The shirr of the skis gliding across the snow, the way the boots click-clack as they hit the bindings on an uphill climb, the crunch of the poles piercing the ground, and the puff-puff of air entering and exiting the body all provide a cross country ski guide with information about their paraskier. The role is one of intent listening, pristine physical conditioning, and mental focus; one where a small miscalculation can cost the entire race and a Paralympic medal. 
 
Selecting a guide is one of the most challenging decisions a paraskier can make. A guide must match the athlete's maximum pace, rhythm and stride, and communication style. Because the duo functions as a single unit, the most important performance requirement is trust. This is why many strong partnerships between paraskiers and guides have been built on pre-existing friendships or family ties. 
 
For Peter Wolter '22, Sam Wood '19 and Jake Adicoff (Bowdoin '19), that strong foundation was built on the trails where Adicoff and Wolter grew up - Sun Valley, Idaho. As the world slowed down during the pandemic, the trio found themselves skiing together and inadvertently creating an unbreakable bond. Although Adicoff had retired from professional skiing as a two-time Paralympian, Wood couldn't help but plant the comeback seed in his friend's mind - would Adicoff consider training for Beijing with Wood as his guide?
 
The pair went on to claim silver in both the 1.5K spring and the 20K classic, while also helping lead the 4x2.5K mixed relay to gold in the visually impaired category at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics.
 
 
Following the games, Wood retired from the sport, meaning Adicoff would need a new guide if he wanted to train for another Olympic games. His path forward led back home to his roots in Sun Valley and his friendship with Wolter. The pair dominated the World Cup circuit this year, claiming three gold medals and one bronze. 
 
 
With the Milano Cortina Paralympics set to begin on March 6, the NESCAC trio will be together again on the world stage. Adicoff will pair up with Wolter for the 1.5K classic sprint and the 20K skate. and partner with Reid Goble (Michigan Tech '21) for the 10K classic and the mixed relay. Wood has returned for the games as well, serving on the wax team. Favored to win at least two events, Adicoff hopes his strong foundation with the Middlebury alumni will fuel him to stand atop the podium once again.
 
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The games run from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 15. Adicoff and Wolter debut in the 1.5K sprint on March 10. Watch the event live on Peacock or NBC at 4:00 a.m. ET. The duo will be back in action at the same time on March 15 for the grand finale 20K skate.