Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympians than any town in North America. That might be why so many of them stayed or returned here, to make a life and raise a family of their own.
The only thing that’s as impressive (and exciting) as the legacy of the former Winter Olympians who live in Steamboat is the fact that many of them have worked or are currently working as coaches at the Steamboat Winter Sports Club, helping to mentor and inspire the next generation of Steamboat Olympians. If they weren’t born in Steamboat, they were promising young athletes who came here for the sole purpose of training with SSWSC, many of whom have stayed here to help carry on the tradition.
After competing all over the world, these athletes all returned to Steamboat at the end of their skiing careers. They settled down and started their own families here, passing onto their children the very same influences and values that shaped their own lives. In so many ways, this is what Steamboat is all about – a life shaped by the surrounding mountains, a love for skiing, family, community, and perhaps even creating the next generation of Olympians.
We caught up with four of Steamboat’s esteemed Winter Olympians to talk about life as a world-class athlete, and what happens when—and if—they hang up their skis.
Caroline Lalive, Chris Puckett, Johnny Spillane and Bobby Aldighieri have all achieved tremendous success in their chosen sports. And, they have all settled back in Steamboat. Here are their stories.
Chris Puckett
Caroline Lalive
Bobby Aldighieri
Johnny Spillane