Aidan Ripp

Hometown: Cloquet MN

College/Club Teams: Paul Smith's College

Results: USCSA Champion 2022, 2024.

How did you get into skiing?

I got into skiing when I was about 4 years old, skiing in the backyard with my parents and older brother.  I started skiing on trails and in short races a couple of years later at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center in Duluth.  Both kidski and races like the Barnebirkie made me fall in love with the sport.  

What are your most fond memories of skiing?

My fondest memory of skiing would have to be full moon night skiing with my dad at a neighbors farm on their single track classic trails.

Best result in skiing?

Hard to say, I think it would be scoring points to compete in Nordic combined Olympic trials in 2021.

Favorite place to visit in Minnesota?

My family cabin near Ely has always been a special place for me.  It fostered a love for nature, lakes, paddling and elongating my vowels.  

Favorite workout?

5-6x15 minute L3 skate or classic.  I enjoy staying in my threshold zone and testing my endurance limits.  

What keeps you motivated?

Being surrounded by people that support me as a person, not just an athlete.  I feel that having great friends has helped keep me focused on the long term goals.

How can you make your community better?

Sport has been one of the driving forces that has made me a better person throughout my life and I believe that this reflects in the community.  Sports and sports teams (and clubs) give community members space to see eye to eye with one another.  Thus, as an athlete on a Team Birkie, we have a great opportunity to reach out to our local communities and support them through coaching, volunteering, or simply as role models.