Colorado has sent more athletes to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy than any other state. And nearly a third of those 32 Coloradans competing in events like snowboarding, slalom, or ski jumping hail from Steamboat Springs.

About 100 Olympic athletes live or have lived in Steamboat Springs – more than any other town in the U.S. Which got us wondering: How did Steamboat foster an environment where young athletes are encouraged and equipped to pursue Olympic gold?

Candice Bannister is executive director of the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, which has several history exhibits that highlight the town’s legacy of Olympians.

She points to a century of skiing culture and tradition, as well as some modern-day programs that nurture young athletes. Candice joined Erin O'Toole to talk about Steamboat’s reputation as an Olympic powerhouse and why it’s a training ground for many of those American athletes in Italy right now.

Listen to our previous conversation with Candice about Howelsen Hill and its role in shaping ski culture in Steamboat and around the state.

For more on this year’s Winter Games, check out our conversation about ski mountaineering (or “skimo”) making its Olympic debut with Nikki LaRochelle, a longtime skimo racer who will provide commentary for the events from Italy.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.