Vermont Skier Wins First US Men's Medal in 50 Years

Ben Ogden stood on the Olympic podium in 2026, ending a 50-year wait for American men's cross-country skiing. The Landgrove, Vermont native captured silver in the men's sprint, matching a feat last achieved by fellow Vermonter Bill Koch in 1976.

Ogden's path to Olympic glory started in the Green Mountains at Stratton Mountain School. His small hometown of Landgrove doesn't have its own high school, but Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program gave him the chance to attend Stratton, where he could train on world-class trails while getting a college prep education.

The investment paid off beyond anyone's dreams. At Stratton, Ogden became a standout junior racer who loved the challenge of pushing himself on those mountain trails.

His talent kept building from there. In 2018, he anchored the U.S. team to silver at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships, another first for American men. He continued his skiing career at the University of Vermont, winning two NCAA National Championships before placing 12th at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Four years later, he upgraded that finish to silver.

The Ripple Effect

Ogden's victory shines a light on Vermont's unique education system. The Town Tuitioning Program lets students from towns without high schools choose where to attend, opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.

Carson Thurber, head of school at Stratton Mountain School, called Ogden's journey "a shining example of the doors that open when talent meets opportunity." For small-town kids with big dreams across Vermont, that message rings especially true.

The medal also marks a milestone for American cross-country skiing. Five decades is a long time to wait, but Ogden's breakthrough suggests the drought might finally be over.

Back in Landgrove and at Stratton Mountain School, the celebrations continue as their local hero shows the world what Vermont grit can accomplish.