Cam Smith discovered ski mountaineering at 18 during the Grand Traverse race in Colorado, and he was immediately hooked. His curiosity and drive to see how far he could push himself led him to compete internationally, beginning with the ISMF World Championship in 2017.
Cam’s proudest achievement so far is winning the Solitude World Cup mixed relay, securing a quota spot for his team—a milestone that reflects both his skill and teamwork. His career has also been marked by significant challenges, including a torn ACL in 2023 and three shoulder surgeries, each requiring extensive recovery and perseverance.
Training for Cam is a balance of extremes: sessions are either easy or very high intensity, with no in-between. He also incorporates gym workouts and running three times per week in the winter to build speed. Mentally, he visualizes races until they feel natural, then manages stress with reading or juggling to maintain focus and calm.
Growing up in the middle of the USA, far from mountains, Cam’s path to ski mountaineering was unconventional—but his passion and dedication allowed him to excel in a sport that initially seemed out of reach. Beyond racing, he works as an instructor at the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado, sharing his love for the mountains and outdoor sports.
Cam’s goal is to represent his team with excellence in the Olympic competitions in Bormio. Through his journey, he hopes to show that success is possible regardless of background, as long as you work hard and surround yourself with supportive people. To his fans, he says: “Thank you for the encouragement—it motivates me to make you proud, both in the way I compete and the way I carry myself.”
