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Jim Young

Skiing History

Began Cross Country skiing in early '70's as part of venture into retail sales (sailing/skiing/hiking/canoeing) with stores in Oshkosh and Wausau, Wisconsin - Hike Out Ltd.

As part of the retail operation, organized and ran a large XC ski education program, putting skiing into many schools (elementary, jr High, high schools) in Central Wisconsin, including the universities in Oshkosh, Ripon, and Lawrence in Appleton. Also organized and ran programs for YMCA's and scout groups. Provided the equipment for these programs and the instructors or instructor training.

First Certified as XC Ski Instructor in 1975, by USSA-CD, after helping develop the education/certification program; went on to certification thru EPSTI and then PSIA. First Certified as a Nordic Coach in 1979 by USSCA. Attended many American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP) courses; certified as an ACEP Instructor in '86.

Attended Cross Country Coaches School in Oslo, Norway, 1979; was a member of the US Coaches Association Coaches Education clinic staff beginning 1978, and ran the program in the mid-80's; was Director of the first (of only two ever held) National Cross Country Coaches Level III School, 1986, at Marquette, MI.

Began racing with 55km American Birkebeiner in 1975; immediately following race, decided that it was smarter and easier on the body to be a coach. Have completed 13 Birkebeiners, plus other marathons....

Began coaching more seriously in the late '70's, with a very successful citizen racing program in Central Wisconsin (HONST). Then spent two winters teaching/coaching in Canada, at Stokley Creek in Ontario. Was then hired as Domestic Cross Country Developement Coach for the US Ski Team, then went on to be Head Coach of the US Biathlon Team. Left the politics of National Teams behind in late 1986 to focus on private coaching and support of elite-level athletes, through the Snow Mountain Nordic Development Group, and now with the Coyote Springs Ski Team.

Began ski trail design with small areas in Wisconsin; designed, set up, and ran municipal ski programs in Oshkosh and Neenah; have since gone on to design, develop, and map cross country ski trail systems in Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Colorado. Major work was at Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado (where wife Nancy was the Nordic Director for 15 years).

Other ski coaching experiences; Head Coach/Team Leader, US Nordic Team at the 1989 World University Games, Sofia, Bulgaria; have also led groups to Russia (Festival of the North, Murmansk) and Japan (Miasama Ski Games, Sapporo), as well as numerous trips to central and northern Europe.

Have organized races in Wisconsin, Canada, and Colorado; was the Event Manager for all Cross Country events at Snow Mountain Ranch in the 90's; developed software for event management and race results.

Miscellaneous committee and association work; President (6 terms), Colorado Cross Country Ski Association, Board member, Cross Country Ski Areas Association.

Areas of expertise: cross country ski trail design and maintenence, cross country area management, event management, plus private coaching services to motivated cross country skiers and Biathletes.