For many American Olympians, the journey to the world’s biggest winter sports stage starts long before they don the Stars and Stripes at the Opening Ceremony (or in today's case, the Closing Ceremonies). Often, it begins on a college campus, where elite coaching, competitive rivalries, snowy environments, and world-class facilities intersect to shape future medal contenders.

The NCAA’s Indelible Role in Winter Sports

Collegiate athletics in the U.S. remains a critical training ground for Winter Olympic athletes. In the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina alone, more than 240 athletes who competed in college sports represented their countries across skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, speed skating and more, spanning 86 different colleges worldwide.

That’s a powerful testament to the NCAA model’s influence on elite winter sport development. While schools across all divisions contribute Olympians, certain programs stand out thanks to tradition, geography, and investment.

Here are some of the colleges and programs that consistently appear atop the roster of Winter Olympic athletes, especially from the U.S.:

1. The Ohio State University

At the 2026 Winter Games, Ohio State led the pack with 13 athletes who started in or competed collegiately at the university. In a sport where depth matters, like women’s ice hockey, Ohio State’s NCAA programs have translated strongly to the international stage.

2. Boston University & Other Hockey Powerhouses

Several schools with strong ice sports traditions rank near the top of Olympic representation:

• Boston University had 12 athletes in Milan–Cortina.

• University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin–Madison each contributed 12 Olympians.

• Clarkson University sent 11 athletes.

These schools owe much of their Olympic output to ice hockey, a sport where the NCAA provides elite competition and development pathways directly into international careers.

3. University of Maine & St. Cloud State

Smaller programs also make big contributions:

• University of Maine saw 10 athletes compete in 2026, mainly through its hockey program.

• St. Cloud State University likewise contributed 10.

Their consistent representation underscores how regional traditions in winter sports, particularly in the northern U.S., help build multiple Winter Olympians.

4. Dartmouth & Northeastern Universities

Ivy League and Northeast schools continue to punch above their weight:

• Dartmouth College had 9 alumni in Milan–Cortina.

• Northeastern University also counted 9 Winter Olympians.

These programs combine broad athletic development with favorable climates for winter training.

5. Smaller & Specialized Programs

From University of Alaska Fairbanks (6 athletes) to University of Vermont (8) and University of North Dakota (5), schools in colder climates and with strong winter sports cultures also contribute regularly. Many of these schools specialize in cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or Nordic sport pathways that don’t get the same national spotlight as hockey but are vital to the Olympic fabric.

Historical Perspective: Westminster and Minnesota

When researchers looked further back, including data from earlier Olympics, Westminster College in Utah once emerged as a leader in producing Winter Olympians, especially in freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Its proximity to world-class training sites and partnerships with national teams helped drive athlete numbers. 

Similarly, historical studies of U.S. Olympians showed University of Minnesota with the most Winter Olympians of any U.S. school (at least as of a 2017 study). Over 90 of its former students had appeared in Winter Games by that point, many as hockey players. 

Why These Schools Excel

Several factors help explain why certain universities produce disproportionate numbers of Winter Olympians:

Geography & Climate

Schools in colder climates like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Alaska naturally foster winter sports. Access to ice rinks, ski trails, and snowboarding terrain enables year-round training and competitive excellence.

Strong Athletic Programs

Universities with storied Division I hockey teams, like Ohio State, Boston University, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, provide direct pipelines into national teams and professional leagues, which in turn leads to Olympic selection.

Institutional Support

Many universities invest heavily in facilities, coaching, and athlete academic support, allowing elite athletes to balance rigorous training with degree programs.

Conclusion: The College Olympian Pipeline

U.S. colleges remain a bedrock of Winter Olympic success, especially through the NCAA system. Whether through powerhouse hockey programs, ski teams in snowy regions, or smaller schools channeling excellence into niche winter sports, collegiate athletics continues to shape the elite competitors on the world stage.

From Ohio State’s leading contingent in Milan–Cortina to historic contributors like Minnesota and Westminster, the story of American Winter Olympians is deeply rooted in the vibrant, competitive world of college sports.

As the Games come to a close today, we want to wish all of the Olympians, especially our collegiate athletes, a huge congratulations!!