The Cities That Raised Winter Olympians
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are finally here! Though times are changing and the number of sports included is bigger than ever before, one thing has remained constant since the Olympics’ 1896 inception – the patriotism people around the world feel for their elite athletes.
This year, America’s best and brightest will be representing us in Milano Cortina during the Winter Games. The 2026 Team USA comprises 232 athletes and is remarkably balanced, with 117 men and 115 women from 32 different states.
All this excitement has us thinking about what it takes to become a player of this caliber. Not only are there long hours of practice, endless dedication and the support of family and friends, but something else…
These athletes are all hometown heroes, and we’re celebrating all of the great cities they hail from – cities that no doubt will be cheering louder than anyone.
Anchorage, Alaska
Gus Schumacher, Cross-Country Skiing and Rosie Brennan, Cross-Country Skiing
Why We Love Anchorage: For those of us in the Lower 48, it can be hard to imagine living in Alaska. But for the nearly 300,000 people who call Anchorage home, it’s a daily reality – and one that offers superior quality of life and adventures you can only have in Anchorage. Anchorage has a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, from outdoor adventures right out the front door to an unparalleled foodie scene. Plus, residents here know all about staying cozy during the winter months! Anchorage remains the epicenter of US cross-country skiing, with five athletes on the roster from the city or training at the Alaska Pacific University (APU) Nordic Ski Center.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Figure Skating and Ice Dance
Why We Love Ann Arbor:Ann Arbor is perhaps best known for being home to the world-renowned University of Michigan, but the city offers much more. Not only is Ann Arbor an extraordinary place to live (the city often ranks on our annual list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live!), but it is super affordable and a great spot to raise a family. Even more? Ann Arbor is the home of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are preparing for their fourth and fifth Olympic visits! In Beijing, the couple (both on and off the ice!) took home the gold in the mixed team event.
Appleton, Wisconsin
Paul Schommer, Biathlon
Why We Love Appleton: Living in Appleton is sweet, and the city attracts both families and young professionals, including two-time Olympian Paul Schommer. The city overlooks the Fox River, just north of Lake Winnebago and close to Green Bay. While the winters are snowy – perfect conditions for the biathlon – that doesn’t stop anyone from enjoying all the seasons. And as it warms up, there are trails through the woods, parks, pools and fields that appeal to everyone. A summer day rarely passes without a concert, festival or market somewhere here, as the residents make the most of the warmer months. The city combines access to top-tier entertainment, restaurants and breweries with the quaint charm of a small town.
Greater Atlanta Area
Elana Meyers Taylor, Bobsled
Why We Love Atlanta: Back for her fifth Olympics, Elana Meyers Taylor hails from the Atlanta suburb of Douglasville. Meyers Taylor currently holds the record for the most medals won by a Black athlete in Winter Games history. And that context is important because history is integral to Atlanta’s cultural identity, as it was a major player in the Civil Rights Movement. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend or one of the best places to live, Atlanta is the place to be. The city is known as a southern epicenter and is a great place to live for remote workers,artists and entertainers and foodies alike.
Bethesda, Maryland
Carsten Vissering, Bobsled
Why We Love Bethesda: Located in Montgomery County and just northwest of Washington, D.C., Bethesda is home to numerous restaurants, coffee shops and green spaces. From the scenic trails of Cabin John Regional Park to the prime picnicking spots in Norwood Local Park, there are plenty of places for individuals and families to gather, linger and play. Biking along the Capital Crescent Trail and boating or kayaking on the nearby C&O Canal are other treasured pastimes for outdoor enthusiasts. At the same time, downtown dwellers explore local favorites like Strathmore Music Center and Round House Theatre. You can even find a multitude of residents attending the Bethesda Art Walk each month, and the city is a great spot for bookworms, too! The residents are as dynamic as the city, including Carsten Vissering, who grew up in Bethesda. Vissering only began bobsledding three years ago after competing as a collegiate swimmer at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Fun fact: Vissering grew up swimming at the same swim club as nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky!
Boise, Idaho
Andrew Blaser, Skeleton and Samantha Smith, Cross Country Skiing
Why We Love Boise: Boise is a lively, outdoorsy college town nestled in the foothills of southwestern Idaho. Boise has become a magnet for people looking for a tight-knit community, great job opportunities, easy access to the outdoors – and perhaps most importantly, a much lower cost of living than many larger and comparably sized cities, which leads to an overall stress-free lifestyle. In addition, this popular city is home to Andrew Blaser, who is competing as the first openly gay athlete in the skeleton sledding competition.
Greater Burlington, Vermont
Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Alpine Skiing
Why We Love Burlington: It’s hard to come by a city more picturesque than Burlington. Located along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the city became the first in America to run entirely on renewable energy in 2015 and is known for its commitment to sustainability. The summers are amazing, the job opportunities are endless and if you’re looking for a fresh start, you should most definitely consider Burlington. Plus, the city is home to Ryan Cochran-Siegel, headed to his third Olympics and the son of gold medalist Barbara Cochran. When he’s not hitting the slopes, you can find Ryan working in his family’s maple syrup shop, Cochran’s Slopeside Syrup, which is just part of Burlington’s diverse foodie scene.
Greater Cincinnati Area
Nick Goepper, Freestyle Skiing: Halfpipe; Connor Curran, Freestyle Skiing: Aerials; Quinn Dehlinger, Freestyle Skiing: Aerials
Why We Love Cincinnati: Several Olympic hopefuls hail from Cincinnati, a hometown that is dripping with an east-coast-meets-midwest charm that can’t be beaten. With all of the amenities of a major city at a fraction of the cost, Cincinnati is known for its foodie scene, appreciation for the arts and entrepreneurial spirit. Nick Goepper, who was raised roughly 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg, IN, is making history in the Games by returning for his 4th Olympics in a new event. After winning three medals in Slopestyle, he successfully switched to Halfpipe for 2026.
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Laila Edwards, Ice Hockey
Why We Love Cleveland Heights / Cleveland: You might recognize the city of Cleveland Heights, OH, from those football brothers, but this streetcar suburb of Cleveland has produced another great Olympic hopeful, Laila Edwards. There are countless reasons why people are making the move to Cleveland, including the area’s affordability, growing talent sector and creative community. The city is also known for its serious commitment to sports and is home to three professional teams.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ellie Kam, Figure Skating: Pairs and Danny O’Shea, Figure Skating: Pairs
Why We Love Colorado Springs: Known for its incredible views and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Colorado Springs is an amazing place to live. Once considered a resort town, Colorado Springs is now a thriving city full of opportunities. Not only is the town producing great athletes like figure skating pair Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea, but the whiskey scene is also unparalleled. Pssst – speaking of things that get better with age, at 35, O’Shea is the oldest US pairs skater since 1932.
Dallas, Texas
Emily Chan, Figure Skating: Pairs
Why We Love Dallas: Dog-friendly? Check. Plenty of sports bars to watch the 2026 Olympic Games? Check. Remote worker friendly? Check. What’s not to love about Dallas? Everything is bigger in Texas, including Dallas’ generous calendar of events for locals, as well as more restaurants per capita than any other major metro area in the country. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean, Mexican or a good, old-fashioned smoked brisket, you’ll have no trouble finding it here. And the talent in Dallas is big, too! Emily Chan is a two-time Four Continents Silver Medalist competing for gold in Italy.
Duluth, Minnesota
Cory Thiesse, Women’s Curling and Mixed Doubles and Aileen Geving, Curling
Why We Love Duluth: An increasingly not-so-hidden gem, Duluth is a town with an old soul and a young vibe. There’s an eclectic mix of people at the port on Lake Superior, as it has always been important. Still, the city attracts young folks who come for one of the three universities and stay for the amazing outdoor life, lower cost of living and excellent career opportunities. In addition, folks here love living in a just-right-sized city with plenty of amenities in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Both curlers, Cory Theisse and Aileen Geving, are headed to Italy and going for gold. In the 2026 Games, Cory Thiesse is the only American curler who is pulling double duty by competing in both mixed doubles and the women’s team event.
Edwards, Colorado
Mikaela Shiffrin, Slalom and River Radamus, Alpine Skiing
Why We Love Edwards: Colorado is sending more athletes to the 2026 Winter Games than any other state, and Edwards is no exception. The small town – population 10,415 – has no shortage of talent, including Olympic hopefuls Mikaela Shiffrin and River Radamus. Shiffrin is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the youngest slalom champion in Olympic alpine skiing history. Radamus is headed to Italy for his second Olympics and has a long history in the sport. Aldo Radamus, River’s father, is the former US Ski Team coach, and River learned to ski before he could walk! If you want to live amid the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, look no further than Colorado. Boasting more than 300 sunny days a year and scenery that stuns, this adventurous state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Hiking, skiing, biking and rock climbing are popular pastimes among those itching to spend as much time outside as possible, while the major cities beckon arts and culture enthusiasts.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Hunter Powell, Bobsled
Why We Love Fort Collins: Set against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live, work and play, with easy access to hiking, biking and exploring the breathtaking natural beauty. The city is home to Colorado State University, a major draw for new residents and post-grad students. Great schools, excellent health care facilities and plenty of things to do all add to this Colorado city’s allure. Fort Collins has a reputation for being a “craft beer mecca,” and you’ll never want for new breweries to explore on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. Because the city is easily accessible to the rugged Rocky Mountains,you can get out and enjoy a wide range of adventures, including whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, backpacking, and more. And if you’re feeling extra brave, try your hand at bobsledding like Olympic hopeful Hunter Powell.
Greater Green Bay Area
Deedra Irwin, Biathlon
Why We Love Green Bay: You know Green Bay for Packers football and squeaky cheese curds, but the Greater Green Bay area is home to legend Deedra Irwin, who set the record for the highest ever placing American athlete in any international biathlon championship. This family-friendly Midwest city has many surprises in store and no shortage of fun things to do, including great beer, a bustling riverfront boardwalk along the Fox River and a must-visit botanic garden. Friendly neighborhoods and annual festivals unite people from all over the city, fostering a tight-knit vibe. It’s no secret that winter here can be harsh, but this Midwestern gem offers four distinct seasons: warm summers and pleasant shoulder seasons.
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Caleb Furnell, Bobsled
Why We Love Lee’s Summit: One of the best KC suburbs, Lee’s Summit is roughly 20 minutes southeast of Kansas City and offers a charming place to call home while still providing easy access to the big city. Outdoor enthusiasts will find 18 city parks, wildlife areas and several lakes, perfect for boating and fishing. But the real stars are hometown hero Caleb Furnell and Lee’s Summit’s award-winning downtown, featuring public art, shopping, entertainment and restaurants.
Long Beach, California
Chloe Kim, Snowboarding
Why We Love Long Beach: In 2018, Long Beach-bred athlete Chloe Kim became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal at 17. This year, she’s headed to Milano Cortina and going for gold again. But, before the Olympics, it was Kim’s time growing up in Long Beach. With 5.5 miles of the Pacific Ocean waterfront, Long Beach is nicknamed the “Aquatic Capital of America.” Its vision is also to become the most bicycle-friendly urban city in the country, and its parks department has earned several national beautification awards. The city is located just 20 miles outside of Los Angeles and is the definition of California cool.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Nick Baumgartner, Snowboarding
Why We Love the UP: With a 3,288-mile coastline – the longest freshwater coastline in the country – and plentiful forests, it’s no wonder that Michigan is an attractive place to put down roots. The Great Lakes are one of the true wonders of North America, contributing to the state’s reputation as a terrific place for scenery, recreation and wildlife. But perhaps the best spot in the state is the Upper Peninsula. Michigan’s U.P. is far from big-city living, but that’s the point – the region offers a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle while still having all the amenities residents desire. Just ask five-time Olympian Nick Baumgartner. The gold medalist is originally from Iron River and is a proud UP-er. Plus, the region is a natural fit as it is the birthplace of the US ski team!
Oak Park, Illinois
Emery Lehman, Speedskating
Why We Love Oak Park: Oak Park, IL, isn’t your typical suburb. On the contrary, this mid-size city is full of unique character and charm. Of course, it helps that famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright established his studio and built many homes in his unique Prairie-style architecture here. But beyond that, Oak Park residents value diversity, community, education and social justice, making this an ideal place to live if you want to get involved and make a difference. This geographically small city (Oak Park spans just 4-and-a-half square miles!) packs a big punch and has produced Olympic great Emery Lehman, who is returning for his fourth games.
Okaloosa County, Florida
Mia Manganello, Speedskating
Why We Love Okaloosa County: The sugar sand beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico capture the eyes and hearts of anyone visiting the Florida coast, so it’s no surprise that Okaloosa County has seen consistent growth over the past decade. The incredible irony of the sunny spot is that the region has produced some high-speed skaters, including speed skater Mia Manganello, from Crestview, who is headed to Italy for her third Olympics. There are plenty of outdoor activities for residents to enjoy, a diverse food scene and plenty of communities to choose from.
Park City, Utah
Nick Page, Freestyle Skiing: Men’s Moguls
Why We Love Park City:Park City might just have it all. This Utah city is home to Olympic hopeful Nick Page and is known for winter sports. Feel like skiing isn’t your thing? No worries! There are plenty of non-winter-related activities to do here, including a visit to one of the country’s coolest food festivals and plenty of ways to get in touch with nature. The city also provides great incentives to help teachers buy a home!
Portland, Oregon
Jacqueline Wiles, Alpine Skiing and Alessandro Barbieri, Snowboarding: Snowboard Halfpipe
Why We Love Portland: With a rich history of supporting women’s sports, it’s no surprise that Olympian Jacqueline Wiles proudly calls Aurora, a Portland suburb, her hometown. The city is home to tons of things to do, from hiking to visiting cool hotels, and is a great home base city for remote workers and filmmakers. Bonus: If you’re in town for the Fourth of July, Wiles and her father often play the trumpet at the local ceremonial flag-raising ceremony. This is Barbieri’s first Olympics, but he’s familiar with the podium – during the 2025-26 season, he made history as the first American (and youngest rider in the world!) to land a triple cork 1440 in halfpipe competition.
Plano, Texas
Amber Glenn, Figure Skating: Women’s Singles
Why We Love Plano: Life in Plano keeps getting better and better, and this buzzing suburb, nestled just 20 miles north of Dallas, offers opportunities both personally and professionally. With its stable job market, solid housing options, entertaining pastimes and rich cultural attractions, there is no argument that there’s something for everyone in Plano. Just ask Plano’s hometown hero, Amber Glenn. Glenn is the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA in singles figure skating and is a three-time consecutive US Champion. Plano residents can enjoy plenty of things to do, including gorgeous green spaces, tons of restaurants and excellent public schools and a robust job market.
Princeton, New Jersey
Kelly Curtis, Skeleton
Why We Love Princeton: New Jersey – otherwise known as the Garden State – is well-known for its dense urban areas and its lovely 141-mile Jersey Shore, where families flock each summer. But in the colder months, the state is the perfect playground for winter sports. In Princeton, Kelly Curtis’s hometown, there is an endless supply of arts and entertainment. Residents can appreciate the city’s historic charm and collegiate energy – Princeton is home to Princeton University! From shopping at Palmer Square to visiting the Princeton University Art Museum or touring Albert Einstein’s house, there are plenty of places to explore. Curtis is competing in her second Olympics and is a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force and a member of the World Class Athlete Program. In 2022, she made history as the first Black athlete to represent the US in skeleton.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Alex Hall, Freestyle Skiing and Mary Bocock, Alpine Skiing
Why We Love Salt Lake City: Utah’s state capital is an active, outdoorsy town. Home to the University of Utah and just a short drive to some of the best ski areas in the world, Salt Lake City is the perfect home base for busy families, young professionals, extreme adventurers, students and everyone in between, including alpine skier Mary Bocock and freestyle skier Alexander Hall, who has an origin story for the ages. Born in Fairbanks and raised in Switzerland, Hall eventually planted roots in Salt Lake City, and it’s easy to see why.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Cody Winters, Snowboarding
Why We Love Steamboat Springs: Steamboat Springs is sending the most athletes from a single US city to the 2026 Winter Games delegation, and it is no surprise. This Colorado resort town, known as “Ski Town, USA,” has sent more than 100 athletes to the Winter Olympics. It’s a great place to try your hand at Olympic sports like ski jumping because it is home to Howelsen Hill Ski Area, the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America and the country’s largest natural ski-jumping complex. Since it’s a bit secluded in the northwestern part of the state, the year-round residents are really invested in making the city a great place to live. In addition to world-class skiing and snowboarding, you’ll also find two hot springs, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, beautiful golf courses and an impressive tennis facility, an experience you can only have in Colorado. One of the best parts about living in Steamboat is the Yampa River Core Trail, a 7.5-mile paved path that runs through town along the Yampa River. Cody Winters is headed to Italy for his second Olympics after becoming the first American snowboarder to earn World Cup podiums in two different disciplines in a single season during the 2024-25 season.
Tacoma, Washington
Corinne Stoddard, Short Track Speed Skating and Eunice Lee, Short Track Speed Skating
Why We Love Tacoma: Tacoma, WA, may not get as much national attention as Seattle, its sister city across the sound, and many locals actually hope to keep it that way. Its adorable neighborhoods are far less congested yet similarly boast great coffee, diverse cuisine, a thriving music scene and jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Short-track speed skaters Corinne Stoddard and Eunice Lee call the picturesque town of Tacoma home.
Truckee, California
Abby Winterberger, Freestyle Skiing: Women’s Freeski Halfpipe
Why We Love Truckee: At just 15 years old, Abby Winterberger is the youngest member of Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Olympic Games and the only club-level freeski athlete to qualify. The California spot is known for being a great place to try winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. Truckee is surrounded by several resorts perfect for snowboarders. Just off the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Northstar is one of the country’s top places to snowboard and was long the home resort of Olympian Shaun White, before his retirement. Skiers and snowboarders consider the resort the gold standard for beginners. But because it’s California, novice snowboarders can appreciate the area’s bluebird advantage, making for sunny snow days. On average, Truckee receives 400+ inches of snow annually, providing a soft landing that’s more forgiving for first-timers.
Vail, Colorado
Mikaela Shiffrin, Slalom
Why We Love Vail: Just two hours west of Denver is Vail, a luxe mountain escape where residents and visitors alike can have fun year-round. The ski slopes are the siren that lures you west in the winter. But hiking, ziplining and other fun adventures can round out an itinerary come warmer months. Just ask hometown hero and two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. Shiffrin, the youngest slalom champion in Olympic alpine skiing history, calls this cozy mountain town home.
Whitefish, Montana
Jake Sanderson, Ice Hockey
Why We Love Whitefish: Whitefish is a tourism destination in large part because of its access to Big Mountain and the famed Whitefish Mountain Resort. Plus, residents can enjoy easy access to Glacier National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the country! If sipping on craft beer or enjoying a sweet treat is more your speed, don’t worry; Whitefish has that, too! Olympic veteran Jake Sanderson is from this charming Montana city and is making his second trip to the Olympics. Sanderson is also the first Montana-born player to play in the NHL.
Other Athletes Going for Gold:
- Zak Ketterson grew up in Bloomington, MN, where he began cross-country skiing at a very young age.
- Brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes will both represent Team USA in men’s ice hockey. Along with their brother, Luke, the Canton, MI, natives are the first US family to have three brothers selected in the first round of the NHL Draft.
- Coral Springs, FL, native Andrew Torgashev is headed to his first Winter Games. He began skating at 3.
- Brandon Kim is a Fairfax, VA, favorite and is the highest-ranked American men’s speedskater in the world.
- For the first time, Ski Mountaineering (SkiMo) will be an event, and Jackson, WY, native Anna Gibson will represent Team USA.
- Lake Placid, NY, may be known as a hotspot for the winter sport of biathlon and both the 1932 and 1980 games, but Tate Frantz, who took his first jumps at the Olympic Jumping Complex at age 5, is headed to Italy for his first Olympics.
- San Antonio, TX, native Boone Niederhofer is competing in bobsled after trying his hand at the sport in 2019. Niederhofer is unique in that he was a walk-on wide receiver for Texas A&M, so he’s no stranger to competitive sports.
- Red Gerard is headed to his third Olympics. The Silverthorne, CO, native won a gold at just 17 years old in the 2018 Olympics.
- Both Hilary Knight and Chase Josey hail from Sun Valley, ID. Knight, who is a hockey player, and Josey, a snowboarder, grew up in this iconic ski city.
