Montana Athletes Shine at 2026 Winter Olympics

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several athletes from Montana have been named to the U.S. teams for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Hockey player Jake Sanderson from Whitefish will compete for Team USA, while freestyle skier Konnor Ralph from Helena will take part in slopestyle and big air events. Additionally, Paralympic curler Katie Verderber from Helena will represent the United States.

Why it matters

Montana has a strong winter sports culture, with outdoor rinks, frozen ponds, and mountain slopes serving as training grounds for many athletes. Having homegrown talent compete on the global stage of the Olympics and Paralympics showcases the state's athletic prowess and inspires the next generation of Montana sports stars.

The details

Jake Sanderson, a native of Whitefish, has been named to the U.S. men's hockey team. Konnor Ralph from Helena will compete in the exciting slopestyle and big air freestyle skiing events for the United States. Paralympic curler Katie Verderber, also from Helena, will represent Team USA in the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

• The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from February 6 to February 22, 2026 in Italy.
• The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 6 to March 15, 2026, following the Olympics.

What’s next

Viewers can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics on NBC and stream coverage on Peacock from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The Paralympic Winter Games will follow from March 6 to March 15, 2026.