Olympic Hopeful: Abby Olson
12/04/2025 11:01AM ● By Haley Watkins
Photo courtesy of Abby Olson.
Abby Olson, a rising Alpine ski racer with roots in Steamboat Springs, is making waves on the international stage as she trains and competes with Burke Mountain Academy in Europe. Recently named to the Olympic long list, Abby credits her hometown, family and mentors for shaping her journey.
Steamboat Magazine: What’s it like representing Steamboat on the world stage?
Abby Olson: Although I am skiing with Burke Mountain Academy this year over in Europe, getting to grow up in Steamboat and ski has been an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The people are amazing and the skiing is awesome! Everyone is so supportive and is always rooting for everyone on the team. I am very honored and excited to be given the opportunity to be on the Olympic long list and if it did get to that point, I would be very proud to be representing Steamboat on that stage.
SM: Who in town has played a key role in your success – coaches, friends, mentors?
AO: My parents and friends played a huge role because they always support me no matter what and they always know how to push me and keep my spirits up. I also wouldn’t be in this sport if it weren’t for my parents, so thank you to them. One of my biggest mentors over the past few years has been my strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Thompson – he is one of the most supportive people in my life. He is always pushing me to new levels in the gym which allows me to excel on the ski hill. He always knows what to say, is rooting for me and believes in me and my abilities.
SM: Do you remember your first experience on snow here in Steamboat? What was it like?
AO: I don’t remember my first experience on snow in Steamboat, but I know that my parents were there and my dad was skiing with me between his legs. He always tells me that it only took a few days and then I started to get the hang of it by myself.
SM: How do you stay grounded while training for something as big as this?
AO: I try to focus on short-term goals rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture. Of course, I have long-term dreams, but staying present and working toward smaller milestones helps me stay motivated and grounded. It’s about building the process step by step.
SM: What do you hope your story brings to the Steamboat community, especially young athletes?
AO: I hope that my story helps athletes realize that they can do anything that they put their mind to. But also that no matter what you do in life there will always be people out there that support you and want you to succeed. You just have to find those people and they will do anything and everything for you.
Abby Olson, a rising Alpine ski racer with roots in Steamboat Springs, is making waves on the international stage as she trains and competes with Burke Mountain Academy in Europe. Recently named to the Olympic long list, Abby credits her hometown, family and mentors for shaping her journey.
Steamboat Magazine: What’s it like representing Steamboat on the world stage?
Abby Olson: Although I am skiing with Burke Mountain Academy this year over in Europe, getting to grow up in Steamboat and ski has been an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The people are amazing and the skiing is awesome! Everyone is so supportive and is always rooting for everyone on the team. I am very honored and excited to be given the opportunity to be on the Olympic long list and if it did get to that point, I would be very proud to be representing Steamboat on that stage.
SM: Who in town has played a key role in your success – coaches, friends, mentors?
AO: My parents and friends played a huge role because they always support me no matter what and they always know how to push me and keep my spirits up. I also wouldn’t be in this sport if it weren’t for my parents, so thank you to them. One of my biggest mentors over the past few years has been my strength and conditioning coach, Jeff Thompson – he is one of the most supportive people in my life. He is always pushing me to new levels in the gym which allows me to excel on the ski hill. He always knows what to say, is rooting for me and believes in me and my abilities.
SM: Do you remember your first experience on snow here in Steamboat? What was it like?
AO: I don’t remember my first experience on snow in Steamboat, but I know that my parents were there and my dad was skiing with me between his legs. He always tells me that it only took a few days and then I started to get the hang of it by myself.
SM: How do you stay grounded while training for something as big as this?
AO: I try to focus on short-term goals rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture. Of course, I have long-term dreams, but staying present and working toward smaller milestones helps me stay motivated and grounded. It’s about building the process step by step.
SM: What do you hope your story brings to the Steamboat community, especially young athletes?
AO: I hope that my story helps athletes realize that they can do anything that they put their mind to. But also that no matter what you do in life there will always be people out there that support you and want you to succeed. You just have to find those people and they will do anything and everything for you.