An international adventure as told by CAF Developmental Coach Wilson Dippo 

After months of intense training in Montana and Utah, members of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing National Team finally had the chance to test themselves on the international stage. Our destination: Slovenia, for a series of cross-country and biathlon World Cup races. 

Among the travelers were Paralympic gold medalists Oksana Masters, Dan Cnossen, and Kendall Gretsch, along with 2018 Paralympian Ruslan Reiter. Joining them were five talented young athletes hoping to qualify for Beijing: Dani Aravich, Lera Doederlein, Max Nelson, Drew Shea, and Ty Wiberg. 

I was lucky enough to join as a developmental coach, guiding athletes, sharing trailside laughs, and witnessing the grit it takes to race against the best in the world. Here’s a day-by-day look at our journey. 

Day 1: Shaking Off the Jet Lag 

After several days of travel across the U.S. and Europe, our team was eager to get back on skis. Light interval sessions helped shake off the fatigue and get everyone excited for the week ahead. 

I guided 17-year-old Max Nelson, a visually impaired athlete from Minnesota. We’ve trained together before, so communication on the trails came naturally. We quickly found our rhythm—even skiing across the Italian border on one lap, no COVID test required! 

Day 2: Technical Trails and Confidence-Building 

Slovenia’s trails are stunning. Nestled beneath historic ski jumps in Planica and surrounded by dramatic peaks, it’s a skier’s dream. 

Our easy distance workout turned into a technical skills clinic for Max. Nordic skis are designed for climbing, so descending requires balance and finesse. We tackled a tricky downhill section repeatedly, practicing smooth cornering and controlled speed. By the final run, Max was gliding with confidence. 

Day 3: Klister and Classic Skiing 

Not every day is about dramatic descents and sweeping views. Today was all about waxing skis—specifically, working with klister, a thick, sticky substance used to grip wet, warm snow. It’s messy, but when done right, it makes classic skiing in these conditions unbeatable. 

Day 4: Pre-Race Nerves and Course Prep 

Race-day eve is always buzzing with energy. Athletes tested skis to find the perfect flex and glide, and we previewed the course. Conditions were tricky—soft, sugary snow in the corners with icy patches lurking underneath. 

Our visually impaired athletes showcased incredible trust and teamwork, skiing down steep descents just feet behind their guides at nearly 30 mph. The excitement was contagious, and photos from supporters back home fueled our motivation. 

Day 5: Sprint Day 

Sprint races in Nordic skiing aren’t exactly short—they’re 800 meters to over a kilometer with multiple climbs and technical turns. To advance, you have to survive multiple knockout rounds. 

Team USA came out strong: Dani, Ruslan, and Lera advanced through qualifying, while Oksana and Kendall dominated the sitting division, finishing first and second. Lessons learned, confidence gained, and plenty of adrenaline spent. 

Day 6: Biathlon Training and Happy Shooters 

With no races scheduled, the focus shifted to biathlon practice. Mornings were spent testing ski waxes, while afternoons were all about precision shooting. 

Biathlon is a unique challenge—ski hard, then calm your heart rate enough to hit tiny targets. The mood on the range was light and positive, and athletes consistently knocked down targets. As my college coach used to say, “Happy skiers are fast skiers,” and today proved that happy shooters are straight shooters too. 

Day 7: Mid-Distance Biathlon Race 

Saturday’s biathlon combined five ski segments with four shooting bouts. Miss a shot and you pay for it with a 100-meter penalty loop or added time. 

While our team spent a little too much time in the penalty loop, they skied powerfully and finished strong. Oksana and Kendall once again claimed first and second place finishes. Meanwhile, Max and Drew saved their energy for the distance skate race the following day. 

Previewing that course afterward revealed just how challenging it would be. Afternoon temperatures turned the snow to mashed potatoes, only for it to refreeze under a thin crust of ice in the shade. Rather than complain, we worked on balance and timing—turning tough conditions into a learning opportunity. 

Day 8: Distance Races and Podium Finishes 

Sunday brought long-distance races: 12.5 km for men and 10 km for women. For standing athletes, it’s a grueling effort that demands smart pacing. 

Conditions were near perfect, and our athletes rose to the occasion. Oksana won her fourth consecutive race, while Kendall once again landed on the podium in second. Our younger athletes skied steady and strong, showing endurance well beyond their years despite warm temperatures. 

Wrap-Up: Medals and Momentum 

Although I returned to the U.S. before the World Cup concluded, Team USA’s success continued. In total, they brought home 12 medals—six golds for Oksana Masters, and five silvers plus one bronze for Kendall Gretsch. 

For a full list of finishers and race details, visit the Team USA Para Nordic Skiing website. 

Champion the Next Generation of Para Nordic Skiers 

Athletes like Max, Dani, and Lera are proving that hard work and determination can take you from local trails to the world stage. Your support helps provide the coaching, equipment, and opportunities needed to make it possible. 

Donate today to fuel the journey for future Paralympic champions.