Development coach Wilson Dippo is expected to lead the winter sports programme which CAF hopes will "strengthen the Paralympic pathway".

Dippo brings a wealth of knowledge in Nordic and biathlon training and coaching and joins the CAF team with focus on the state of Idaho.

He raced for Bowdoin College in Maine before heading to Idaho where he co-founded the first Paralympic sports club in the state, according to CAF.

With a combined background in competing and coaching, Dippo is expected to engage Para athletes of all ages and empower individuals with disabilities with new sport opportunities in Nordic and Alpine skiing as well as biathlon, hockey and curling.

"We are excited about this coaching collaboration as a way to reimagine developing athletes in Para Nordic skiing," said Eileen Carey, director of USPN.  

"Wilson will be providing access to high-quality coaching to athletes where they live.

"We hope this model will be a blueprint for developing athletes in other regions throughout the country."

CAF said Para athletes would not only have a skilled professional in Dippo to introduce them to the sport but a mentor to guide them to elite level training and competition.

"CAF has always been an integral partner to athlete development, and this is the first shared role that creates a continuum from entry into sport up to elite competition," said Jenn Skeesick, regional director for CAF Idaho.

"This will be the first season that CAF has a specialist focusing on winter programming, racing and athlete development."

The CAF is set to host a series of camps and clinics in Idaho, starting this month and concluding in late March.

For the full winter sports schedule, click here.