Lumi Experiences & NNF: Supporting the Next Generation of US Nordic Skiers

 

US Ski Team Coach Bryan Fish shares about the NNF with Lumi guests and the World Junior Team skiers

Since the first Lumi Experiences trip in 2018, Lumi has been proud to support the National Nordic Foundation (NNF), whose mission is to power the opportunities that bridge the gap to World Cup and Olympic excellence for developing Nordic skiers from the United States. 

The first Lumi trip was a fundraiser for the NNF. Lumi guests had the opportunity to cheer on US skiers at the Seefeld World Cup, the last World Cup before the 2018 Olympics in Korea. Since then, Lumi has donated over $20,000 to the NNF. Guests had the opportunity to cheer on US athletes as they competed on the world stage, including World Cup victories for Sophie Caldwell in the Sprint and Jessie Diggins in the 10km freestyle. Lumi guests witnessed firsthand the results of the dedication and passion of the rising US skiers.

US Ski Team Coach Bryan Fish shares about the NNF with Lumi guests and the World Junior Team skiers

Fast forward seven years, there was a familiar scene in Seefeld last week. The US Junior Team, preparing for the World Junior Championships, held their final training camp in Seefeld before heading to Schilpario, Italy. Among the coaching staff was Bryan Fish, who played an important role in my own journey as an athlete in the years leading up to the 2010 Olympics. NNF Board Member, and my college ski team captain, Colin Rodgers, was also one of the coaches on the trip. When I learned from Bryan and Colin that the Junior National team would be in Seefeld at the same time as guests on Lumi’s Marcialonga & König Ludwig Lauf trip, it was the perfect opportunity to bring them together with our guests for a unique and memorable experience.

Evening Curling in Seefeld

We invited the athletes to join our group for an evening of Eisstockschiessen—Austria’s version of curling. Against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, Lumi guests and the junior athletes connected over this fun and competitive game. It was inspiring to see these young skiers share their stories, aspirations, and experiences with Lumi travelers who are passionate about the sport and its future.

As the evening continued, a few daring athletes even joined in for some post-game yodeling, proving that they’re not just talented on skis but also willing to embrace the full cultural experience.

US Ski Team Coach Bryan Fish learns yodeling from World Champion yodeler Anni

With the World Championships in Trondheim, Norway coming up at the end of February, Lumi guests will soon have another opportunity to cheer on the US Ski Team’s top athletes. And in exactly one year, we’ll be gathering in Italy for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, where we’ll proudly support the US skiers at the Olympic Games.

There is still limited space available for Lumi's 2026 Olympic Trips (Opening and Middle weeks are almost full). Reach out soon to secure your spot.

Elisabeth, Lumi trip leader and 2018 Olympian from Germany, leads the pack in sledding

For those who dream of combining world-class skiing with cultural experiences like curling, yodeling, and rodeling (Austrian sledding) on your bucket list, there is still space available on several of Lumi’s most popular trips: 

Reach out before March 31 to save $300/person on any 2026 Lumi trip.

See you on the trail soon,

Garrott Kuzzy
garrott@lumiexperiences.com
Founder & Olympian

 
Lauren Honican