NYSEF September 2023 Newsletter

Revving up for the 23/24 On-Snow Season

September has proven to be a dynamic month for NYSEF as athletes began their fall training, traveled to Chile for three weeks on the snow, and prepped for the upcoming season. This month, with the help of the renowned Killington World Cup Foundation and the Cloudsplitter Foundation, we launched a new Skimeister Program that will offer our youngest athletes the chance to experience all of our disciplines in the Lake Placid area This program has been a long time in the making, and I am proud to be partnering with our ORDA venues and local community stakeholders to make it happen.

As we move into October the weather begins to change, we start to see snow in the mountains, and I start to think about the coming winter season and what NYSEF offers to our young athletes and families. If this is your first winter with us, I welcome you to our community We are a passionate group who loves winter sports and being outside If you ’ re interested in volunteering opportunities, please reach out This is your new winter home, and I am looking forward to meeting you all and welcoming our returning families back for th

Photo by Pat Bly

What's Next: Upcoming Camps & Events

Flaming Leaves Festival

October 6-8, 2023

Enjoy the fall colors with live music, vendors, crafts and acrivities while watching the FIS Continental Cup for Ski Jumping

More info: https://www lakeplacid com/events/flaming-leaves-festival

October Ski Jumping Mini-Camp

Winter is coming! Let’s get some jumping in one last time before the nets go on the hills. We will be training on all hills from HS10 to HS128.

Date: October 13-15, 2023

Cost: $200 includes coaching

Registration: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/376233

NYSEF Day at Big Snow (All Ages & Disciplines):

NYSEF Freeride Staff and Alpine Staff from all 3 Mountains will be at Big Snow American Dream to meet athletes, discuss equipment, and answer any questions you may have Athletes are encouraged to get in their boots and ski/ride during this time. Lift tickets should be purchased on your own through Big Snow American Dream in advance. No lodging provided

Date: Saturday, October 21: 10am-2pm

2023 NYSEF Winter Ski & Gear Sale in Lake Placid

November 4, 2023 8AM-11:30AM

Lake Placid Elementary School

Our Annual Sale is back!! Bring your gear to sell or come buy some lightly used and discounted gear! All winter outdoor gear & accessories welcome! Items should be 10 years old or newer, and in good condition Check out our FAQ sheet!

More info: https://www.nysef.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/352/2023/09/2023LPSC NYSEF-Ski-Swap.pdf

2023 NYSEF/Northwood School FIS/U18 Fall Colorado Training

Twelve days on snow (8 GS, 4 SL) Focus on GS and SL Gate volume Other activities will include video analysis and group dryland while staying at East Village in Copper, Colorado

Dates: November 7-21, 2023

What's

Next:

Upcoming Camps & Events (Continued)

2023 NYSEF/Northwood U16 Prep Project in Hintertux, Austria

Eleven days on snow, focusing on the foundational elements of GS at Hintertux Glacier in Austria for NYSEF‘s Full-time U16 athletes. Athletes will stay in Gasthof-Hochsteg, Finkenberg, Austria where they will ski and have mandatory daily academic sessions.

Dates: November 15-30, 2023

XC Thanksgiving Training

Join NYSEF’s Nordic Coaching Staff for on-snow training sessions at Mt Van Hoevenberg with The NYSEF Junior Race Team! For cross country ski racers and biathletes ages 14-18!

Date: November 22-26, 2023

Cost: $500 includes coaching, lodging & meals at the Olympic Training Center

Registration: https://go teamsnap com/forms/376233

2023 NYSEF U12-U18 Sunday River Fundamentals Camp

This camp is geared toward constructing as well as refining fundamental movement patterns through freeskiing. This camp introduces the athletes to the ski camp environment, from daily preparation to time management and is close to home.

Dates: November 17 - November 22, 2023

Cost: Approx $1,500 Includes lodging, meals, lift tickets, coaching fees and ground transportation.

Registration: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/380835

2023 NYSEF U14-U18 Fall Fundamentals Camp in Summit Co., CO

This camp is geared toward constructing as well as refining fundamental movement patterns through freeskiing and getting LOTS of mileage! Eight days on snow. Athletes will continue to maintain an athletic physical base by coupling the time on snow with dryland training

Dates: November 23 - December 3, 2023

Cost: Approx. $2,500 Includes lodging, meals, lift tickets, coaching fees and ground transportation

Registration: https://go teamsnap com/forms/380835

September 2023

F I S in Chile

NYSEF Athletes Spend 15 Days In Valle Nevado

On the morning of Saturday September 9th, a group of twenty two NYSEF athletes gathered at the Northwood School Ski building to depart for Vitacura, Chile with FIS coaches Seppi Stiegler, Jeremy Transue, Colden Mrak, and Return to Ski Coach Dave Wenn After nearly 30 hours of travel, the group arrived at the Valle Nevado Ski Resort to a fresh coat of spring powder. With a base elevation of 9,843 feet, southern-facing slopes, and over 2,200 skiable acres, Valle Nevado is one of the most well-known ski areas in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day one on snow started in the best way possible - with nearly two feet of fresh snow from an overnight storm Athletes spent the morning freeskiing the powder and enjoying the South American spring sunshine. Days two through four on snow consisted of a slalom training block; focusing on fundamental skills on moderate terrain and increasing the intensity of the training environments each day. The group capped off training on day four with a rousing game of on-snow ultimate frisbee After spending mornings on the hill training, athletes spent afternoons in study hall sessions before dryland conditioning, video review, dinner, and team meetings

“This camp has offered the athletes one of the best free skiing environments and gate training venues that I have ever seen; with miles of varied freeski terrain and a variety of training lanes and opportunities. I find the kids very engaged on the hill; with intent and focus. The group skill level is high, and I see individual determination to improve an already solid base of fundamentals” said Coach Dave Wenn “This training camp has been a great opportunity, and a great start to the season!”

While living and training at Valle Nevado, NYSEF’s FIS athletes had the privilege to train in close proximity to, dine with, and watch the World Cup Alpine teams from Norway, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany as well as the US Paralympic Team. Our men ’ s team even trained GS on one day with the Austrian Women’s World Cup Team!

Training block two consisted of four days of giant slalom training, where coaches and athletes focused on tactics in a repetitive and moderate environment. “The coaches delivered a lot of information both technically and tactically during this time We had both amazing weather and some challenging visibility, but each and every athlete made improvements and had great momentum moving into the final block of the trip ” said

Head Women’s Coach Jeremy Transue

This year marks some changes for the FIS Team’s coaching staff. Although not on this trip, Coach Scott Wilson will join the Women’s Team as assistant coach, after spending the last few seasons with Carabasset Valley Academy’s FIS and U16 programs. On the Men’s side, coach Colden Mrak joins the team as assistant coach after spending the last two seasons working with Coach Patrick Purcell and NYSEF’s U16 alpine athletes at Whiteface

“This fall’s trip to Valle Nevado with the FIS teams was unforgettable! It’s thanks to the positive attitudes and hard work of all the athletes and staff that this camp was so successful.” said Mrak. “The highlight for me has to be the awesome powder skiing on the first day of the camp with endless laughs and smiles to go around! Once the stoke level was high, we got right back to business with a mix of slalom and giant slalom training and an emphasis on quality skiing I’m glad to have built a bond with the new faces of NYSEF/Northwood School, and am lucky to continue working with those I’m familiar with and have coached in the past as they progress and compete at the FIS level!”

Camp wrapped up with training block three, which consisted of two days of slalom and two days of giant slalom, tallying up seven different training slopes in twelve training sessions ranging from mellow beginner to advanced race simulation. Athletes built on the skills and drills from blocks one and two to progress and advance through more full-length environments

"Valle Nevado once again proved to be an outstanding training venue for the FIS group. ” said Head Men’s Coach Seppi Stiegler. “Our Men’s team completed twelve days on snow split between one powder day, five slalom sessions and six giant slalom sessions Athletes skied approximately 2,500 gates on 7 different training slopes. This was the first trip for our promising first year athletes and a marker of growth for our returning skiers. Motivation and excitement for the upcoming race season is at a high with the addition of Colden to our coaching roster I have great anticipation for the season and appreciate the effort and camaraderie from our team."

“I really enjoyed getting back on snow and being a part of the team atmosphere ” said secondyear FIS athlete Sam Rudy. “The team had a great attitude the whole camp - I think everyone could have stayed for two more weeks! It was a great first camp, especially with being able to experience Chilean culture for the first time!”

The FIS Teams will continue their pre-season build up with a Fall Training Project at Copper Mountain in Colorado beginning on November 7th. “This camp truly was one to remember!” said Coach Transue “The focus was high, and we as a coaching staff believe that each and every athlete made gains and created a platform for continuing their progression in Colorado ”

To folllow NYSEF’s FIS Teams more closely, be sure to find them on Instagram @nysef fis

September 2023

CLIMB CASTLE TO THE

Annual Climb to the Castle Race a Success

The 16th Edition of NYSEF’s Climb to the Castle went off without a hitch on the morning of Sunday, September 24th The weather was perfect for this year ’ s annual rollerski race up Whiteface Mountain, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 50s, a gentle breeze, and a bit of sunshine. The event offers two race options; a long (5.1 mile) and a short (3 1 mile) course in which racers can choose to compete using either the classic or skate technique.

The climb is part of the Castle Conquest Weekend hosted by NYSEF, NENSA, and ORDA, and takes place on the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway; a winding road up the back side of the mountain with an average 9% uphill grade. After five grueling miles of climbing, athletes cross the finish line at the summit’s historic castle, which sits at 4,610 feet of elevation The race often attracts some of the nation’s top cross country, biathlon, and nordic combined athletes

September 2023

This year ’ s event was no different, bringing skiers from across the northeast to compete for the title. US Olympian and National Team member Julia Kern took the win on the women ’ s side, in a time of 44 minutes, 24 seconds. On the men ’ s side, Jack Lange of Stratton Mountain School/T2 topped the podium. Paul Smith’s College/NYSEF Nordic Combined athlete Aidan Ripp took third overall for the men in a time of 40 minutes and 29 seconds.

“We are so lucky to annually host this race during the first few days of the fall!” said NYSEF Junior Race Team Coach Julianne Stemp. “ORDA allows for our racers to challenge themselves on an iconic course, finishing at the Castle on top of Whiteface Mountain!”

The Climb to the Castle is a unique opportunity unavailable to rollerskiers at any other time of the year. NYSEF and NENSA join forces with Bullitt timing to challenge athletes on one of the toughest hill climbs in the rollerski race circuit. “This year, we were so fortunate to have beautiful weather, fall colors in full swing, and a diverse field in both the short and long course races ” says Stemp. “From local NYSEF alumni like Jacob Alberga, Sylvan Linck, and Matt Cook, to collegiate teams from Paul Smith’s,

Middlebury, Williams and St. Michael’s, to elite athletes from the Stratton's T2 team! The energy was high, and we were thrilled to award some of our own NYSEF competitors who podiumed with cash donations from Saranac Lake Marina and a "Friend of NYSEF," as well as ski specific loot from High Peaks Cyclery, and cheese from Cabot Creamery!”

NYSEF’s very own Daven Linck found himself on the podium, as the second place U18, and 5th place overall male in the long course, finishing in 43:17 5 The Junior Race Team’s Nate Burke also had a great performance, placing second in the short course in 34:49.5. Teammate Will Preece put in a hard effort and was awarded for being the youngest competitor in the race, at age 11. He completed the short course in 49 minutes and 45 seconds “It was really fun - I’ll definitely be back to race again next year!” said Preece

"Climb to the Castle is a great event, it emphasizes the inherent skill that cross country ski racers should learn to climb to the top of stuff ” said NYSEF’s Head Cross Country Coach Paul Smith “As evidenced by some of the professional ski racers that participated this year; No matter what level in the sport, every once in a while it is important to tackle unique race efforts such as this. All of our NYSEF athletes were up to the task and had really solid efforts!”

September 2023

NYSEF Head Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined coach

Colin Delaney competed alongside his athletes on the long course, taking third place in the Masters Division

“I raced the C2C in its first 3 iterations back in 2005 and 2006, as well as 2015 when I was still competing. I felt no pressure leading into the race, with no delusions that I would be duking it out with the top collegiate athletes in the field or come close to my best times in the past, but I was surprised by the nerves I ended up feeling at the start line ” said Delaney “Would one of my U16 athletes beat me? Would I go out to hard and barely be able to limp to the finish? In the end, I had a good time pushing myself to the limit on a beautiful early fall morning in my hometown, which is all I could have asked for I was impressed by 1st year U16 athlete Eli Larkin, who used his fitness from XC running and small light frame to have a great result.”

NYSEF looks forward to partnering with NENSA and ORDA again next year for the 17th Annual Climb to the Castle. We hope to see you there!

Summer Strength & Conditioning with Patrick Purcell

A Wrap-Up from Coach Purcell

In our second full summer season, the Whiteface 10-week Strength and Conditioning Program provided access to fitness training four days a week Our crew (Paul Fogarty, Charlie and Emmett Fox, Cole VanEtten, Jackson Magnus, Liam McGahay, Annika Mian, Sonja Toishi, LillyAnn Fisher, and Asa Schwartzberg), along with a few drop-in's participated each week and created a positive and enlightening environment.

It is the athletes who demonstrated dedication as well as an open mindset to learn, develop, and have fun who are responsible for the success of the program. They were the driving force; always interested, curious, and full of motivation This inspired me! The summer is a time of leisure However for ski racers, it is a time of physical development and preparation for their winter time goals. I have been involved with many programs and have always encouraged a healthy balance between regeneration and building.

The ski racing season is a long span for the kids to be on their game consistently, often enough so that by the time mid-February rolls around, kids seem a bit fatigued and slightly disengaged. This can be off-set if the athlete comes into the season with excellent fitness. Fitness alone provides stamina in dealing with high demand physical load Our bodies are better adapted and acclimated!

The Whiteface gym took on a new appearance this season All the athletes took part in creating a multi use "rig" out of two inch pipe We built a multi-use frame (much like crossfit uses) which can support 7 athletes at once. The "Blue Rig" has 7 squat stations, multiple pull up areas, and attachment points for lite and heavy band work. Our goal is creating well rounded sustainable & durable athletes who will carry their love for exercising into the rest of their lives!

Our vision for next season is to expand our offerings, and drive the program younger so we can start earlier. Our main goal during our training is to teach, instruct the fundamentals of movements, and perfect them early from body weight to more external loading We have a healthy following of soon to be expert kettlebeller's, lite and heavy club swingers, and barbell masters!

We will continue to offer training both live and remote into the season, from 3pm until 5:30pm and all are welcome! Many thanks to the athletes that spent a portion of their summer learning how to get stronger!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Seppi Stiegler

NYSEF's Head FIS Coach Seppi Stiegler is no stranger to tough competition. He's spent his career on the snow refining both his technique and his coaching style. We asked Stielger about his coaching philosophy, what makes a good coach, and what the future holds.

How do you prepare for the upcoming ski season?

Season preparation is all about planning. I like to plan every day of the season in advance I put a lot of numbers behind my actions so my records and recap from the previous season are very important. There are a lot of moving parts and plans will change as the season progresses so having a target for what I hope to achieve will guide my decision-making on a given day. I refuse to mistake the motion for action My team will have a roadmap

What is it like for you as a coach when a racer has a breakthrough moment?

The breakthroughs are the reminder that deliberate practice and planning work. I am obsessed with the process so often I am surprised when the results come. When your head is down managing the controllables and ignoring the rest you often exceed your own expectations. When the athlete has a breakout that is when you know the momentum is just starting. It's a really fun place for a coach and athlete to be

How has coaching and training changed since you were racing?

There are a lot of similarities, but things seem to be moving faster. Safety has improved dramatically which is a huge positive. Our ability to manage trip and training logistics from our phones and computers has accelerated efficiency It is amazing how effectively we can implement plans to serve the needs of our teams The catch is so can your competition

What does the future of training and coaching elite athletes look like?

The athletes are the future and providing value for them will always be the priority no matter the changes ahead. If you can adapt through this journey and find a way to be useful for your team you will find success Staying relevant is about networking and continuing education, but the future is about recognizing what athletes want out of the sport

What is your favorite thing about being a FIS coach for NYSEF?

Having great skiers and co-workers is my favorite part. Our teams are growing and I can't wait to work with the new group. NYSEF is also the perfect platform to implement a coaching strategy. Our teams have the best venues, coaches, and academic support I can't wait to see where what our skiers can do at our organization

What makes a good coach?

For me, it's the lessons you gain for the rest of your life. The best coaches were the ones who helped me find a better framework for seeing the world. They were the ones who took the time to understand where I was in my journey and what motivated me This approach opened the doors to success almost overnight I think about this in my everyday coaching and hope to replicate it for others

“Advice for Girls” Coming to Lake Placid on October 25th!

When: October 25, 2023 from 6-9 pm

Where: Northwood School’s Hub on Main Street in Lake Placid

Advice For Girls is a feature-length ski film showcasing the collective experience of women in the ski industry. Throughout the film, athletes share the lessons they have learned through their experiences and pass advice on to the next generation of female skiers. Inspired by the poem "Advice for Girls” written by Addy Jacobsend, who is also a producer on the project, the film features an all-female cast and crew tackling big terrain and even bigger stereotypes.

It also features NYSEF and Northwood School alumna Kalen Griffin, who will be onsite to introduce the film, sign promotional posters, and host a Q&A after the film for attendees.

“For me, I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of an all women's ski film - it means that I get to be me,” Griffin said. “I get to showcase my “chargey” style of big mountain skiing as well as the racer side of me that still loves to crush perfect corduroy.”

Grab your best ski buds and head to the Hub for this unique opportunity!

Welcome to NYSEF’s New Board Members!

At our Board of Directors meeting in August, several of our long-serving members were awarded the title of Emeritus NYSEF owes a debt of gratitude to these men who have dedicated so much of their lives to our mission. It is with our sincerest thanks and deepest appreciation that we honor Art Lussi, Horst Weber, and Jim White for their service to NYSEF as members of the Board of Directors

With their departure, we are delighted to announce some new faces to our board

Jenn Dempsey

Steve Kroll

Karen Finnerty

Will Hollister

Craig Dunleavy

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Beckett Ledger

Transitioning from Competition on Skis to Wheels

If you live in the Lake Placid are heard of the Ledger boys Broth and Van grew up in the village, years have often graced the co newspaper ’ s sports section for other athletics This comes as n who know the family. Mom Jen NYSEF; as an alpine ski racer in and as a member of NYSEF’s T the 90's. While the boys have a moved away, their ties to the ar remain strong.

Middle brother Beckett spent h as a Nordic Combined athlete, c from 2009 until his retirement from th t i 2020 He remembers joining NYSEF as a moving up through the ranks of the with coaches Larry Stone and Evan began ski jumping at age eight and country skiing to his arsenal at age fondest memories come from thos he attributes his passion for sport to

“My most memorable moment with outside of competition when I was says Ledger “One day Larry grabbe (Landon) and me for our first jumps had us take a couple of jumps on th telemark landings and then told us the 90 We took the chairlift up, wh wanted to go first, then started hiki

“It was so windy at the top that the bars were blowing down and springing back up left and right, and Landon looked at me and said "You have to go first..." I talked him into going first, watched him, and then started getting my skis on Easing my way onto the bar, watching the bars swinging in front of me, I was pretty nervous I got the flag from Larry, let go and had the biggest thrill of my life. From that jump on, I was fully hooked and just wanted to feel like I was flying all the time.”

Beckett attended Northwood School in Lake Placid, before moving to Park City, UT in 2017 to train full time as a Nordic Combined athlete under NYSEF. During his time in the sport, he was named to the US Junior World Championship Team, won the Senior Eastern Championship in Salisbury, CT, and won the Junior National Team Sprint with teammate Henry Johnstone Although he very much enjoyed his time competing, Beckett says his best memories came from the time spent outside of training, having fun with his NYSEF teammates and coaches.

“For a couple years we got to sled down the aerials hill at the end of the season, and we had a great time scaring ourselves and trying to one-up each other. I think Trent White was the last one of us to try hitting a jump at the top of that landing hill after we built the jump just a little too big and he ended up landing completely flat in an epic explosion - so much fun!”

September 2023

In the spring of 2020, Ledger decided that it was time for a change; he retired from Nordic Combined competition and moved back home to Lake Placid “ I spent that year working full time building homes with my dad's company and rode my bike and skied as much as I could.” He moved to Durango, CO in the summer of 2021 to attend college, and entered his first bike raceU23 Cross Country National Championships

“I got my teeth kicked in, but was in a great environment in Durango to get faster and learn from some of the best racers in the country. I raced that fall with Fort Lewis College, and that was a really good introduction to mountain bike racing The level is really high at those races but the environment is relaxed, so it's easy to actually see what the guys who are better than you are doing differently. The following spring I did my first road races with Fort Lewis as well, and it was the same story - a great team environment to gain experience in and great opportunities to learn the ins and outs of bike racing in a low-pressure environment ”

From then on, he was fully committed to racing on two wheels. Ledger now represents Good Life Racing and Dimond bikes when competing in gravel races, donning his Fort Lewis College kit for road and mountain bike races. “I think my favorite discipline of cycling is marathon mountain bike racing. That includes races in the 3-7 hour range, usually 40-100 miles.”

“I think this type of racing suits my physiology well, and I enjoy the opportunity and challenge of being out in the mountains for an epic adventure I also enjoy some road racing - it's hard to beat going really fast”.

Though only two years into his cycling career, Beckett has racked up some impressive stats Last summer he was on the podium in the pro field at the Emerald Mountain Epic in Steamboat Springs, and qualified for Collegiate Nationals with Fort Lewis in the fall This summer, he took a stage win at the Leadville stage race, along with third place overall in the GC at the end of the race. He placed 47th in the field of pro men at the historic Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, finishing close to some of the best cyclists in the world.

In the next few years, Beckett hopes to continue building on his upward trajectory, and to improve overall as an athlete and as a racer. He’s got his sights set on qualifying for The Lifetime Grand Prix (the biggest off-road series in the country), and The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race in Durango.

“As a cyclist coming from a Nordic Combined background with NYSEF, I think the biggest advantage that I have is my perspective. Since I have competed at a high level in a totally different sport, I feel like I have the ability to see situations a little differently than some of my competitors I also feel like I know myself pretty well, so I have to spend less time learning in a “trial-by-fire” fashion since I already got some of that out of the way in Nordic combined.”

Follow Beckett Ledger on his journey as a professional cyclist @beckledge on Instagram. Ledger says “I don't have any sponsors going into 2024, so send me a message if you are interested in supporting me!”

September 2023

Belleayre Mountain Lodging Partnership for NYSEF Families

NYSEF and the Catskill Seasons Inn are partnering to bring to families fun and reasonably priced accommodations within 10 minutes of Belleayre Mountain

NYSEF families will receive 10% off our published rates with extra amenities, and flexible checkin and check-out times.

The Catskill Seasons Inn features a pub with a family-friendly menu, a game room for skiers and their families to relax after a successful day on the slopes and space for tuning skis. Rooms have been recently updated and many of them have kitchenettes, and NYSEF families can check in as early as noon and check out as late as 7 p m

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis so if you want to secure yours for the season now, visit: www catskillseasonsinn com/NYSEF/

Use the code “NYSEF2024” at checkout to receive your discount.

NYSEF Welcomes Scott Wilson

NYSEF is pleased to announce the addition of Scott Wilson to its team for the 2023-24 season as its Women’s FIS Assistant Coach Wilson is coming to NYSEF’s FIS Program at Whiteface Mountain from Carrabassett Valley Academy where he coached U16 and FIS men and women. During his storied career, he coached at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and Buck Hill Ski Racing Club as a traveling FIS and Junior Championships coach, was Head Coach at Ski Club Vail, and the Head Coach of the Central Division of the US Ski and Snowboard He’s also one of the founders and original directors of the United States Ski Coaches Association

“Scott brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching style,” said NYSEF Head Women’s FIS Coach Jeremy Transue, who will be working with Wilson this season “He brings a sensitivity and awareness that is going to benefit not just our women ’ s FIS team, but our entire coaching staff and program. ”

Wilson is looking forward to joining NYSEF. “Coaching must make ski racing fun and rewarding,” Wilson says. “To accomplish this, coaches must be generally happy and excited about the opportunity each day brings and glad to see each athlete and the opportunity they bring Everything should be done for a reason - a purpose in the day for that day, block, season, and career. It can only be rewarding if the athlete understands the value of every “result.” They must be taught to notice and describe each “result” thereby getting something of value from every effort

Wilson added that every day, there is something for an athlete and a coach to learn from their training. “Athletes should be taught to look for value in every opportunity to learn practice and perform, they should be encouraged to become their own best coaches - responsible, and accountable for their careers. To do this, a coach needs a clear picture of all aspects of training and how they fit together to produce successful results. A coach needs to know each athlete’s current ability, the coach must be open-minded and expect to learn and grow daily The coach must foster the happiness ski racing can bring to racers and their families ”

NYSEF Executive Director John Norton says that Wilson is a perfect fit for the FIS Women’s Program, especially given his notable coaching background

“Scott is humble, but he’s been at the right place and the right time for so many ski racers on their journey to race competitively for their college or university, and in come cases make national teams,” Norton said “We’re excited for what the coming ski season will bring to our athletes and coaches.”

For his part, Wilson cites a lifelong passion for ski racing and coaching ski racers for bringing him to NYSEF

“I was a ski racer, ” Wilson adds. “The highlight [of my career] was having exceptional coaches as a young racer, like Willy Scheffler and Erich Windisch, and then being mentored by Christian Pravda Their abilities and generosity were an inspiration I intend to pass along as much as I can of them.”

2023 Kelly Brush Ride a Success!

Congratulations to our NYSEF Team of cyclists for raising $1,422 to support the Kelly Brush Foundation during the annual Kelly Brush Ride on August 19th. The Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) is dedicated to making active lifestyles a reality for those who have experienced a spinal cord injury. Massive thanks to Bryan Magnus for raising over $1000 to benefit the foundation, as well as the Davenport Family for their contributions!

September 2023

Northwood School Director of Ski Operations Raychel West & her husband, Tucker after their wedding in Charleston, SC this Summer

Thank You!

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, NYSEF invests every dollar donated, raised, and granted back into the program. In this way, we are able to not only keep enrollment costs steady, but also hire experienced staff, put on incredible events throughout the year, and keep everything running smoothly Much of what we do wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of several grant-making foundations, so we wanted to take this opportunity to thank those who chose to support NYSEF this year

Big Thank You to:

Killington World Cup Foundation - Skimeister Program

Cloudsplitter Foundation - Skimeister Program

Lake Placid Education Fund - Winter Term

North Elba LEAF - Ski Jumping Program

National Rifle Association - Biathlon Program

Charles R Wood Foundation - Scholarship Support

Community Foundation for the Gore Mountain Region at Adirondack Foundation - Scholarship Support

J.M. McDonald Foundation - Scholarship Support

Ironman Foundation - General Support

NYSEF is extraordinarily grateful to these organizations, and every organization over the years, who has granted funding to keep us going strong. Thank you!

Thank you also to our sponsors: Merrill L. Thomas, Long Run Wealth, Lake Placid Family Dental, Black Rock Foundation, and the Donald C. McGraw Foundation.