Durango’s own Charlie Mickel, a sponsored athlete of Purgatory Resort, has earned his position representing Team USA in mogul skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games after strong performances on the FIS World Cup circuit!
Mickel grew up skiing at Purgatory Resort and trained with Durango Winter Sports Club, where he spent his early years developing on the resort’s slopes. He earned his first Olympic selection based on his performances at World Cup and FIS events in Ruka, Finland; Val St-Côme, Quebec; and Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
“Just to qualify is something that I’ve dedicated my whole life to,” Mickel said. “I remember watching the Olympics in 2014 in Sochi, and I was like, ‘I want to be there one day.’ It’s a dream come true.”
Mickel was selected to the U.S. Ski Team in 2022 and has been competing full-time on the World Cup circuit for the last two years, where he has achieved numerous top-10 results and secured his first World Cup podium in his career.
Mickel learned to ski at Purgatory, where he took his first steps into the sport and progressed through competitive programs. Charlie’s first run ever was the bunny hill at Purgatory, before he was even two years old! That early development reflects the resort’s long-standing commitment to welcoming and advancing new skiers, a focus recently recognized when Purgatory was named North America’s No. 1 ski area for beginners in OnTheSnow.com’s 2024–25 Visitors’ Choice Awards.
“Charlie’s Olympic selection is an incredible moment for him and the entire community,” said Dave Rathbun, Purgatory Resort’s general manager. “We’re thrilled to see his hard work and dedication recognized on the world stage and look forward to cheering him on as he represents Team USA.”Mickel will compete in Olympic moguls events February 10–12 and February 15, 2026. You can follow his journey in real time on Instagram.
Charlie’s connection with Purgatory is unique. Mickel says “It’s really special having Purgatory as my home mountain. Growing up skiing in a small ski community like Purg allowed my siblings and I to stay super close growing up, which otherwise would have been impossible in a larger winter sports club.”
Mickel reflects on how Purgatory moves into the future… “It means a ton to me to see Purgatory thriving and the continuation of the Winter Sports Club. Durango will always hold a special place in my heart and be somewhere that I’ll always enjoy returning home to.” – Mickel.
We asked Charlie what advice he’d offer to someone striving to follow a similar path. His answer is a reminder that progress is born of persistence.
“I would say to get determined and stay determined. It’s not going to be a linear path but if you stay committed to making progress every single day you will surprise yourself with what you can achieve.”
When asked for one final piece of wisdom for skiers just starting out, Charlie offers a simple yet powerful piece:
“I would say have fun, and take it one turn at a time. If you look at getting down an intimidating ski slope as a whole it can be overwhelming, but if you break it up into smaller pieces, it will become much more manageable!”
