Zach Caldwell spends a lot of time with skis. Caldwell’s West Townshed based Engineered Tuning (engineeredtuning.net) is like West Yellowstone at Thanksgiving, a rare gathering of the entire culture of skiing, only at Zach’s shop, the skiers are absent. The names written in Sharpie marker on every ski are testimony to who’s trust Zach has earned. They are varied in profile from juniors to Andy Newell, Midwestern master skiers to college coaches. Before working on skis full time, Caldwell skied at Middlebury College, then coached at Stratton Mountain School. Recently he has run ski service for the NENSA contingent at Junior Nationals, as well as helping out the US team when in the States. He answers questions for fasterskier.com and middleburyskiing.org
 in a week of ski team practices. Compare that with the volume that high level 18-23 year-olds are training around the world. I think you’ll find that ambitious athletes need to be supplementing their training a bit! They need to be supported and guided in that process.</p>
<p>The college environment is pretty sweet. A roof over your head, meals prepared, a coaching staff at your disposal, free transportation, entry and wax support at races. There are also academics to consider. The time involved imposes some structure on life, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. As I said, it’s a sweet set-up. The place is breaks down is that I haven’t met many college students who don’t feel entitled to a raging social life. Heck — it’s college!</p>
<p>Well, I think the eastern college programs could probably do a better job helping the kids with the highest level goals and aspirations to navigate the decision making process when it comes to priorities.</p>
<p><b>On a van ride to Silver Star you once told me that your goal is to tend a garden and ski a lot. How close to this goal are you?</b></p>
<p>The garden is lush. Last time I looked it was at least four feet high with the thickest, most succulent looking mix of weeds imaginable. Last Summer I actually planted some stuff and got it going before I ran out of time right when everything was coming good. This year I only got as far as getting the thing tilled.</p>
<p>Did I really say that was my goal? I guess I’m not doing to well. I did go up to Mt St Anne with some friends for Christmas last year and I skied three days in a row! It was the highpoint of my season. I think I got pretty fit sometime around 2:00PM on the third day, but by 4:00 I was toast.</p>
<p>So look — can I change my goals retroactively? Truth be told, I’m really happy with life. </p>
<p>More at <a href=http://www.middleburyskiing.org)
www.middleburyskiing.org
Andrew Gardner is the Head Nordic Coach at Middlebury College.
