Carrabassett Valley Academy Alum Sam Morse Headed to 2026 Olympics

Narrow Gauge at Sugarloaf Prepares Athletes for the World Stage

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Sam Morse, a graduate of Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) in Maine, has qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games. Morse's journey to the Olympics began on the steep and demanding Narrow Gauge trail at Sugarloaf, where he honed his skills as a downhill and Super-G racer. CVA has a long history of producing Olympic-caliber alpine skiers, including Bode Miller and Kirsten Clark Rickenbach, who also developed their technical mastery on Narrow Gauge.

Why it matters

Sugarloaf's Narrow Gauge trail has played a crucial role in developing some of the top American alpine skiers, showcasing how a local mountain can produce Olympic-level talent. Morse's journey to the Olympics highlights the importance of community support and early exposure to challenging terrain in cultivating world-class athletes.

The details

Sam Morse began skiing at Sugarloaf at just 23 months old and quickly embraced the sport, joining the CVA Weekend Program to hone his racing technique. He was admitted to CVA a year early, demonstrating an unrivaled work ethic and focus. Morse went on to become the Junior World Downhill Champion in 2017 and has established himself as a consistent performer on the FIS World Cup circuit, specializing in the speed events of downhill and Super-G.

  • Sam Morse first skied at Sugarloaf in 1996 at 23 months old.
  • Morse began honing his racing technique through the CVA Weekend Program.
  • Morse was admitted to CVA a year early, in 2013.
  • Morse became the Junior World Downhill Champion in 2017.
  • Morse will compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

The players

Sam Morse

A graduate of Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) in Maine who has qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games in alpine skiing.

Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA)

A ski academy in Maine that has produced multiple Olympic alpine racers, including Bode Miller and Kirsten Clark Rickenbach, who developed their technical mastery on the demanding Narrow Gauge trail at Sugarloaf.

Bode Miller

A five-time Olympian and six-time Olympic medalist, who is one of the most accomplished alpine ski racers in American history.

Kirsten Clark Rickenbach

A multiple-time U.S. National Champion who represented the United States at three Winter Olympic Games in 1998, 2002, and 2006.

Chip Cochrane

An accomplished downhill skier and longtime CVA coach to alumni such as Bode Miller and Sam Morse.

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What they’re saying

“You learn to hit the brakes, or you learn to send it.”

— Chip Cochrane, Longtime CVA Coach

“His work ethic and his grit will outlast everybody.”

— Pam Morse, Sam Morse's Mother

What’s next

Sam Morse is a candidate for the Men's Team Combined event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, depending on his results in the Men's Downhill on February 7 and the Men's Super-G on February 11.

The takeaway

Sugarloaf's Narrow Gauge trail has played a pivotal role in developing world-class alpine skiers, showcasing how a local mountain can cultivate Olympic-level talent through a combination of challenging terrain, community support, and a focus on technical mastery.