At just 19 years old, Griffin Briley is already making waves on the World Cup stage—and he’s just getting started. In this episode of SKIMO Gold, Griffin joins hosts Travis Macy and Cam Smith from Europe, fresh off the Olympic test event in Bormeo and prepping for the World Championships in Switzerland.

Griffin shares what it’s like to train full-time at 2000 meters in Chamonix, France, and how he balances the high-pressure world of Olympic sprints and relays with his love for long ski tours and big mountains. From honey-fueled workouts to climbing 6,000-meter peaks in Peru, Griffin brings serious grit, curiosity, and stoke to every corner of the sport.

The trio dives into training philosophy, the importance of quality over quantity, the quirks of altitude adaptation, and how to stay grounded while chasing Olympic dreams. Plus: rapid-fire questions, roommate confessions, and why “just loving skiing” might be the most important edge of all.

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

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Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Before SKIMO hit the Olympic stage, Pete Swenson was already carving the path. In this episode of SKIMO Gold, host Travis Macy reconnects with one of the sport’s foundational figures in the U.S.—a pioneer whose influence runs deep through the gear, culture, and competitive scene we know today.

Pete reflects on his early days transitioning from pro mountain biking to ski mountaineering, racing the first U.S. events in Crested Butte, and bringing lightweight European skimo gear stateside. From creating legendary events like the Heathen Challenge to leading the national series, Pete shares a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of growing the sport—from working with resorts to building a true national race circuit.

Travis and Pete also dig into gear fragility, skinning technique, and why U.S. athletes need more high-level races to thrive. Pete offers heartfelt advice for young athletes and late starters alike, while sharing his current focus: running the Frisco Nordic Center, coaching junior racers, and supporting the next generation of skimo talent.

If you’ve raced skimo in the U.S., you’ve felt Pete’s impact. This episode celebrates his legacy—and his continued drive to grow the sport with passion, community, and grit. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

How do you train like an elite skimo athlete without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of SKIMO Gold, host Travis Macy sits down with longtime friends and legends of the endurance world—athlete Jack Linehan and coach Joe Howdyshell—for a conversation that’s as thoughtful as it is informative.

Jack shares what it’s like training in Chamonix (yes, carbs and croissants are involved), laying out a high-performance weekly routine that includes 10–14 hours of aerobic work, 6–7 hours of strength, and another 6–7 of mobility and PT. Joe, founder of Summit Endurance Academy, breaks down his coaching philosophy, with a focus on feel-first training, mood tracking, and what he calls the “internal power meter”—a way to guide training based on intuition, not just data.

They explore the importance of mental health in high-performance sports, how to fuel effectively for sprint races (hint: 225 grams of carbs in one bottle), and why creating space between your identity and achievements can unlock more joy and longevity in racing.

Whether you're chasing podiums or just trying to stay stoked through winter, this episode is packed with the wisdom, strategy, and soul of skimo. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.