Ep. 22 Chris Grover on Building U.S. Skiing Into a World Power

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Chris Grover, longtime U.S. Ski Team coach and current program director for cross-country skiing. Grover shares his perspective on what it takes to bring more World Cup events to the United States, the financial and logistical hurdles behind them, and how climate change and global economics are shaping the international race calendar. From Lake Placid’s 2026 World Cup Finals to new race formats at the Tour de Ski, listeners get a rare look at the forces shaping the future of World Cup skiing.

Grover also reflects on his journey from an Anchorage high school skier to Dartmouth racer, to decades of coaching at Stratton, Sun Valley, and the U.S. Ski Team. Along the way, he highlights the mentors who shaped him, the shift toward a “servant leadership” coaching philosophy, and the importance of building strong support networks for athletes. The conversation dives into the growth of American skiing over the past two decades—from early podium breakthroughs to the U.S. becoming a top-five nation on the World Cup circuit.

Finally, the discussion turns to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Grover shares insights into managing Olympic quota spots, the evolution of national team staffing, and the collaboration between U.S. Ski Team and club coaches across the country. With the looming retirement of Jessie Diggins and the push to develop the next generation, Grover explains what it will take to keep U.S. skiing moving forward. It’s a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and the ongoing journey of American cross-country skiing.