T-Minus Ten Years: Soldier Hollow’s Preparations for Salt Lake City 2034

As the pageantry and athletic performances of Paris 2024 captivated audiences across the United States, a team of organizers had their eyes fixed on a target far beyond the shores of the Seine. Ten years beyond, in fact. The International Olympic Committee announced on July 24th that Salt Lake City, Utah will host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Cross-Country and Biathlon events returning to the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, site of the...

The Old Man and the Lake: A Skier’s Swim Across the Mackinac Straits. Part I

Bobbing around in the middle of Lakes Huron and Michigan like a cork in a bathtub while staring up at the intimidating mass of the Mackinac Bridge tends to put things into a different perspective. My perspective was one of incredible insignificance. Everything around me was huge: the lake, the bridge, the distance, the current, and especially the stomach churning, energy sapping swells. I felt incredibly small. How does a guy end up in this...

National Team Development Center (NTDC) Assistant Coach and Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) Development Coach 

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a passionate and experienced coach and/or former high-performance/varsity athlete to join our dynamic team. If you have a deep understanding of elite-level sports, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to develop and support top athletes, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to work alongside leading professionals and contribute to the success of our athletes on the national and international stage. This dual...

NNF Announces Trail to Gold Application is Now Open

  The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to announce that the application period for Trail to Gold Coaching Grants is now open. The Trail to Gold Coaching Grant program provides American women coaches and technicians the opportunity to gain international-level experience through an immersive internship with the US Ski Team. The third class of T2G Coaches will further build on the success of the past two years by continuing to add a dynamic, impactful presence to...

Shane MacDowell: Filling Some Very Large Shoes. Part II

Last May, FasterSkier wrote about the retirement of University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) legendary ski coach Cory Schwartz, who had been with the University for 42 years. This summer, UNH named Shane MacDowell— the team’s former assistant coach— as Schwartz’s replacement. In Part one of our interview with MacDowell we discussed the lessons learned from his mentors, and the challenges of following in the footsteps of a beloved legend. In Part II we discuss meeting...

Quarry Road Trails Seeks Development Coach

  Development Coach Overview:  The City of Waterville is accepting applications for the position of Development Coach for Quarry Road Trails. This position will work under the direction of the City of Waterville’s Quarry Road Trails Program Director. The Development Coach will help organize and lead the Quarry Road Ski Club’s youth and middle school Nordic ski programs.  This position will provide high-caliber coaching and assistance to Quarry Road Ski Club’s athletes, volunteer coaches, high...

A Story of Resilience and Hard Work: Coming Back from a Season-Ending Injury with Graham Ritchie

Speaking with FasterSkier from Torsby, Sweden, Graham Ritchie is together with three teammates from the Canadian National Development Team completing a three-week long training camp in the Torsby Ski Tunnels – an experience he describes as “unique.” Working with his coach, this camp will provide Ritchie with some valuable hours on snow after an injury that caused him to sit out last season entirely. A 25-year-old Canadian nordic skier, Ritchie made a late debut into...

Lessons in Process Goals

I think Jessie Diggins has taught the world many things. Maybe it’s how to find your grit and accept the pain while you push your body to new limits. Maybe it’s a better understanding of eating disorders, where to find help, and knowing you’re not alone. Or maybe it’s the art of applying face glitter on race day. I’ve learned a bit about all of those things (when Jessie says you’re getting glittered, you’re getting...

Harvard Seeks Assistant Coach for Men’s & Women’s Nordic Skiing

  Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students.  By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming...

Shane MacDowell: Filling Some Very Large Shoes. Part I

Last May, FasterSkier wrote about the retirement of University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) legendary ski coach Cory Schwartz, who had been with the University for 42 years. This summer, UNH named Shane MacDowell— the team’s former assistant coach— as Schwartz’s replacement. Following in the footsteps of a person whose career stretches back to the Reagan administration is a daunting task. Doing so at a university which has a dedicated and passionate alumni base is even...

Olympic Reflections from Paris

It’s been 14 years since I became an Olympian, competing as a cross country skier in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Since then, it hasn’t been easy to get to the Olympics as a spectator. The Winter Games have been in Sochi, Pyeongchang and Beijing, while the summer games have been in Rio and Tokyo, with an interruption by the Covid pandemic. The Paris Games were finally an opportunity for me to attend my...

University of Denver Skiing Seeks Assistant Nordic Ski Coach

The Nordic Assistant Coach assists the Head Coach in the administration of all aspects of the program, including, but not limited to, coaching, recruiting, event scheduling, supervision of program personnel, budget management, Student-Athlete mentoring, team travel, equipment, meals, technical logistics (software), marketing, and compliance with NCAA and the RMISA rules/regulations. The Assistant Head Coach will embrace and model a positive coaching philosophy and associated techniques, insisting on a culture of respect and positive communication, as...

Getting to Know Fin Bailey: One of the Newest Members of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team

Finnegan Bailey—a resident of Landgrove, Vermont, and team member of SMST2 and the University of Vermont—was selected this spring to become one of the newest members of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team at the staggering age of 18. So how’d he do it? In the last twelve months, Finnegan (Fin) Bailey has received quite the accolades in the competitive nordic skiing scene. To name a few: he was named to the SMST2 club team, he...

Galena Lodge Seeks Nordic Ski School Director, Instructors and Restaurant Staff

Galena Lodge is a small day-lodge nestled in the Rocky Mountains 23 miles north of Sun Valley Resort and Ketchum, Idaho. We are located at an altitude of 7,300 feet at the base of the Boulder and Smokey Mountains. Our winter season runs from mid-November until early April (or as snow levels permit) and our Summer Season runs from mid-June until mid-September. Winter Positions Nordic Ski School Director and Instructors: (2-3 people) This job requires...

The Best Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing in England

Thanks to England’s diverse landscapes, it boasts an impressive variety of cross-country skiing destinations, perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers. So, whether you seek the thrill of challenging routes or the serenity of gliding through snow-covered woodlands, there is a destination for you.  Here are the best destinations for cross-country skiing in England.   Bakewell  Bakewell is nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, on the banks of the River...

The Best Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing in Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most picturesque countries and a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. While most would come here for its well-known alpine ski resorts, a lesser-known but thrilling pursuit awaits those seeking a more exciting adventure – cross-country skiing. It’s a unique way to discover Italy’s diverse terrains, from the majestic Dolomites to the serene valleys of the Aosta region. Below, check out some of Italy’s best destinations for cross-country skiing. Selva...

The Best Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing in Switzerland

Switzerland is synonymous with breathtaking alpine scenery and world-class winter sports, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s considered one of the world’s best destinations for cross-country skiing. While downhill skiing often steals the spotlight, the country’s extensive and meticulously maintained cross-country skiing trails are a more serene yet equally exhilarating way to explore its stunning landscapes.  Whether you’re an avid cross-country skier or a curious beginner, here are the best destinations for...

The Best Destinations for Cross-Country Skiing in Scotland

Scotland is known for its rugged highlands, enchanting lochs, and rich history. It transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, luring winter sports enthusiasts into its dramatic landscapes. Cross-country skiing in Scotland takes you on a thrilling adventure of gliding through Scotland’s pristine snow-covered terrain, allowing you to soak up the country’s serene beauty. Here are the best destinations for cross-country skiing in Scotland. Ben Nevis Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in...

CU Ski Team Visits White House For College Champions Day

The Colorado Ski team was one of several NCAA Championship teams at the White House Monday that were celebrated at the College Champions Day. About 20 members of the 2024 NCAA Championship Ski team were in attendance for the Buffaloes along with six coaches and staff members.  The day began with a tour of the White House and culminated with speeches from NCAA Senior Vice President of Championships Lynda Taeler and Vice President Kamala Harris....

Running From Injury

For better or worse the old cliche, ski racers are made in the summer still applies. Cross country runners are made in the summer too. Conveniently, running is excellent training for skiers and obviously runners. Inconveniently, there tend to be a lot of injuries associated with running. And even more inconveniently, we don’t have a ton of research to tell us why or what to do about it.  The clearest correlation to running related injury...