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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Author: Craftsbury Outdoor Center

  • Patrick O’Brien hired as Assistant GRP Ski Coach

    Patrick O’Brien hired as Assistant GRP Ski Coach

    We’re happy to welcome Patrick O’Brien back to the ranks of the Craftsbury Ski Club, this time as the Assistant GRP Ski Coach. Pat, a native of Putney, VT, raced collegiately for Dartmouth before his stint as a professional ski racer with the Green Racing Project from 2010-2014.

    While on the GRP, Pat competed in multiple World Cups and also became known to the Craftsbury community as a hardworking jack-of-all-trades with a deep love of skiing and the outdoors. Pat moved on from racing to become the head coach of the SMS T2 team from 2014-2022. Although he coached multiple athletes to international success, he’s most proud of the role he played in building a program that brought together athletes of all ages and rooted the team in its local community.

    In recent years, Pat has supported various junior, college, and elite teams as a service technician, all while juggling a job as a builder and wrangling a growing young family. When not up to his eyeballs in ski wax or construction detritus, Pat can often be found outdoors with his wife Ida, who also has deep ties to Craftsbury, and their two kids. Welcome back, Pat!

  • Craftsbury Ski Club Seeks Assistant Coach for Youth and Masters Programs

    Craftsbury Ski Club Seeks Assistant Coach for Youth and Masters Programs

    The Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC) is now accepting applications for an Assistant Coach with the Craftsbury Ski Club (CSC), supporting both youth and Masters cross country skiing and biathlon programs in northern Vermont.

    The CSC is seeking an individual with a diverse coaching skill set to assist in developing our Bill Koch League (BKL)/Junior/Master cross-country skiing and biathlon programs. The CSC operates under the umbrella of the Outdoor Center and serves roughly 300 people aged 6-85 who are pursuing lifelong ski development. Our platforms range from learn-to-ski programs to highly competitive junior programs to recreational masters. The Craftsbury biathlon programs operate alongside ski programming and serve a smaller subset of the same athletes. During the off-season, most of our ski and biathlon coaches stay busy working with our mountain bike programs, particularly our Wheels On Wheels learn-to-ride program.

    Major Duties & Responsibilities May Include:

    • Facilitate regular practices for ski and biathlon groups, ranging from BKL skiers to competitive juniors and Masters.
    • Travel to regional races to provide waxing and race support.
    • Help develop practice plans for each group.
    • Assist in managing and maintaining equipment.
    • Help organize and coach day and overnight camps.
    • Maintain biathlon rifles and the range.
    • Assist with weekly learn-to-ride bike groups on campus and at local schools.

    Applications are now open. Full job details and application instructions can be found at craftsbury.com/jobs.

  • Green Racing Project Snow Team 2026-2027 Application Open

    Green Racing Project Snow Team 2026-2027 Application Open

    The Craftsbury Green Racing Project Snow Team is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 season. The GRP is seeking applications from skiers and biathletes who have shown good ski speed over the past several seasons. Skiers who have not yet tried biathlon will be given the opportunity if they’re interested. Applications will be due by the end of day, April 9th. For details on the Snow Team concept, the Mission of the team and the Outdoor Center, and details on GRP life, please review the application HERE.

    The GRP is currently in the process of hiring two new ski coaches. The Head Coach will be announced on or about March 25th, and a second coach on or about April 10th. Both new coaches will be in the group which will nominate new athletes, along with the existing Snow Team staff.  New athlete offers will be sent out April 12th, and nominated athletes will have 1 week (April 18th) to accept or decline their place on the team.

    If you have more questions about the Snow Team or the Outdoor Center, please reach out using biathlon@craftsbury.com for biathlon related inquires and jrskiing@craftsbury.com for cross country questions.

    Craftsbury GRP team 2026
  • Craftsbury GRP Ski Seeks Head and Assistant Coaches

    Craftsbury GRP Ski Seeks Head and Assistant Coaches

    The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is hiring for two coaching roles within its Green Racing Project (GRP), a year‑round elite Nordic ski program supporting post‑collegiate athletes pursuing national and international competition. These positions are in‑person roles based in Craftsbury Common, Vermont and are integral to the daily training, development, and competitive success of GRP athletes.

    Head Ski Coach – Green Racing Project

    The Head Ski Coach is responsible for leading the GRP ski program and overseeing all aspects of ski training and athlete development. This role works collaboratively with other GRP coaches and Craftsbury Outdoor Center staff to design and implement a comprehensive, high‑performance training program while fostering a healthy, sustainable, and athlete‑centered team culture.

    Primary Responsibilities

    • Design and implement annual and daily training plans for GRP ski athletes

    • Lead on‑snow and dryland training sessions year‑round

    • Guide athlete development with a focus on long‑term performance and well‑being

    • Collaborate closely with other GRP coaches, support staff, and leadership

    • Plan and support domestic and international training camps and competitions

    • Uphold and model the mission, values, and community responsibilities of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center

    Desired Qualifications

    • Significant experience coaching Nordic skiing at a competitive or elite level

    • Strong technical knowledge of training theory and athlete development

    • Excellent communication and organizational skills

    • Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative coaching team

    • Commitment to sustainable living, community engagement, and shared responsibility

    Assistant Ski Coach – Green Racing Project

    The Assistant Ski Coach supports the Head Ski Coach in delivering daily training and competition support for GRP athletes. This role is hands‑on and collaborative, contributing to training sessions, athlete monitoring, and program logistics while gaining experience within a high‑level, professional Nordic ski program.

    Primary Responsibilities

    • Assist with on‑snow and dryland training sessions

    • Support athlete monitoring, feedback, and communication

    • Help with training logistics, travel, and competition support

    • Contribute positively to team culture and daily program operations

    • Participate in the broader work and community life of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center

    Desired Qualifications

    • Experience competing in or coaching Nordic skiing

    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

    • Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a high‑performance environment

    • Ability to take initiative and manage responsibilities independently

    • Alignment with GRP and Craftsbury Outdoor Center values

    Compensation & Details

    Position details including compensation, benefits, schedule, and start date vary by role and are outlined in the full job postings.

    How to Apply

    Please review the full job descriptions for full details and submit your application through the appropriate link below:

    Head Ski Coach – Green Racing Project

    Assistant Ski Coach – Green Racing Project

    About the Green Racing Project

    The Green Racing Project is a year‑round elite training program based at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. GRP supports post‑collegiate athletes in Nordic skiing, biathlon, rowing and running while emphasizing excellence, sustainability, teamwork, and active participation in a mission‑driven community.

  • Green Racing Project Seeks Biathlon Coach

    Green Racing Project Seeks Biathlon Coach

    We are looking for a Green Racing Project (GRP) biathlon coach who can work well as a collaborative member of a coaching team. This is a full-time, year-round and in-person position supporting Craftsbury’s team of elite-level biathletes and cross country skiers.

    We are accepting applications through April 15. The job will start in May.

    Job Description:

    • Write the yearly shooting plan and implement shooting training for GRP biathletes.

    • Assist with implementing the daily ski training plan for all GRP Snow athletes (biathletes and cross country skiers).

    • Collaborate closely with other GRP Snow Staff.

    • Model the values of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC) mission (lifelong sport, sustainability, stewardship, engaging with the local community) and promote them among your athletes.

    • Support the GRP Work Coordinator in matching athletes with work projects.

    • Check-in individually with biathletes regularly and monitor their training logs.

    • Travel to support winter racing opportunities (both ski and biathlon) for athletes racing domestically.

    • Communicate with Biathlon National Team coaching staff to coordinate training for Craftsbury athletes who attend US Biathlon (USBA) camps.

    • Support off-campus training camps for GRP Snow (normally Bend, Oregon & Soldier Hollow, Utah).

    • Collaborate with other GRP Snow coaches to manage team travel logistics, equipment needs and track expenditures.

    • Collaborate with Craftsbury Ski Club staff to help put on biathlon race events/camps.

    • Coordinate with staff of GRP Row & GRP Run on initiatives that support all GRP teams.

    • Collaborate with GRP Snow and COC leadership to manage the yearly team application process/roster decisions. Weigh both athletic performance/potential and COC values (lifelong sport, sustainability, stewardship, engaging with the local community) in the decisions.

    • Work towards developing positive relationships with all COC staff and work teams & help to build positive camaraderie and respect across the organization.

    Luke Brown (USA) at the IBU Open European Championships Biathlon, mixed relay, in Brezno-Osrblie (SVK). (Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus)

    Qualifications/Requirements:

    • Outstanding communication skills

    • 2+ years of experience coaching biathlon at junior or senior level

    • Experience writing training plans

    • USSA Cross Country Level 200 Coaching Certification or willingness to acquire

    • Experience planning race support for Eastern Cup level ski races or similar

    • Experience working as a member of a collaborative coaching team on national and international race trips for biathlon or cross country

    • US Biathlon Coaching License or willingness to acquire by start date

    • Safesport Certification or willingness to acquire by start date

    • First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to acquire

    Benefits Include:

    • Employee meals in our beloved dining hall

    • Free membership to our trail network, gym and fitness classes

    • Paid time off and sick time

    • Health/Dental Insurance

    • 401(k) with matching

    • Short and long term disability/life insurance

    To Apply:

    Applicants should send a brief cover letter and résume with references to our biathlon staff (biathlon@craftsbury.com) by April 15, and are encouraged to reach out with questions.

    ake Brown (USA) at the IBU World Cup Biathlon, sprint men, Canmore (CAN). (Photo: Manzoni/NordicFocus)
  • Green Racing Project (GRP) Ski & Biathlon Teams Now Accepting Applications for the 2024/25 Training Year

    Green Racing Project (GRP) Ski & Biathlon Teams Now Accepting Applications for the 2024/25 Training Year

    Green Racing Project (GRP) Ski & Biathlon teams are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 training year. Applications will be due by the end of day March 24 and decisions will be made by April 10. (U23 skiers’ and biathletes’ summer program is its own program for 2024. Find information about U23 programming here.)  

    GRP is looking for skiers and biathletes who have shown good ski speed over the past couple years. Skiers who have not yet tried biathlon will be given the opportunity if they’re interested. 

    In exchange for coaching, use of training facilities and travel support, GRP year-round athletes are asked to do work that contributes to the mission and operation of the Center. Projects include coaching youth and masters in skiing, biathlon, and mountain biking; managing and improving the trail system; growing vegetables for the Dining Hall; organizing events and programs at the Center; assisting the Communications Team with writing, blogging and social media. 

    Margie Freed (CGRP) topped the podium in the Lost Nation Roll 10 k (Photo: Paul Bierman)

    If this sounds like work you would enjoy, while taking your skiing and/or biathlon to the next level, then you may be a good fit. Read more about the team at their website: www.greenracingproject.com. The application is available here for year-round, residential training and you will find FAQs for biathlon and skiing. Any remaining questions may be addressed to grpski@craftsbury.com and grpbiathlon@craftsbury.com. 

    Athletes applying, or thinking of applying, should talk with Head Coaches Pepa Miloucheva (ski) and Mike Gibson (biathlon) at season ending races or email and schedule Facetime or a Zoom call.  

     

    Skiers can reach Pepa at the grpski@craftsbury.com address or call 802-586-7767.  

    Biathletes can reach Mike at grpbiathlon@craftsbry.com. 

  • GRPSki, Biathlon and U23 Training programs all accepting applications for the ’23-24 training year

    GRPSki, Biathlon and U23 Training programs all accepting applications for the ’23-24 training year

     

    The Craftsbury Green Racing Project (GRP) Ski & Biathlon teams are now accepting applications for the 2023-24 training year as well as for their summer U23 training programs. Applications will be due by end of day March 31 and decisions will be made by April 15.

    GRP is looking for skiers and biathletes who have shown good ski speed over the past couple years. Skiers who have not yet tried biathlon will be given the opportunity if they’re interested.

    In exchange for coaching, use of training facilities and travel support, GRP year-round and summer U23 athletes are asked to do work that contributes to the mission and operation of the Center. Projects include coaching youth and masters in skiing, biathlon, and mountain biking; managing and improving the trail system; growing vegetables for the Dining Hall; organizing events and programs at the Center; assisting the Communications Team with writing, blogging and social media.

    If this sounds like work you would enjoy, while taking your skiing and/or biathlon to the next level, then you may be a good fit. There are both on-campus and off-campus program options. The off-campus option allows more flexibility for an athlete who wishes to find their own housing, work a remote or in-person job away from the Center, and not do as much work at the Center.

    Read more about the team at their website: www.greenracingproject.com. The application is available here for year-round, residential training and you will find FAQs for biathlon and skiing. Any remaining questions may be addressed to grpski@craftsbury.com and grpbiathlon@craftsbury.com.

    Find information and application here for the summer GRPSki U23 program.

    Athletes applying, or thinking of applying, should email and schedule Facetime or a Zoom call with Pepa or Mike. Contact Pepa at the grpski@craftsbury.com address or call 802-586-7767 ext 343.

    Biathletes may address questions to Coach Mike Gibson at grpbiathlon@craftsbry.com.

     

  • Now Accepting Applications for GRP Ski & Biathlon 21-22 and U23 Ski Summer Training

    Now Accepting Applications for GRP Ski & Biathlon 21-22 and U23 Ski Summer Training

     

    GRP Ski & Biathlon are now accepting applications for the 2021-22 training year as well as for their summer U23 training program. Applications for what is likely to be limited spaces in either the ski or biathlon program will be due by end of day March 31 and decisions will be made by April 15.

    In exchange for coaching, travel support, room & board, year-round GRP skiers, biathletes and summer athletes are asked to take on projects that contribute to work of the Center. Projects in the past have included:  ski trail mapping and improvements, construction of single-track trails, coaching of youth and junior skiers, outreach to area schools, growing vegetables and raising animals to help provide food for the Dining Hall, organizing events and programs at the Center, design of the GRP website and clothing, blogging and writing articles, helping develop a regional trail system, and working to bring more local food into the Center’s Dining Hall.

    If this sounds like work you would enjoy, while taking your skiing and/or biathlon to the next level, then you may be a good fit.

    Read more about the team at their website:  www.greenracingproject.com. The application is available here, and you will find FAQs for biathlon and skiing. Any remaining questions may be addressed to skiing@craftsbury.com.

    Summer GRPSki U23 information and application can be found here.

    Athletes applying, or thinking of applying, should email and schedule Facetime or a Zoom call with Pepa or Mike. Contact Pepa at the skiing@craftsbury.com address, or call 802-586-7767 ext 33. Biathletes may address questions to Coach Mike Gibson at biathlon@craftsbury.com.

    Craftsbury GRP website
    Craftsbury GRP application
    FAQs for biathlon and skiing
    U23 info, FAQs and application

  • Craftsbury Collegiate Winter Term

    Craftsbury Collegiate Winter Term

    The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is excited to offer a Collegiate Winter Term training program in 2021. Designed for college ski racers affected by the pandemic, our Winter Term is a residential program that will provide structured training and racing opportunities within the bounds of COVID regulations. Candidates include students who are either learning remotely or taking time off from school and can therefore commit to living full-time in Craftsbury. These athletes will live and train as a collective “pod” for approximately 2 months. Craftsbury coaches will work with the athletes and their college coaches to structure and execute training plans. Training sessions will be scheduled around the academic schedule of the group whenever possible.

    Application deadline: December 1, 2020

    Acceptance notifications sent: December 10, 2020

    Program dates: January 10, 2021 – March 10, 2021

    Program cost: $3600 (includes room, board, coaching)

    Get full details and apply.

  • Craftsbury Collegiate Training Group

    Craftsbury Collegiate Training Group

    This is a new residential Nordic ski training program at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center aimed at providing a structured training group for college skiers affected by the global pandemic. This program is designed for athletes who are either taking a gap year or have a flexible remote class schedule that will allow them to train full-time in Craftsbury for the fall of 2020. Athletes will have roughly five coached training sessions per week. Craftsbury coaches will work with athletes and their college coaches to structure and execute training plans. Training sessions will be scheduled around the academic schedule of the group whenever possible.

    Application Deadline: August 10, 2020
    Program dates: September 14 – November 15
    Program cost: $3780 (room, board, coaching)

     

    APPLY

     

    • The program will be coached by Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club coaches Jeff Tucker, Anna Schulz, Jake Barton, Ollie Burruss, and Audrey Mangan. CNSC coaches will coordinate training with athletes’ respective college team coaches.

    The program fee of $3780 covers room, board, and coaching.
    Interested? Please apply here.

    *For more information about the program, admission, quarantine process, COVID lifestyle expectations for the semester and other general inquiries, please contact us.

  • The National Nordic Foundation and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center Announce Signed Prints of US Olympians and Gold Medalists

    The National Nordic Foundation and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center are excited to offer six limited edition signed prints featuring Olympic Gold Medalists Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall, along with other members of the US Olympic Team.

    These six pieces of American skiing history are being auctioned off individually to benefit the National Nordic Foundation, and the Craftsbury Ski Club junior scholarship fund. The proceeds will support American athletes competing overseas and allow youth to participate in cross country skiing who would otherwise be unable to due to financial hurdles.

    Each print measures 13”x20” and is one of only 8 in existence. The print includes the images and signatures of Olympians (L-R, top to bottom) Tyler Kornfield, Simi Hamilton (not signed) Erik Bjornsen, Andy Newell, Scott Patterson, Rosie Frankowski, Sadie Bjornsen, Sophie Caldwell, Kikkan Randall, Jessie Diggins, Liz Stephen, and Ida Sargent. Support today’s athletes and tomorrow’s champions by owning a special part of United States skiing heritage

    Click HERE to place your bid.

  • Salomon and Craftsbury Green Racing Project Announce Partnership

    Craftsbury Green Racing Project 2019

    The Craftsbury Green Racing Project (GRP) elite nordic skiing and biathlon team is excited to announce a new partnership with Salomon.

    Starting with the winter 2018/2019 racing season, the GRP skiers and biathletes will be training in Salomon outerwear during domestic camps and competitions. The 2018/19 Green Racing Project team is made up of eight biathletes and eight cross-country skiers, including six Olympians from the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Coaches Pepa Miloucheva and Sam Dougherty, as well as wax technician Nicholas Brown, support the team at home in Craftsbury, VT and on the road.

    Look for the GRP athletes out on the cross-country trails this year in bright blue (men) and teal (women) jackets and black pants, and hopefully up on some podiums in our red and black (men) and blue-black (women) down jackets from Salomon! Domestic skiers will be starting the season in West Yellowstone, MT with FIS races on November 24th, while the biathlon season will get underway later in December in Soldier Hollow, UT. Look for the unveiling of the GRP’s new green and black race suits from Podiumwear at those events.

    Visit the team’s website at www.greenracingproject.com for athlete biographies and news updates, or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

  • Craftsbury GRP Ski & Biathlon Programs now accepting applications for 2018-19

    The Craftsbury Green Racing Project (GRP) is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 training year. GRP is looking for fast skiers who wish to pursue their competition goals after college in either skiing or biathlon. Never tried biathlon? We’ll teach you. In order to develop fast U.S. biathletes, we need fast skiers who are interested in learning to shoot.

    Applications for either the ski or biathlon program will be due March 30 and decisions will be announced by mid-April. In addition to our traditional year-round team, we’ll again be offering a summer training group for a small number of U23 and college athletes (find more about that program on our website).

    We’re excited to have had six current and former GRP skiers and biathletes at the 2018 Peyongchang Olympics, even more GRP representation at World Cups, IBU Cups, and numerous national podiums.

    GRP is hosted by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, a non-profit organization with the following mission:

    1) to support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on rowing, running, Nordic skiing and biathlon;

    2) to use and teach sustainable practices; and

    3) to protect and manage the surrounding land, lake and trails.

    In exchange for coaching, travel support, room & board, GRP skiers are asked to take on projects that contribute to work of the Center. GRP projects in the past have included:  ski & bike trail construction, mapping and improvements, engineering and design work in building projects, coaching of youth skiers and mountain bikers, outreach to area schools, growing vegetables for the Dining Hall, design of the GRP website and clothing, and blogging and writing articles for the Center’s website.

    If this sounds like work you would enjoy, while taking your skiing and/or biathlon to the next level, then you may be a good fit for the GRP. You can read more about the team at their website:  www.greenracingproject.com. The application is available here, and you will find FAQs here – including FAQs about our biathlon program. Any remaining questions may be addressed to skiing@craftsbury.com.
    Athletes applying, or thinking of applying, are encouraged to talk to coach Pepa Miloucheva at one of the late season ski races, contact her at the skiing@craftsbury.com address, or call 802-586-7767 ext 343. Biathletes may address questions to Coach Sam Dougherty at GRPBiathlon@craftsbury.com.

    Craftsbury GRP website
    Craftsbury GRP application
    FAQs

  • Now accepting applications for COSA ’18-19

    The Craftsbury Outdoor Sports Academy (COSA) is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 academic year. After piloting the program in 2017, Craftsbury Academy and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center are continuing their collaborative academic and athletic venture and invite all interested students to apply, both within the Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club community and beyond.

    COSA student-athletes have the opportunity to combine their Nordic ski training at the Outdoor Center with the academic program at Craftsbury Academy. The Outdoor Center provides coaching support through its existing Nordic programming and the Academy supports those goals by offering participating students academic flexibility. By providing a schedule that allows for specific, scheduled morning free periods and some longer-term accommodation for competition travel, COSA students have more time on snow to pursue training and racing goals in tandem with the Academy’s excellent public school curriculum. There are online class options and tutoring available to accommodate the times students miss regular school periods for morning training.

    Students must be entering at least 7th grade to apply. For more information about COSA and how to apply, visit the COSA page:

    https://goo.gl/MJE6J4

     

  • #MARATHONMEMEMADNESS!

    The Start of the Craftsbury Marathon (Photo: Kris Dobie)

    The snow’s phenomenal, the cold is breaking, and the race director’s away making fast skis in Alaska:  let’s blow out some Marathon entries! The first 24 people who post their Craftsbury Marathon p/b Fischer preparation to Instagram or Facebook get a code for a $50 entry to the Marathon – an almost 40% savings!  But hurry – you only have until the end Monday, January 8th to complete your mission!

    Read all the nitty gritty over at the Craftsbury website:

    https://www.craftsbury.com/general/about-the-center/news/detail/1943

     

  • Saturday: 2018 Craftsbury Opener

    Open the season with a freestyle interval start on our snowmaking loop. Focused primarily on providing a race opportunity for our visiting college and club racers, this low-key event is a great chance to test your early season adaptation to snow.

    Race starts at 10:30am on Saturday, November 25. Registration is online only, NO day of race registration. Bib pickup will take place in the AC classroom area beginning at 9:00am.

    We will use the 1.1k snowmaking trail and offer a 5 or 7 lap option. Anyone can race any distance, but we are suggesting 5.5k for U16s and women, 7.7k for U18 men and above. The course will be closed to the public from 10:30-noon for everyone’s safety.

    Total registrations will be capped at 120 people, so get your registration in now!

    Questions? Hit up skiing@craftsbury.com for more details.

  • Craftsbury Outdoor Center Seeks Assistant Junior/BKL Ski Coach

    Craftsbury

    (Press Release)

    The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is looking to hire a part-time assistant coach to work with its Junior and Bill Koch League Nordic Skiing programs. The Center’s youth programming serves skiers ages 6 to 18 and encompasses a wide range of abilities and goals. The assistant coach would work closely with head Junior/BKL coach Anna Schulz and director of skiing Pepa Miloucheva.

    Job responsibilities:

    • Running regular practices with the athletes
    • Helping develop plans for practice activities with any given group
    • Assist in managing equipment
    • Assist with occasional race-day preparations
    • Desired availability includes: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, Saturdays, and occasional Sunday mornings.

    Qualifications include the following:

    • Previous experience coaching young athletes
    • Experience cross country ski racing
    • A high level of familiarity with waxing and equipment
    • Excellent communication skills
    • Ability to work with varied age groups and abilities
    • Willingness to obtain necessary certifications (such as First Aid /CPR)
    • Willingness to perform other tasks as needed

    The ideal candidate would be highly knowledgeable about skiing, would love working with kids, would be highly organized, and would bring energy and enthusiasm to practices. This position is presently anticipated to be about 20 hours per week through the winter season (ending in April). Wages are commensurate with experience; benefits include a meal prior to or following your shift, use of the gym and other facilities, and discounts on Craftsbury programming. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply prior to Friday, December 4th; the Center seeks to fill this position as soon as possible. To apply, email a resume and short cover letter to skiing@craftsbury.com.

  • New Craftsbury Biathlon Coach

    Craftsbury

    (Press Release)

    This November marks a year since Miro Segrt came to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center from Serbia to serve as our Biathlon coach. In early November, Miro will be leaving Craftsbury to move on to his next adventure.

    Miro farewellMiro brought seven years of biathlon coaching in Serbia to Craftsbury. His extensive competitive shooting experience brought a shooter’s perspective to the program, helping juniors in learning proper position, breathing, focus– and always emphasizing safety. He also improved the organization and care of our biathlon equipment. We thank Miro for his many contributions to our program and we wish him well in what he takes on next!

    Sam-Dougherty-AnnouncementAs we lose Miro, we will be gaining Sam Dougherty as our new biathlon coach. Sam began his skiing and biathlon career in Alaska, attended Montana State University, and most recently held the position of Coaching Intern with the US National Biathlon Team in Lake Placid. Sam competed as a member of the US Junior Biathlon team, and raced with the Division I Nordic team at MSU. He has experience coaching biathlon at all levels, from youth to Masters, and from beginners to the National team. FasterSkier recently did a story on Sam’s intern experience (article here).

    We look forward to welcoming Sam to Craftsbury in early November!

  • Craftsbury Offering Two Masters Camps in December

    Craftsbury

    2015 Craftsbury Masters Camps

    (Press release)

    In response to the popularity of last year’s Masters’ Camps, we’ll be offering two sessions again this December.

    December 3-6, 2015
    December 10-13, 2015

    The first camp will be geared more toward newer skiers or those who haven’t raced before; the second will be aimed more at the master skier who has been competing and wants to race faster.

    Participants will get three days on snow (four if you get to campus early enough on Thursday) full of instruction. Coaching staff for the camps are being finalized but will include Craftsbury’s Ollie Burruss, Janice Sibilia, Craftsbury GRP’s Pepa Miloucheva (session 2 only), GRP athletes, Craftsbury coaches and more (we’re hoping for a return of Gunstock’s Nina Gavrylyuk). The curriculum consists of technique drills, longer base-building skis, video review to reinforce technical points, flexibility and yoga, plus lots of presentations by the coaching staff on a range of topics including strength, program personalization, and nutrition. The weekend won’t be all work though: there’ll be plenty of time for relaxing with your fellow campers and staff, enjoying sumptuous meals in our Vermont Fresh Network Dining Hall (included in the full price camp), trying some biathlon, gear demo opportunities, and free-skiing. Registration starts at $300 for daycamp ($250 for NENSA or Craftsbury members) or $500 with overnights ($450 for NENSA or Craftsbury members).

    Worried about conditions? We’re waiving our standard cancellation policy for the period of November 20 to December 17. If we can’t provide at least a kilometer of skiable snow in time for your stay, we’ll give you your money back.

    We’re eager to welcome the masters’ community to Craftsbury for an excellent early-season tuneup. Find registration and more details on our website, http://www.craftsbury.com/skiing/nordic-events/masters-camps/

    Hope to see everyone for a big weekend of on-snow time this December!

  • Craftsbury and USBA Host 4th Annual Intro to Biathlon Training Camp

    Coming up in just a couple short weeks, Craftsbury and the US Biathlon Association are excited be offering our 4th annual Intro to Biathlon Training Camp from June 9-12. Do you have a 10-14 year old who wants to learn more about biathlon? Whether they’ve shot before or not, this is a great opportunity to learn or improve.

    Craftsbury program participants* can register for $175, and it’s only $200 for the general public. It’s a residential camp held at our sister organization, Hosmer Point, with shooting taking place at our ranges at the Center, along with dryland training opportunities. Prices include rifles, ammo, instructions, lodging, food – pretty much everything. Age and ability appropriate instruction will be provided by USBA and Craftsbury staff, along with GRP biathletes.

    Head over to the registration page at Skireg for loads of details, signups and more:  https://www.skireg.com/2014-usba-intro-to-biathlon-training-camp

    *(Want to become a program participant? Read more on the Center’s website about dryland programming, and find out more about an annual membership to Craftsbury. Annual membership is a pre-requisite for year-round trail use, access to programming, and great opportunities like speakers, naturalist hikes, cider pressing – and discounts to these camps! Check http://www.craftsbury.com/members/member-programming/summer-ski-dryland-programming/ for more details)