The dinner table discussions among the Macuga sisters often heat up, particularly when the conversation shifts to which of their winter sports is the most demanding. Each sister presents a strong argument. Alli, who excels in mogul skiing, emphasizes the tough terrain filled with bumps and jumps; Lauren, a downhill ski racer, points to the thrill of reaching speeds over 70 mph (112.6 kph) on icy slopes; while Sam, specializing in ski jumping, talks about the adrenaline of soaring through the air after launching off high ramps.
Their parents take great amusement in these debates. “We enjoy listening to their lively discussions about which sport is tougher or more exciting,” said their father, Dan, whose son Daniel is also making strides as a skier. “The playful exchanges among the sisters are entertaining.”
One shared dream unites them: the aspiration for all three to compete on the U.S. Olympic team at the Milan-Cortina Games next winter. This scenario would create a remarkable family gathering, and it’s a tangible possibility. Alli, who is 21 years old, came away with two podium finishes last season in the World Cup; Sam, who turns 24 soon, ranks among the leading ski jumpers in the U.S.; and 22-year-old Lauren recently celebrated her first World Cup victory in Austria in the super-G event.
The skiing journey for the Macugas started in various states, with Sam born in California, Lauren in Michigan, Alli in Washington, and Daniel in Texas. When the family relocated to Park City, Utah, they embraced the opportunity to foster their children’s skiing interests. As recreational skiers, parents Amy and Dan encouraged their kids through the Youth Sports Alliance, a program designed to introduce younger generations to winter sports following the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics.
Sam’s path led her to ski jumping, where athletes sit at the top of towering ramps and glide down to see how far they can fly. “I remember Sam declaring, ‘Mom, dad, I’m going to be a ski jumper,’” Lauren said, currently training in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the same site where the Olympics will soon be held. “Initially, they thought she was just skiing over some jumps, not realizing she meant tackling massive ones.”
Lauren found her calling in ski racing, captivated by the thrill of speed after overcoming her apprehensions. Her potential was evident early on when she won a junior national competition wearing borrowed gear and using worn-out skis. Alli explored various disciplines—such as aerials, slopestyle, halfpipe, and big mountain skiing—before diving into moguls, a sport that fascinated her with its combination of bumps and flips.
A fortunate outcome of their diverse sports involvement is the absence of rivalry between the sisters. “It’s refreshing that I have my own niche while supporting my siblings in theirs,” Sam shared. “Exchanging experiences and stories is really special.” Despite their respective passions, they all believe their own sport poses the most challenges and have little interest in switching disciplines. Alli expressed her intrigue about Sam’s ski jumping but prefers the smaller jumps, while Sam respects Alli’s moguls and is content to leave that sport to the experts.
Lauren experienced immense joy last Sunday, acquiring her first World Cup win in St. Anton. Celebrated skier Lindsey Vonn, her childhood idol, even joined her in the leader’s box for a congratulatory hug. This moment was significant for Lauren, who cherishes a slalom ski from Vonn as a treasured item. Sharing her triumph with her family was one of the highlights, especially when she called home early in the day while her father was still asleep. “He was startled, thinking something was wrong, and I had to explain, ‘Dad, I won!’” she laughed.
Meanwhile, Alli was preparing to head to the airport with their mother when she learned about Lauren’s victory. “I couldn’t believe the news and dashed downstairs; we were both in shock at how surreal it felt to see her on the winner’s podium,” Alli recounted. Sam, enjoying the slopes in Norway with no cell reception, reached out as soon as she could. “She was like, ‘What the heck?’” Lauren noted, mentioning her collection of bucket hats, of which she owns around 26.
Keeping track of their varied training and travel commitments can be a challenge for the family. To manage this, their mother established the “Macuga Calendar,” a detailed and color-coded spreadsheet that notes all activity schedules. For instance, it recently documented Lauren racing in Cortina, Alli planning a trip to Waterville Valley in New Hampshire for a World Cup event, 19-year-old Daniel competing at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and Sam preparing for an event in Sapporo, Japan, where their parents planned to join her. There’s also a “notes” section to ensure their pets are looked after during this busy time.
This calendar has become an essential resource. “Honestly, I often lose track of where everyone is or what country they’ll be in,” Lauren admitted. “It’s utter chaos, and I truly admire how my mom manages it all.”
If all three sisters secure their Olympic spots, a new logistical challenge arises. Their competitions are spread across Italy, with moguls in Livigno, ski jumping in Predazzo, and ski racing in Cortina—each requiring several hours to travel between locations. “We’ll figure things out somehow,” Amy said confidently. “We’ll make it work.”
