Ultimate Mountain Athlete Season 2
Being great at one sport? Fine. Being great at all of them? That’s the Ultimate Mountain Athlete. This unprecedented competition tests climbing, biking, and skiing skills—plus plenty of endurance, strength, and sheer guts.
Ultimate Mountain Athlete, presented by Toyota Trucks, is back for season two, and now you get to have a say on the finalists in the men’s and women’s categories.Last season, we watched some of the best all-around mountain athletes in the country compete in rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. This season an all-new field will compete for the title—and the $20,000 prize in each category.
A public vote will determine one of the competitors in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Between now and February 16th, 2026, vote for your favorite athletes in the polls below. Winners will join the Ultimate Mountain Athlete competition in April, and you’ll be able to see all the action—and the winners—when season two debuts in June.
The Natural
Some people are just born to be a mountain athlete. Exhibit A:Carter Krasny. The Whistler native grew up competing in moguls, halfpipe, and slopestyle skiing. He topped off this “early career” with a BC Winter Games appearance at age 14. Next up: competitive mountain biking. Krasny started racing the Enduro World Cup circuit as a junior in 2019, and, after proving himself as an elite rider, decided to pursue his own goals. That means making freeride films that highlight his passion for unridden natural lines.
The Late Bloomer
With first ascents and new routes on five continents, and a resume that includes sport ascents up to 5.14d, big-wall free climbs, and ice climbing,Sam Eliasis one of America’s most respected all-around climbers. But unlike many elite climbers today, Sam was not a kid wonder on rock. In fact, he didn’t start climbing until after college, which he attended on a skiing scholarship. He was raised with a passion for alpine skiing, and raced competitively until 2005, when he made the transition to climbing. Since then, he’s earned podiums in ice events, summited Mount Everest, and pushed limits on rock, ice, and alpine terrain. All that means Sam has a soul-deep connection to the mountains and brings that passion to every challenge, whatever the sport.
The Scientist
How many pro mountain bikers are also snow scientists? Only one that we know of:Dillon Osleger. As a pro rider for Specialized, Osleger’s bike cred needs no padding. He pairs that with a deep history in backcountry skiing, which led him to snow science and avalanche forecasting. This unique background gives Osleger an uncommon understanding of terrain, risk, and line choice, and makes him the epitome of a modern mountain athlete.
The Photographer
Why be satisfied with being a pro at just one thing? That seems to be the philosophy ofHailey Elise. The professional freeride mountain biker has earned respect as a rider who blends control, creativity, and a quiet intensity that shows up when the terrain gets serious. On top of that, Elise is also a photographer and videographer who is pushing her creativity through the lens of an elite athlete. A lifelong multisport athlete (skiing was her first love), Elise thrives on learning new skills and proving that grit, adaptability, and mindset are what count most.
The True All-Arounder
Everyone who competes in Ultimate Mountain Athlete must be a three-sport star. Bringing expert-level skiing, mountain biking,andclimbing to the table is no easy feat, even for the pros. And adding a day job and volunteering on top? That’s next level, which is what makesKrystin Norman’strack record so impressive. First, the freeride skier pairs elite skiing with more than 15 years of climbing experience and enduro mountain biking on steep, technical terrain. Plus, she balances her multisport pursuits with a career as a coffee scientist and a dedication to helping women access affordable avalanche and snow safety training (Norman founded the SheJumps Snowpack Scholarship Program). All this makes her particularly good at problem solving, which could be the ultimate skill needed to win it all.
The Crusher
Tough terrain? Steep and rowdy, with ridiculous obstacles? That’s whereKelsey Wittelsthrives. Her zeal for speed and air and all-around badassery has made her both a globally ranked freeride skier and Red Bull Raid winner (that alone should tell you something). In a very short time she’s put together a very long adventure resume that includes big-mountain skiing, expert enduro mountain biking, and over a decade of climbing experience. She pairs her athleticism and fearlessness with a mental toughness honed through years of climbing, which makes her a competitor to watch out for wherever she lines up.
