Snow, sweat, and celebration defined this year’s CAF-Idaho Boulder Mountain Tour Training Camp, now in its fourth year. Held in the breathtaking trails of Sun Valley, the camp brought together para Nordic athletes from across the country for an unforgettable week of coaching, skill development, and racing. Whether training for the first time or pushing for a personal best in the 15km or 32km Boulder Mountain Tour, participants left stronger, more confident, and deeply inspired. 

A Premier Training Ground for Para Nordic Skiers 

Led by CAF’s own Wilson Dippo, alongside Paralympians and elite coaches Greg Mallory, Lettie Stratton, Aliyah Brown, Althea Devereaux, and April Rohr, the camp delivered high-level instruction in a supportive and challenging environment. Over five days, athletes honed their technique, built endurance, and learned tactical race strategies while forging meaningful connections on and off the snow. 

Camp Highlights 

• All-day training sessions tailored for skiers of all experience levels 

• Technique workshops focused on climbing, downhill control, and transitions 

• Pre-race strategy sessions and course previews 

• Optional entry into the Boulder Mountain Tour, one of the nation’s most scenic and competitive Nordic ski races 

22 Para Nordic Athletes. One Unforgettable Race Day. 

For many, the culmination of the week came with the Boulder Mountain Tour, a 15km or 32km cross-country ski race that winds through the Sun Valley wilderness. In a field of nearly 400 competitors, CAF athlete Willie Stewart delivered a standout performance, finishing 189th overall—an incredible feat and an inspiration to all. 

Athlete Spotlight: Meira Nelson 

For athlete Meira Nelson, this camp was more than just training—it was a life-changing leap into snow sports. Supported by CAF coaches and teammates, Meira overcame initial nerves and discomfort, eventually participating in the Boulder Mountain Tour. She shared: 

“I couldn’t have done it without Wilson and April and our amazing support team of volunteers. You gave me an opportunity to not only be myself, but introduced me to a sport to grow even more out of my ‘comfort zone’” 

By the Numbers 

• 22 Para Nordic skiers participated 

• 5 days of focused training and mentorship 

• 4 Paralympic coaches and mentors 

• 1 epic race with nearly 400 competitors