MEET SILVERFORK SKIMO
Wasatch Powderkeg 2024
Our mission statement:
Silverfork Skimo's mission is to cultivate the talents of young skiers, providing them with the training, educational resources, and support necessary to achieve their highest potential in competing in national and international amateur ski mountaineering competitions, and further to support their desire to recreate safely in the mountains. We are dedicated to fostering a positive and challenging environment where young athletes can grow both in their sport and as individuals. Our goal is to nurture and develop future champions who aspire to represent our country at the highest levels of amateur competition in the United States and abroad at world championships, and the Olympic Games.
WHAT IS SKI MOUNTAINEERING?
Ski Mountaineering, also known as "SkiMo" is a unique winter sport that showcases both the endurance of a high level nordic skier or trial runner, as well as the skill of a downhill racer or big mountain skier. SkiMo has long been a staple in European winter sports, and will make its debut in the 2026 Winter Olympics. SkiMo racing has 5 distinct disciplines, all of which Silverfork Skimo athletes train to compete in.
SKIMO DISCIPLINES
Vertical
An uphill only race, covering 1500-2000 vertical feet in about 20 to 40 minutes.
Teams
2-3 racers traveling together over the most technical terrain over the course of 3+ hours across multiple stages.
Individual
This type of race consists of multiple ascents and descents on variable off piste terrain with a duration of 1-2 hours.
Sprint
A condensed race course showcasing all of the skills in a heat format lasting 4-6 minutes.
Mixed Relay
Teams of 1 male and 1 female team up for head to head heat format racing similar to the sprint, but double the length with about 10 min per lap.
COACHES
Sarah Cookler
Head Coach
Matt Sadauckas
Co-Lead Devo Coach
Jared Inouye
Comp Coach
Eric Bunce
Comp Team Coach
Katie Burbank
Co-Lead Devo Coach
Mike Nilsen
Comp Coach
Samantha Paisley
Comp Team Coach
Sam Johnson
Student Coach
Nicholas Rocco
Student Coach
Corrine Higgins
Student Coach
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tricia Petzold - Secretary
Tricia Petzold, MD, is a distinguished member of the Silverfork Skimo Foundation Board of Directors. With a robust background in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Petzold brings a holistic approach to health and wellness. Her career spans roles in emergency medicine at Snowbird Medical Clinic and Park City Hospital, and she is the founder of Pinnacle Health in Salt Lake City. Dr. Petzold’s passion for backcountry skiing and skimo as well as her extensive volunteer hours with Silverfork Skimo as the parent of a former team member, make her ideally suited to serve on the Board.
Sarah Cookler - EXecutive director & Head Coach
Sarah Cookler is a prominent ski mountaineering (skimo) coach and athlete based in Utah. As the head coach for Silverfork Skimo, she leads a dedicated team of of 40+ young athletes who are consistently among the most competitive nationally and internationally. Sarah also serves on the Board of Directors of and has recently been appointed the Head of Sport for USA Skimo, and continues to manage the Youth National Team on trips to Europe.
An accomplished skimo athlete herself, Sarah was a member of the 2015 and 2019 National Teams and has a background in emergency medicine as a physician assistant, which complements her coaching and race-directing responsibilities. She is also actively involved in promoting backcountry safety and avalanche education, ensuring that her athletes are well-equipped to navigate and enjoy the mountains safely.
Jared Richards - board member
Jared Richards is a seasoned entrepreneur and attorney based in Salt Lake City, Utah and also serves on the board of Fight Against Domestic Violence. His experience with organizing and operating charitable organizations combined with a passion for youth development and backcountry skiing are a valuable addition to the Silverfork Skimo Foundation Board of Directors
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