As 2020 drew to a close, a new opportunity took shape for athletes with physical disabilities interested in winter sports. CAF-Idaho and U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing (USPN) formed a partnership designed to create a clear pathway from a person’s first time on skis to the moment they cross the finish line at the Paralympic Games. At the center of this initiative is developmental coach Wilson Dippo — a leader dedicated to making winter sports more accessible and inclusive. 

Building a Pathway from First Tracks to the Paralympics 

The CAF-Idaho and USPN collaboration was born out of a shared belief that athletes of all abilities deserve access to high-quality coaching, proper equipment, and competitive opportunities. The program focuses on introducing people with physical disabilities to Nordic skiing, biathlon, and other winter sports, while also offering advanced coaching for those who aim to compete nationally and internationally. 

Wilson Dippo’s role is to bridge the gap between entry-level participation and elite competition. He provides guidance on everything from proper skiing technique to race-day strategy, helping athletes build skills, confidence, and competitive readiness. The result is a pipeline where a first-time skier can, with the right training and support, become a Paralympic hopeful. 

From Collegiate Racing to Adaptive Sports Leadership 

Wilson’s own ski journey began at Bowdoin College in Maine, where he raced competitively before moving to Boise, Idaho. There, as Program Director and Head Coach for the Bogus Basin Nordic Team (BBNT), he focused on expanding skiing opportunities for underserved and diverse populations — including people with physical disabilities and refugees. 

His work alongside CAF-Idaho Ambassador “One-Armed Willie” Stewart led to the creation of Idaho’s first Paralympic Sports Club. This local club became a model for community-based programs, integrating athletes with physical disabilities into broader skiing events and connecting them with U.S. Paralympics development resources. 

Coaching Athletes with Varied Experiences and Goals 

Wilson’s current roster reflects the diversity of experiences among athletes in CAF-Idaho’s winter sports programs. 

• Josh Sweeney – A gold medal Paralympian, double leg amputee, Purple Heart recipient, and Pat Tillman Award honoree, Josh is transitioning from a decorated sled hockey career to Nordic skiing, applying his competitive drive to a new sport. 

• Lucas Onan – Living with limited use of his left arm caused by arthrogryposis, Lucas brings endurance and grit from completing the Smoke and Fire 400 bike race and is refining the ski skills he once taught as an instructor. 

• Jordan Valentine – After surviving a helicopter crash that resulted in a spinal fracture, Jordan is learning to navigate competitive skiing from a sit-ski, embracing the challenge of a completely new athletic pursuit. 

Wilson adapts his coaching approach to each athlete, taking into account their goals, prior sports background, and individual strengths. His emphasis is on building resilience, refining skills, and fostering a sense of belonging within the skiing community. 

Winter Sports Opportunities in Idaho 

CAF-Idaho’s winter sports programs, managed by Wilson, offer a variety of entry points for athletes of all ages and abilities. The calendar includes: 

• Instructional clinics in Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, biathlon, and downhill racing 

• Competitive races to build experience in real-world conditions 

• Multi-day training camps that combine technical instruction with team building 

• Community events that introduce new participants to adaptive winter sports 

These programs aren’t just about skill development — they’re about creating a network of athletes, coaches, and supporters who share a commitment to inclusion and high performance. 

A Coach’s Vision for the Future 

“Idaho is a great backdrop for developing winter sport athletes,” Wilson says. “Not only are athletes of all abilities welcome here, but we want them here, and we want to help them reach their full potential.” 

Wilson’s work, backed by the resources of CAF-Idaho and U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing, ensures that athletes with physical disabilities have the chance to discover the joy of winter sports and, if they choose, pursue the highest levels of competition. From local trails to Paralympic venues, the pathway is now clearer than ever. 

Get Involved with CAF-Idaho Winter Sports 

CAF-Idaho’s winter sports programs continue to grow, offering clinics, training camps, and competitive opportunities that change lives both on and off the slopes. Whether you’re looking to try adaptive skiing for the first time, support an athlete’s Paralympic dream, or join a community committed to inclusion, CAF-Idaho is the place to start. 

Take the Next Step 

Discover how you can get involved with CAF-Idaho’s winter sports programs, connect with athletes, and help shape the future of adaptive skiing. 

Join the CAF-Idaho Facebook Group