Friend

    The Olympics are here—and skimo is finally on the biggest stage. Catie Friend is back on Skimo Gold to help us set the table for what you’re about to watch in Bormio: the Sprint (Feb 19) and the Mixed Relay (Feb 21). We break down the formats in plain English (yes, including the transitions, the boot/binding chaos, and that “800m-lactic-acid-then-technical-downhill” feeling), and then we zoom out: this is just a taster of a much bigger sport. Whether you’re here for the head-to-head chaos or you’re the “skins up for coffee with friends” type, skimo has a lane for you. From there, we get into the fun stuff: can France realistically take all three gold medals? Who’s hunting in the men’s sprint, why the women’s field is stacked, and why you absolutely can’t sleep on the Swiss—especially the next wave. We also talk Bormio specifics (course setup, altitude, atmosphere), what “professional” even means in a small but wildly elite sport, and what success looks like after the Games—from future Olympic inclusion to more disciplines, more nations, and more kids discovering uphill travel for the first time. Let's go!  Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch!  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    1h 10m
  7. Racing Skimo at 40: How Marianna Jagerčíková Prepares for the Olympics

    FEB 16

    Racing Skimo at 40: How Marianna Jagerčíková Prepares for the Olympics

    On today's Olympic Dispatch, Marianna Jagerčíková (Team Slovakia) joins Travis to talk about her preparation for skimo’s Olympic debut and what it’s taken to stay competitive into her 40s in one of the most demanding disciplines in endurance sport. They get into how Marianna structures her training now compared to earlier in her career, what she learned from overtraining, and why durability, recovery, and nervous system management have become non-negotiables for her. She shares what a typical training week looks like, how much of her training she does alone, and how she balances high-intensity work with a big aerobic base. Marianna also talks about racing sprints and mixed relay at the Olympic level, navigating qualification down to the wire, and what it means to represent Slovakia as skimo enters the Olympic stage for the first time. This episode is a practical look at training smarter, listening to your body, and staying competitive over the long haul as the sport enters a new era. Let's go! Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    42 min
  8. Alba De Silvestro on Speed, Transitions, and Adapting to Skimo’s Olympic Format

    FEB 15

    Alba De Silvestro on Speed, Transitions, and Adapting to Skimo’s Olympic Format

    On today's Olympic Dispatch episode, Italian skimo standout Alba De Silvestro joins Travis Macy for a deep dive into what it really takes to prepare for skimo’s Olympic moment. Racing for Italy since she was just 17, Alba has lived through the evolution of the sport. From long, grueling endurance races to today’s short, explosive sprint and mixed relay formats. They talk about how training changes when races go from 90 minutes to just a few minutes, why transitions have become one of the biggest performance differentiators in modern skimo, and how marginal gains in gear can decide podium places. Alba also shares what it’s like racing World Cups across the globe, from dealing with jet lag and altitude in Utah to competing at home in Europe, and what the pressure feels like inside Italy’s incredibly deep skimo team as Olympic spots get decided. This episode offers a rare, detailed look at how an elite skimo athlete adapts her training, equipment, and mindset for the biggest stage the sport has ever had. Let's go! Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

    37 min
See All (48)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The premier podcast and YouTube show for ski mountaineering interviews and analysis.  Explore the high-altitude, high-stakes world of skimo as elite athletes prepare for Olympic competition and beyond.  From the World Cup podium to the local skintrack, SKIMO GOLD is THE podcast for smooth-gliding, quick-transitioning, lung-burning, kick-turning beta on training, racing, gear, fueling, mindset, and–most importantly–FUN!  Join hosts Travis Macy and Cam Smith regularly for novel conversations with the world’s best athletes, coaches, organizers, and skimo aficionados plus just-in-time race analysis.  Produced for all podcast players by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Information

  • Creator
    Travis Macy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SKIMO GOLD
  • Show Website
    SKIMO GOLD

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