Kate Oldham is 'On The Rise'
Kate Oldham did not come onto the scene quietly; it was as if she had been there all along. During the 2024-25 season, Oldham had her fair share of success, with a U.S. Championship victory, her World Cup debut that led to a top-20 right out of the gate, top-15 results at the Junior World Ski Championships and a spot on the coveted World Championships women's team. For Oldham, this was always part of the plan.
Growing up in Colorado, training with the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club—a program that produces some of the world's best snowsports athletes—it was only a matter of time before Oldham was representing the stars and stripes on the circuit. Now, a recent graduate from Montana State University, Oldham is a full-time professional ski racer, training out of Bozeman, MT with the Bridger Ski Foundation Pro Team. With her first nod to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team this 2025-26 season and a summer of training behind her, we are excited to see what Oldham achieves, with a heavy race calendar just over two months away.
Oldham is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
Q: What initially drew you to the sport of cross country skiing?
A: My parents introduced me to skiing, and I was hooked by the structure and challenges of cross country training, something that still draws me to the sport today. Growing up in Colorado, I was lucky to be surrounded by beautiful places every day, and now ski racing gives me the chance to travel to incredible destinations that keep me motivated and grateful.
Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
A: When I was younger, my dream was to qualify for Junior Nationals. I remember my freshman year of high school; it was my ultimate goal, and achieving it felt like such a huge milestone in my development as a junior. Later in high school, my goals shifted to qualifying for international trips like the Scandinavian Cup and World Juniors, both of which play pivotal roles in an athlete’s growth.
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
A: My biggest accomplishment so far has been qualifying for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. It has opened doors to incredible travel and racing opportunities, but even more importantly, it’s connected me with people who have offered invaluable expertise, guidance and genuine kindness.
Q: What is your ultimate goal?
A: My ultimate goal is to have a fulfilling ski career that I’m proud to walk away from happy, healthy and still loving the sport. I want to carry that love of skiing forever and be in a position to give back to the community that has shaped my life in such profound ways.
Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?
A: Sam Benzing is one of my heroes! Sam was one of my coaches at Montana State University during my senior year and was an incredible source of support while I navigated my first year on the World Cup, my first World Championships and my final NCAA season. She embodies unconditional support and encouraged me to follow my own unique path, not just as an athlete, but as a person and as a lifelong lover of skiing.
Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
A: If I were to win $5,000 in prize money, I would use it to support my life in Bozeman, where I love living and have access to excellent training resources. This may not be the flashiest answer, but as an American cross country skier without a salary, chasing my dream of representing the U.S. internationally means finding creative ways to fund essentials like rent, high-quality nutrition and training expenses.
Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
A: Yes, my weekly routine naturally creates a structure around spending. Training, grocery shopping and filling up my gas tank all happen on a set rhythm, which helps me keep track of what I need and where my money goes.
I set aside a small portion of every paycheck into a simple IRA, allowing me to build my retirement fund gradually over time.